Weight loss is not a linear process

A reader responded to my last post saying they felt disappointed that I stopped calorie counting again, that they thought I had a great program that worked.

I want to respond to this because I do understand this reaction. We want to be inspired by people and especially in the weight loss world we are often looking for that ‘secret’ that will help us lose the weight ourselves. I have certainly lapped up a lot of blogs by successful ‘losers’ and felt anxious and even a little let down when they began to regain weight, changed programs and ‘fell of the wagon’ repeatedly.

I started blogging about weight loss in 2005 and have had many blog iterations since, I enjoy writing about this topic and meeting others who are on similar journeys. Sharing my thoughts and experiences can also be quite cathartic, I have often called my blog my free public therapist! Whatever I write about, you will always get the ‘real deal’ with me, including my wins and break-throughs as well as my struggles.

Here is what feels different.

In the past I often felt like I was going back and forth between starting my program, losing weight, stopping, regaining, being lost at sea, getting back to shore and starting the whole trip all over again. Kind of like that boat in the graphic above, it has felt like I’ve taken that journey between the two shores many times.

However, the reality is that even with all the detours and diversions there has been forward motion all along and that’s what got me to this place I am at now: on shore, ready for the next chapter with different tools in my pocket. Calorie counting was a great tool to get me where I am today, it helped me lose weight and enjoy cooking more! I will never knock it as a tool because I know it works and I know many people who have successfully adopted it as a lifestyle. I have decided to take a different route at this juncture, that’s all. My tools going forward are journaling and a focus on eating smaller portions of healthy foods with occasional treats.

I still want to lose weight for my health, that has not changed. But I am also increasing my focus on healing my emotional eating. Rather than moving backwards, I have taken a big leap ahead 🧡

Some of you have been following my journey for a long time, through all the ups and downs, and I want you to know how much I appreciate your friendship and support, it means a lot to me!

Have a great week,

Kerstin xo