Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can. – Unknown
Okay, so I admit….I was hooked on the show The Biggest Loser
and watched the whole finale last night (instead of blogging!) And Helen Phillips, the 48 year old winner of The Biggest Loser 2009 lost 140 pounds and 54.5% of her body weight – going from 257 pounds to 117. I’m sorry but she really ended up too thin! I guess the name of the show dictates that weight loss is the ultimate goal – this is the problem of extremes and “the game” and a reward of $250,000. (I also think it’s ironic that she’s now featured for the “Got Milk” commercials, since one of several health risks of being too thin is osteoporosis. She better drink milk to protect those bones!!!)
The show really has been life changing for the contestants and across the world. And most of the contestants were forced to discuss and address the reasons for neglecting self-care, lack of exercise and poor eating but what about the rest of us? If your goal is purely to lose weight and the reason why is about your appearance – you might be setting yourself up for failure. Look at the ads out there and the “Photo Shopped” unrealistic ideals portrayed in the media.
Okay, I could go on for a while about all that but my point is:
- Decide what’s important
- Let go of unrealistic ideals
- Be kind to yourself but disciplined
- Make a commitment to self-care and wellness for the right reasons
- Include yourself in the priority line-up and take baby steps without guilt
- Exercise because it feels good, it makes you feel good, and it gives you the energy and vitality to give back to your family, your friends and your community. You’ll be surprised…if you don’t already enjoy exercise or some “you” time, you will!!
- Your children will learn that it’s okay to value yourself and your health – and that you are probably happier and better able to “stay present” when you are with them!
- Instead of criticising or finding fault with your body, be thankful and grateful what you do have and why. Yes, skin loses elasticity as we age but I’m so thankful to be aging and to have time to live, love and laugh! Yes, I have some stretch marks, but are my two children worth it? Absolutely!! (Okay some days they sure make me crazy but I can’t imagine life without them!!
