By Laurie Marshall
I was looking in the mirror this morning, making a critical appraisal of my midsection. This is not something I choose to do for fun, dear readers – I do it for you.
You’ll be happy to know that my appraisal was positive! I have not seen a lot of weight loss since starting the Summer Fit program at the University of Arkansas (I’ve lost 3 pounds) but the pouch of flesh that decided to stick around after I had my third child seems to be a little smaller… more contoured. It’s hard to describe with words, but fear not – I will not subject you to a photo.
Anyway, it made me happy to see that my figure is changing – even in small ways. The planks and leg-lifts and “squirmies” (my trainer’s word) have been doing something good to my abdomen. It’s a win!
However, that lack of weight loss is still troubling. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that after four weeks of adding cardio and weight training to my routine, I should have had more than three pounds drop off.
Or not?
Are we being misled by shows like The Biggest Loser and Dance Your Ass Off? We see those contestants get on a scale and lose lots of weight, but we don’t see the ass-kicking fitness routines and difficult food choices that they make every day. Adamme lost 17 friggin’ pounds this week on DYAO for cripes sake!! As the fine print on the Jenny Craig commercial says – “results not typical”. Does seeing those big numbers on t.v. make it hard for us to be patient with a .5 – 1 pound loss each week? I think there could be a connection. Maybe you don’t hold yourself to an unreasonable ideal, but I can’t honestly say that I don’t.
But I’m only working out twice a week, which is a far cry from the daily gym visits that the contestants on those shows experience. (I was going to say “enjoy”, but I think that might be a pretty significant over-statement.) I also don’t have a dietitian standing behind me, keeping me on track as I buy groceries and prepare meals and go to lunch with my co-workers. I really think that losing three pounds is probably realistic for four weeks of work at the pace I’ve been going. So, I need to learn to deal with realistic expectations. Or, do something to get me to the next level.
If I want to see bigger numbers, I need to add more workouts and stay on top of my food choices. I was this close to pulling through Shake’s the other day when I had to run an afternoon errand. But I didn’t! I have also been taking my lunch to work at least three times a week – and packing lots of veggies – another win! But there are still the occasional cookies, Fourth of July banana pudding, and portions that are larger than they should be. I want MORE contours greeting me in those morning appraisals, so I’m going to have to step up my game.
What diet and fitness myths are you having a hard time putting behind you? What helps you stay focused and what do you do when you get discouraged to get back on track?
Look for Laurie’s fitness tips and updates on her personal health-focused journey every other Friday on nwaMotherlode in Mom Blogs. Send questions or input to her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Or click on the comment button below and share your thoughts right now! To see previous installments of Getting Healthy for Good, click HERE.
