4 Uncommon Post Weight Loss Truths
Many people are setting their weight loss goals as the new year approaches. Tragically, we know a large majority will give up by the middle of the year. This article isn’t intended for those people.
Instead, this article is intended for the person that powers through the months of hard work required. It’s a list of post-journey truths I wish someone had told me.
1. Your Fat Disguised Bad Habits
I recently had a rude awakening about my sitting habits. When I was still 250 pounds, I could sit in almost any position without feeling the effects of poor posture.
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. If I don’t sit correctly, with my back supported and my legs in a decent position, my back and tailbone feel it. Prior to my weight loss journey, I was convinced I didn’t have a tailbone!
I couldn’t relate to people’s complaints about their tailbone hurting after an hour of sitting. I was a stranger to lower back pain. Now, I understand both of these complaints. I blame my lack of padding.
2. You’ll Feel like an Imposter
Although I’m not finished with my weight loss journey, I feel like a different person. My feelings are from seeing someone that doesn’t look like me in the mirror.
There are days where I’m uncomfortable with my reflection. My reflection used to disgust me. My disgust has been replaced with confusion. I don’t recognize the face staring back at me in the mirror. I feel like I’m in a long-running dream. I never imagined I’d be below 200 pounds in my life, but somehow I made it.
I also recognize I have a way to go. I still need to lose about 20–30 pounds to be at my ideal target weight. In some ways, the progress I still need to makes me feel like an imposter. A nasty voice in my head snickers “you’ll just gain it all back, the loss was just a fluke.”
3. Losing Weight is Easy, Maintaining is Hard
Please put down your pitchforks. I understand losing weight isn’t the easiest thing. I struggled through 2 years of constant effort, stumbles, and setbacks before I made significant progress.
I also know that in comparison to maintaining a weight, weight loss is a breeze. If you don’t change the habits associated with your original weight gain, then you’ll almost certainly gain the weight back and then some.
“The only easy day was yesterday”
My experience is why I encourage anyone determined to lose weight to read about habit formation. We are a reflection of our habits. When I started changing my habits around food and exercise, I finally saw results.
I also have seen the consequences of not maintaining my habits. After about 6 months post “mini-target” I’m back up 10 pounds. I know I can lose the weight again, but it’s disheartening. I know I have stumbled backward because I’ve let my habits slip.
I can’t afford to let that happen ever again.
It’s too easy to slide into old, comfortable habits. Although old habits feel nice, they also put me further away from my personal goals. In total, maintaining is the war, weight loss is just the battle.
4. It’s not the Key to Eternal Happiness
You may not know, but there is a multi-billion dollar industry trying to sell you their products for weight loss and permanent happiness.
Unfortunately, their promises of permanent happiness are lies.
Although you’ll get an initial surge of happiness post-goal, it’s fleeting. The hedonic treadmill is strong, and even big goals like weight loss fall victim to it.
I’m not saying weight loss isn’t a worthy goal. I’m also not saying that it won’t bring you joy. We know there are strong, positive correlations with a reduced weight for your health and happiness. What I am saying is that weight loss is not a one-way ticket to happyville forever.
Problems still happen, life is still a rollercoaster, and new adventures are around the bend. The benefit weight loss does give you is more energy to face these challenges.
Wrapping Up
Weight loss is an amazing journey for one to undertake. I would highly encourage anyone who could benefit from healthy weight loss to try.
I also encourage people to look at what life will look like after they accomplish their goal. This is a good practice that will follow you with any goal you set. It’s important to always question why you’re setting that goal and what will happen after you accomplish it.
