When I think about how much weight I have gained,  it feels like it happened so suddenly. Like I was JUST picking out hot new jeans in a size long, long, ago.  But in reality, the last time I lost a significant amount of weight, I mean really stuck to the plan and did it, was in Fall of 2007. By Spring of 2008 I had slipped enough to gain back 10 pounds. And then I got pregnant.

For those of you keeping track at home, Fall 2007 was  four and a half years ago. So, if the average American gains 8-10 pounds a year, I’m absolutely average! Yay for mediocrity.

There was a lot that was different at that time that made sticking to WW easier for me.

  • I worked full time. This made healthful eating easier for me, because for 8-10 hours a day, I just didn’t have to think about it. I did not bring a wallet to work, and I did not bring food I was not “allowed” to have. If I did not bring unhealthy food into my office, it simply was not there. Problem solved. Now, there is food in my presence all. the. time. I am a stay at home mom now, which means I have constant access to food. I have to have a lot more self-control than I did the last time.
  • I was four and a half years younger. Every year after 35, it becomes harder to lose weight because your metabolism slows naturally as you age.
  • I have had a kid since then. Some of this weight is weight from being pregnant with Squeak. SOME OF IT. But let’s face it, I was already 20 pounds overweight when I got knocked up with him.

That said, there are things that are working in my favor:

  • I’m not sitting with my ass in a chair 8-10 hours a day at my full time job. I can go to the gym, I can go for a walk with my kids, I can do jumping jacks in my damn living room if I want.
  • I have significantly less stress than I did back then. Working full time and parenting three kids in the evening was akin to having two full time jobs. I have such better balance than I did back then, and such a healthier outlook on life. How can I not? Almost every day starts with cuddles and giggles. Score.
  • I can prepare my meals from the very freshest ingredients, and eat them right then.

I would say that another difference is my level of resolve, but that’s a lie. All you have to do is go through my archives right here, and you can read that I have been here emotionally before. And I don’t know why this time it will stick. I am hoping that the journey will teach me that.

I have a lot of people supporting me, including my husband who never fails to lose twice as much twice as fast every time we do this. Bastard.

I have great kids that I want to see have kids of their own– not just see it but be there for them and spoil them and see THEM graduate college.

I have a great life worth fighting for.