Pressure to be Thin

Two time U.S. National Champion Gracie Gold recently placed 5th place in Skate America. That is a huge accomplishment in its own right! But Gracie was disappointed. Her reason?

“You don’t often see — there aren’t that many — you just don’t see overweight figure skaters for a reason. It’s just something I’ve struggled with this whole year and in previous seasons."

It really hurts my heart that the 21-year-old considers herself overweight. To the regular person's eye she looks slender and fit. In her mind's eye- she is overweight.

While I say that, I also understand we all need to feel comfortable in our own skin.

A while back when I was feeling really good about myself I was told by several people- "don't get any skinnier". Was that about their vision of me or was I really looking too thin? I had been in great shape but actually on the high end of government standards. On the flipside- I've been told that same exact comment when I have felt I was "overweight" and was considered so on that same set of government standards.

So, how do we deal with this? I guess I'd say live your life! If you feel that you need to lose some weight- work toward making you- your best self. If you are happy with where you are- keep taking steps to honor your body. But, whatever your path- do it for you. Try not to do it to respond to a perceived standard that you need to live up to. And- don't forget to lift up your beautiful friends! Help them find their inner goddess too!

I believe Gracie has a promising future even if she doesn't competitive skate. I hope she sees that value in herself as well.

If you'd like to read more about Gracie and her candid comments about weight. Click HERE.

 

Weighty Discussion

Winter can suck the life out of any healthy eating intentions. I've been highly aware of that the last few weeks as I've "cheated" with one too many cookies or treats. The good news is I'm working out like crazy- so I'm pretty sure I'm holding steady- but I heard a saying "Summer bodies are made in the winter" and I really thought I'd embrace that this winter. Ahhh but those darn sweets.

So yesterday I thought I'd jump on the scale and do a reality check. I tapped it to turn on... nothing. I tapped it again... nothing. I pounced it with my foot... still nothing. I picked it up and looked for a secret button, nothing- so I put it down and tapped again.... NOTHING. I had a moment of panic---- my scale is BROKEN!!!

Now, mind you- my scale is probably 20 years old. No joke- I think I've moved it from state to state with me for years. It's time to get a new one. The problem is, and ladies you can identify with this, when you weigh on a particular scale for a certain amount of time- that weight becomes the golden standard. You come to know and be familiar with a specific number on the scale- whether it's the true number- that doesn't matter- it's true in your universe.

What if you get on the scale and it says you're 5lbs heavier???? Seriously- this is a real possibility. This is now a real possibility for me. Now- the flip side is- I may see I weigh less on my new scale- and therefore I will love and adore my new scale and say that old one needed to go a long time ago! But lets face it- how likely is that to happen? **sigh***

I am not going to lie- I'm dreading getting a new one. Wish me luck.

Biggest Loser Is Back

The Biggest Loser is back! I have to admit- I'm really excited about it. I have always loved how inspiring this show is. It transcends a message bigger than just losing weight for me. It's about breaking down walls, persistence, acceptance, forgiveness, strength, weakness and empowerment. I think it takes courage for these people to put themselves out there in such a vulnerable way.

Yes- some of them are looking for fame- but along the way the gain so much more- and if they use that fame to help others it's all worth it in the end.

Did you know the number 1 resolution is to lose weight? Last year I set the "Goal" to lose some weight. I was ready. I was tired of being tired and an insomniac and wanted to go back to a time where I felt good about myself. I also wanted to be a healthy role model to my children who are crazy active and athletic. How can mom not be just like them?

I remember watching this show and transforming along with the cast. I thanked goodness I didn't need to lose as much as the people on the show but I also knew I would face some of the same challenges as they would about losing and keeping the weight off. Now here I am a year later, still down at my goal I'm ready to watch a season- looking for inspiration to keep it off. Losing it is easy peeps- it's keeping it off that's hard! I'll be looking for inspiration once again from the cast and crew.

It airs Sunday nights on NBC.

Do you watch this show too? Is is your goal to lose weight and get healthy this year? Or do you want to take your physical fitness up a notch? I'd love to hear from you.