Photo by Catherine McMahon As summer approaches and it officially becomes swimsuit season, the desire (and anxiety) to shed those few extra pounds reaches an all-time high. If you are like me, you may have seen your weight fluctuate over the years depending on your daily diet and level of physical activity. Over the years I have realized if we are honest with ourselves, many of us can trace the source of undesired weight gain. Personally, I know that becoming sedentary and snacking on processed, crunchy foods quickly becomes my downfall.
Professionally, as an RD Nutritionist, I know the vast majority of us can attest that often times the scales can begin to tip when we become less physically active and/or more indulgent in what we eat. Sometimes there are cases of select medical conditions or, more commonly, medications that incite rapid, unintentional weight gain. However, in this article I am speaking more to controllable factors such as behavioral and environmental elements that contribute to unwanted weight gain. What I have personally learned and encourage others to do, especially depending on their specific history, is to not become obsessed by minor, periodic fluctuations in body weight. At the same time, however, it is important not to be naive to what is going on in the body when there is an ongoing, steady change in an undesired direction (again this is not in relation to medical conditions or situations such as pregnancy). If you are not feeling your normal self and the excess weight is starting to affect your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, it is important to stop and assess the situation. Consider asking yourself, “What am I doing that is causing this weight gain? Am I being physically active most days of the week for at least 30 minutes a day? Am I eating a diet high in vegetables and low in processed foods? Am I eating when I am stressed, sad or bored?”
These are just a few questions that you may want to honestly ask yourself. The answers can help you begin to critically assess the cause of the weight gain; which will help you remedy the situation before it becomes (further) out of control. At more than one point in my life I have had to ask myself these questions. While writing my thesis in graduate school, I noticed I would eat when stressed or while bound to the computer for hours at a time. Other situations such as dissolved relationships or financial worries have also, at times, sparked “comfort eating,” which in the long run is the opposite of comforting. However, thankfully during these stressful moments I would eventually come to realize food was not the solution and having my body take on a physical condition that made me even unhappier would only exacerbate my “problems.” Through the grace of God and His blessings of supportive people, opportunities and outlets (i.e. weight lifting); I was, and continue to be, able to turn from the incessant, unhealthy habit of emotional eating and instead move towards a more positive mental, physical and spiritual state of being.
While I have stressed that we not be naive to the sources of undesired weight gain, I also want to emphasize the importance of not becoming obsessed with our weight. This is especially true for those of us who may have struggled with an eating disorder or disordered eating in the past. Eating disorders and disordered eating are serious matters and I encourage anyone who is presently or who has formerly struggled and sees a return of problematic behaviors or thinking, to seek out help immediately. You do not have to endure this alone. Help is available. You can contact http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-help-support for more information.
While I am a fitness and nutrition enthusiast who encourages optimal physical fitness, I realize life is far more than a number on a scale. I do not want anyone to become obsessed or down on themselves about any element of their physical appearance or fitness. As women (and men), our worth and beauty cannot be quantified on a scale or otherwise. No matter your beliefs, you were created by the one, true living God and you are loved. Body weight, dress/pant's size, age and whatever other physical element you or others insist determines your value is an illusion. You are an invaluable and beloved being. Tend to the wellbeing and upkeep of your mind, body and soul and even as you aspire for greater physical fitness, always love yourself where you are. Rest assure my friend that no matter what, Jesus Christ loves you more than you could imagine and eagerly awaits to be, or grow, in relationship with you.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14: 27
Professionally, as an RD Nutritionist, I know the vast majority of us can attest that often times the scales can begin to tip when we become less physically active and/or more indulgent in what we eat. Sometimes there are cases of select medical conditions or, more commonly, medications that incite rapid, unintentional weight gain. However, in this article I am speaking more to controllable factors such as behavioral and environmental elements that contribute to unwanted weight gain. What I have personally learned and encourage others to do, especially depending on their specific history, is to not become obsessed by minor, periodic fluctuations in body weight. At the same time, however, it is important not to be naive to what is going on in the body when there is an ongoing, steady change in an undesired direction (again this is not in relation to medical conditions or situations such as pregnancy). If you are not feeling your normal self and the excess weight is starting to affect your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, it is important to stop and assess the situation. Consider asking yourself, “What am I doing that is causing this weight gain? Am I being physically active most days of the week for at least 30 minutes a day? Am I eating a diet high in vegetables and low in processed foods? Am I eating when I am stressed, sad or bored?”
These are just a few questions that you may want to honestly ask yourself. The answers can help you begin to critically assess the cause of the weight gain; which will help you remedy the situation before it becomes (further) out of control. At more than one point in my life I have had to ask myself these questions. While writing my thesis in graduate school, I noticed I would eat when stressed or while bound to the computer for hours at a time. Other situations such as dissolved relationships or financial worries have also, at times, sparked “comfort eating,” which in the long run is the opposite of comforting. However, thankfully during these stressful moments I would eventually come to realize food was not the solution and having my body take on a physical condition that made me even unhappier would only exacerbate my “problems.” Through the grace of God and His blessings of supportive people, opportunities and outlets (i.e. weight lifting); I was, and continue to be, able to turn from the incessant, unhealthy habit of emotional eating and instead move towards a more positive mental, physical and spiritual state of being.
While I have stressed that we not be naive to the sources of undesired weight gain, I also want to emphasize the importance of not becoming obsessed with our weight. This is especially true for those of us who may have struggled with an eating disorder or disordered eating in the past. Eating disorders and disordered eating are serious matters and I encourage anyone who is presently or who has formerly struggled and sees a return of problematic behaviors or thinking, to seek out help immediately. You do not have to endure this alone. Help is available. You can contact http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/find-help-support for more information.
While I am a fitness and nutrition enthusiast who encourages optimal physical fitness, I realize life is far more than a number on a scale. I do not want anyone to become obsessed or down on themselves about any element of their physical appearance or fitness. As women (and men), our worth and beauty cannot be quantified on a scale or otherwise. No matter your beliefs, you were created by the one, true living God and you are loved. Body weight, dress/pant's size, age and whatever other physical element you or others insist determines your value is an illusion. You are an invaluable and beloved being. Tend to the wellbeing and upkeep of your mind, body and soul and even as you aspire for greater physical fitness, always love yourself where you are. Rest assure my friend that no matter what, Jesus Christ loves you more than you could imagine and eagerly awaits to be, or grow, in relationship with you.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14: 27
Photo by Florian Klauer
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