I’m always in search of an easier way to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s the thing: there isn’t an easy way. If you’re like me, you’d really rather sit on the computer all day eating jelly donuts instead of eat a salad. While I’m sure there is probably a jelly donut diet out there, we all know that’s not going to work long term. (Although for a short term diet, it sounds pretty good).
I’m continuing in my quest to find a healthier way to live and I’m finding it take willpower. A lot of willpower which can only come from respect for your body. I’m trying to rediscover that and hopefully fit into some cool dresses for BlogHer.
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Saying I’m fat is harsh and it usually evokes responses from other people. They range anywhere from What? You are NOT fat to Where? I don’t see it.
Here’s the thing. If you have a normal body image, which I think I mostly do, than you are your own best judge when it comes to your body. I’m a relatively petite thing. I have small bones and I’m only 5’3″ (on a good day). If you’re small like me, then you already understand what I’m about to say. If you’re larger, you need to hear this.
Let’s say I weigh 100 pounds (I don’t or else I’d be jumping up and down and eating a donut). If I gain 10 pounds, I feel horrific. If you weigh 180 pounds and gain 10 pounds, you might feel like you’ve put on some weight but it’s not the same thing. Going from 100 to 110 is increasing your body weight by ten percent. THAT’S 10%!!
SO all of that aside, I’ve gained weight. Mostly because I haven’t cared that much. I care how I look. I just haven’t cared enough to exercise self-control. All of my clothes are tight, even my fat clothes. I have an embarrassing muffin top. My rear, well, let;s just say I’m glad it’s in the rear. But the biggest catalyst for me…
I’ve been getting out of breath pretty easily.
So with BlogHer coming up and everyone saying that it’s not about what you wear and how you look, let’s be real. We’re women. We want to look good. And more importantly, I want to feel good. So I’ve spent the last week on My Fitness Pal eating right, counting calories, and even throwing in some exercise. I’ve cut out wine mostly and pretty much and sweets and snacking. I’m not telling myself what I CAN’T eat. I’m just trying to make healthier choices.
I’m down 3 pounds. I still can’t fit into the dress I really want to wear but I feel like maybe, just maybe, I might be on the right track for once.
20 comments
Good for you! I need that jump start— actually, I’m donning a bridesmaid dress next weekend, so I needed that jump start a few months ago… but…. se la vi!
3 pounds is 3 pounds…good for you. Just keep working at it and it will come off! After my pregnancy, my daughter is 9 months now, I got back down to my pre pregnancy weight at about 3 months. I am now almost 20lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight! I work out 20 minutes a day (4-5x a week) and eat really well! I haven’t been this light since well never…lol Trust me if I can do anyone can do! Good Luck and
PS-I saw the wine tasting video, you look good!
We are always our own worst critics – especially when it comes to our weight – no doubt. You know how & when you feel your best & often the way our clothes fit is the first sign that we want to make a change. I wish you the best on your journey to stay motivated & will be cheering you on as you continue to make progress! ; )
It’s a start, and it’s going in the right direction. 3 lbs off is better than 3 lbs on.
How can you tease me with the mention of a jelly donut diet and then tell me that it won’t work long term?
I was counting on that!
3 pounds is awesome! Feeling better and not being short of breath will be worth it.
Yeah, totally feel you on the “what 10 pounds can do” thing.
I’m 5’2″ (really). When I graduated from high school I was 97 pounds. I’m…er…heavier now. I don’t want to be 97 pounds again, really, but when I cross into that 110lb territory and I’m not pregnant (or recently pregnant) I do get anxious.
I ate four chocolate chip cookies in the time it took me to read this post.
I totally understand, and totally relate.
Though we are not even remotely the same height – I’m just under 6 feet tall – I am small boned, too. I know I look healthier at 145 than I did at 125, but I’d really love to split the difference and lose about 10 pounds.
I’m just too lazy to exercise. lol
That’s great that you have lost three pounds. I know exactly what you mean. I had put on four pounds, and I’m trying to get them back off.
I can totally relate! Even 10lbs can make a big difference in how you feel health-wise and how you look in your clothes. Kudos to you for losing those 3lbs and keep it up!
I hear this. I’m 5’4″ and depending on the scale and the time of day – weigh in around 108-112lbs, my heaviest (when I WASN’T pregnant) was 117lbs – not fat by any means, but for me – who graduated highschool at 97lbs – it was embarrassing to admit…+20lbs during college?? WHAT? I look at pics from that time and I’m all – WOW. look at my FACE. the only other time it was that round was at the end of my pregnancy (when I was weighing in at 158lbs)… I also haven’t ever really worried about what I eat, or how much I exercise, but I’ve been more conscious the last three years about trying to make healthier eating choices and being somewhat active (although it comes in phases sometimes)…
good for you taking steps to be a healthier, happier YOU. 🙂
I use my fitness pal too and with that and the weight loss challenge at work, I’ve lost 8 pounds in 3 months….but I’m not willing to cut out wine and I actually do a really bad job at counting calories. LOL
Good luck on living healthier!!!!!
I’m only 5 feet tall, so I totally get that whole 10 lb thing. Good luck on making those healthy choices!
btw, I altered your button on my page to make it work as a link that would lead straight back to your blog. I hope that was okay.
btw, I altered your button on my page to make it work as a link that would lead straight back to your blog. I hope that was okay.
I admit, I still have a really long way to go but started with my fitness pal at the first of the year an have since lost 27+ pounds since then. My goal, by the end of the year, is to lose 25 more pounds. I’m 6′ and can flatter myself well but I’ve seen a huge difference in how I feel.
Glad to have found another MyFitnessPal.
Elyse
Congrats on losing 3 lbs. I’ve got an extended weekend beach trip coming up and decided to start trying to cut back portions last week. So far so good. I’ve had a couple slips but I’m right back on the wagon today. We are own own worst critics but we also know when we feel great about ourselves. best of luck in the journey.
Fat is a state of mind a lot of the time. Wow. I felt fat when I was at my slimmest – I was a size US 4 and I am 5ft 7 – I’m quite a big frame too … I worked for a fitness company and was the fittest I’ve ever been but I still felt fat. You can’t win. BUT, I was miserable, I hated my job and my life. Now, post pregnancy I am HUGE. I am a US 14 and I HATE my body but I love my life. I’ve tried so many things; gym, diet, exercise etc – some say it’s breastfeeding that’s keeping the weight on … I dunno. If I had a crappy diet I’d say that’s the reason but it’s not. I know there are things I can change.
I went on My fitness Pal and it kept telling me I was under my calorie goal for the day … according to that I should be malnourished and ill but that could not be father from the truth. Every week I aim to go back to 100% paleo living because it makes me feel better and I am sure I’d lose weight but weeks come and go and well, I’m still a chubster. Sounds like it’s working for you! Keep up the good work!!!!
Ok, so I get the feeling fat thing. I’m also the last person who will pull out the “no you aren’t, you lying sack of shit!” card. You put on weight. It freaking sucks. I have too and so I feel you pain.
Strangely enough, I have at least enjoyed the crap and laziness that has caused the weight gain. I still feel sexy because I’m not 21 anymore and don’t only equate sexy with size. So screw it, I’m a bit fuller. Today there is more of me to love. Better enjoy it now because it won’t be here forever! 🙂
Right there with you…I care about what I look like but don’t have enough control. We are suppose to join the gym soon and I am hoping it will be the kick I need to do something about all this excess!