Over the last six years I’ve been both fit and fat…
I must say I prefer being fit! Please take note that I said “fit”, not skinny or thin. It isn’t nor has it ever been my desire to be skinny or thin. This is not a slight to either one, it’s just me stating what my personal preference is for MY body!
When I was “fit” I liked the way my body looked and more importantly, how it felt…
It was toned, shapely, strong and flexible. I looked good and felt even better! Now let me be clear…there was nothing perfect about it even at that time. I still had more weight to lose and there were still areas of my body I was not completely happy with. Can I just say this? If I were ever to be granted three wishes one of them would definitely be to have a flat stomach. I would love to experience that…but I’ve come to terms with the fact that the window of opportunity has passed. At this point I’ll be happy with simply a smaller one
My fat experience however is a different story!
I don’t like the way my body looks and hate the way it feels. I can actually feel the heaviness and burden of “carrying” around 100+ extra lbs. I mean think about it. That’s like carrying a medium sized child on your back…all day…everyday! The thought and visual of that just took my breath away and caused tears to form in my eyes. Ok Stacey, breathe….
I’m stiff and achy all the time and the health issues I am currently dealing with all stem from this extra weight. Bad back, bad knees, high blood pressure, just to name a few. But praise God this is not the end of my story. My current situation is a temporary one because…
My fat self is now making the transition back to being my fit self once again…
This morning I stepped on the scale and it had already moved to the left. I’m down 4.8 lbs. since weighing in on Monday. Woo hoo!!! I recognize that most if not all of that is water weight since I’ve been peeing every hour on the hour for the last 3 days…but you know what!? I’m gonna take the loss win any way I can get it!
The key to making this possible is the shift in my thinking…plain and simple!
The difference in how I think about the process, myself and what needs to be done is critical to my success. One of the things I often say is that the weight loss journey is more mental than it is physical. It’s true because your body will do whatever your mind tells it to do. The trick is to get and keep your mind stayed on the things that will carry you through to reaching your goal. I realize without a doubt that I need to draw strength from my fit self and how she thinks and work towards allowing my fat self to die daily. Die sounds harsh but take a look at the two and then you’ll understand why my fat self has to go!
My Fit Self
- Thinks about food as fuel and eats those things that give me energy vs. foods that deplete my energy.
- Finds comfort in things such as walking, praying, meditating, journaling, resting, reading…NOT EATING!
- Isn’t afraid to step out of my comfort zone and embraces trying new things.
- Makes physical activity a priority for the health and maintenance of my body.
- Understands that physical activity is fun and therapeutic. In fact, my fit self knows that the more fun it is the more inclined I’ll be to do it.
- Has learned to manage stress through other means than eating. My fit self is in tuned to what or who stresses me out and makes it my business to reduce or eliminate these factors from my life.
- Recognizes my food triggers and has devised plans for not allowing them to derail me.
My Fat Self
- Reaches for foods that are high in fat and sugar…because they taste good…but they do nothing for her health
- Uses food to calm, anesthesize, comfort and distract her
- Is full of excuses and plays tug of war daily, most times winning the war of staying connected to her limitations
- Is a creature of habit and finds comfort in convenience
- Has absolutely no energy and doesn’t do much for herself to get it
- Does more thinking than doing when it comes to eating healthy and working out. She’s good with intentions but poor at executing on her plan
- Sleeps a lot because she is simply wore out from carrying around all the weight (physical, mental and emotional)
When I compare the two it’s clear to me which one I need to become more of and relate to on a consistent and daily basis. I’m ready to die to my fat self so that I can transition to a more fit, vibrant and active Stacey! Yes it’s a mental thing but my head is completely in the game!!
Your Turn To Share
In what ways do you need to make a mental shift in order to get yourself moving in the right direction of reaching your weight loss goals?