When you break it down, it’s no different than a 5th grade math word problem.  If you burn more calories than you consume… you will lose weight.  Then why is it so hard?  Why is the weight loss industry a multi billion dollar industry?  Why is it a daily struggle for so many people?

I know why it is a struggle for me.  I love to eat.  Not only do I love to eat, but I love every food that is not good for you to eat.  Chocolate – check.  Pasta – check.  Fatty Greasy Anything – check.  I think for years food was my safe haven.  Have a bad day… have a big burger.  Feeling a little low… run to McDonald’s for a little pick me up.

For years I have known what to do.  For years I have always said there is always tomorrow.  Bad habits for me started early.  I was a very active kid…  always on the run and active for hours on a daily basis.  I was actually a pretty good athlete as a kid.  Even back then I loved to eat.  However, I was able to get away with it – thanks to my word problem.  I was constantly on the move and always playing because that’s what I loved to do.

I lack discipline.  As I am writing this, I truly hope that I use to lack discipline.  Since July 11th, I have stayed on plan.  I count calories, track how much I am working out… and bingo – off comes 2 pounds a week.  Right?  Not always.  This morning I hopped on the scale anxious to see my results from the last 7 days and what do I get… NOTHING.  I weigh exactly the same as I did a week ago.  I followed the plan and I anticipated seeing my 2 pounds dropping off.   Now this isn’t the first time I have hit this stumbling block.  Not every weigh-in locks down at 2 lbs.  In fact I have had some weeks which have been larger losses than the planned 2.  Those mornings are great.  A little pep in your step and your day is off to a rolling start.  You feel invincible and know without a doubt that each week your eyes will be happy with what they see.

It’s easier to stay on track when things happen as planned.  What is tough is regrouping and staying focused when you are disappointed.  This is true of every day life occurrences as well.  My father in law has a philosophy that he follows… you never get too high… and you never get too low.  When it comes to weight loss – this may be the best piece of advice to follow.  Sure, celebrate your success.  But don’t get off track and down when you hit a speed bump.

A year ago I would have said fuck it… and stopped on my way into work for a couple of sausage egg and cheese biscuits, hash browns and who knows what else I could throw down to make me feel better for the moment.  This morning, I made a conscious decision to eat the same breakfast that I always do Mon-Fri.  This afternoon I made a conscious decision to eat a modest lunch.  Tonight I made a conscious decision to make a healthy dinner – after running for 30 minutes.  Ok – so it was running and walking – but it was an extra 500 calories that I burned.

The bottom line is…. I think I may have finally figured out a way for me to get the correct answer.  I may actually be smarter than a 5th grader.