Monday, February 9, 2009

Perceptions

Recently, I have had two friends who see me on a weekly basis express shock that I am still trying to lose weight. And I don't think they were just trying to be nice, either! Which leaves me wondering...are they really not seeing me, round stomach, large thighs, big arms and all? Or are they just remembering how big I used to be, and in comparison, think I'm so much smaller that I can't possibly need to lose anything else? It was kind of weirding me out, because I know that I'm no petite flower, by any means. I was sort of feeling like I had to defend my diet.

But something happened today that made me realize that it's all in the perception: After I finished my first workout today (more on that in another post), I was chatting with Linda, one of the cardio instructors. She was showing me a printout copy of food "blocks" and was offering, if I was interested (she wasn't pushy as all) to have Brad (the owner, and strength trainer) figure up how many of these blocks I could eat in a day. I think this is part of The Zone diet, although I'm not for sure, as I was a zoning out a bit after that workout (more later, I promise!). She said how it had worked wonders for her, along with the workouts, of course, and showed me some "before" pictures where she was kinda hefty. Not too bad, but still, compared to what she looks like now, big. I said that I was interested in the food block plan, as I had lost 60 pounds but was curious to see what this "block" plan could do for me...and it was funny, because I could see the gears in her head changing.

See, she saw me as an overweight person who was starting a fitness program, not as someone who has had some success with weight-loss and who is ready to step up to the next level. And that was just fine with me, because it confirmed what, deep down, I know...that I do still have a ways to go. So I'm not crazy. But my friends might be.

9 comments:

  1. If you're around 5 feet tall, the ideal weight range is something like 110 to 130. Depends on your frame, boobs, how muscular you are, etc. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat (and feels better). If you really bust your butt working out, you're weight loss will slow at some point -- but you'll love how much you tone up!!! At the end of the day, it's how you feel, how much energy you have, how good your clothes fit YOU, etc. Again, it's all about you. The rest of us care, but we're also just a bunch of hot air :)

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  2. ok Im typing this and gazing at your picture and have to differ.

    no.

    I dont see anything larger which shouldnt be :)

    Im a little jealous. embrace em. you look fantastic!!

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  3. Yep, it's all in the perspective your friends see. I have been told the same thing by friends and I think they are a little jealous too that I've lost this 70 pounds. But I had to stop and go on maintanance before reaching my goal because this dieting was really getting me depressed. I'm not quitting though. I may return to it eventually. And who knows, on maintenance it may start coming off that way too.

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  4. That's really interesting. I mean, fascinating!! And I can see how so many people see me where I am (25 lbs overweight) and for me that's "normal" so if I were to lose 20 lbs it would be a huge adjustment. But I'd still be at the top of my BMI.

    I think it's hard for people (myself included) to keep their noses out of other peoples' weight loss or lack thereof. I personally have a hard time with what I call "vanity dieters" as opposed to health dieters. I kind of want people who are already in a normal BMI to just SHUT UP. It's my own bias, but I feel like those people are ones who make it hard for EVERYone to have these unrealistic goals/dreams about what they are supposed to weigh or look like. Maybe I'll be singing a different tune when I am in the normal BMI range and want to keep going...but at this point that's a long off fantasy!

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  5. Maybe your friend are jealous and don't really want to see you succeed. Other than that I got nothing for you on that front. Congrats on your 60 pounds!

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  6. Thanks for stopping by my blog Shelley and for the good advice. I try to do all my meal planning/making on Sunday but I built a planter box this week instead. Really threw off my whole week. Now I know how important it is and will make it happen. LOVE the idea of some relaxation CDs. I love the soothing sounds of the BBC World service on Satellite Radio but with the economy the way it is, news is far from relaxing! I'm off to see what's available on I-tunes. Thanks for the support. I look forward to reading through your blog.

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  7. Great post! It's so true that the way we feel about a particular weight/size really depends on where we're coming from . . . whether we're on our way up or down the scale. For my two cents, you're looking great.

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  8. looking good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are doing so great!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo many reasons to smile and keep on going ;)

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  9. You are doing a great job! Don't let outside influences (friends, people pushing products) shape your ideal weight FOR YOU!

    And really, you are doing this for YOU right? That's what matters most!

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