A friend and I were talking today about maintaining our weight. She, like me, lost a significant amount, and we both struggle with the dream number versus the one that seems appropriate to maintain.
I didn’t know her as I lost my weight, but we both share a lot of the same feelings about the process and body image. We sometimes reminisce about the fortitude we exuded as we traveled toward our objectives.
I’m not referring to deprivation. As I lost weight, I always worked in treats along the way. I never wanted to feel that any particular food was off limits, but I think I exhibited more dedication than I do at the present. Should I be at a lower number, and is it really worth the effort? What I am willing to do today seems different than 20, 50 or 100 pounds ago.
While I’ve weighed less since reaching my goal, I also don’t always want to do what it takes to stay there. At lower numbers, I need to exercise even more and plan my food intake carefully. Spontaneous stops at a local pub or ice cream shop are out of the question. I like ice cream and beer, not at the same time, but I don’t want to plan visits to either of those establishments for the rest of my life.
To maintain my weight, my food intake needs to coordinate with my activity level and lifestyle. I have to live within a plan that is TRULY realistic, but not a cop out. That’s what keeps cropping up. I have weighed the same weight (sometimes five pounds less) for about two years. Is that my body’s way of telling me, I found the number right for me, or is that the excuse I use when I want an extra slice of pizza?
I don’t think I can always effectively evaluate the situation because I am still challenged with issues surrounding body image, and I’ve never been good with internal portion control. I wonder how a realistic and healthy number comes to those so-called civilians who have never battled with weight issues. I wonder what kind of gage they use because I’m always game for a piece of cheese cake.
I can’t use clothing sizes as a measurement because they vary widely among manufacturers. My doctor says BMI is a good guideline, but as long as my cholesterol and blood pressure are good, I may want to consider giving myself a little more leeway. I can’t depend on my family and friends because some of them don’t believe I was ever really “that” fat. I wonder what kind of reaction I would get from strangers. “Excuse me sir. Yes, you – the one buying condoms and Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. Does my butt look big in this?”
This one got me thinking…. I met you when our babies passed away and if there was ever a time for you to do stress eating those would have been the days. The fact that you have pulled yourself out of that very deep dark hole we were in to make it to where you are today…. that is such an accomplishment just in itself. But you have lost 100 lbs!!!! and kept if off for years!!!! not just months or weeks as so many of us get to 10 lbs and feel that we can’t get through that plateau that always happens. So what the hey, let’s just eat that ice cream sundae because everything we’ve done doesn’t seem to be working anymore. You on the other hand, has taken it to the maximum level!!! Yeah, some day it might be a pound or few difference but you still have the will power unlike me to keep your “treats” in perspective and you have also gained the knowledge to know when you are stress eating and get up off your rump and exercise instead of feeling sorry for yourself. You HAVE to give yourself so much credit for all you’ve done and for every struggle you go through everyday. From my view, from almost 9 years ago to today you’re the bomb girl and don’t let anyone tell you different!!! I hope to one day have your will power.
You rock too girl. Don’t you ever forget it. You and I both know that life-altering things happen in life. We can choose to ignore them or learn from them. I may not have control over the bigger picture, but I can find something to enjoy along the way. And the interaction I have with people along the way makes it all worth it!