Struggling :(

ebailey710

I've been trying really hard to not complain and use my negative thoughts in a positive way by working out and making healthier eating choices, but I'm really struggling with myself today. My negative body image is what will destroy me if I don't let these thoughts out.

I just got my camera out and was uploading the pictures my husband took of me at my college graduation last weekend. I wanted to pick out some to put on Facebook. But I HATE every single picture. Every one of them. I look just as terrible and uncomfortable as I felt that day, with my gown squeezing my belly in all the worst spots. I couldn't wait to get it off, I hated how it smothered me. What's worse, looking back, I can't see how proud I am to have a degree (something my parents never did) and how happy I was to be out of college. I just see all the weight I've been struggling with since a child. How much bigger I am than my sister, my mother, everyone.

I don't know why I can't just be proud of myself for pushing myself to work out not only to be healthier, but to see in the mirror (and in pictures) what I feel like on the inside.

squishy2981

You gotta get it through your head that weight is not a permanent thing. It changes every year, and it changes every day. You are making the right strides by exercising. The problem for impatient people like myself is that it's not happening overnight like I'd like it to. I work hard every day, but I won't see any more than the loss of maybe one whole pound a week. It can be a long process depending on what goals you have set for yourself. So, when you see a crappy pic of yourself, understand that everyone takes crappy pics (especially when they are candid shots) and no one has the fancy super secret ninja thigh slimmer/pore minimizer/boob enhancer/hair brightener/double chin eraser computer program that magazines use to make their models look perfect! And instead of feeling bad about some stupid pics, relish in the feeling of how much healthier you are feeling!!

acogg

Save those pictures for your "befores". I went through something similar, hating pictures of myself and my sisters. Those pictures inspired me to lose weight, but I didn't save them. Now several months and 30 pounds later, I am LOOKING for those pictures. And yes, losing weight is a long, tedious process. But you are not only losing weight, you are retraining yourself to eat healthier and exercise. If this was easy, there would be no overweight people.

glitteredgrave

My wedding pictures are the ugliest pictures I've ever had taken of me. They make me want to cry every time. Those pictures are supposed to be cherished and shown to great grandkids etc but I can't. They seriously are changing my mood just talking about them UGH!

ebailey710

My wedding pictures are the ugliest pictures I've ever had taken of me. They make me want to cry every time. Those pictures are supposed to be cherished and shown to great grandkids etc but I can't. They seriously are changing my mood just talking about them UGH!

My wedding pictures are terrible, too. I was my heaviest that day.

rsharper97

I think anyone who has struggled with their weight have pictures of themselves they hate. It is a shame it was during such a happy occasion. I hope this will give you the strength and the endurance to last the long haul to achieve your weight loss goals. I am rooting for you!

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

Save all of those pictures. 20-30lbs from now you'll look back on them and smile because of how far you've come. Your ticker shows that you've already lost 8lbs which is a great accomplishment in itself. Just stay on track and it'll will keep coming along.