The version of the ad at left tells you that you when you lose weight, you will gain, "calm, joy, moxie, sass, shine, drive, pizzazz, oomph, sparkle, excitement, confidence, peace, momentum, pep, glee, spirit, zing, guts, resolve, nerve and hope."
Last year I liked this idea so much that I posted this brief blog about it. I really felt I had gained these things and more when I lost my 60, 70, 80+ pounds. (Granted, that is a bit more extreme than the average Special K dieter, who might lose 10 or 20 pounds.)
But a few weeks ago, my friend Jess also blogged about the ad, with a different point. She said,
"I can't have those things at my current weight? I can't have those things if I gain the weight needed to reach my target weight? I can't have those things simply by focusing more on the important things in life? ... You don't have to lose two pounds, or six pounds, or twelve pounds to have those things."
And every single one of her commenters agreed with her, except me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am on her side, I'm picking up what's she's putting down. I hope you're living a full, happy life no matter what size clothes you wear. I hope you don't feel as though you need to lose weight in order to find joy or peace. What a horrible situation it would be if you did.
But, I've been thinking about this a lot ever since. To be honest, I AM looking to gain by losing. Otherwise all the crap of measuring portion sizes, counting calories, prepping meals and snacks, planning meals out, fitting workouts in, etc, well it wouldn't be worth it, would it? I don't want to do a whole lot of something for nothing, do I? No one does.
But that makes me ask myself, "What am I hoping to gain? WHY do I want to lose?" I feel like the correct answer should be "better health," but you'd be a fool if you believed me. Yes, abstractly, I think better health is a good thing. No, I don't want to get diabetes or have heart problems. But is it something that motivates me daily? Simply, no.
So what do I want to gain? I think self confidence is a big part of it; feeling comfortable in my clothes, self assured and happy to see pictures of myself again. Pride in myself and what I can accomplish when I work hard. Amazement from seeing how far I can run or how much weight I can lift. Daring to try new adventures or just new clothing styles.
Losing as much weight as I have lost, and still have to lose now that I've gained quite a chunk back, does change you a bit. But I don't think that's bad -- before or after the change. It's just all part of the journey.
Now I've talked too long, boring you with all that's been sifting through my head lately. What do you make of it all? Why do you want to lose weight?
Love this thoughtful post! I think that maintaining my ideal weight (healthily) is something that makes me feel better all the way around--plus, when coupled with exercise, I have greater confidence, am less stressed, and it's just one less thing to worry about.
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I like this answer, Abby! I was thinking more about it yesterday after I posted and thought I should also add that I want to be the best me that I can be. Even if that sounds cheesy.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are back to blogging. And with such depth!
ReplyDeleteYou totally have pizzazz.
I liked this post (i know i am slow to comment, but i was in mexico so i get a pass!). I think i'm also looking to gain self-confidence and get back to a place where i think my body is something i am proud of and that it truly reflects the type of lifestyle I live. Right now as i'm in transition i'm not sure anyone would look at me and say "wow - she's a health nut" and that's hard because as we both know - we spend a lot of time planning, working out, eating/cooking healthy, etc...and it sucks when our results aren't showing up as much as we'd like. So i'm just looking forward to the day that my effort is visible, and i think that will help me feel stronger, happier, and of course...cuter! :)
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