PLATEOFSTARS's CalorieKing blog
Tuesday, Jan 5 2010 - Image issues...
View PLATEOFSTARS's food & exercise for this day
So...
I've been laying low, so to speak, when it comes to my weight loss. I haven't talked about it with many people or actually seen many people outside those I see on a day to day basis. The ones I see regularly have a harder time noticing the weight loss because it's so gradual.
People definitely notice and remark when they see me for the first time in months... and are just now noticing on Facebook.
Although I do like to change my profile picture on facebook on a semi-regular basis (once a month or so) I guess people haven't really noticed my weight loss until now. Maybe because they thought the photos I had before were just "flattering" or who knows why.
ANYWAY... just this week I put up the picture that I have here as my profile pic in CK on my facebook account and got a LOT of comments on it.
One, in particular from my mother. "You're looking so good these days."
I know I know... I should take it at face value and know that she meant well by it...
but I can't help but be bothered by the fact that I look good "these days" as opposed to what? The days before when I was fatter????
I get it... most people base attractiveness on body size... but your own mother??
Ok, I'm probably blowing this out of proportion... she probably just wanted to acknowledge my hard work and yes, the picture has a lot of confidence to it too. And confidence is also beautiful right?
I also can't deny that I am really really scared that I will stop here again... and what I mean by that is... I lost over 50 lbs 5 years ago and got down to around 195 before I stopped losing (and subsequently gained a lot of it back over the period of 2-3 years).
I am determined to finish it this time!!!
I've been laying low, so to speak, when it comes to my weight loss. I haven't talked about it with many people or actually seen many people outside those I see on a day to day basis. The ones I see regularly have a harder time noticing the weight loss because it's so gradual.
People definitely notice and remark when they see me for the first time in months... and are just now noticing on Facebook.
Although I do like to change my profile picture on facebook on a semi-regular basis (once a month or so) I guess people haven't really noticed my weight loss until now. Maybe because they thought the photos I had before were just "flattering" or who knows why.
ANYWAY... just this week I put up the picture that I have here as my profile pic in CK on my facebook account and got a LOT of comments on it.
One, in particular from my mother. "You're looking so good these days."
I know I know... I should take it at face value and know that she meant well by it...
but I can't help but be bothered by the fact that I look good "these days" as opposed to what? The days before when I was fatter????
I get it... most people base attractiveness on body size... but your own mother??
Ok, I'm probably blowing this out of proportion... she probably just wanted to acknowledge my hard work and yes, the picture has a lot of confidence to it too. And confidence is also beautiful right?
I also can't deny that I am really really scared that I will stop here again... and what I mean by that is... I lost over 50 lbs 5 years ago and got down to around 195 before I stopped losing (and subsequently gained a lot of it back over the period of 2-3 years).
I am determined to finish it this time!!!
4 comments so far.
4.
a decade ago
Totally over-analysing. You look great, but inside you know how proud you are of yourself to make this change, and thats what is really different! Youre thinking "Look at me! Im doing it!"
Part of the fear of loosing weight is that people will notice you, look at you, and comment (or think a comment). Being overweight we feel so judged, by ourselves as well as others.
Take your mom's compliment for what it is, encouragement. Put your shoulders back, tits out, and smile, girl! Looking good, being healthy, and feeling good inside and out IS the point!
by VEELACAILLE
3.
a decade ago
I know how you feel. I would have thougt the same things from the comments.
I over-analyze everything that people say to me and come up with many hidden meanings, but I'm sure they don't usually mean what they say how I determine they meant it after I analyze their words to death. I'm sure you're mom was trying to be encouraging and supportive and is excited for your changes.
Don't quit here! It's not about being comfortable or confident at the weight you're at, it's about being healthy.
As I've mentioned before, I too was in the 190's a few years ago and felt so good that I stopped logging my food and gradually (over 3 years) gained all of the weight back.
Even if you feel better now and more confident, you're probably still not at a healthy weight for your height. And we're never really finished anyway, because then there's maintenence too.
Keep going! You can do this! You better meet your Easter Challenge target! I'm watching you!
And if you feel great at 196, who knows how great you'll feel at 150 or wherever! Keep going Nicole!
by TIFFYLUBE776
2.
a decade ago
Regarding the having lost weight once before...sometimes it doesn't take the first time. That's why we learn lessons and change our behavior. You've been doing so well! Be happy and confident in that (yes, that's beauty!) and let tomorrow worry about tomorrow. (Yikes! I sound like my mom!)
by GTHEISEN
1.
a decade ago
I understand your reaction, but I think that you should just take your mom's comment as a compliment. Do you agree that you look better than ever? I think that yes
:) So enjoy the compliment and don't read to much into it. She's being encouraging, after all.
by CAPUCINE