Inner Reflection to Drop the Pounds?

So despite having a hard time concentrating on normal life these days, I have come to the conclusion that there is something I must force myself to concentrate on -- the extra 12 pounds that attached themselves to me in a matter of 4 weeks and have been clinging to my frame since mid-July. Honestly -- Who gains weight that fast? Especially when you have stayed the same weight for 1 year? Bleh.

Perhaps I am not in the right mindset to lose weight right now, because it seems like I am trying really hard, and not one pound will budge from my body. I'm counting calories, exercising regularly... it's frustrating because I'm just not sure what to do.

Alas! I came across the following info online today. It's from the Learn Program for Weight Control by Kelly Brownell, a Yale University obesity research expert. Learn stands for five components Brownell believes are essential to permanent weight control: lifestyle, exercise, attitude, relationships and nutrition. According to the press I read it's "one of the most successful and most thoroughly tested lifestyle change programs for weight management." Ok, I'll take that with a grain of salt. But I do need SOME type of help, so here I am listening. After all, I can only wear my loose fitting skirts for a few more months before it turns too cold and I'll be forced to squeeze into my pants that fit, but are now uncomfortable. So here goes...

The first thing that needs to be done, says Brownell, is to find out if you have the commitment to lose weight. He suggests a set of questions:

* How committed am I, not just today, but for the months ahead?
* Can I handle the stress of making changes in eating and exercise and still manage other responsibilities?
* Will I feel deprived or upset when making different food choices? Or will I feel challenged?
* When I stumble, can I recover my balance?
* Am I willing to face and deal with difficult emotions like anxiety and loneliness instead of eating over them?
* Can I find ways to celebrate other than eating?
* Can I comfort myself after a difficult day without resorting to food?
* Do I have realistic goals?
* Am I willing to exercise regularly? For the rest of my life? With whatever disabilities, handicaps, financial or time limitations I encounter?
* Can I find exercise that entertains me? Helps me make new friends? That relaxes me and lifts my mood? One that creates more energy for me?

Doesn't sound so bad... Perhaps I do need a little inner reflection in my "need to lose weight" life. Who knows... I'll keep you updated.