Did You Know That I Once Had Thirty Extra Pounds of Fat On My Body?

There comes a point in this journey, when you will meet friends and colleagues who didn't now you when. When you are heavier...When you are thinner...


Those who didn't know you when you were heavier...don't always recognize how hard you work to stay the weight you are at now. You obviously seem to have a handle on things...so why wouldn't you want to indulge in a piece of cake or join the weekly outing to eat a barbeque lunch? You work out faithfully each week...couldn't   you slow down a bit or miss a session to attend a happy hour or a movie premier? 


AND YOU'LL WONDER....Should I tell them so they can understand....Did You Know That I Once Had Thirty Extra Pounds of Fat On My Body? 


Those who didn't know you when you were thinner...don't always understand the desire or need to get back to where you were. You dress well and look good....you don't need to lose a pound to be attractive.You already exercise a few times a week...it's clear you already understand the importance of fitness. Just how thin do you need to be? - You're accepted and loved by your friends and family just as you are...


AND YOU'LL WONDER....Should I tell them so they can understand....Do You Know That I Have Thirty Extra Pounds of Fat On My Body? 


I read this article months ago...Weight: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All by Kristen Houghton and it immediately registered with me. In it, she describes how she and husband are having dinner with friends. One friend was newly single. Another friend saw a single and charming friend that would be great for him to meet...when he suggested introducing them...The single friend frowned...The possible match was "fat". Kristen had too been "fat" but had lost the weight in college and never looked back. Her husband reaches for her underneath the table to give her an understanding squeeze of support....

Depending on the situation, I have shared the fact that I did indeed lose Thirty Pounds...Twice (OK - Technically, 30 lbs once & 25 lbs once). AND, that's why I am so very focused on keeping it off and staying healthy. The last time I did was a few weeks ago with a co-worker who was on assignment from Switzerland. His observations on American cuisine and activity levels were so interesting and at times enlightening. I was surprised to see his reaction - he had a hard time believing else-wise. People are really supportive and understanding. OR sometimes, I share that fact with people who seem to need some encouragement that healthy changes are possible... 

But, when I was working on losing the weight....I got a mixture of reactions. Some were really supportive - whatever I wanted (I think especially since I was working with a dietitian and trainer) was right for me. Some were supportive to a point...once they saw I thinner and more active (especially around the 15lb mark) they didn't necessarily understand or support my move to lose more. A few didn't see the need at all....Depending on the situation, I shared the fact that I wanted to lose thirty pounds to get back to where I was and in the end all were supportive and understanding.

Then, there are those you've known when you were thinner and thicker.AND YOU'LL WONDER....Should I tell them so they can understand....You Know That I Once Had Extra Pounds of Fat On My Body and I Don't Want Them Back.   

For about 4 years after grad school, I had varied from 0 to 5 to 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 to 30 pounds overweight. I spent most of the time at about 10 to 15 pounds over weight. But the second time I was 30 pounds, I determined to get there again or any where in between for that matter. 

It's people in the group who's known me thin and thick that I found it's hardest to share my resolve with. As time goes by, they feel that I must have this down and don't need to worry about indulging or skipping a workout. Or, they seem to be surprised to seem me living a life in balance - an indulgence here and there is okay - in the midst of healthy meals and continued workouts. They don't get why a 5 pound weight gain is a big deal. They didn't see a need to lose the weight in the first place - a girdle would have worked just fine. They don't get the needs for all the work outs. But, depending on the situation, I just may share, I do all of this because....I Once Had Extra Pounds of Fat On My Body and I Don't Want Them Back.