How in the world does one decide to begin, to draw themselves out of the comfort of the Cheetos and the Dairy Queen, to make the move towards fitness and smaller pants, when it’s clearly SO MUCH WORK? I get this question all the time from people who want to lose weight. And I can’t answer it.
What motivated me to lose weight is different from what will motivate you, or your neighbor or your worst enemy. It’s personal for each of us. I can tell you three things that got my flabby behind in gear, though.
1. My daughter came home from school, upset with a friend, who she’d been arguing with – the closing statement from her friend? “Well, at least I don’t have a fat mom like you do!” My daughter was puzzled – “Why would she say that, Mommy? You aren’t fat!” Yes, I was, and hearing the truth from a little kids HURTS.
2. Seeing pictures of my husband’s surprise party – “Who was that woman?” I asked my husband about the back view of an unfamiliar, large, party attendee. It was me. Gulp.
3. Trying to run around the block and making it exactly three house lengths before I had to stop.
Those were instances that cut to the truth – I was fat and needed to lose weight. I’d heard it in the past, from doctors and my spouse (ouch!) and knew the truth from pants that had gotten too tight, but I’d ignored all of it until, like a stack of cards, it all fell down in front of me and I could no longer avoid the truth. I was fat. And it was time to change. Trying to lose weight FOR someone else, BECAUSE someone else said so, or because it SEEMS like you should – I’m sorry to say, those times will not succeed. It has to come from within; you have to motivate yourself. Because it’s a long, tough slog and in the end, you are the only one there to help yourself along.
Have you reached that level? Getting going is the hardest part. Well, it’s all hard – but baby steps, people, baby steps.
Great Tips. I would like to add that drinking white water 1.5 liter after wake up 30 minutes before meals.
Sorry my english not good
You are so right. Everyone has to find that motivation for themselves. Your story always gives me the chills-and tears.
I’d agree with you totally, although it can be hard its up to the individual themselves to lose weight.
Even if you try to lose weight to keep someone else happy you won’t stick to it or resent the person for forcing you to shape up.
At the end of the day is up to you and no one else.
You are so right. Everyone has to find that motivation for themselves. Your story always gives me the chills-and tears.
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.