What I've found works for me is to give them up for a specified time as a sort of detox. Once I rid my
body of all that processed sugar I am less likely to overindulge once the detox time is up.
Needless to say I am just starting on a two week self imposed no sweets fast and my morning coffee just isn't the same without the cookie that goes with it. On the other hand those few extra pounds and overall heavy feeling that comes from overindulging isn't any fun either, so in the end, it will all be worth it.
I am not a doctor but I believe we all have a natural, healthy weight that our bodies function best at and we know when we are not eating enough or eating too much to maintain it. My body was not designed to be a size small and in order for me to achieve that I would need to eat less food than a bird for the rest of my life. That would be neither healthy nor fun and who wants that?
On the other hand my body was not intended to be an extra large either (trust me I have been there) and when I over eat my body feels sluggish, my heart feels tight and my knees and feet hurt. That's not healthy or fun either, and who wants that?
I think the key is to find the weight your body feels the best at, that place where you can eat three meals a day, enjoy dessert once in a while and not vary more than a pound or two. That weight where a good long walk (if your physically able) or some time in the garden or shopping isn't going to wind you. I know that as we age our bodies slow down, our joints hurt and illness inhibits what we can do and other than following doctors orders there isn't much we can do about that. That is not what I'm talking about.
I am really self talking here. I can overindulge, I can choose not to take my morning walk or skip my exercise program and admit that I do. I know when I let things go too long because my body and my mind and my attitude let me know loud and clear. Those are the times, (like I am doing right now) that I need to self check and eliminate any excessive unhealthy eating and force myself to move more.
You may be wondering what all that has to do with fashion? Well nothing and everything. I am a firm believer that life is short and clothes are fun and stylish, and cute fashion is not just for those who are under a size 10. I wasted a lot of years dreading getting ready to go out, even to the market, because the mirror wasn't showing me what I wanted to see. And since I don't want to go back there again I have spent the last few years finding what looks best on me.
I know this is a sensitive subject and I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't love to be taller and thinner but I refuse to let that stop me from finding affordable clothes and dressing cute. My size, is my size, is my size, whether I'm wearing my frumpies or fashion, so I choose fashion.
I'll be sharing what clothes help me to hide those areas that I don't like about myself and highlight those that I do in upcoming posts that I hope will inspire you to do the same. And for those of you who say you can't afford to dress cute, I get that too and I plan on covering that topic as well.
That's it for today. I hope you'll join me for Shout Out Saturday tomorrow where I'll be sharing my favorite conversational blogs that make you think about life.
xo, Patty
If you liked this post you might like my post on layering jeans and a white t-shirt.
Shop my look (similar) on Amazon...
YOUR OUTFIT IS LOVELY.
ReplyDeleteit sometimes happens to everyone, the mirror doesn't just show you what you like
http://www.melodyjacob.com/
Hi Patty, Looking good and great outlook on living with a healthy weight. I know that this has nothing to do with weight, but it reminds me of what was going on here, yesterday. We were building a stone block fire-pit in the backyard, because the blocks were made to look like stone they are not even and have texture with grooves, dips and hills. Steve was going crazy with his level trying to make every inch level. I tried to tell him that they were made that way to copy nature and God didn't make anything exactly the same, even and level. No two blades of grass are the same and He didn't create the world flat and level. Wouldn't it be boring if we all looked alike and if we didn't have valleys and mountains. We need to get better acquainted with our bodies . . . and learn what is best for us. You've learned that . . . and there is so much freedom in knowing that. Great post! Even inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI have had a poor self body image all my life! I eat very healthy and as I've told you, gave up processed sugar a year ago. It is hard at first, but then your body just gets used to it. I was a horrible sugar addict - I had to have M&M's or mini Reese peanut butter cups every night. Or, ice cream in the summer. Now I have no desire at all for any of that. I actually tried some M&M's just a short time ago (a friend had some) and I could not believe that I didn't even like them! It's amazing how much your tastes change (for the better) when you give up sugary junk. I could even taste the chemicals in them. I still let myself indulge in a treat once in awhile, but it's a healthy one. I bake using pure maple syrup or raw honey. There are a ton of recipes out there! So we don't feel like we're missing out on a sweet treat at all. I also buy a bar of Theo organic dark chocolate and I eat a tiny piece once in awhile. An entire bar lasts me at least a couple of weeks. I'm down an entire size (I'm now in a 12), but back to body image...I still feel that I look FAT when I look in the mirror. I walk almost every day and do yoga every day, too. I have no desire to run or do zumba or any of that, lol. So I know I need to make peace with my size-12 body, especially since I'm healthy. Great post, thank you. And I hope that somehow I encouraged you to give up the white sugar! Do it for your health. :-)
ReplyDeletePatty, this is such a great post! Your fashion posts are some of my favorites because you look amazing and REAL! I've always struggled with weight and just accepting myself, even when I was a size "much smaller" than now. It's all about being healthy and being "ok" with not being a stick or not being obsessed with food.
ReplyDeleteYou look great and you inspire me with your fashion sense.
Isn't it sad how we compare and let the world dictate what a real woman is. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since my late 30's. I am now 55. The weight crept up slowly each year, some due to the pain of RA and some due to meds. I am seeing a functional medicine doctor now. I am off meds and feeling the healthiest I have felt in 15 years. Yes, I lost weight, but the greatest thing is I feel really good. I did do a detox and now watch what I eat because I don't want to go back to the pain and the meds.
ReplyDeleteWith all of this though, I am now just like you trying to be happy with who I am and just be healthy. I am trying to find clothes that fit, look nice, and are affordable.
You look great in the outfit today. For years, I have not wanted to tuck in a shirt, but you know what I am getting there, because you look great.
Free to be real....that is what I say we all need to do.
You are a smart woman! It's really all about how we feel and how healthy we are. I agree with you...you have to know where your smart spot is and try to stay there. I'm currently 6 or 7 lbs. over my smart spot but I'm working on it. Zumba tonight. :)
ReplyDeletePatty, Once I went to Jenny Craig...I lost the weight...but soon realized I would never be as thin as my young years. I have decided to truly try to lose the 20 pounds the dr. asked me too....it's still heavier than when I was 30..but it will be just fine. I want some extra weight...So I will not be weighing in at 135. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I've struggled with weight since I was 10 years old.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to reboot and refocus on health every now and then.
ReplyDelete