The Reality of Weight-Loss

written by: Andrea Metcalf originally for FitStudio

Losing weight, especially if it’s a significant amount, makes you feel brand new. And confident. And grateful. And, at times, confused. In fact, you might wind up in some downright strange situations. Don’t be surprised; be prepared for the following.

The alias moment. Scenario A: If you’ve lost a lot of weight, you might walk past someone you knew when you were heavier, say hello, and he or she may not even recognize you. You think, I can’t look that different! Can I? Suddenly, you feel insecure. Scenario B: Someone meets you for the first time in your slimmer body and cannot believe that you’ve been overweight. You think, I wouldn’t lie about that! Insecurity creeps in again. My advice: Take both reactions as compliments. Be ready to accept the notoriety, while you can. Your time in the spotlight will be brief (see below).

New body blues. Similar to the excitement of having a baby, the elation of losing weight eventually dissipates, leaving you with a major case of the blahs. Here’s why: Being the center of attention makes your success feel new, especially to you. When people stop noticing, you feel invisible. My suggestion is to start a bliss jar. Blissologist, Kym Douglas, advocates that you write down small acts of kindness that you encounter each day and place them into a jar. When you’re having a “humph day,” read a blissful memory to boost your mood.

Reflection rejection. You may find that, even after you’ve lost the weight, you still have the same hang-ups and fears you had when you were larger. It’s as if your mind is still overweight. Here’s when it’s time to reach out for help. Ask those closest to your heart to give you the extra reinforcement you need. Sometimes it’s best to be reminded that you’re loved and cherished no matter how you look.

Big, fat debt. Yes, you’re allowed to celebrate your new body by going on a major shopping spree. However, be careful not to break the bank and add an extra stress that could lead you back to unhealthy behaviors, like comfort-eating. Remember, you’re in this new body for the long haul. You have the rest of your life to adjust.