Tipping the Scales: A Weighty Perspective from a WLC Participant
It’s Never Enough by Holli Camylle Buck.
At one of my Weight Loss Challenge weigh-ins, I stepped onto the scale confident in the knowledge that I had lost from the previous week. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, knowing that I had worked out and eaten within my calorie range, so now was the time for the big payoff. There I stood all jazzed up, ready to hear what number Marji was going to call off once the numbers had balanced on the scale.
“You’ve lost three pounds this week!”
Now, one would assume that my response would be one of elation, possibly an ‘Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s that much in one week!’ But no, this is me that we are talking about.
My response: “Is that all?”
Is that all? Was I kidding? What on earth was wrong with me that my response would be tinged with disappointment instead of bursting with pride?
Three pounds in one week falls outside of the recommended range by doctors who state that 1.5 to 2 pounds per week is a healthy weight loss range for those trying to shed some pounds. Three pounds in one week is no small feat, and yet, it wasn’t a great enough feat that I could even congratulate myself on what I had accomplished.
So what is it about us (because I know that I am not alone in this) that makes us place such great expectations upon ourselves, leaving us unsatisfied if we don’t achieve that great and possibly unachievable goal? Why can’t we be satisfied - if only momentarily - with the feats that we achieve and the progress that we make as we go along on this journey? And more perplexingly, why is it that we will happily congratulate someone on the half pound that they lost and encourage them to keep going, but if we lost that same half pound, there would be nothing but criticism and self-loathing that accompanied the big reveal?
By nature, most people place much higher and more stringent standards upon themselves. We expect ourselves to complete near-impossible tasks, while being generous with our understanding and compassion for those who make the smallest of strides. We need to work on offering that same understanding and compassion to ourselves so that we can move forward in a more healthy manner. Any sort of progress is progress, indeed, and should be acknowledged. It took time to gain that weight and it’s going to take time to lose it, though we sometimes forget that little nugget of information.
If we stepped on the scale and had lost two pounds or two ounces, the response should be the same as it would be with anyone else – “Great job!!” We should pat ourselves on the back for a job well done and look forward to the upcoming week where we shall continue to be successful in our weight loss endeavors.
It is important to remember that the benefits of this weight loss program are much more than losing the weight. Another important benefit is acquiring a healthier way of viewing food and of viewing ourselves. Every step that we take toward achieving better health should be applauded. We must learn to be proud of all of our accomplishments and know that we truly are doing a great job!
Holli Camylle Buck
thewalkinggirl@yahoo.com
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