This one is geared toward the ladies (cuz let's face it...I can relate best to what I know). We need to STOP focusing so much on what this evil device (above) tells us and start focusing on what we can do to make healthy changes!
I know how it is. You jump eagerly on that scale because you have been working your ASS off all week. You hold your breath the few seconds it takes to register your weight and then BOOM...you've only lost a pound or even worse, lost nothing (or the kicker to really push you off the wagon...you GAIN). What do we as women typically do next? We go find our comfort food, curl up in the corner and cry or just plain out swear off our workouts indefinitely. You know its true because you've done it haven't you?
Let me tell you something. I am just starting my fitness journey to get in shape, lose weight etc. I'll even boldly tell you I weigh 253lbs (SCARY I KNOW), but I can also tell you that as of right now I am in the best shape (cardio wise at least) than I have been in YEARS. I've not lost a lot of "weight" yet, but I can tell in my clothes and by my measurements that changes are happening. For example, I am wearing a pair of workout pants my sister in law gave me a couple months ago. They USED to be tight on my butt, thighs and calves. I noticed about a week ago that the part around my calves was loose, and only today noticed that its actually a little baggy around the butt. Has my weight changed so much since then? Not really.
There's also the other thing about building muscle. Most people know this, but for those that don't, muscle weighs more than fat, but don't let that confuse you. (See Picture on left)
That 5lbs of muscle takes up a LOT less space than the 5lbs of FAT. AND did you know that when you build strong muscle that it will eventually burn the fat in your body? So in essence, you need to build the muscle, which will initially make you gain weight, only to burn it off more efficiently later. I don't know about you all, but I would rather gain a little muscle weight if it means I will lose weight faster later.
Anyone who REALLY knows me I am a
very patient person, but for some reason I have an issue with delayed gratification when it comes to something I
really want. And as of right now I
really want to lose weight. I have had to reprogram my brain to identify the changes being made to my body outwardly and not rely on the scale to tell me how I am doing. It's hard, but its so much more gratifying to know my abilities are improving instead of knowing my weight isn't really changing much yet
Honestly, we all need to stop relying on the scale to determine our fate. Know what your healthy weight range is and strive for that, but don't beat yourself up if you don't like what the scale tells you. That number does not make you who you are. It's up to YOU to do that for yourself!
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Are you ready to make the change now? I am starting up a challenge group that will start in mid February. Check out my TAKE THE CHALLENGE tab to learn more. If you are ready for a change, sacrifices must be made. Change your thinking and change your SELF!
