Weight Loss is the Ultimate Challenge

Weight loss as an ultimate challenge. For some people, including myself, it has always been a struggle. However, as an adult I would have given anything to be like I was when I was younger, but at that time, I still thought I was too heavy. I guess I always thought I was too heavy.

I also have struggled through different weight losses. I remember in my college days I was the thinnest I remember, although I didn't eat well. Then I gained weight and it was always an emotional issue for me. I always felt like a failure about my weight and I had people in my life who did not accept me as heavier, although I really wasn't that heavy. I lost weight in my 20's and felt really good, but then came 3 children. Well, I felt bigger immediately when pregnant - I wasn't one of those people who could get a little stomach, I got bigger from the head down. After that, I never returned to a desired weight, even though I worked on it and went through different programs. I also would not begin a program until I knew I was determined to lose weight - that this was the time. I had heard that ups and downs are harder on the body and the heart. But unfortunately, I would lose some pounds and then return to bad habits and regain it and more, just like all the advertising says. It is true. And as we get older and as women hit menopause, weight becomes a bigger struggle. Those who have great metabolisms are very fortunate.

I also believe the world around us must be a factor. I can sit somewhere and watch people go by or really, anywhere, and America is truly getting heavier. I'm not sure it is just about being sedentary. I think it must be the chemicals and preservatives everywhere. One would think evolution would take care of some of the change in lifestyle from a farming, labor population to a working on computer population. But it is becoming a crisis. I think we are just getting bigger as a population - feet are bigger, hands are bigger, etc. Unfortunately, waistlines are bigger also.

So, what is there to do? One of the important issues is that I think we need to quit judging ourselves as a failure for being overweight and telling others not to judge us. Each individual has no idea what it is like for another person. As I observe people, I have come to the conclusion that fat just is... some of us are blessed with it and some of us are blessed with a thinner body. Is it necessarily our fault - does it mean we just pig out, or is it their fault they are thin. How many times have we heard about the person who eats anything and everything and doesn't gain a pound! Not fair.

But if we forgive ourselves, decide we want to be healthy and active and go for that, then that is enough. We may not lose all the weight and be a thin person, but are we happy because we are doing something for ourselves. I know I always feel better once I am active.

Activity also increases endorphins, which make us feel better, and more likely to inspire increased motivation. Do what you are comfortable with and don't judge yourself by others' terms. Ask yourself what you need and/or wa