A formerly anon blogger, trying to make it honest
I need to lose weight.
I went to the gym today with my roommate. I did about 30 minutes of the elliptical and bike, then stretched. I was surprised I can still (almost) do splits. What can I say, I’m naturally stretchy.
But anyway, that’s the first time in months I’ve been. I need to go more often. I think my roommate might motivate me. She is having some issues with her joints, which limits her ability. Her handicap is my help, since that puts us at basically the same skill level. Actually, she is one of the few people I appreciate in my struggle. Although she is a slender size 2, and probably always will be, she supports me and never makes me feel bad about what I look like. She’s not one of the people who says “oh, losing weight is easy!” or tells me what I should do and gives me unwanted advice. My best friend helps me as well because she too struggles with it (don’t think I forgot about you life partner!). My parents try to help because they know I struggle with it. My dad even offered to buy me a new computer if I lost 20 pounds. Seems fucked up I know, but he was just trying to help me.
I’ve been struggling for some time with this issue. Why can’t I just DO IT? Why is it so hard for me? I know exactly what I need to do.
I hate it when people give me advice. (So, please don’t leave comments on what to do.) I know what I need, I just don’t do it. It’s a VERY touchy subject for me. When people start giving me advice on what to do, I generally tune them out. Yes I know, cut carbs, increase protein, eat many small meals, drink lots of water, exercise at least 30 minutes 3 times a week, eat breakfast, watch your sugar intake, increase fruits and vegetables.
I think it’s such a touchy subject for me, because for years, my ex-boyfriend told me I was fat. The funny thing is, when I was with him, I wasn’t really fat. He just wanted me to be thinner. So, I have sort of become a self fulfilling prophecy. Through crash dieting, yo-yo dieting, and general self esteem issues stemming from my relationship with him…I did become fat. Of course, I can’t completely blame it on him, but I can certainly blame some of my complexes on him. I remember one time, towards the end, he told me that he didn’t like having sex with me anymore because my body disgusted him and he didn’t like running his hands over it anymore. I cried, yet I still continued to sleep with him. Stupid, huh?
I guess the start of me seriously thinking about all of this again, was that a good friend of mine told me recently, “you’re hot now, think of how hot you’ll be at a size 4.”
I almost cried.
There’s just something holding me back.
I think it’s a couple of issues.
1. I think most of all, it’s a defense mechanism. I guess now I can say, “well, guys don’t like me because I’m fat.” But in reality, maybe I worry what if they don’t like me even when I’m skinny? I used to get hit on a lot more when I went out. Not that I don’t now, but it’s definitely not as much. This way I have a reason in my head why that guy doesn’t like me, and it’s an external problem not an internal flaw.
2. I’m afraid what if I start, and I don’t lose weight? I know of course that’s stupid, since when I do cut my diet and do even a little bit of exercise, I generally lose. I guess I’m worried that I will fail, so I don’t even want to try. It’s an overwhelming task. I would like to lose over 30 pounds. That’s a hell of a lot.
3. I think it frustrates me that I can’t do it. It being, exercise for a long period of time. I can at most do about 15 minutes and/or 1-2 miles. My calf muscles burn and my knees hurt. I should probably stretch beforehand to help that. My body just isn’t used to being active, since I never was when I was younger due to bad asthma. I didn’t grow up playing soccer and such. The most I ever did was dance.
There is no excuse for me not to do this. I’m at a good point in my life, it can do nothing but enhance what I have and make me happier. If I think about it, I can be skinny next year at this time. I can wear the clothes I want to wear. I won’t have to cut my stomach out of pictures. I can walk into a room with my head held high. I can look at the boys who I have liked and who didn’t like me and say “eat your heart out.” I can not worry about what people think of me. I can stop comparing myself to every girl I see.
I can finally, be comfortable in my own skin.
I just don’t know if I can finally, after years of bitching, make myself just do it.
I know I’m a good person, and I’m fabulous just the way I am. I just know that I could be happier if I was smaller.
