You could be one of those people who think, "Well, if you don't want to hear it, then lose weight," and you might find that a very feasible, very simple solution that I and others like myself may never have heard before. Lose weight. Huh. Why didn't I think of that?
And If I were in full research mode, I'd insert a lot of citations here about how, among other things, weight gain can be the result of more than just *gasp* laziness. I know. Revolutionary. Also, more citations about how weight is not the only indicator of good health. In fact, it might not even be a GOOD indicator of good health. I shit you not. And one more thing for you to ponder: losing weight doesn't automatically make you happy. It might not make you happy at all. Ever. Try Googling that shit.
Would you like to know what HAS made me happier? Therapy. My homework this week was to make a list of what I've gained since turning my attention to my overall health so that no matter what the number on the scale, no matter what my doctor's reaction, I don't lose what good I've already accomplished. This was the real revolutionary event because the process of therapy has been super beneficial to my relationship with my body.
Because I know how to eat healthy, and I DO. I like leafy greens, vegetarian meals, I don't eat a lot of fast food, and I only seldomly consume chips or soda. I like to work out and I like how I feel after a good stretching session. Yet I still have weird hangups with hunger and snacking and portion control. I'd feel a failure if I didn't get to the gym enough, and the grossness of not working out would make me feel even worse about my body and food decisions.
But I've been working on that for the last few months. It's a slow process, I'll admit, which began (aptly) with slowing the fuck down. I'd always want to satisfy my hunger ASAP. I don't know what the big rush was, and it wasn't simply because I'm a glutton. So, honestly, my first step was to sit with that hunger for a few minutes before doing anything about it.
The fitbit has also been super instrumental in keeping me moving when I'd normally be sitting. I started walking while waiting for Lucy to be finished with paddling practice, and listening to audio books so I could multitask. I get up and pace the Box Office if I've only got 37 more steps to make my hourly goal, and those steps add up, friend!
I like to tell friends that I haven't added or subtracted anything yet and I've seen and felt a difference, but that isn't entirely true. If nothing else, I've added steps and other weekly fitness habits. I've added self-compassion and self-forgiveness. I've subtracted, even if just a little, self-judgment and shame. I've set goals and accomplished them. I'm actually starting to feel a little bit good about myself, and find that I'm in a place where I can make better decisions about my fitness goals.
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