A couple of months ago I was asked to come speak at my Weight Watchers meeting location as part of the Open House. They had three members who have been successful on the program come and tell their story and I was THRILLED to be part of the program. While I was telling my story a few photos were snapped and I'd sort of been thinking about what to do with them because they are kind of dramatic... and then I read a post that I published back in 2011 about going through clothes that were now too big. I'd said that I wanted to have a private "look how much weight I've lost" moment with them. It wasn't quite so private since I did it in front of a crowd but it's still shocking...
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| Yes, those are pants that I actually wore prior to joining Weight Watchers |
It got me to think... now what? I realize that I am not at goal yet (a little over 5 pounds away) but I want to think ahead and set my expectations. There are things about my body that I don't like and I look at myself in the mirror and wonder what other people think. I question whether some clothes is appropriate on me or not. I mean, do people notice that my legs are very jiggly when I'm running or biking? Does anyone think that the sleeves on that shirt are too short and it shows off my batwing arms?
Now, don't get me wrong there are certain parts of my body that I've started to come to terms with. I will continue to work out and push myself but at some point some of it won't change. The reality is that for 30+ years I abused my body with food and drink and it compensated by continually growing and that isn't going to go away without surgery. I have begun to notice (it also helped when my fabulous chiropractor commented on my hamstring muscle definition) that my legs are pretty muscular and they've gotten me through half marathons, glacier treks and more! I am beginning to love them.
I've also been spending more time strength training and can start to see baby biceps and while I still feel completely weak in my upper body I know that muscles are beginning to develop and while I may never have perfect arms they are mine. They "pull" me through miles when my legs start to tire so that I can finish those long runs.
This is all my way of saying that as part of my partnership with Fitfluential I am thrilled to be taking part in the Under Armour #WhatsBeautiful campaign for the second year in a row and over the next several weeks/months I want to really learn to appreciate my body.
Now, don't get me wrong there are certain parts of my body that I've started to come to terms with. I will continue to work out and push myself but at some point some of it won't change. The reality is that for 30+ years I abused my body with food and drink and it compensated by continually growing and that isn't going to go away without surgery. I have begun to notice (it also helped when my fabulous chiropractor commented on my hamstring muscle definition) that my legs are pretty muscular and they've gotten me through half marathons, glacier treks and more! I am beginning to love them.
I've also been spending more time strength training and can start to see baby biceps and while I still feel completely weak in my upper body I know that muscles are beginning to develop and while I may never have perfect arms they are mine. They "pull" me through miles when my legs start to tire so that I can finish those long runs.
This is all my way of saying that as part of my partnership with Fitfluential I am thrilled to be taking part in the Under Armour #WhatsBeautiful campaign for the second year in a row and over the next several weeks/months I want to really learn to appreciate my body.
I am really hoping you'll join me and we can encourage each other to reach and exceed our goals. I know that having the support of friends, both in real life and via social media, as well as family and teammates has really helped me succeed in the last three years, so let's keep it going. To join the What's Beautiful Campaign. Once you've created your profile you can also join my team so that we can really support each other. I'd also encourage you to ask your friends and family to join in because reaching our goals is way more fun when done with others rather than alone.
you are lovely inside and out Jen! and so inspiring! i was 5 lbs from goal when we did the show together and still was not happy with myself. i have learned alot since that day especially since gaining back quite a bit of weight. i feel we women are our own worst critics and we need to love ourselves for the people we are today! Keep inspiring girlfriend!!- Mercedes
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing transformation! And where I come from, five pounds away from goal is pretty much at goal. WELL DONE! So as far as an answer to the question, "What is beautiful", I would have to answer ... you.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been doing weight watchers as well. Combined we have lost 108 lbs. It seems almost impossible...until you realize its so uncomplicated. I love how far we've come. I love hearing (and seeing) success stories. You've got a new blog follower :) Keep it up and good luck in meeting your goal!
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