Summer has finally arrived 'round these parts, so I dug out some summer clothes stored from last year. It's not pretty, folks. I have to face an undeniable reality that my loose and stretchy winter sweaters let me ignore: I have gained weight.
I have been about the same weight my whole adult life. I might edge up a little over winter and then slim down a smidge in summer, but I until recently I could still fit some clothes from high school. Lately, however, I've been feeling like my good jeans are uncomfortable and my loose jeans have become good jeans. Ugh.
Last January, I had this idea that I would do video Pilates workouts every day. I wanted to observe if it impacted my physique, so like a good scientist I took my measurements as a baseline (the Pilates didn't produce measurable changes in four months' time). The other day I found the paper where I recorded those measurements, so I busted out the measuring tape to do a comparison. Whoa. I increased more than 2 inches everywhere but my bust (why isn't it ever in the bust first?).
I don't own a scale, so I have no idea how much I've gained. But the extra needs to go. I have had enough warning from observing the weight gain and subsequent dieting of a mom and four sisters to know what can happen if I blow it off. Not healthy.
I feel conflicted writing this post on this blog. It feels very anti-feminist to be fretting about a little weight gain. I don't think women need to be super slim to be successful or worthwhile. Also, I kinda feel like an ass for complaining about a few pounds after years of stable weight when so many people I know, probably including some readers, have fought their weight forever. So why do I care about a few extra pounds? Partly, I don't want to have to buy new clothes in a bigger size. Partly, I feel uncomfortable in a body that somehow feels less limber and lithe. Partly, I don't want my weight to get out of control so I develop knee problems like my mom. Partly, I feel like if my body was the same weight for so long, it was probably a healthy weight. And partly, I'm a little vain.
So, I'm going to start getting more exercise each day. The weather is good now so I can walk or jog outside. And I'll be more observant of WW points. EGM has been doing Weight Watchers for almost a year now but doesn't really count points. I think we should get back into that habit. I think what I'm noticing is the decreasing metabolism with age, because I don't feel like there has been a big change in my habits. Although clever readers may note that it is odd that this is coincident with adding chicken back into my diet in January.
8 comments:
Great Post. I feel the same way about my weight. It's a little bit vanity but I think mostly the lack of willingness to buy new clothes. I also don't feel in shape/active and I know the potential of what my body can look/feel like.
Inches is a better way of gaging weight than a number on the scale, the whole muscle weights more than fat deal.
We totally should have went for a walk today after lunch!
Oh, I hear you. Since moving to my new city, I no longer have the built in 30-40 minutes of exercise per day I was getting in grad school when I biked to work. I have gained 5 pounds in 5 months. Not happy.
Partly vain, partly not wanting to buy new clothes, yes, yes.
Don't feel bad about posting. I think an upside to being a scientist is being aware of our bodies and trying to keep them healthy.
Me too, slow gradual weight gain, big problem :-(
Loosing weight is easy in theory - calories in minus calories out needs to be nagative - but difficult in practise for all sorts of reasons.
Weight loss through dieting or excersice is apparently equally effective researchers say, but the latter method is probably healthier in the long run.
I would buy new clothes in a smaller size, you know, but that's unlikely to happen... for me it is a mixture of vain and health concerns. I've never been very slim, but while my weight is ok-ish, that flabby tummy really bothers me. It does go well with the flabby thighs, though :( The fact that I decreased my gym membership to once a months -- because we joined another sports club but subsequently left again -- doesn't help. I should get that up again. And stop eating when I'm full, no matter how good it tastes.
"decreasing metabolism with age"
Oh, yeah, that's a real phenomenon, all right. And it sucks.
Summer clothes season is a great incentive for weight loss, though. I should really be trying, as well. Good luck with your plans!
Yes to all of the above. A couple of years ago, I broke a rib getting off the couch. Massive pain and enforced inactivity broke me of a lovely habit of regular exercise. And despite a vague 'wish I'd do more' I've not only gained weight and bought more larger clothes, I'm still not back to pre-break condition.
Whatever it takes to get you where YOU feel healthy. Except, of course, excess...
Well, at least I'm not alone. :)
No you are not alone. Pilates is great. I used to do a video routine. Haven't been motivated to resume.
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