Some pictures of what I would like to get back to.
No size 2, but definitely better than what I am now.
Me junior year of college
Nobody can push me to do this, it’s just something I need to be able to do on my own, for myself.
Hopefully this time, I’m moving closer to my goal, and I will finally get it together.
As with my other change…only time will tell.
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No Response for "Weight on my Shoulders (or, The Great Weight Debate)"
Wow. You *are* hot.
Sigh. I shall try to say a few things without it sounding like condescending advice.
First, it’s the people who are grossly overweight who don’t acknowledge that they have some pounds to lose, so kudos to you for seeing that you are just a little past your goal weight.
Second, how people look is based on 60% food; 20% exercise and 20% genetics. Stop fretting about the exercise. “Studies show” that you really only need a 20 minute walk etc.
Anything else I want to say would sound like advice, and at the risk of doing that, can I just say (to anyone really) that the South Beach Diet is one of the best out there, if anyone is interested.
You’ll do it when you are ready. You’re talking about it, so you’re making some progress. Don’t be so hard on yourself. And yes, you are hot!
Son of a beeyotch. I just got on the scale and I’m freaking 10 lbs. more than I thought I was!!! Sucks.
Sounds like your ex boyfriend was a total asshole. Tell me where he lives now so I can leave a bag of burning dog shit on his front steps!!! Yeah
You know, being confident and comfortable in ones on skin is the hottest thing on earth. Something to think about…
luv OBS
AM, your comment about what your boyfriend said brought tears to my eyes. I never cease to be amazed at how callous and insensitive people can be.
Hugs to you, my friend.
The ex-boyfriend is a total creepoid. There is one blessing in your life: he isn’t in it.
I see a pretty girl with a dazzling smile in those photographs. Good luck with any life changes you are seeking.
I discovered about ten months ago that I’d suddenly put on about 10 pounds and was now 15, not 5, pounds over my target weight. I’ve tried several things over ten months — although no named diet method, just general good diet ideas — and I’ve lost about 4 of those pounds. I can’t figure it out. I’m with you in your struggle.
good riddance of that jack ass..damn..makes me wanna beat the shit out of him..besides he is too thin and needs to put on weight.
Screw what the ex boyfriend said – there’s a reason he is your ex.
I’ll share something I read this weekend: to really be motivated enough to diet and stick to it you should be able to come up with 15 reasons why you want to diet. The first 5 will probably come pretty easily (look good, smaller clothes size, etc), the next 5 will be a little tougher, and the last 5 will be the ones that really motivate you – the life changing ones (i.e. want to be healthy for future kids, etc). If you can’t come up with 15 (according to this article) then you might need to reconsider your diet program and/or if you really want to diet or you’re just doing what other people say you should. At first I thought it was nuts, but I read it again and realized it made sense.
Also, velvet – I have to disagree with you about people who are grossly overweight not acknowledging that they have pounnds to lose. Most people who are grossly overweight are painfully aware that they need to lose weight – many have just been overweight their entire lives and have a hard time picturing themselves any other way. For many, they feel (incorrectly) that it is a lost cause.
“Screw what the ex boyfriend said – there’s a reason he is your ex.” Couldn’t have said it better myself. You are a wonderful, strong woman no matter what size, and anyone who doesn’t care to know it can pretty much go fug themselves…
Props girl – you just motivated ME!
Yes, I agree with Cookie. Forget the boy- and I think that your post might just motivate you to do whatever you want..whatever you decide that may be.
I know I recently joined the DC blog crowd, but I think you have great things to say, and I feel like you are a great person. I get the impression that you are a true friend and you like to have fun and enjoy life-just how things are.
I admire that, and I think it’s something many people wish they could do.
Hugs, for sure. Hey everybody could use a lil’ Sharkbait, eh?
