The Struggle to Lose Weight as an Adult Without Losing My Mind

November 17th, 2011 - By MN Editor

"Healthy eating"

While standing in a Walgreens taking photographs that resembled mug shots for my passport, I came to an interesting but somewhat sad realization a while back: boy, had I let myself go.

Not hair wise (my afro stays on point now that it’s big), but weight wise. I’m not sloppily put together at this juncture in my life, but just a few years ago I was considered slim and lean thanks to years of playing volleyball, basketball and just running like a madman (because that’s all you do in organized sports in high school). But once I hit college, things went downhill. There was no freshman 15. (Didn’t you hear? That’s a myth.) But there was the junior junk food year, when I moved into an apartment, no longer ate what was served in residence halls (like vegetables) and had to supply my own ish. BAD idea.

The day I knew I wasn’t a slim sistah anymore came around the time when my then boyfriend’s mother said to me, “You gaining a little weight aren’t you?” I thought she was just being a biggity bi***, until I went home for break and had my own mother say the exact same thing. OUCH. I guess you never really know when your butt is getting too wide until relatives let you know it.

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  • Elle

    This article was like an epiphany for me. After my third child, I have been struggling with the weight loss  for the past two years. I have tried diets along with grueling exercise days at the gym to see only miniscule results. While we were looking at old photos with my children and in-laws, we came across a photo of me in the Bahamas (when we only had one child). My husband said wow, that’s the old you in front of everyone and my mother-in-law said it’s amazing what a couple of kids can do. I was so livid that I excused myself to my bedroom stating that I felt ill until they left. I knew they were telling the truth but I was hurt and embarrassed to have my weight aired in front of everyone. I finally realized I have to move slow and steady to win the race. Thank you

  • http://twitter.com/19_more Jehan Whittaker

    Girl, tell it.  I’ve been muscular most of my life–till college. I lost 25+lbs when I became a vegetarian and worked toward having a healthier lifestyle in general. Over the last few years my line of work put me in the backcountry hiking for 4-8 miles a day, drinking plenty of water, and filling up my water bottles from streams and lakes.  In the woods my health is more urgently tied to my life; if I don’t take care of myself I might end up cramped up and laid up in the middle of nowhere.  I’ve tried to add that healthy food choices urgency to my daily life, but it’s hard.

    Now that I spend most of my time in the city I’ve had to find other ways to stay active. For the last few months it’s been boxing, before that, hot yoga. I’ve learned that I need to vary my “workouts” because I lose focus with the quickness.  Out here in Seattle, during the winter when it’s dark at 4, and rainy and cold.  I’m likely to curl up with nachos, a blanket and a movie on the daily.  It’s a constant struggle. I just need to ease up on the gluttony and forgive myself when I slip. Thanks for writing this.

  • Girliusmaximus

    Oh yes. I’m a victim of “belly syndrome” and have become chunky since leaving high school. Was blessed to only gain 17 lbs from my pregnancy that I lost (thank you Lord), but since I was a beef pot pie before I got pregnant that didn’t really matter. Trying now to get back to cooking real meals at home that includes more fresh veggies instead of running to a restaurant and staying away from the processed foods and sugary drinks. (It’s soooo hard). But I need to get back to being solid and tone. Gotta keep up with my little one and set a good example.

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  • http://afrocentrictimes.blogspot.com Mccray51751

    LOL this was hilarious because it is so true.  Women go through so much just being and then as we age every thing seems to be twice as hard.  I look at myself in a picture at age 16, and become so depressed.  Inwardly angry that I can’t eat what I want and not exercise without blowing up like the Goodyear blimp.  Screw those who say “you need to take responsibility” I’ve been responsible all my damn life and was hoping the last half I could finally relax . . but nooo.  Excellent article, well written and thanks for sharing.

  • astodghill

    I love this article too. As a “gym rat” — I prefer “urban athelte” — I actually enjoy going to the gym, but I only like classes. If I can’t take a class with my favorite teacher I don’t go. I remember during the recent hurricane watch in NYC, they had staffers spend the night at my gym, because the subways were closed. There were people that worked out the NIGHT of the hurricane alert, and then were up first this in the morning the next day, even though news reports urged people to be afraid of debris. I was like — I thought I was obsessed, but I’m not like them! But the point is to do what you like, and not be too crazy.

  • Fadzayi Chambati

    This is a great article and I totally relate.. especially the hating the gym part!  I agree that weight loss should not become an occupation and obsession but a full lifestyle change that in the long run leads to a healthier body. 

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  • Ladyscholar

    I know this story all too well! My husband and I went to my parents’ house and saw a picture of me in a size 8 Vera Wang prom dress… I didn’t realization how fit I was, also from basketball & volleyball without even trying. When looking at that picture I was a 16. My stomach is always flat. Its my thighs and arms that scare me. Ultimately, my unconscious efforts helped get me on track. Mostly smaller portions, and not being idle after my 9-5 desk job. Great article!!

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