You CAN Do This!
Post date: Apr 28, 2014 3:40:53 PM
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right." - Henry Ford
What a profound statement from Mr. Ford, and it's so true. Perspective and how we view our own chances of success are critical in our personal weight loss journeys. It can be very difficult to wrap your mind around an 'I can do this' mindset if you need to lose a large amount of weight. The task can seem insurmountable. One thing I can personally recommend is to surround yourself with people who believe in you. But you may need to weed them out somewhat...
A friend of mine recently lost over 100 lbs through healthy diet and a regular exercise program. I was so proud of her, and I know she had many struggles along the way, but she stuck to it. I shared her
results with another friend, whose response was, "But what's she going to do about all of that extra skin?" Now consider this - written here as it is, you can't hear the tone of voice - 'how' it was said. This question could very well be out of a genuine curiosity, i.e., the person honestly wanting to know how people who lose a lot of weight deal with this issue. Or... it could have been in a tone that conveyed a 'you've just traded one problem for another; what a waste of time.' Given the choice, had I been the one on the journey, I would much rather have been around someone with the former, curious attitude than the latter, pessimistic one. Choose in whom you confide along the way carefully. While they may mean well, negativity can really have an impact on your results if it gets inside you.
Regardless of which attitude the person actually had, I would say that from a health standpoint, it was worth every sacrifice, every painful step forward, even if the skin issue is a new concern. Excess weight can really put stress on the systems of your body, including your weight bearing joints, heart & lungs, blood glucose levels, liver, etc. This individual has more energy and can actually run up the stairs now, whereas before she had to rest at intervals trying to walk up. Her knees have stopped hurting. Her lower back pain is all but gone, and she was facing possible spinal fusion surgery due to hyperlordosis of the lower back caused by the excess abdominal weight. That alone makes it worth the effort.
Believe in yourself, and know that you're doing a good thing for yourself. There will be struggles along
the way - that's a normal part of the process. Set realistic goals and realistic plans to meet those goals. If your goal is to lose 10 lbs in one week, that may not be realistic. 10 lbs in a month is more reasonable (for optimal, long term results, aim for 1-2 lbs per week for gradual weight loss), but if you don't put a good plan in place and follow it, you could set yourself up for failure. Getting a plan in place and following through with it is key - you can change it as you go along, of course, but you must put it into action. Get a buddy to encourage you and to keep you accountable. Join one of the great groups on Facebook for encouragement (see below). Every time you get up and get moving, know that you're taking steps toward a healthier you, and you won't regret it in the end. I promise you that.
Walk on, Walk Strong!
Nancy Ehle
Certified WALK Leader
Owner, Witness 4 Fitness
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