Everyday Systems

Thought might be nice to start a thread on what are your reasons for wanting to losing weight?

Of course I dusted off my Beck book!

Here are mine: Top 3 are the most important to me...

1. I'll build good a relationship with food
2. I'll feel better emotionally if I don't binge, sense of accomplishment
3. I won't feel so self-conscious
4. I'll feel better physically
5. I'll be able to move easier
6. My clothes will feel better
7. I'll have more confidence
8. I'll increase my self-esteem
9. Reduced health risks (cancer, heart disease, etc.)
10. I'll be happier when I step on the scale
11. I'll be happy when I see the 160's again
12. My feet won't hurt so much
13. My back will feel better
14. Overall, I'll like me!

All of the above.

Top 3:

1. I won't feel self-conscious about myself and I won't stop myself from doing things that I want to do only because I feel self-conscious.

2. Health/Energy: I'll have more energy (instead of getting up in the morning wondering how I'll make it through the day).

3. I'll go shopping for clothes and actually enjoy it.

Lots of great responses!
It is good to go over these reasons.
I am sick of looking frumpy and dowdie myself.

This can be so inspiring to list personal reasons for wanting to lose weight. Often times after the initial "high" and enthusiasm of beginning a new weight loss endeavor wears off, we need to be reminded of the reasons we want to lose weight.
I have very similar reasons to the ones above on my list, but here's one that I didn't see up there:

I want to lose weight so that I won't shy away from visiting the doctor and having necessary check-ups because I'm ashamed to get on the scale and have them weigh me.

Isn't that awful? I have neglected keeping up with my health because of a number on the scale...

but no more. I have an appointment in June.

Mimi

Short and simple... so I look better and so I won't die as soon.

Good adds! Especially mimi's mentioned of a much long awaited dr. appt!

Most of the above and I have about 40 on my desktop at home.

1. A lot has to do with just having a lifelong desire to beat food because I KNOW I just don't need the amount I eat in a week. And to prove it can be done without traditional dieting.

2. If I"m honest, vanity does have something to do with it, but it is not the main motivator. I rather look like a P90X "before" picture now, but I still think I look okay, even good! Because it's 30 lbs. down from where I was and I actually have a waist.

3. It makes it easier to find clothes, but I'm not sure why. I just know that more things fit.

4. I still have a lot to do in life and I know I'll be more vital if I eat sanely.

5. Food tastes and feels better when I'm compliant!

That's all I'll put here. Beck recommends reading the list SEVERAL TIMES A DAY for several weeks. This may break the rule of simplicity, but I highly recommend people make this a habitcal behavior for the month of May, if you are wavering. I think I'm going to make it a weekends-only habitcal for May.

oolala53 wrote: Beck recommends reading the list SEVERAL TIMES A DAY for several weeks. This may break the rule of simplicity, but I highly recommend people make this a habitcal behavior for the month of May, if you are wavering. I think I'm going to make it a weekends-only habitcal for May.

I think this is the one Beck strategy that has helped me the most. I still read my list of reasons...maybe not several times a day now, but several times a week at least. It keeps it real for me. I am down 19.5 pounds now since the start of the year, and some of the things on my list - like clothes fitting better - are happening and it's a great feeling - and an even greater motivator!

I also compiled a little index card booklet of Beck solutions - like the "No choice!" and "Hunger is not an emergency!" cards - and other inspirational quotes, many from this board. I read this frequently (there are 43 cards I've written in there!) and it has really helped to change my self-talk and thinking.

A habitcal for reading a "Reasons for Losing Weight" list is a great idea!

Mimi

Palm Springs in June.

this is a quote from my thread yesterday

Sweetness wrote: I think I have the No S habit down, just need to work on portions and lose some weight! I got the Beck Diet Solutions book and did my first assignment, its helping already. I made a 3 X 5 card this morning and have it here in my pocket. I listed the advantages of losing weight. I plan to read it at least twice a day.

1. I'll have more energy
2. My clothes will fit better
3. I'll look better.
4. My knees will feel better
5. Clothes shopping will be more fun
6. I'll be healthier and live longer
7. Food tastes better if I'm hungry for my meals
8. I'll feel more in control.
9. I'll have more self confidence.
10. I'll be happier when I look in the mirror.
11. I won't have that sluggish, overfull feeling.

1. To look better in and out of clothes.
2. To feel energetic and youthful for as long as possible.
3. To hopefully prevent any diseases caused by poor lifestyle choices.

Here are mine! Now that I'm reading them over, they aren't all technically reasons for wanting to lose weight, but to get and stay healthy. Which, in the end, is really more important, and I guess they sort of go hand in hand. Anyway...

1. To realize and maintain a healthy relationship with food, which I've never felt that I had before. (which I guess is not a reason for losing weight, but I hope it's a side effect!)

2. To encourage myself to stay active even though I've recently started a more sedentary job.

3. To feel good about myself when I wear shorts or a bathing suit.

4. To look good for my sister's wedding in October this year, and for my wedding in September 2013!

5. And finally, to fit into the Little Black Dress I bought in Greece in 2007 by August. I mean, it fits well now, but a few more pounds and it would look so fantastic! Some of my friends are throwing what they call an "Adult Prom," where they rent out the ballroom of a hotel and everyone goes to eat and socialize and dance. I can't wait to wear this dress—which I haven't found an occasion to wear it to since I bought it—complete with sky-high heels!

Last year, I started having minor foot/ankle problems that are related to my weight. That is my main reason-I don't want to end up in a wheelchair or scooter simply because I can't hold myself up any more!

Thank you, this has been a useful exercise.

A work in progress, but here are some of my reasons for wanting to lose weight:

1. My health will be better, and I will reduce my chances of developing conditions associated with obesity.

2. I will be fitter.

3. I will feel lighter.

4. I will be sharper mentally.

5. I will have more energy and feel more youthful.

6. I will be able to live independently for longer (compression of morbidity).

7. I am likely to live longer, and there is a lot I want to do and to share with my family and friends.

8. I may sleep better.

9. I will take more pleasure in exercise.

10. My joints will be better for longer as I age.