You are fantastic, AM! I need to lose weight as well. Your comments sound very similar to thoughts I have about my struggle. It is godd to know that other women have the same thoughts as I do…although it is so sad that we torture ourselves. For me, the key has been accepting myself as I am now. Being confident now. I know that by loving myself now I can continue to lose weight. Good luck to you and your goals. You can do whatever you want. I am there with you!
AM, I now hate your ex boyfriend, more than I could ever possibly hate even my worst ex (who said some rotten things, but nothing that mean.
Screw him. Do what will make you happiest in the long run (and if that includes slipping me his address so my paisanos and can pay him a visit.. .I’m just sayin’).
I think you look pretty in all of those pictures.
Do what it takes to make yourself happy, and forget that evil ex. Like Jordan said, I think we need to work some vengeance on him… he has been very, very bad…
Good luck with your goal. The only method that worked for me was developing a routine and making that my habit. It’s amazing how quickly I dropped pounds when I spent the first half-hour after work in the gym instead of in the bar guzzling Guinness.
I’m glad you wrote this post. I’m going through the same thing and it’s so good to hear someone else’s perspective. I’m sorry that the ex was such an ass and that you had to hear that from someone you cared about. How awful.
Congrats, it took a lot of courage for you to write this post. It’s one thing to feel all those feelings (I’m there with ya) but a totally different thing to share them with the world. To me, that sounds like you’re already a pretty darn confident girl.
The decision to get serious about losing weight is a very personal one based on a lot of different motivations. My best success has always come when I’m doing it for *me* and not for other people, when I’m choosing so confidently and not out of any self-pity or depression. I’m struggling now, too, and I hope that I reach a breaking point soon.
Keep smiling and do what feels right for you. Good luck!
PS – I’m also new to the DC Blog community, but I wanted to say I’ve been really impressed with what a positive, supportive group of people y’all are…. it’s refreshing!
you look just fine…but i know what you mean about wanting to feel comfortable in your own skin.
I cannot repeat enough – confidence in yourself is HOT… no matter what the size, what the weight, etc. I have struggled my whole life with my weight… I will always have to watch what I eat, etc. I used to absolutely loathe my body. I am tall, I am curvy, I have muscular legs which require me to buy “extended calf” sexy boots (thank you J. Crew). I always wanted to be thinner and thinner (at one point in my life, i existed on jello – ridiculous!).. wanted to look how I thought men would really want me to look. Funny thing, when I truly accepted myself (and felt good about me) – I realized I had no trouble getting men. If someone says to me now “damn, those are some big legs” (the part of me I have always hated) I say “Damn straight – I run marathons with them”. I had an ex very similar to yours…. and his critism of you shows only his issues – not yours (project much, buddy?!)…
I think you are fabulous and I don’t even know you
!
A few things from someone who’s been through similar struggles with men and weight:
1. What your ex-boyfriend did to you was abusive. See him, in hindsight, as the pathetic, insecure loser he is.
2. I gained 20 pounds a couple years ago and thought that at my advanced age of 30 there was nothing I could do about it. But WEIGHT WATCHERS proved me wrong. Losing weight is an enormous task and WW takes so much of the pressure off. It really is the only thing that works long-term, I think.
3. This is the perfect weather to step outside and run. If you add a 30- 40-minute jog to your workout routine once a week, it will make a difference in your state of body and mind. (Forgive me if you already do this; I’m just reporting what worked for me.)
4. Whether or not you have “skinny” genes, you have been blessed with “pretty” genes and believe me, those are worth so much more. Feel great about that.
skinny doesn’t equal pretty (external) and it sure as hell doesn’t equal beautiful (inside). so do what u got to do for yourself and no one else.
I totally agree with the last anonymous post just above me.
And, at the risk of undermining myself, I think you look great in all the pictures you put up in this post.
Finally, here’s something small to think about, re “what if guys don’t even like me if I’m skinny?” — query whether you really want to be with a guy who won’t give you the time of day when you’re bigger but who suddenly thinks you’re the bomb because you’re thinner.
Thanks for the support everyone.
And yes, I know that I am beautiful no matter what they say!
(Haha)
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