I wrote this in response to a client having a tough time making it past three weeks of their new diet and fitness program. I hope this helps all of you see that you are normal and give you a roadmap for your first month.
It's common in week three of anything we do we hit a wall. Weight loss, a new hobby, a new job all take about three weeks for the newness to wear off. It's normal!
In the beginning of your fitness and fat loss journey everything is shiny and new. You are excited and you have new tools and a renewed focus. Week two, you are going strong and proud of your success and typically "reward" yourself with a splurge or a day off from exercise. You haven't even formed the habit of your new lifestyle, but you are flying high! Week three, you feel the workouts, the calorie restriction, and you don't see 20lbs falling off your body so you get discouraged. TOM might even be settling in for a quick visit. You suddenly realize this is going to be a long process, but you feel like you are working hard for what? Four pounds? You probably also have had a chance for your family and friends to get tired of your efforts and then they start pulling at you. Here comes that little nag in your head, "Hey, you ate that one meal and it didn't hurt, do it again."
You put all that together and week three turns into backsliding into your old, comfy ways. The key is stay accountable and focused. This is where your Forum journaling and your PNP buddies come in handy. It takes loads of accountability and honest feedback from other girls in the trenches to form the habits needed to push forward with a new lifestyle.
Week four...the clouds part and the angels sing. It's time for your four week measuring day! When you make it one month and work your plan, you will be rewarded with inches lost. That is your prize. Make it to this point and the whole lifestyle just gets easier.
