I'm coming up on my 4 year anniversary of the day I started my weight loss of over 100lbs, that means for 3 years now I've been able to maintain that loss...have I been perfect? No, but I don't need to be perfect, I just need to be the new person I am. I was asked the other day (as I am often asked), "Are you afraid of gaining the weight back?", this question drives me freakin' crazy! It drives me crazy because it's so typical that people expect former fat people to get fat again! When a fat person loses a large amount of weight, the common response is always, "I wonder how long it will be before they put the weight back on?", not, "I wonder IF they'll put some weight back on"...I'm guilty of this sort of thinking myself!
I know the odds are not in favor of keeping weight off, especially extreme amounts of weight. So why am I not afraid of gaining the weight back?
I am not afraid of being fat again. I will never be 250lb+ again, never. Why not? Because I am not that person anymore, I'm just not. But that doesn't mean I don't remember that 250lb+ person....I will never forget where I came from. Just because I don't "live" there anymore doesn't mean I forgot what it was like. I understand it, I don't judge it. And I don't care what kind of trainer, dietician, nutritionist you are, if you've never had to lose a large amount of 
weight, then you can't possibly relate to someone who does, in a way that understands that it's about more than food....it's about eating, and the it's about the disconnection with our bodies.
weight, then you can't possibly relate to someone who does, in a way that understands that it's about more than food....it's about eating, and the it's about the disconnection with our bodies.Sure, a motivated person can find the kind of willpower and discipline it takes to reduce calories and exercise to lose weight, but motivation only lasts so long....and then what? You have to change who you are, you have to change how you think about food and eating, and you have to change how you live, permanently. Someone who's never had to do this can only offer the "calories in, calories out" theory.
Many people that have never had to lose weight aren't even healthy themselves, they're just thin, or of a "normal" weight. They can eat any kinds of foods they want, many times processed foods, they don't feel as if they need to pay attention to the quality of the foods they consume, or they just don't think about it. I've had to become conscious of the foods I choose, and the way I eat....lucky me!
Awareness and consciousness is always a good thing. Once you know the difference, you can never "un-know". I will never un-know what it was like to be extremely overweight, and for that I am grateful!
26 comments:
Tracy, you're not only at an amazing weight but you will live a LONG and healthy life. I bet all your other vitals like cholesterol levels are fantastic as well.
Beautifully put. No other words, but lots of admiration and respect.
I sit here in awe with the cursor blinking at me as I try to find the words that explain my deepest admiration for you and my feeling of oneness with ya!
Your insight is amazing. No truer words have ever been spoken than 'a disconnection with our bodies'. That is the EXACT reason I ended up weighing what I did, and I am sure others too. KB's have really put me back in touch with my body, I think that is the biggest reason I love them so much. Mental software. \m/
Thanks for sharing all that you do, you are so inspiring on so many levels it's insane! :)
Those of us who have lost over 100lbs are definitely a breed in ourselves that no one from the outside can relate to. You make changes in your life that are both physical and mental that people don't understand. I learned most of myself from the mental part of this transformation. I too will never be where I was. NEVER! It was a stepping stone in my life, yes, but just that a stepping stone to now my path of healthy and happy living through good eating and great exercising-no matter what kind-kb's, biking, running, walking, snowshoeing, swimming, etc....
Beautiful Tracy, thank you.
Great post...I don't have 100+ pounds to lose, but I do need work on how I see food in order to lose it. Thanks for the insight! :) And congrats on the 3 year anniversary!
You always inspire Tracy. You have a bit of a fan club in my classes, and they love/hate when I tell them "Today we will train Tracy Rif-style".
They know it means a LOT of work, a LOT of swings and a LOT calories burned.
Thank you.
You are so right Tracy. As you know with your enormous weight loss you are an inspiration to so many people. I have worked with many "skinny fat" ladies who know nothing about nutrition. It's quite sad, because some of these women think they don't have any problems with their eating. I think it's such a gift that this experience gave you the passion to learn about the wonders of natural foods and hard workouts. You now know you can accomplish ANYTHING with all the hard work and sweat you have put in to this! I don't know how life can be much better than that. 8-)
Thank you for being such an inspiration to all! I'm hoping to see a book from you about changing your life. 8-)
Jo,
As I often say, I only wanted to be skinny when I started this, the fact that I regained a health I never knew was the bonus...big time!
thanks for the coupons!
