The Point of No Return

Losing weight was so much easier when I was younger. Oh how I miss my kick-ass metabolism. I got to thinking about this whole life style change process and the fears behind it that fuel me (and others) to keep doing this day in and day out. I've been reading in many of my other "get fit bloggers," talking with others about fears of life style changes and the point of no return that set the wheels of healthiness in motion. As I've learned over the past few months there is a fine line between point of no return and obsession. The point of no return has become my new obsession. How does one not obsess over calories consumed, calories burned, miles walked, steps taken, strides per minute, number of fruit and veggies consumed, good choices versus bad...the list is endless. While my new obsession maybe a healthy one, it can become unhealthy. Right now I can honestly say I'm bordering a healthy yet unhealthy obsession with the healthy life style change.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that my point of no return was the horrid scary number that I saw on the scale, and not to mention that I was pre-diabetic...two things that put the fear of God in me (or that 5th grade nun I had as a teacher in elementary school). I know that pounds aren't going to melt off over night no matter how hard I work out, nor will any amount over 8 glasses of water help speed the need to rid calories, but why can't I stop thinking about pushing myself even harder than I am. Is it the competitive side of me vs. me coming out? Is it the "number" I'm focusing on too much? I'm seriously trying to wrap my shrinking head around it, and all the while still trying to keep my eye on the prize (which by the way is NOT a Reese's PB Egg...). Some days are harder than others I will admit, but who doesn't have days when someone in the office doesn't bring in those sugary delights with holes in the middle of them. Who doesn't have days when they are faced with a chocolate mousse shooter from Applebee's and feels the pressure that "well I had a under 550 calorie meal and everyone else can, why can't I?"

At the end of the day it's how you react to "unhealthy" situations and turn them into manageable healthy situations. It's OK to have things in moderation and to have a cheat day, because with out them you are more likely to rob a 7-11, or ransack the Easter candy aisle. Even though a "cheat day" is such a light bulb concept, why do I still feel bad doing it! It's like getting caught stealing condiments from a fast food joint. As one of my fellow fit bloggers Jack Sh*t, Gettin' Fit said this whole process is mental, and if we can get that under control, the power of weight loss is ours (btw, check his mind games to ponder on successfully dropping some lbs!).

READERS...What is your "point of no return?" How do you stay focused and motivated in your journey to a healthier lifestyle?