Weight loss programs are an excellent time of self-discovery. In this recent weight loss adventure I have discovered some new things about myself. And I like these new things. One thing I have noticed is how little food I really need to eat healthy and feel good. Instead of looking to see how much food I get for my money, I now try to look at how little food I need to feel full. I am also learning to appreciate a slightly hungry feeling. That tells me that I have not overeaten and that I am losing weight. I never gave my body a chance to tell me it was hungry before. I am learning that I can still cook and bake foods and I don't have to overeat. I have learned that I can eat whatever I want - just not how much I want.
When we vacationed in Florida last month, I spent some time on the beach and I just watched different body types go by. One thing I really noticed was how age makes a huge difference in bodies. There were lots and lots of young girls who were very thin and their bikini's hung on their bony frames. The best word to describe them was lean. They just didn't have any body fat at all. These are the types of bodies we all dream of! But as I watched, I noticed women who were probably 35 and above. While they still looked good, and they were not overweight they looked softer and rounder. They looked well, more normal. They looked like they were comfortable. They looked healthy. They even looked sensual.
And I realized that I have matured not only in my body but in my thinking as well. I do want to lose weight. But it's no longer about a number on the scale or on a tag in my clothing. It's no longer a competition. It's not about how thin I can get. Now it is about feeling good, being healthy, and being comfortable with who I am. And I find an amazing freedom in that realization. I am never going to have the lean body that those 20-something girls on the beach had. And if that is the only regret I have in my life then I consider myself pretty fortunate.
I am going to continue this weight loss program, but it's for very different reasons than anytime before. I want to be able to be active without being breathless. I want to be able to have fun and not feel embarrassed. I want to know I am doing everything I can to "take care of this temple" without obsessing over it. I want to look good for my husband. I want to do myself a favor.
I'm liking this new-found freedom.
Weight loss this week: 2 lbs.
Weight loss since beginning May Day challenge: 7 1/2 lbs.
Weight loss since beginning in April: 15 1/2 lbs.
20 comments:
Wow what a great way to think. I wish you continued success and blessings.
Kim
What great observations you made. I love your new way of thinking. Congrats on the weight lost so far.
I could have written that post myself. The stuff about eating what I want - just not huge portions. The stuff about appreciating the feeling of hunger, and realizing that I hadn't been letting myself feel hungry. How little I realize I need to eat. Even the part about doing it just for being healthy.
Are you in my head?
And congratulations on the 2 lbs this week.
What great thoughts! I'm coming around to that way of thinking myself. It's been a long road, and I haven't lost much weight to speak of, but I'm OK with it. My goals have become so much more about health and being happy with who I am instead of being defined by my clothing size. What freedom! mg_2777
Mariah
What on earth is the mg underscore 2777 on my comment? Oh well...whatever! I am NOT a techno girl at ALL! Can you tell? :-)
Mariah
Congrats on the two pound loss, and I love your attitude.
Robin what you said is just the way I feel about my own struggle with weight,it is only in the past 5 years that I hit the scales at over 120 not going to say what the scales say now hehehe but to be very honest with you I have never felt better than I do now,weight gain and all,you have such a wonderful positive outlook on life,I so enjoy reading your blog.have an awesome evening(hugs from the Island):0)
I'm taking your attitude with me when I log off this evening! Inspirational!
Way to go on the 2 pound weight loss!
What a good perspective. Keep up the good work!
Wonderful thoughts! Congrats!
Path to Health
I just stopped by to check in.Haven't been here in awhile. I have to say, I am proud of you. How fantastic you are doing. Keep up the good work!
"It's no longer a competition. It's not about how thin I can get. Now it is about feeling good, being healthy, and being comfortable with who I am."
I love, love, LOVE your attitude. It's actually helping me on my weight loss goals. I may come back to this post. :-D
Beautiful, beautiful post, Robin. I really admire how you gave yourself permission to be in the "normal", "sensual" set of women. ;) I'm so happy for your wisdom and continued success along this journey. (((hugs)))
O.K. This post? Awesome. No other way to describe it!
What a great outlook! With an attitude like this I KNOW you'll be successful.
Good luck this week!
Ditto what everyone else has said. Excellent post. I needed this "pep talk". I had the right attitude about 3 weeks ago, and since then seem to have lost it somewhere. This is what I needed to hear! To be reminded of how good it feels to be on track and to be doing what is right for me, at this time in my life.
Great job on your loss this week.
Great post Robin!! Thanks for the inspiration, and WAY TO GO on the two pounds!!!
I agree with your thinking. I live at the beach and fill many visits with people watching...envious of some and not so much of others!! I am happy to have some curves and look healthy and like you think that is much more important than any number. Congrats on the weight loss so far and keep going!!
Mel
Great thoughts Robin! When I was younger I was one of those "very thin girls"--even after I had my children I was size 2 or 3. While I am not happy with *all* the weight I've gained over the years, this I know: I *never* want to be that skinny again. I am much happier with more meat on my bones! : )
Congrats on your weight loss!!
I can eat what I want, not how much I want - such words of wisdom. I loved this entire post. Thanks!
Oh, Robin. I am so excited for you. You have such the right attitude about all of this. Getting older gives us such a freedom to be who we are supposed to be, and not who others tell us we should be. Good for you. And I see that you are the Loser of the week over at Tales. Congrats.
I am going to go catch up with your blogs the last couple of weeks. I am home now and so glad to be here.
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