Ok, Ladies – this one is for you. Guys – go back to Paleo Marine and revel in your luck at being male for a bit or go find some new recipes to try on the Favorites page. You can come back next week and I might have something for you.
<begin female rant>
Ok, so ladies, this is the reality check for those of you who have struggled with your weight your entire life. Here are a few truths that I can confidently say given my last 2 1/2 years with E.J:
- Keeping weight off is just as hard (if not harder) than losing it.
- It never comes off as fast as it is put on
- Men can always reach their weight goals faster, with way less effort (like most things in life)
I know this sounds a bit catty, but I’m dealing with menstrual cramping and bloating while EJ’s shedding 2-4 lbs a day since we returned from our trip. It’s just so not fair.
I’m doing everything right – I picked up my running routine in the mornings and prepped all of our meals for the week. I am avoiding snacking and watching my portion sizes. I am avoiding sugars, dairy, and alcohol and still am only down 3 lbs from my post-vacation weight.
Logically, I know that the weight is clinging because of my cycle, and yes, I know it takes longer for women’s bodies to let go of it, and yes, I realize that all I need to do is just stay the course and eventually things will work the way they’re supposed to, but damn it, this just sucks.
When I was losing the weight a few years ago, I was able to have more patience with the fits and starts – because I had already come so far, it was easier to grant myself the grace to accept when my body worked against me, but right now the combination of all of my clothes being tighter or just not wearable and E.J.s success in dropping the weight is making me want to scream. It’s almost enough to go climb inside a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, regardless of how gross it will make me feel afterward.
I’m not gonna… I’m just saying I’m a grown woman and you can’t stop me 😉
So if any of you were under the illusion that weight loss with Paleo was somehow easy, or that it’s easier to maintain and/or re-lose it after it was lost initially, I can tell you it’s not. I struggle with it every day just like anyone else, and I have days like today when I could really use a good glass of wine or three, but I stick to it for 3 reasons:
- I really like the feeling when I look in the mirror or at a photograph of myself and like what I see
- I know that this frustration and weight gain is temporary
- I am super competitive, and I refuse to let E.J. win 🙂
Let’s face it, it’s probably mostly that last one…
Ok, I’m done. I’m sure next week I’ll feel much better and have some nice new recipes to share!
<end rant>
Oh, this made me laugh (the last point, actually). I’m super proud of you, and I’ve said it often on my blog, to anyone who will listen or asks, and to you that your support is why I have the successes I’ve enjoyed. Without you, I would have failed a long time ago. My success is every bit yours and then some. I know you will drop the weight as soon as your current cycle is over, and then you’ll be right back where you want to be. My weight loss was more dramatic because it was mostly water weight, and I did a lot more drinking than you did over the past two weeks. I think my hot streak is over, though, and these last 12 lbs will be much more difficult to lose. I will be the one crying on your shoulder by this time next week, I’m sure!
I could have written this myself! I work out (very hard) five days a week! Sometimes twice a day! I’ve done Whole30 multiple times and been strict Paleo months on end and I do not see any of the success I hope for. Don’t get me wrong I always FEEL amazing when I eat clean, but the weight doesn’t come off. Michael on the other hand decided to give up junk food and BAM 30lbs is gone and he’s kept it off! And to top if all off, now when I do eat, no matter how little or how much, I suffer after and feel like I’ve eaten a horse – it’s like what I eat doubles in my stomach So…the last few months I’ve almost given up…I eat bread occasionally and rice. I still don’t eat pasta or sugar, but I am definitely not following a Paleo diet now. I still work out daily and do see gains there a lot. And I am not just talking scale b/c I know “Muscle weighs more than fat” – I am talking size of my midsection, which is a place I’ve never carried weight, but all of a sudden do now! WTH happened!?!?!?!?
Sherry – you’ve done amazing and you look amazing with your Paleo journey and should feel extremely proud of yourself! Remember to put these battles now in perspective and look back on how far you’ve come – relish in that to help you get through the times until you’re back on track again!
Thanks, Hannah! I know there are lots of other women out there that are fighting the good fight too, and a little perspective & commiseration always good. I know I can do this. I just have to “put my big girl pants on” (like my friend Annie says) and stay the course. 🙂