Losing weight is usually seen as a moment of celebration. It's incredibly challenging and when you see before and afters of those who do lose weight, it seems as though everything gets better for them. It seems as though everything is sunshine and rainbows for them. Losing weight is great, but if you are someone who is going through the trek, it is important to keep your expectations in check. Now please do not take this as a discoragment piece, as this is not the intent at all. I just want to provide some advice and some things that I wish I knew when I first started losing weight.
First things first, I am not speaking about this as someone who has never gone through this process. I have lost in total 74 pounds. There are many things to look forward to about losing weight. Maybe it's the projected confidence to wear that new skin tight dress that you have in your closet, or to be able to go on an airplane without a seat belt extender. One thing they don't talk about losing weight is the body dysmorphia that often comes with it. Personally, I always catch myself ordering the same size clothing that I used to order when I was 74 pounds heavier. There are days where I wake up and I think I look the same as I did five years ago. Realize that this is normal! There will be days where you are super confident, but there will be days where your confidence will be in the gutter. That is okay!
When it comes to losing weight, you may find yourself needing help or some support. For me to successfully lose weight, I had to go through the process with my father. I remember confiding in him and asking him for help. This is when he agreed to lose weight with me! If anything, I recommend getting a partner who has the same goals. If anything, you both will double as motivational partners for each other! (Win win!) I also (although it is something I don't typically admit) had to use Jenny Craig. Since most of my bad habits were developed from when I was a child, I needed to completely re learn what I had to eat, and especially the portions. It is okay to also use other resources besides just yourself.
Now when you do lose weight, make sure you lose it in an residual manner. Now I lost my weight very quickly, which resulted in a lot of loose skin. If anything, it's like a battle scar for me and while I should not be embarrassed of it, sometimes it bothers me. Since I am young, it is eventually snapping back, but I would rather have lost it slower without the loose skin, than to have it now. So do as i say, not as I do!
Lastly, make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. (Spoiler alert: lose weight for you!). Lose weight to better your health! If you are losing weight, I wish you luck! It's a hard journey, but overall it is 100% worth it!
Hi Sarah! This is really good advice. As a person that started to lose weight I found it hard because of all of my bad habits. I started to lose weight with my sister and we keep each other motivated. It is a very difficult process but like you said it is totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great to give tips to those who have weight loss as a major goal but also it is nice to keep in mind that everyone deserves the respect and love of appreciating all bodies. To each their own and to that I say Go and fight for your goals but don't lose who you truly are in the process stay healthy and smile.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog very helpful and relatable. The advice you gave is really helpful and I will use it and share it to other people wanting to lose weight.
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