This post is by OYS writer Alexis from Trading Cardio for Cosmos. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram sharing her awesome weight loss tips and motivation!! She’s lost over 100lbs so she has lots to share!
I started my weight loss journey in November of 2014, and I’ve kept my 100+ pound weight loss off for more than one year.
Throughout this journey, there have been so many tremendously proud, powerful, sad, funny, discouraging, and downright shocking moments.
As prepared as I tried to make myself, there are some things I wish I had known before they happened.
Here are 10 things nobody told me before starting my 100lb weight loss journey.
#1. Your feet will shrink.
I’ve always had big feet, and the heavier I got the more I needed a 1/2 size bigger or wider shoe. I was not prepared when my feet started to shrink and my shoes started falling off.
I looked like some crazed Cinderella walking out of not one, but both of my shoes!
#2. A food you used to be able to eat may now cause tummy troubles.
I never had an issue with sweets before, but carbs and grease were surefire winners in my book! Having gone so long without a greasy hamburger, I was a total mess the first time I ate one, and overdoing it on pasta will leave me lethargic for at least 24 hours.
I’ve learned the only way to enjoy these items without GI distress is by eating sensible portions in moderation.
#3. People will treat you differently.
Sometimes it feels amazing and sometimes it feels awkward as hell. People who are genuinely surprised and excited for you and your health are amazing, but I’ve found that men who pay me attention now that wouldn’t have looked my way before just come off creepy.
If I wasn’t good enough before, you’re not good enough now.
#4. Your palate will change.
I have a list of food items I didn’t like before my weight loss and today I can tolerate or even like most of these foods. Spicy foods, carrots, mushrooms, trout…
As I fed my body healthier options, it started to crave different flavors and I just ran with it! More healthy options are always a good thing in my book!
#5. You will still have times when you eat junk and beat yourself up about it.
Last weekend I attended three barbecues, a rehearsal dinner, and a wedding. About halfway through the second BBQ, I forgot that I’m not good at grazing and just ate mindlessly for the next three days.
So old habits definitely still creep in on occasion and the most important thing you can do is acknowledge the mistake, forgive yourself and then get right back to the healthy habits you know work for you!
#6. You will find yourself stronger, happier, and more self-confident.
So ok, maybe you know to expect this one but do you know how radically it can change your relationships? Having always been the sidekick, the funny one, etc, I surprised myself when I started to realize I tolerated so many rude or inconsiderate comments and treatment when I was heavier.
I started to seek out adventures and opportunities I wouldn’t have dreamed of before, and that intimidated a lot of my friends and peers.
I started to stand up for myself and not put myself in situations where I felt uncomfortable or unwelcome, which changed a lot of my relationships, both with friends and family.
#7. You will go out of your way to spend more money on healthy options.
I cannot stand having to pay more for egg whites or to substitute a side salad for French fries, but I do it because I’m worth it and healthy eating is a priority for me.
I make my morning coffee, breakfast, lunch, and snacks at home, and that saving covers the additional cost of eating healthy when dining out.
#8. You will get bold about asking friends and family what’s for dinner, suggesting healthier alternatives, or bringing your own food.
When I first started losing weight I didn’t want anyone to know. Which, in hindsight, is insane because if I was successful everyone would know, right?
Over time I have found myself more willing to suggest healthy alternatives like a chicken sausage in addition to pork or grilled veggies instead of potato salad.
I’m also much more willing to just bring my own healthy options. I make enough to share, of course, and then I know I have healthy options on the tailgate buffet!
#9. Your skin is not going to go back to what it might have been before, no matter what you do.
Losing -100lbs with intense cardio helped me take the weight off more evenly and cleanly, but I still have areas on my upper arms, thighs, and belly that are never going to be 100% taut.
But I can work to make them more tone. I’m more healthy, and that has always been worth a little loose skin to me.
#10. It is going to take longer than you think.
This journey is going to be full of ups and downs, on the scale and in life.
But if you give yourself the same time, patience, energy, and love you show the world, there is nothing you can’t do!
What do you think? What are some lessons you’re learning through your weight loss journey?