I've been thinking, which is generally considered by those who know me to be a dangerous occupation.
What I've been thinking, is that I've decided to completely embargo the term 'I've lost weight'. That's it. I've sent it into coventry and I am not letting it out.
Those of you who have met Tinkingbell 1.0, may know that Tinkingbell 2.0 is a somewhat less cozy, fluffy and generally smaller version. In fact, having almost made it halfway, Tinkingbell 3.0 is likely (at some point in 2010) to be a much reduced version - slimline and sleek and 30% smaller.
But you know what? I haven't lost weight.
Losing weight implies that you have put it down somewhere and momentarily forgotten it. That perhaps you've had a senior moment and stuck it in the fridge while you were thinking of something else. That perhaps it's slipped down behind the sofa cushions, and next time you tidy up it will be there again. Or you left it on top of the car when you were getting the kids into their seats and it flew off on the road somewhere.
Since the end of April, I have been serious about working my weight off. It has taken me a fair amount of effort to eat better (and somewhat less), to cook better food for myself and my family, to make lifestyle changes so I don't follow most of my relatives and die early of major heart disease. I gave up smoking many years ago, but the weight was a risk factor in and of itself.
When I finally admitted that I was fat, I started going to the gym and strangely, I enjoyed it, but after eight months I had lost 300gr. I had, however, gone down a clothes size.
So I began attending a certain well known group. I also started sorta running (which we now know has a real name - Fartlek interval training), where I would run to a telegraph pole, then walk to the next one then stagger to the next one and so on.
But now, with the best part of 15kg (about 33 pounds) gone - and roughly the same to go, I have decided that that weight has not been lost.
Not one gram.
No. I've worked the stuff off. And it's been hard labour all the way.
So, from now on, I'm going to talk about either slimness gain, or fitness gain or working it off. Any other good suggestions?
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22 comments:
Bravo! This is excellent. A course of action I'm very keen to join you in.
Also, the notion of losing weight comes loaded with so much negative talk. Like there was something wrong with the old you etc etc. Fabulous!
In the process of educating my doctor, she has agreed to accept "activity targets" as more useful than "weight loss". It appears to be working - at least for her. I hear back from others that she is using it in conversations with them. So power to emphasising the positive and acknowledging the effort.
I think this is a great idea, and really shows the effort you've put into it. Now, as to a good phrase...hmmm, I'll have to think on it...
Oh if only weight could be lost because I am the most absent minded and losery person!!! I think it is a very proactive and positive stance you have taken: there is such a lot of hard work that has gone into your fitness and health GAIN!!
I totally agree with you. Losing something implies something simply done. I cant think of a name off the top of my head but working it off suits me at the moment.
I'm sure you know that I am in complete agreement with you on the not calling it weight loss.
How about: finding yourself (hmm no, implies you lost yourself), relocating the excess (into the toilet/aether wherever), whittling down, toning up. I think my personal favourite is "evicting the excess"!
Ahhh - THAT's the secret. Hard work. Was never that good at that. Or saying no to cake. Or yes to exercise.
Inspiration - and a good dose of Tink - that's what I need.
You are exactly right: it isn't "lost" like no big deal; it takes a whole lot of effort, doesn't it? Good for you, though, and all your hard work! Very impressive!
Well done you! Go for it - I'm completely behind you; just don't leave anything I might not want to pick up!! LOL
It is a whole lifestyle change, isn't it? With lots of hard work. I don't have any suggestions on what to call it, but good for you! Especially on the smoking. From what I've observed, that may be the hardest change to make. (So if you can do that, you can do anything!!)
Well done on your 'slimness gain'! Quite a magnificent (and hard earned) accomplishment!
I was talking about this to my mom once, and I said I didn't stay at one weight by magic - I am lucky enough to live on a biggish piece of property and I walk my half mile all the time.
Because, hey, I like donuts! And I would rather be active and eat than sit still and try to eat saltine crackers with water. (Although - I like saltine crackers & water!)
Amen, sistah! The term I really hate is "Weight Loss Journey", though I freely admit that that is wrapped up in my generalised hatred of The Biggest Loser.
I prefer to call it "Fabulising". Whatever you call it, keep up the good work, and keep thinking along these lines for the rest of us, Wonder Woman. xoxo
P.S. Maybe I just spend too much time with primary-school-aged boys, but Fartlek? Tee hee hee!
Good on you! The problem with "losing weight" is that it's like losing a child in the supermarket. It keeps on trying to find you and when it does, it hangs on with a tight grip.
Verification word: butshast Now that sounds as if it might have soemthing to do with the process of weight loss. LOL
We all know the power of persuasive packaging (it is a major contributor to my treat choices, after all) - great way to use the power for good!
15kg??? You are a powerhouse, a superstar, an incipient goddess!!!
Congrats on your healthier lifestyle. That's what it's all about, isn't it? Wanting to be around when our kids grow up and still be healthy enough to play. I can feel your pride all the way over here.
That is a VERY healthy way to think about it! Because seriously--I lose everything else--you'd think I could actually LOSE WEIGHT!!! And congratulations on a slimmer, healthier you!
I am so with you on this one. We're too busy obessing with numbers that we miss the big picture.
if it was as easy as simply losing it, it wouldnt be a problem would it? there is nothing easy about it, indeed, so well done on staying the distance. my perspective is on 'improving my fitness', so i dont worry about the externals. despite what some people think, they are not actually mutually exclusive and one doesnt have to have lost half of oneself to be fit and healthy. and happy. which is the bit that really matters.
Totally agree about the loaded language with this subject!! I like the fitness focus, that's what I try to work on as well.
I agree! I started in June and painstakingly worked off nearly 30 pounds. It hasn't been fast, and it's only about half what I need to lose, but I certainly didn't just "misplace" that ugly fat. It was banished by the sweat of my brow and so was yours! Way to go!
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