Recently, a friend and former colleague posted on her blog,
announcing to the world that she had joined Weight Watchers. She poured her
heart out, proclaiming that it wasn’t about looking sexy in the size 2 dress (although
she wouldn’t complain if that happened in the processJ). She talked about not feeling “right” in her
own body, about clothing not fitting, and about not feeling healthy.
I was in shock. Had I
had the courage to write out my thoughts, I could have written that blog for
her. Word for word. I sat immobilized for about 5 minutes and then I started
looking online. I joined Weight watchers the next morning.
And I didn’t do it to look sexy in the size 2 dress. Really?
When was I ever a size 2? In Middle school? I did it because I want to dance at
my kids’ weddings. I want to chase them over rocks and play soccer with them,
without losing my breath in 10 seconds. I want to fit into regular sized
clothing. I want to live to 100 years old with my wonderful husband and meet
our grandkids together. Maybe even dance at their weddings.
I also had to confess, out loud, that this is not just baby
weight. Sure, giving birth to twins has an impact on your body, and it sure
didn’t help. Sure, had I been a bikini model pre-kids; I might be switching to
one piece for the remainder of my career. But I have always struggled with
weight to some extent, and if I don’t come clean now there’s no chance of
making it work.
I have lost 11 pounds in the last 4 weeks, and I still have
a lot more to go… but I’m pretty psyched. Let me tell you why.
1- I
can now fit into jeans that haven’t zippered in ages. It’s a great feeling. And
they don’t even dig in when I sit down… which is fantastic. Oh, and I have a chance of the jeans being the
right length. Not too long because I have to buy the size that matches my
waist. Cool, huh?
2- I
don’t sweat nearly as much as I used to. It’s funny what you take for granted
until it’s gone, both positive and negative. I can’t wait to see how it will
decrease even more as I lose more weight.
3- I
love that I can feel my body conscious behaviors disappearing, and that they
may well be gone by the time my kids can copy them. It may sound terrible, but
I think more of my daughter with this one. For some reason, we don’t think as
much about boys and body issues. My
daughter copies me in so many ways, probably in more ways than I realize.
Overweight people tend to smooth shirts over the tummy, cross their arms and
check mirrors self consciously, just to name a few. I have no doubt that I am
guilty of some such behaviors, and I do not want to pass them on to my daughter
if I can help it. I want her to walk with her head high, whenever possible.
4- I
love that I am potentially extending my healthy life span with every pound I
lose. That I am adding one more life event that I can potentially attend and
one more activity that I will potentially be fit enough to complete with the
younger generation. It feels great to think about it.
5- I
love that I am already less inclined to hide from a picture. Come on, those of
you who struggle with weight know exactly what I’m talking about. “Oh no,
that’s ok… I’ll take the picture”. Right. Like you have no ulterior motive.
Guess what? I don’t believe you. Would you be more willing to jump into the
photo if you liked how you looked in your outfit? I’ll bet you would.
6- I
love that my kids are living a healthier diet, giving their little bodies an
even better start to life. Lots of veggies and lean meats. Less cake and ice
cream. (Note, I did not say NO cake and ice cream. J) One must have yummies
too…
I’ll keep you posted when there’s
more to say. In the meantime, happy eating everyone!
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