September 1, 2021
Hello WW Philadelphia Member,
Willpower, what is it and where can you buy it?
One description is pretty easy; willpower is when the desire to lose another 1/4 pound is stronger than eating a couple more cookies and not counting them into my plan. Willpower could be described as that special strength that sees us through and into the next day.
The process of applying willpower is one bite at a time. We always have the do-over coming up in the next meal. The lack of willpower happens when the do-over gets pushed further and further ahead until the pounds gained back seem overwhelming.
Finding a method of keeping WW fresh for you is something that might keep your willpower intact. It is not easy for a seasoned Member to act like a new Member, but if you replay in your head your first week or month on WW– months or years ago– and the success that occurred, maybe you’ll refresh the desire to apply yourself again in the same way.
For many of us, the program has changed many generations, and thankfully so. I don’t want to count my fruit intake or the number of eggs consumed each week. I’m not talking about working that old program, I’m suggesting duplicating the enthusiasm we had for doing this THING for ourselves.
One way to remind ourselves of that feeling is to hear a newer Member’s excitement in a Workshop. I LOVE hearing about the success of others, both the first 10 pounds and the 110 pounds. Sometimes the new Member sounds a little like the message that was going on in my head when I lost 11 pounds on my first week. I was quickly calculating how fast I could be at goal and get done with this parade.
Another possibility is to review your current program material, look at what the App has to offer or consider trying one of the recipes from your weekly recipe cards. Something that didn’t speak to you the first time might be yelling loudly at you now.
Try plotting out what a successful day would look like. How many SmartPoints would you use for your meals and snacks? Would you want to plan in a special sweet or adult beverage? Scale success doesn’t happen by accident!
Remember your WHY. It could be the blood pressure or the knee pain, or it could be your spouse, children, or other. We all have a reason and getting in touch with that reason can strengthen our willpower.
Do something that makes you a little more body conscience. Our bodies are wonderful things of all sizes. Allow your body to show you what it can do, walking, stretching, hiking, playing, and more.
Eat a new food or one you haven’t eaten for a long while. Making a low or zero SP soup or gazpacho could be a tasty starter for any lunch or dinner. Some studies are showing consuming a low-calorie soup before a meal helps prevent overeating.
At Workshops this week you will hear about the power of music and how using music can make you feel happier. Happier people make better food choices and that sounds to me like a boost in willpower.
I'd love to hear from you. Your ideas, feelings, successes, and whatever else you'd like to discuss. Be assured I value your confidentiality and appreciate your trust. Please don't hesitate to contact me at my personal email, debw@wwphl.com.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and Good Sweet Year to those celebrating,
