When I joined the class at the Y which included a competitive weight loss element, I wasn't sure how I was going to react to the peer pressure. I'm competitive, but I'm also kind of a control freak who doesn't like being told what to do.
I am having so much fun in the exercise part of the class. I'm taking extra classes I never would have tried otherwise and generally feeling great. I'm trying to eat healthy meals, including lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein. I'm tracking my calories to make sure I'm not eating too much.
But in the six weeks I've been in the class, I've lost one pound. Just one pound.
Since I feel so good, I wasn't worried about the stagnant weight loss. I'm in this too feel good and be healthy, not to fit into smaller pants or impress someone at a wedding. But it seems that getting fit, feeling great, and being happy are not enough for the class. I was admonished by the instructors that I couldn't possibly be doing everything right because my weight loss was so slow.
Now I know how I will react to competitive weight loss: I flip the bird and do what I want to. I ate like crap this weekend because I was so mad about being told I was doing it wrong. Is that a good reason? Heck no. Did it feel good? You betcha.
But, by lunch time today, I started to feel sluggish and groggy. I made a (fairly) healthy dinner and I started to perk up a bit. I went for a thirty minute walk and I felt a lot better. It's amazing what good food and exercise can do for me.
I've learned that competition doesn't seem to be the road for me, but the exercise and healthy diet are really making me feel good. I think I'll keep doing those, even if no one is watching.