One of the most interesting aspects of my weight loss journey has been people’s reaction when they see me for the first time in a while. The groups of people fall into two distinct categories. The first group attempts to be nonchalant about their observation not really wanting to mention the obvious changes that have occurred. While they may think I look different they don’t really dare ask for fear that they could be wrong.
These people wait hoping someone else asks whether I have lost weight or not. It’s funny, once the subject is broached they are very inquisitive asking all kinds of questions such as how much weight I lost and more importantly how did I do it.
The second group of people is not shy about blurting out the changes they have observed. In most cases their observation is accompanied by squeals or loud announcements that they noticed I look differently. Almost as soon as they announce to the world that I have lost weight they too want to know how much weight I lost and how did I do it.
Since reaching my weight loss goal I have talked to many more people in the second group than the first but the story remains the same. I lost the weight with the amazing help of my health coach Amy using the Take Shape For Life program. I have gotten to the point of telling my story robotically since I have repeated it so often.
What I find most interesting when recounting the tale of how I lost weight is the reaction of those who asked the question. For those people who appear healthy from an outward point of view they are interested in how I am feeling and what changes have occurred now that I am thinner.
Perhaps the more interesting conversations are those I have with people who like myself were either struggling with their weight or health. They are eager to hear the details about the program and what it was like on a daily basis getting down to a healthy weight.
You can see their minds racing as they try to comprehend what a day in the life of a dieter on Take Shape For Life is like. The vast majority of these people seems genuinely interested in losing weight but most are fearful that they would not see the results I did and would be left frustrated and still healthy.
I try to layout the process explaining that by simply following the few eating rules and using small meals throughout the day they too could see positive results from the program. After recounting my story, they shake their heads exclaiming they could never give up one bad health habit or another putting artificial roadblocks in their way towards being healthier.
It basically comes down to how committed a person is to restoring their health. Is a piece of candy or a bag of chips worth the unhappiness they feel for not being as healthy as they would like to be? Would you give up a bowl of ice cream or a processed food if it meant you would have all the energy in the world or be able to spend time with those you love without the need of medication that drains you of life? Sadly for a lot of people the answer is that it is just not worth the time and effort to become healthy.
It’s funny, I used to think the same way. I would see someone I knew who had lost weight or looked happier. I would ask them for the secrets of their success. When they told me I would discount how that change could never happen to me or that something would stand in my way to keep me from reaching similar goals.
Now being healthy has almost become a religion for me. I am conscious of everything I eat and hold myself accountable for my actions whether they be activity or food based. Sure it’s a little more work than just allowing myself to eat whatever I want and lay around the house watching television. But after going through this transformation I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it was worth it and if I can do it so can you.
I anticipate that I will continue to get questions about the changes I have made and I am more than happy to share my story with others. Who knows maybe one person I talk to will understand and follow the same path I did to become healthier and that makes it all worth it.
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