Comments on: Sanity, Not Weight Loss: Finding Balance with Food, Part 4

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:50:04 +0000

Well said!! I have some fat here and there too. Perfection is way over-rated. I walk the dogs every day (about 45-50 mins) and do some basic strength training either at home or at the rec center. (I have to for my arthritis or I wouldn’t.) It’s taken years but today I think anyone’s opinion about my body fat and my problem areas is none of my business.

By: Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen

Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:52:46 +0000

I was just thinking about things like this today – and how we are lead to believe that “healthy” means having a certain fat percentage. But I found when I was eating healthy food – for me that is lots of good fats – fish, nuts, avocados, lean meats and dairy I was never going to reach that fat percentage. But when I reduced it I went insane. Now that I am back to eating in a way that keeps me sane, even though I work out almost daily, I still have a bit of fat here and there – but does that mean I am “unhealthy”? I can push my body to the limit and make it work for me – does having a little extra fat or some trouble zones, automatically make me “unhealthy” because I don’t have the “correct” body fat percentage? No. I think making my body work for me, and having stamina is a benchmark for how healthy physically I am – not a number on a scale, or a number on a pair of jeans.

By: Tracey

Tracey — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:48:31 +0000

Very thought-provoking post! I love the idea that it’s all about balance – which sometimes varies for me, depending on current circumstances. Right now I am in the process of making small changes in our family’s diet to improve our health. I’m trying to make more things from scratch and ensure that we always have fresh produce handy.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:21:05 +0000

Couldn’t agree more – and isn’t it great to do things that you couldn’t have done when you were heavier??

By: Sunny

Sunny — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:01:15 +0000

Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts. My cousins have also lost significant weight and yet all we talk about is getting to our goal weight and “being bad” over the weekend or vacation or whatever. I’m tired of thinking negatively when I can do things now that I would not have enjoyed 70 lbs ago…like dragon boating! Yet, I’m not terribly interested in starving or exercising like a maniac. It’s terribly important that people understand it has to be part of your daily life or it will drive you nuts and never stick.

PS I totally know that fear of gaining it back!