Celebrate Non Scale Victories - 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe

Often we get so hung up on what the scale says that we forget about the other things we have accomplished.  Every positive change that we experience during our weight loss or fitness journey isn't going to register on the scale.

It doesn't mean that these accomplishments are any less important.

I was reminded of a non scale victory recently.  I just realized that I am able to buckle my sandals with ease.  Something that most people take for granted was a major challenge for me when I was obese.  Many years ago, shoes with buckles were my arch nemesis.  Regardless of this fact, I still tortured myself by purchasing strappy sandals.  I had so much stomach and chest fat that it was difficult for me to bend over to fasten my shoes.  I'd either have to:

1:  Pre buckle the shoes, then slide my feet inside (often catching a cramp in my foot because the effort was extremely awkward).
2:  Bend my leg behind me backwards (on the bed or couch) and try to buckle the shoe from the side.
3: Solicit a friend to buckle the shoe for me.

Clearly #3 was the most preferred method, but unfortunately I wasn't always given that option.

For many years this was the story of my life.  I've been able to buckle my shoes normally for quite some time now.  However, it just registered last week that I had come a long way!


I know we all want to see the big changes on the scale and in our clothing sizes.  In the meantime, take a moment to reflect on the changes that you HAVE made in: strengthening your body,  losing inches, building muscle, building stamina and making healthier food choices.

For some, this journey may be a long one.  Don't just focus on one definition of success. The scale isn't the be all, end all! 

What are some of your non scale victories?

The nail...

How bad does it hurt?

I've heard several variations of this story over the years. I see a lot of similarities in this short narrative and how many of us approach weight loss or lifestyle changes.

One day a man was walking down the street on his way to work.  There were dogs sitting on just about every front porch.  They would bark at him as he passed.  There was one dog that only whimpered and whined when he went by.  The man was curious why this particular dog whimpered instead of barking. After about a week of observing this behavior the man saw the dog's owner sitting on the porch.  <Man approaches house>
Man:  What's wrong with your dog? Everyday I go by he's whimpering.
Owner: He's laying on a nail.
Man: Well, why doesn't he just get up?
Owner:  It's not hurting him bad enough.

                              When will you decide to move off your nail?

I constantly hear people complaining about their weight gain, health and the fact they don't have the quality of life they would like.  However, with some people...complaining is the only action that they take. This complaining is very similar to the whining that the dog on the front porch did. If the situation is truly uncomfortable for you, GET OFF THE NAIL!
It's just that simple.  Getting off the nail doesn't mean that there is going to be an overnight metamorphosis.  But, it does mean that you're tired enough of the issues that you have to initiate a change.

Trying and faltering a little, is better than becoming complacent.  I know there is safety in familiarity.  But there's also a hint of dysfunction when we are afraid to make changes that we know will only benefit us for the better.  Make a commitment to yourself to explore the endless possibilities that are out there, if you'd only get off the nail....

Weight loss, what's it worth to you?

So often I hear that people aren't willing to work out or change their eating habits because it is too much of a sacrifice.

What is the long term cost of being overweight?

In order for me to afford some of my wants I have to be willing to sacrifice in other areas.  I clip coupons and stalk grocery store circulars for deals on my favorite products.  I complete the surveys that restaurants print out on their bills/receipts so that I can qualify for discounts or deals later.  I rarely shop at major departments stores or retailers because I have to make every dollar count. Why??? Because I choose to drive a car that requires staggered tires and premium gas.  Because of my current vehicle choice, I have to be mindful in other areas of spending. I have a girlfriend that is Michael Kors crazy.  Purses, wallets,cell phone accessories and shoes. She has it all.  BUT she doesn't throw caution to the wind when she decides to splurge.  These are calculated purchases.  No one is trying to wind up in the poor house because they enjoy nice things.

So....why aren't we willing to sacrifice in order to be healthy? Eating recklessly and being inactive will 'cost' you in the long run.  It seems that many of us are willing to DEPLETE our health 'savings' with no regard to the long term effect.  Often times it is too late to start making deposits or investments on our health.  If you really like beef burgers, why not buy lean ground beef? If you don't want to give up pizza or an occasional piece of fried chicken shouldn't you be willing to offset calories in other areas?   Do you have a major sweet tooth?  Stop by your local bakery and get a 'slice' of cake or a cupcake versus bringing an entire cake home.  Instead of a half gallon of ice cream, buy the individual serving size cups.  The same way a person is willing to cut coupons or shop at a second hand store to be able to 'afford' their wants.  You should be willing to do the same when it comes to dieting and trying to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Check out this Documentary Soul Food Junkies by Byron Hurt.

Filmmaker Byron Hurt looks at the past and future of soul food - from its roots in Western Africa, to its incarnation in the American South, to its contribution to modern health crises in communities of color. Soul Food Junkies also looks at the socioeconomics of the modern American diet, and how the food industry profits from making calories cheap, but healthy options expensive and hard to find.

7 days... 7 lbs

Ha! I actually stuck to an eating clean plan for a week.  I'm happy to announce I've also lost seven pounds in the process.  I'm extremely excited about what the next few weeks will produce.  I'm not approaching this from a dieting perspective.  This is a lifestyle change that I plan to adopt for the long haul.  I  feel better and stronger in this small period of time.

Soooo... I'm one of "them"

Major Inches Gone

Size 26 pants!!!!

Wow, really?  I just realized a few days ago that I am one of "them".  Someone who has lost a substantial amount of weight and can stand in one pants leg of an old outfit.. Left me a little speechless.  When did this happen?  Yes, I'm elated the weight is off.  No, I never realized I was so heavy that I even came from that place.  Geez... why didn't anyone tell me?  Oh yeah, my wrath.  I guess they couldn't chance that.  I'm blessed to have come this far no doubt,  but I thought the standing in the old fat pants was reserved for people like Jared on the Subway commercial.  OMG!  I'm one of them!