Today I reached my goal weight. If you have been reading some of my previous posts, you will know that I had a baby in September and also had a personal goal I wanted to reach in March. Well, today is April 27 and I have finally reached my goal. Here are some things I've learned:
- Just because you don't reach a goal doesn't mean you should give up. "All or nothing" is not a good mentality to have in relation to healthy living.
- Hormones play a BIG role in the weight-loss process and having a baby throws everything off balance.
- Give yourself a goal range. Mine is a 5 lb. range that my body tends to be happy at.
- Just because I reached my goal doesn't mean I should stop living healthy. That is why I was not on a diet, because I do not intend to stop being healthy now that I reached my goal.
- Never compare yourself to others. Everyone's body is different and they need to figure out what a happy, healthy weight is for them.
My definition of a happy, healthy weight range is a range where you feel comfortable in your clothes, you can eat without starving yourself, and your BMI and/or body fat percentage does not put you at a higher risk for disease.
For me, when I start to get at the lower end of that 5 lb. range, I am probably obsessing too much about eating and exercise. When I get at the upper end of that range, I generally need to have a little more self control and discipline. Remember, living a healthy lifestyle is something that you should be able to maintain day in and day out.
I have two more things for you to chew on. Many people think of their ideal as what they were in high school. Be mindful of the fact that an adolescent body is not something that adults should strive for. Secondly, women are especially prone to body envy, and sharing one's body weight can encourage unhealthy comparison. Fight the urge to compare yourself; everyone has different body types and body weight can differ dramatically from person to person. Don't let a number determine your value.