Anyone have anxiety/fear about their changing body??

No, I can identify with that ... Sometimes I think that I don't 'deserve' whatever level of health I am aiming for. It's probably a low self-esteem thing that goes way back.

Change is stressful, even successful change ... new image, new ways of thinking, new habits, new friends and even dumping ones that are toxic to whatever your health goals are, it's all tied in.

The way I see it is that my body was born wanting to be optimally fit (I was lucky enough not to have specific health issues early in life so I can't blame genetics) and I have been doing my best to sabotage this with my nutrition, primarily. I've always been physically active so no issues there.

Now I am working with my body I am just going to let it naturally pull me back to whatever level of health I can manage. It won't be as good as if I hadn't strayed from the path but it will be as close as I can get.

I just stick with my plan ... eat natural, filling, nutrient-dense food and let the body sort it out, as it is designed to.

Melissa,

I feel the same way you do at times. I wasn't a fat/chubby child, but I used food to comfort and protect me and I'm still in the stage of protection even though I'm 27 now. I'm afraid of gaining too much attention and I'm not sure what I would do in those types of situations. I'm a pretty girl and my main fear is unwanted male attention and bad attention I can get from other females who think I'm competition once more of my physical features are exposed. I think you have to look at it as "growth" and doing something good for yourself. You're the same person whether you physically change or not. I see it as evolving, and perhaps getting a fresh new outlook on life. Now I'm wondering what it's like to look like the person I'm supposed to be/look like. I think as you continue doing good things for your body that you will grow to love the new you and I hope you do. It's scary, but I think it's something everyone feels when they make a huge change in their lives. I'm going to add you just in case you need support!

I'm scared that after all my hard work, I'm going to have loose skin. I have 120 pounds to lose (already lost 23 yay!) And I've been big my whole life. I'm 21, 5'7" and current weigh 268. I drink lots of water and from the beginning have done weight trainings along with cardio. I am losing it slowly on average of 1.5 pounds a week for the last two months. I just really hope I don't have problems with it. After waiting my whole life and however long it takes me to reach my goal weight(around 170), I just want to be beautiful. I know beauty is on the inside and I think I'm pretty but if I could get down in weight...I'd be sexxxxy! ;-)

Yep, sure do have some fears about changing. I'm in my 40's and the doctor told me it may make me look older. I said thats not much of an incentive. I've been in the health field most of my life and have seen what loosing drastic amounts of weight can so to people s bodies. I just hope I don't get the saggy skin, but I am eating right and exercising everyday now and do see good changes in the shape and the way I feel is great most of the time.

I think anxiety about change is totally normal and to be expected, it doesn't matter whether it's positive change or not. For example, having a baby is considered to be the best thing in life (usually). But it's also extremely stressful. Getting married is another example. Changing your whole body would fit right in, I think. You're going from what you know, what's comfortable, into the unknown and supposed-to-be-better. It WILL be better, but you aren't there yet so it's hard to really believe it.

I think part of it also is fear of failure. The mindset of, "It takes so long and it's so hard, I probably won't make it anyway, so if I sabotage myself on purpose then I won't feel like a failure later."

Yes. I was able to put on and button a size 14 pants the other day, which I don't think I've worn since MIDDLE SCHOOL, and it freaked me out! Needless to say, I bought the 16s, which is my pre-pregnancy size and really the smallest I've ever been as an adult, and they are baggy! I just wasn't ready yet to buy those 14s. I couldn't wrap my mind around it. Once I get where I HAVE to buy them, I know I'll be excited, but it was just that initial shock, I guess.