Leslie,
Thanks so much for all of your comments and support.
PS I'm waiting for the delivery of a new cookbook..."vegetarian cooking for the pressure cooker" Not that I need a cookbook...it's for research ,lol
jen g,
I'm convinced that the disconnection with our body is what keeps us from exercising.
When you carry bodyweight you don't need it's heavy! And moving it around is uncomfortable! But we must move....we must re-connect, or we stay in denial of the damage we do to our physical bodies with food and eating.
Diana,
Those of us that have carried or carry 100lbs + on our bodies are a breed in ourselves, I don't differentiate between the two.
We all have the potential to gain it, lose it , maintain it, that is what I never forget.
Pamela,
You get it!
Haley,
One of the problems with food is that there's just too much of it, and we think we "should" be able to have what we want.
And, as I've experienced recently, 10 lbs can be just as difficult than 100. (maybe not, but you get the point)
iron dave,
lots of calories burned.....
I think you are the one that said this "You can't out-snatch a donut!"
The first key is to not take in so many calories!
Eat lots of seaweed salad in Japan!
Lauren,
I also know alot of people in the business of nutrition that don't take the time to cook and prepare their own foods, still relying on conveniece health foods, like bars and powders, shakes and even supplements, instead of fresh live foods. There's nothing fresh or natural about bars and powders.
With obesity this country's fastest growing health issue, how can our kids learn to feed them selves (and that means cooking and preparing foods at home) if their mothers and fathers can't lead by example?
PS I find it interesting that this blog post is about "relatability" and your use of the word "enormous" when describing my weightloss. You shouldn't use the word "enormous" unless you've been "enormous", coming from a skinnny chick (you), it boarders on insulting. It's kind of like, when a skinny person says "Wow! You lost a TON of weight!" (think about it!)
And as far as being an inspiration to anyone because of such an "enormous" weight loss, I have plenty of clients that have called me for training because they're interested in creating a level of fitness based on my style of training....NEVER knowing that I have ever weighed as much as I did.
Not to mention the respect my workouts get from anyone who's tried to duplicate them....man or woman, skinny or fat, young or old.
Thanks Tracy, for continuing to be a voice. I soooo agree with and relate to the "I will never be xxx lbs again". The journey to becoming fit and healthy does change you and the choices you make. You continue to inspire, motivate and enthuse us all.
Is this "my Marla"?
What's up? February RKC right?
I came back from the Sept cert a different person! And I only assisted!
Tracy,
My comment to you was only positive and from the heart. I truly apologize for using a word that came across incorrectly to you. I NEVER in a million years would have thought about it that way, and I am sorry that my praise to you came in as negative.
I only wish the majority of people in this country, including myself, had the time to prepare EVERY meal fresh and did not have to rely on any type of protein powder. Unfortunately with raising kids and working over time we don't always have that option or priority. I am lucky to be able to prepare my lunches and dinners as fresh as possible. I agree with you that fresh food is a million times better than shakes. I would never argue with that.
I know your workouts are super intense. As I said in my comment "hard work and sweat you put in to this". Meaning your hard intense workouts. So I know that's a true reason why people are inspired to train with you. Not just because of the weight loss you have accomplished. 8-) Please know I'm on your side!!!
Surfed in from someone elses blog, and read this article.
Well done, keep up the good work youve put in
Phil
http://www.bathkettlebellbootcamp.com
Hi Tracy...I just happened upon your blog while searching for health and fitness blogs. I am intrigued and your blog is an inspiration to me especially now in my life as I have lost 60 pounds and still have about 80 more to go...and struggling. Your take on motivation and lifestyle/personal change (October 24th post) is exactly what I needed to read at this point. I love the fact that you completely changed who you were...that is what I am striving to do as well. I just signed up to take courses to become a personal trainer..I can't wait to see where this brings me in my life.
Im going to follow your blog..
Thank you.
Debi
Second Journey
Tracy, you are an inspiration.
What a great transformation.
fast loans
Thanks for good sharing. The sharing in your blog is nice.http://crossoverglobal-event.dk/
Excellent theory thanks Multi-attackers Street combat
Post a Comment