A New Start

Last night was the beginning of a new 12 week session of my First Place 4 Health group. I began this program in January and I have since lost about 30 pounds (I had lost some before that as well.) The program is very similar to Weight Watchers, in my opinion. The main difference is that in addition to addressing the physical, mental and emotional connection to food, FP4H incorporates a spiritual component, which has been crucial for me being able to sustain willpower.

The way food is addressed in FP4H is very much akin to the old "Core Plan" on WW, which ironically never worked for me a well as the Point system did. Counting Points worked great for me in losing weight but it always felt like I was trading one obsession (food) with another (counting food). That didn't seem good. I am much more relaxed where food is concerned now. It doesn't have as much power over me as it used to and that is good.

I remember how overwhelmed I was 12 weeks ago when I first began. I could see that familiar glazed over look in the eyes of my new comrades last night. I felt sorry for them but so happy for what they could potentially gain from this program. In the beginning, I was confused and on information overload but I was excited, too. Even though I had found myself at the starting line of a weight-loss endeavor many, many time before there was something different about this one. I could just sense it.

It turns out I was right. Since I began I have found that there are times I just need stop and sit down, rub my aching whatevers and pout a little bit. And I have found that's okay...because there is always someone there to help me back up and run alongside me. I have found that some days feel so natural like I was born to do this and there are other days when it is all I can do to put one foot down in front of the other. But I keep going. For the first time in my life I have found myself at a starting line that has no finish. That is sort-of a tiring thought, but it is also freeing.

I hope the ladies who began their race with me last night realize that this is not your typical race. There is no urgency. The only pace that we have to worry about is our own. And the coolest thing of all is that where our strength in the race ends--His begins. So basically, the sooner we run out of juice, the better!

Praying for my fellow racers on this day, near and far.