Hit a Plateau

I haven’t really lost any weight in about two months. That is pretty much the definition of a plateau, as I’m not gaining any weight either. I’m really only maintaining at this point. I can point to a few reasons why – the holidays blew through and I indulged in rich foods much more than I normally would, I stopped doing my strength training as consistently, my portion control hasn’t been at it’s best. The thing is, I know some of the reasons (I hope) why I’ve hit this plateau, so hopefully getting back on track will get me back onto the losing train. I also think there’s something to the idea of a winter coat. You see it in animals all the time: my cat weighs almost a pound more in winter than he does in summer and all you have to do is look at the bear to see a definite weather-related difference. So maybe I’m just in hibernation mode and my body is trying to retain what it has now and I’ll start losing again in spring. I’m going to make the changes I mentioned and hope for the best. I’m ready to feel the burn in my muscles in hopes that that muscle expenditure will kickstart my metabolism and get my body back on track!

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not on this journey just to see lower numbers on the scale. I’m healthier than I ever have been and that is my true goal. I know I look and feel better than I ever have before. It’s frustrating to continually see the same numbers on the scale even though I’m still working out consistently and have been fairly true to my eating habits (besides the aforementioned indulgences). I have noticed a difference in the way my clothes fit and feel on me, so I know that there are changes still occurring in my body’s composition, so maybe while I transition it seems like nothing is happening. Only time will tell, but I do know that every day I do feel stronger and healthier, so even if I never see a decrease in the scale again I’m going to keep it up, because I do feel better in my body than I ever have. I’m proud of where I am and I’ll continue to strive to improve.

I hope that anyone out there who may read this and is experiencing a plateau as well takes heart, because I’m glad to know that I’m not alone in my struggles. There are others out there who suffer from the discouragement of the scale, but look to other ways to measure your progress and keep on striving!

On Being Beautiful

About a year ago, I embarked on a journey to improve my health and fitness. For the first time in my life, I took control of my habits and started to change them. I started eating better, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, etc. All the things we know we should do but don’t always do consistently. Since starting this journey, I have slimmed down quite a bit and have grown stronger. I can run miles (plural!!), which I had never thought I would be able to do. I have more energy and I have seen an overall improvement in my appearance. I’ve received many compliments on my improved looks and that is exciting and appreciated.

However, something I realized while going through this journey is that I always was beautiful. I was unhealthy, but there was always something about me which was beautiful. Whether it was my eyes, my long graceful fingers, or my cute button nose, I always held beauty. I still do hold beauty, and there are things about me which as they change catch me as striking. For instance, as my thighs slim down I notice that they are long and have a soft grace about them but also the strength and power to carry me over distances. It’s an amazing work of art, my body, and I am just waiting to see what the next stage of the sculpting reveals.

We don’t have to break down and destroy what we were to become what we want to be. Achieving goals, being at a certain weight or dress size will not automatically make me happy with myself. I have to remind myself to appreciate and love where I am now. I don’t live in shame because I was (and am still) overweight, I just am thankful that I started changing it while I still can. I was and am still beautiful, and so are you.