Be An Encourager

One sentence, five words:  I need to lose weight.

Saying that statement starts a chain reaction of thoughts and feelings.  There are some people that will also have some thoughts about that.

You may hear many things and not all are encouraging.  With this being my second time around, I get to hear it twice!

Everyone is too concerned with weight.  Most runners can run great with more weight on them.  You might want to watch how much weight you lose. 

That may be muscle and not fat.

 Honey, lecture time. You're not supposed to go by weight cuz muscle weighs more than fat. If you're working out, you're building muscle so that would make the scale go up.

 I agree that weighing yourself is pointless cuz of so many other things going on. I kind of think that if you look at the numbers themselves, it may bother you more. My "scale" is how the clothing fits. Yes, I am goofy

Now those people, I'm sure, have good intentions.  However, when a person says I need to lose weight, it is for a reason and all the person wants to hear is encouragement.

You can do it!

Go, Brenda!!

Go for it!

Awesome, get it done!

I tell you that you can do what you set your mind to do.  Pay little attention to any comments that can bring frustration to you.  You will find people that will support and encourage you.  You will find those that will push you farther than you could ever have imagined.

I remember a very discouraging time when I was in my early 20's.

There was a EAS Challenge going on, Body For Life Challenge which still is going on. You get before photos holding a newspaper, take your measurements and send in your form.

I was excited to start the EAS challenge and made an appointment at a clinic in town.  The day I went in I had to get body fat testing done with caliper's, as this was required.  I figured this would be quick and painless, get the testing done and finish filling out the form.

Well, after the doctor took my measurements, he said I had too much body fat and needed to lose weight.  Okay, so what did I hear??? You're fat, lose weight.

I was mortified that I had high body fat, I really didn't think that I did!

 

 

So what did I do after I left the clinic?  I threw away my form.  My thought was,

"If I have that much body fat, then what is the point in trying."

Of course my attitude has changed since then.  There will always be something or someone that will get you thinking to quit, before you even start.  You have to know what it is that you want to do and set yourself firm.  Nothing, or no one, will deter you from your goal.

If you do not have a lot of confidence or self-esteem, then you will want to find a weight loss or fitness support group.

My support group these days is Dailymile and My Fitness Pal.

These are two great spots for encouragement and support.  And remember, to get support and encouragement, you have to give it.

Be An Encourager