Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Biggest Loser: After the Weight Loss

One of the things I commonly express is, "Once you've been fat, there is a part of you that always feels like that insecure fat girl inside."  My heart will always go out to those struggling with a challenge I faced for thirteen years.  The challenges do not stop once the weight is gone, as many internal struggles then begin. 

Newly fit women exude excitement and confidence.  Men like that sorta thing.  Don't expect them to start asking you out right away though.  Too many people expect everything to flip around overnight.  It doesn't.   When one of those men shows you attention, you act one of two ways - like a turtle right back into your shell or you jump at the first one who bats an eye your way.  Enjoy the attention.  Weigh your options and don't go for that hottie just because he showed you attention...evaluate, make sure he treats you with kindness and understanding.

I hear many women confessing they are embarrassed to begin working out or feel like everyone is staring.  Most gym rats are so "in the zone" they don't notice anyone or anything around them.  When I do see someone struggling?  I think to myself, "Good for you!  I am so glad you are here. Keep coming!"  And, let's face it, sometimes I'm the one struggling:-) Or I'm the one walking around with a mega-embarrassing wedgie or visible bum sweat.  Ew.

I also have to confess that I will, for the rest of my life, be fighting a battle against the internal disconnects that caused me to fall into obesity in the first place. 

Just recently, I hadn't weighed myself in three weeks.  I stepped on the scale and found myself plus five pounds.  I know weight is not a soul indicator of fat gain, some could have been muscle, as I've been working with a trainer again, but still, I was devastated.  The way my brain works, I could visualize falling into a spiral of shame and back into obesity within a matter of moments.  Then, I composed myself and got back in the saddle.  "Maintenance" is a different world than "getting there."  For the past three weeks I've been "getting there."  I've got two more pounds to go and I feel so silly for letting myself slip, but I tell you these things to let you know that everyone makes mistakes, what is important is getting back up to the plate and swinging again.

Health and Fitness is a lifetime dedication, at times easy, at times the most difficult thing imaginable.  Stick with it.  You will never regret it.

2 comments:

Steph said...

L - I needed this one today. Thanks!

Gingerstar.kw said...

I posted something on your facebook wall, that I could definately relate to, and I thought of you as well. <3