I got a few SPAM-my emails this morning, and all of them
referred to my blog. My somewhat tech-savvy self decided I’ve been targeted
because I haven’t posted a new blog in a long time. SO, here’s what’s been on
my mind… just in case you were wondering.
Two years ago, or maybe three, I started a blog to keep up
with my New Years’ Resolutions. I did okay. My biggest goal was to run a 5k,
which I completed, even at my snail’s pace. I also made a more deliberate
effort to be thoughtful—and that’s still a work in progress.
2012- All I wanted was to have a baby, so the goal for 2012:
become a mom.
2013- NO resolutions. It was great. The decision to make no
resolution was mostly based on the fact I had a newborn baby. I couldn’t think
past “When is the next feeding? How long has it been since I changed his
diaper? OMG- we need to eat, too, I guess. How does anybody do all of this and
have a job at the same time???” No time for a resolution; no crazy expectation
to try to live up to.
Until I saw pictures of myself with my little boy from
Mother’s Day last May. I thought to myself, “When he grows up, he will look at
these pictures. What will he think about his mom—oh wait, … that’s me!?”
My mindset started to shift. I started going to CrossFit because
I needed something new and different to motivate me — I know, rule #1, always
talk about CrossFit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na9js7OQjXA).
This isn’t meant to be an ad for CrossFit, despite the fact it has changed my
life. I don’t think about exercise as something miserable that HAS to be done,
and I don’t talk about going to “the gym” as an obligation. It’s something that
has made fitness realistic for me, and it is part of my real life.
Point is, Jamie and I have been watching The Biggest Loser
on NBC over the past few weeks. I found myself feeling kinda bitter towards the
show. I had to spend some time really reflecting about WHY this show, which
does such great things for people, made me upset. These people get on the
scales every week and post ridiculous weight loss. Some of these women are
weighing in at numbers I HOPE for. I mean, it’s quite upsetting to see other
women lose up to 7 or 8 lbs a week knowing that I worked so hard all week….
What bothers me is that life on the Biggest Loser Ranch
isn’t real life for the rest of America. Working in the gym with a small group
of contestants and a celebrity trainer for HOURS a day… having meals planned
and prepped on the ranch… without the stress of a fulltime job and a family. Oh, and add the monetary motivation to win. I
mean, really?! How could I even compare my weight loss journey to that?
I guess I shouldn’t. I don’t have an extreme amount of weight to lose. I don’t want to leave home for
California for weeks. I want HEALTH to be a realistic part of my life.
The Biggest Loser has had its fair run and inspired so many
viewers, but it has to be running out of seasons. If NBC is looking for a new
show, how about The Average Loser?
Let’s look at people in their real lives as they find a way to juggle exercise,
nutrition, family and work. Can we document these lifestyle changes to show
it’s possible for people looking to lose, eh... a little weight? Or even just to be a
healthy role model for their own children?
