February 19th - The SFL challenge You may remember that I was discussing in an earlier entry the way your mind tries to cheat you into weighing less.  Another example of this hit me recently.  As you know, my beloved partner is also now losing weight, but hasn’t joined weight watchers.  He uses the scales at home to weigh, and I must say that I think their accuracy is somewhat questionable.  Also, with them only being in 0.5kg increments, your weight can seemingly fluctuate quite a bit  We were discussing these measurement difficulties, when he put forward the theory that stepping on them left foot first gives a heavier reading than stepping on them right foot first.  The theory of course needed testing; so there we are getting on the scales, getting off the scales – change feet and repeat sequence.  Of course we both had to try it, and several times each because we all know that a sample size of 1 is inadequate to draw any scientifically sound conclusions.  Our testing disproved this theory, meaning that unfortunately I can’t cheat my way into weighing less by changing the order in which I put my feet on the scales. ***** Today I also want to talk about the SFL (Slimming For Life) website.  This is a website created by an amazing woman – Anne, which invites people to join the challenge by posting their weekly results to her site.  It also has a discussion forum attached where people post their thoughts, feelings, and support for one another.  I joined the challenge a few weeks ago, and in the last couple of weeks have been making a lot of use of the forum to give and receive support.  Furthermore, I think talking to people on the forum gave me a good kick up the bum to put my journal online. I think that this is helping me immeasurably in my efforts at weight loss.  This web site has gathered people together and formed a real online community.  Many of the regulars are now also meeting in real life.  Reading the posts has made me laugh, cry, and think.  People on there are very honest about their struggles (probably an advantage afforded by the relative anonymity) and committed to providing support to one another.  Weight is one of those issues which often isolates people, or leads to competitiveness (particularly amongst women).  This just doesn’t happen there, and people look out for one another.  So thanks to all the SFL-ers out there, and a special thanks to Anne for her ongoing dedication to the cause. <<Back     Home    Next>>