Breaking Down the Mental Wall

My competition preparation began 3 weeks ago.  I have experienced so much physical and mental exhaustion.  The physical from the obvious workouts.  The mental is from working to establish consistancy in my workouts and diet.  My mind tells me me all kinds of funny things that make me want to give up:

• I don't have time to prepare my meals in advance.
• I worked out enough today.  I don't need to do that extra set. 
• What about just one french fry?
• My food needs some salt. A little can't hurt.
• It's a perfect morning for a Mocha from Petes. 
• I know you don't think I'm really going to do all those one armed pullups. 
• Working out abs stinks!

These little things my mind says all day progressively builds until there's this huge mental wall.  It usually is when I'm face to face with the wall that I just want to quit.  The f*!@s  begin and I have large order of Curly Fries from Jack in the Box.  Drive through only because you know I'm not walking.  This time I just climbed over that mental wall and kept moving towards my goal.  Everyday I start the day thinking about how important my goal is.  I envision myself having achieved that goal.  Then I accept that it is going to be challenging, but I am committed to making this work.  Throughout the day I give myself little pats on the back for any small victories.  I share how I am feeling with friends.  In the evening, I reflect on how my workouts and diet were for the day.  Then I go to bed hoping that my efforts will start to show the next day.

My perseverance paid off.  After 3 weeks of the scale not moving, a transition happened.  All of a sudden I dropped 3 pounds and lost 1% body fat. I couldn't belive it.  I was expecting to lose 1-2 pounds per week but seeing some weight loss each week.  When that didn't happen, I started to hope my weight would all of a sudden just drop.  Thank goodness it did.  It also reminded me that true weightloss is not an overnight success and I'm not 21 anymore!  Back in the day I could lose 3 pounds in a week!  Wow, has my metabolism changed at 31.

BTW, I found this great salt free seasoning that tastes delicious on Flank Steak.  When you're eating clean, there is no added salt in your diet. :(  Try the Mexican Salt Free Seasoning from The Spice Finder.  I found it at Whole Foods. 

As of today, seven more weeks to go!