's old newsletter article - Truth or Consequences

[Guest guest]

" and Friends Newsletter"

Never Give Up

Vol. 5, No. 6

March 1999

Most of you are probably too young to remember the old game show Truth or Consequences. Bob Barker, of The Price is Right, was the host. Contestants were asked a question, and if they got the answer wrong they would have to perform a silly or embarrassing stunt on national TV.

Consequences for not knowing, or telling, the truth. Hmmmm . . . I think we're on to something here.

Question: How true have you been to your weight loss program so far this year? Are you watching those calories and portion sizes? Are you following your exercise program faithfully? Are you working to keep that attitude of yours strong and positive? Okay, that's more than one question, but I think 60 seconds is enough time for you to answer! And remember, you have to tell the truth! (Say, wasn't that the name of another old TV game show?)Okay! Time is up! Now, as you've probably noticed, there's no studio audience here, no judge to determine whether or not your answers are true - just me and you. But guess what? If you didn't tell the truth, you'd better believe there'll be consequences. And, really, do I need to tell you what they are? Big surprise here: I'm gonna tell you anyway! No, it's not having to perform some embarrassing stunt. The consequences show up when you get on your scale and see that you've gained a few pounds instead of lost a few. Or when those size 14 jeans you were so proud of getting into last month are a little bit tighter this morning. See? Consequences.

Truth. It's not just something you tell; it's something you practice, especially when it comes to losing weight. You've got to be true to yourself - and honest with yourself - to see the results you want so badly. Sure, when you have that extra snack, no one has to know the truth. When you make an excuse for skipping your hour of exercise, same thing - no one else really knows. You can easily hide the truth from your husband, your friends, or me, but you sure can't hide it from yourself. Why not? Because of that word again - consequences!

"But, , be fair! Everyone slips up every now and then. You can't expect me to be perfect every day of my life!"

Well, of course I can't, and I don't. What? You think I go through every day of my life making perfect decisions about what I eat? Hey - who asked me that? Of course I do! Okay, okay, I'm only kidding. The truth is that even I, , slip up every so often. We all do. But I'm not talking about an occasional slip-up; I'm talking about being truthful about your commitment to yourself. Truthful about your food and exercise, and truthful about what you're really willing to do to reach your goals. We all say we want to lose weight - but are your daily actions true to your words?

Here's some low-cal food for thought: Consequences work both ways. We usually think of them as bad things, but not necessarily. Look, we're already into March. Some of you have been very true to yourselves in your effort to reach your goal this year. And I'll just bet you're seeing some pretty nice consequences, too. Maybe that outfit you bought recently is a little bit looser on you. Maybe someone at work said you look thinner. See what can happen when you practice being true? And if you haven't been as truthful as you should, don't worry. We're not going to make you do some embarrassing stunt like stand in front of Mc's dressed like a Big Mac!

Gang, it's not too late to start being truthful with yourself about what you've got to do to finally reach your goal — but it IS time. Control that food. Move that body. Keep believing in yourself and in what you can do. Yep, do all those things and you WILL see the consequences. Here comes that healthier and happier you — that's the truth! And, hey, with all that to look forward to, who says the truth hurts?

Love,