Those frustrating three pounds
Summer is here so I reached
for a pair of Capri pants and OMG they must have shrunk since last year. Could
it be, I have gained weight? No: I am conscientious about my meals, I live
gluten free, I exercise regularly, but wait; the scale agrees with my Capris, I
have gained three pounds. This does not sound like a big deal, but I have a motto:
if you can’t get rid of, those first two excess pounds, how are you going to
get rid of the next ten? “When food is tasty it is hard to resist, but a moment
on the lips can become a lifetime on your hips”.
I worked in health care and
witnessed first hand the debilitating effects excess weight can have on your
body. The more over weight you become the more problems you incur. I watched
some of the most wonderful people, including my own mother, struggle with the
side effects of over weight. Hypertension, cardiac problems, rising blood
sugar, diabetes, joint issues, and the worst of all, diminished vision: from
diabetic retinopathy.
People would never have
guessed that my mom and I were mother and daughter. Mom was short and round,
and olive complexioned, where as I am tall, thin and fair. Mom loved to savor
the taste of food, it was her addiction: she just couldn’t refuse a second
portion of anything she enjoyed. Her love of food caused diabetes, hypertension
and strokes that eventually caused her death. I vowed never to allow food to
ruin my life. The best exercise you can do is push yourself away from the food
on the dining table.
It is a fact; metabolism and
hormones can influence weight. Homeostasis is the plateau at which the body
feels comfortable. You do not have to be pencil thin; your weight should be
appropriate for your wellbeing. When the desired weight should be less than the
plateau the body is used to, the effort to lose those extra pounds requires
diligence. It is no secret; changes in hormones, thyroid function, aging, medications and
other factors can impact your weight. If a doctor conducts tests and the
results indicate no physical explanation for weight gain then you have to look
at your diet and exercise regimen. Your doctor may recommend a visit to a dietician
to assist you with the appropriate diet for your needs and goals. There are
many diets to choose from and a dietician can help you select the appropriate
diet to suit your needs.
In my circumstance there are
no health concerns, just my desire not to let my weight snowball and become a
problem. I exercise and eat healthy, balanced meals, so how do I get rid of the
excess baggage? It boils down to fewer
calories or more exercise. For me, smaller portions are my solution. Eating
everything I normally eat, but smaller helpings. I replaced snacks with an
apple, pear or a few berries. This is not a quick fix; it took two weeks to shed the
first pound, but I did it without suffering hunger pangs or changes to my daily
routine. I will continue to cut back my intake until I reach my goal, then I
will maintain my weight with reduced potion size.
When it comes to issues with
weight you are not alone, there are solutions.
