Transformation Tuesday: Community and Weight Loss

posted in: life together, weight loss | 0

Transformation Tuesay

Hi friends.  Welcome back for another edition of Transformation Tuesday, where I talk about all things in this healthy living lifestyle.  I’ve hit a plateau in weight loss which I knew would be coming since I’m getting down to a healthy weight anyway.  But, I’ve still got about 7 lbs to go and I’m not giving up!

This is a tough topic because we all have food loves and food issues.  But, what I want to talk about today is the importance that community plays in your weight loss journey.  I’ve been involved in weight watchers several times, and that has shown me how helpful it is to have people around you that have the same goals.  This applies in many different avenues in life: parenting, job related skills, creative outlets, runners groups, etc.

Why is this the case?

  1.  Motivation.  I have found when I have people around me who have similar lifestyle and health goals it is easier to pursue my goals.  I think that is one reason I knew that my mister was on the one for me.  Now my mister does not have trouble with weight and can eat anything.  But, he likes healthy foods (and still eats what I bake) and he always wants to be active.  We love to hike together, even now with our boys, and he could eat grilled salmon and other whole foods ALL THE TIME. For me, I knew I didn’t want to marry someone who really struggled with their weight.  I needed someone who could spiritual and actively lead me in this area because I knew it was a stronghold in my life. Just like if you have money spending issues, you don’t want to marry someone who also has a heavy hand when it comes to credit cards.  I love that we pursue an active and healthy life together – and still enjoy some summer ice cream cones and celebratory food days too.  So, when it comes to friends, it is easier for me to surround myself with people with similar interests and goals: active lifestyle people, healthy cooking, knowledge of their bodies and why we should take care of them. Not that you can’t go out and have a cookie together – but not letting one cookie lead to indulging every day in baked sweets.  Another example: if you are an alcoholic, if you are trying to break the addiction, you don’t want to hang out with other people who drink too much.
  2. Challenge.  I am a competitive person, we’ve talked about that before.  Right now, I have a “bet” going on with a friend in another state.  She asked me to help her with accountability so that’s what we are going to do.  But, we have the same goal weight number in mind for a short term goal and we weigh the exact same thing.  So, I asked her if we could put a wager on it: whoever gets their first gets a 10$ gift card from other to Target.  Perfect!  Game on!  I love people who push me in running.  When I started running, I had three friends who were so pivotal in that: Sarah, Sloan, and Sarah (another one).  I was single and could run anytime I wanted, but it was good to have running buddies and people to do races with. I don’t have that here.  I miss that. I do love running by myself, but I don’t have anyone locally to challenge me in that area.  In every area I’ve lived since I’ve had athletic people around me to challenge me and help me succeed – that is something I desire here as well.  Its important.
  3. Encouragement.  One of the nicest things a family member said to me when I first lost a TON of weight back in college was absolutely transformational for me.  But the comment that got me to a point in life that I knew I needed to lose the weight was awful and I remember it to this day.  I want to encourage others, not make people feel bad about themselves. I want to push people to meet their goals in weight loss.  I want to keep them on the right track.  I want to help them see the spiritual side of the struggle of weight loss and taking care of our bodies in a God-glorifying manner (I’ve got a book in the works if anyone wants to publish it.)  I find even a simple text or a note to accomplish this.  A friend and I text almost every day to see how we are doing eating and exercising.  It is good accountability.  And if we have had a bad day – we don’t yell at each other in all caps: we tell ourselves that the next meal is a new chance to be healthy – and get to that gym – even for 15 minutes.  I can not tell you enough how much positive reinforcement helps in this area.  My mister has learned this.  I often am a comfort food eater.  He has learned not to criticize me in that moment, but talk to me gently and help me to see other ways of coping with whatever is going on – and if I do still mess up, he forgives me quickly and champions me in ways I’m being healthy and meeting my goals.

What I Learned Today:

posted in: Uncategorized | 2

blue hydrangea

I love living life with people and catching up with friends.  Today was one of those days.  And for me, catching up and hanging out usually teaches me something.  Today was no different.

I’m so glad friends are in our lives.  Especially during a season with much pain, I’m thankful for those friends that brighten your day and soothe you and make you feel right at home: no matter where you are.

Three things I learned today:

1.  Being known is something that is sweet – but you don’t want everyone to know you.  I really love having honest relationships with people (and even here on the blog). I love living life with folks and knowing what goes on in their lives and what God is teaching them – what they are walking through.  But, there are times when being known hurts and is painful.  You can do one of two things at that moment – and I think you have to know which moment you are in : walk away or persevere.  You have to decide for yourself with much prayer which one you should do in any given moment.  Walk away – maybe the relationship is a harmful one for you – you need to walk away.  But, in the most important relationships: your marriage, family, or tried and true friends – you persevere.

2. What do you want to be known for? How do people describe you to others? What do you want to be known for to either friends or strangers? There are some adjectives that I would love to be described as – and then there are some, that right now I’m not, but I want to be – so I know what areas I need to work on.

3. Travel – I love it. My friend travels for her job. She is not married and has the luxury of doing so. She packs up and heads out and pours into the community she is in for any given time. I love to travel and see the world. It is much harder with a husband and kids. But, I love living a life of an adventure. That’s why we are always in the car (except during nap time). I want to explore my area – which is ATL and is amazing to explore.

What are you learning right now?