I’m reading a really good book written by the doctors and scientists behind my current plan of eating that debunks the top 10 “diet” myths that people have. Some of it is commonsense that some of these things aren’t true, but I love how it explains why these ideas aren’t true and gives the truth that is scientifically based. Even with a scientific backing, I still hold unwavering to the idea that science, like many other things, is fluid and new discoveries are made everyday. Nothing is written in stone. You have to find what works for you and you alone, and be willing to make changes when change is warranted.
I was reading a chapter last night that debunked the idea that lasting, long term, weight loss is not a reality. The myth quoted some pretty grim university studies with awful statistics that would make anyone walk away from a weight loss journey with a feeling of hopelessness. The truth that the doctors and scientists shared was from a medical perspective and that there are actually national medical databases of thousands and thousands of cases that have had small and significant weight loss and have kept it off for life (I forget the name, but I even stopped reading and looked up this medical database–it exists!). The medical professionals in the book went even further to explain the fault with the control/sample groups in the university studies and how it wasn’t a reflection of the mainstream population, etc. They also explained the similar keys to success that those that have had lasting change have implemented in their lives. Bottom line: others have done it, so can I. That’s hope.
I read another article last night from a running magazine about a 240lb woman that is an avid distance runner. Part of the article touched on the cultural anomaly that this woman falls into, another part spoke of her successes and how she got to where she is today, but my favorite part addressed this idea that fit and fat are not mutually exclusive terms. The article quoted doctors who said, yes, being a so-called “healthy” weight is ideal, but that someone who is physically active and still overweight is still doing things that are beneficial for their overall health. Just like you can be skinny and unhealthy, it is possible to be fat and healthy.
Right there is where I see a slippery slope.
It would be easy to take that mindset and live in the idea that because one is healthy right now, that it’s okay to be overweight. For some people, that might be a reality. I don’t know, I’m not the one to determine what’s best for them. All I know is what’s best for me. I’m fat and I’m healthy. Does that mean I shouldn’t lose weight? Absolutely not. I’m not stupid enough to ignore my genetic disposition for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. I’m also not willing to ignore the medical studies that suggest obesity puts me at a higher risk for developing a whole host of medical ailments and diseases. If I never lost another pound, would I be assured of developing these diseases? Who knows. I don’t have a crystal ball.
Is weight loss my primary goal?
Yes and no.
In my humanness, I would love to be a specific goal weight. I would like to be smaller and feel better about my size. I would like to be able to blend in a crowd better and not worry about sticking out because of my size. There’s nothing wrong with those feelings–but I can tell you though that if those things were my primary motivation, I would miserably fail. I have proven that with every single prior weight loss attempt.
I have several long term and short term goals that have an indirect application to weight loss. Their conception was the result of a dramatic conviction of the Holy Spirit on January 23, 2015. I’ve said it again and again, but I have come to a point where God has placed on my heart that I am not honoring Him with my body. It’s not just my physical appearance. It’s a body, mind, soul shift that needs to take place in order to be the reflection of Christ that I have been created to be. My efforts center around this idea. I have the firm belief that the lifestyle changes I am making and will continue to make in all parts of life to honor God’s creation will have the secondary effect of lasting physical change (weight loss). It can seem like at times that I concentrate on the weight loss aspect of things, but let’s be honest–those are tangible indicators that I am making necessary healthy changes. There’s a lot of other benchmarks that I can note too, but mental and spiritual change is not something at this point in time that I’m keen on publically sharing my struggles and changes in that area–but I will say, there is huge positive shift.
This brings me back full circle to the above mention of the book I was reading last night. That medical database that has kept track of people with long term weight loss and found a list of key life changes among them that have enabled them to be successful–that list of 8 identified factors–immediately and directly correlate to my long term and short term life goals that I have set (really, to the point of it being creepy).
Coincidence? I think not.
I tarry on today in the confidence and assurance that what’s right for me right now is what’s right for me right now and will have impact on my overall goals. Journey on, my friends–whatever that looks like for you.
Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness 