The first month.. so exciting.. the weight comes off.. fast.. fast...fast... wow... six, eight, ten..etc..20 pounds gone!  Love this plan staying on it forever__-

Second month...for most... buoyed by first month...usually some commitments start to interfere with being on a prepackaged program.  Still loosing weight fast for at least the first two to three weeks then all of a sudden... what is this one or zero pounds!  Overall for the month you are usually pretty pleased but will worry about those engagements out a bit and weight slowing down while it comes off.  Start to see some people drop out here.

Third month... reality often sets in... this is some work.  For those who are really committed while the challenge is daunting, you know you can do it.  Plauteaus happen usually here for some. Frustration can set in.  This is the time if the emotional reasons for not eating or maybe thinking NS has you ready for your eating to be under control and not get yourself back into trouble that people often fool themselves.  

Magical thinking "fooling self" is often what leads to that weight gain in the first place.  Oh I can do a little bit of this.  It will be alright.

The consequence of magical thinking is "All or None thinking".  Well I work so hard at this if I'm not loosing any weight I might as well eat what I want.  Self sabbotage usually caused by magical thinking.  Both have to go for continued success.  See lots of people leave the blogs around this time or start to yoyo with NS.  

If you get past the third month, I will call you a lifer and you are going to make it all the way. 

The first ninety days can be a roller coaster of emotions and feelings.  It is also realization of hard work and what you will need to do in the future when you get to your goal.  It is a time for some change.  Learning new ways to deal with old feelings so you can continue to loose weight.  It is a time for honesty with yourself, so you realize what makes you eat and what you really do eat by writing it down.  With all of that I just said you would think why the heck did she bother.  This is why. 

If you started today or are on this program now, you now have a glimpse of some of the things that distract people from the program.  Don't let it happen to you.  How do you do this?

1.  Keep your commitment to yourself in your head everytime you think you want to step out of plan.  (post it everywhere.. mirror in the morning, car dashboard.. etc.)

2.  Make a ninety day plan, armed with this knowledge so you get over the hump and don't fall prey to loosing the energy it takes to make it happen. 

3.  Use the NS counselors.  You have to go to an engagement call and talk about what you can eat and stay in plan.  That is what they are there for.  Let them help keep you on track.

4.  Blog and ask your blog buddies for support.  What a great group of people here who are truly talented and caring.  Make sure to come back and let us know what you are doing daily.

5.  Remember you can do this.  Lots of people have.  I expect everyone to have success.

have a good one.  cheri