Will I ever think I look good?

shape_up4good
shape_up4good Posts: 333
edited January 8 in Motivation and Support
I am down 45 lbs today and I still have the mental baggage. I still have about 25 to go, but shouldn't my self image be getting better? Help!!

Replies

  • MSam1205
    MSam1205 Posts: 439 Member
    I don't know when the brain catches up with the body. I have seen a lot of people struggle with this. Especially if being heavy has been part of our makeup for most of our life. I'm down 53, with still quite a bit to go, but I don't see the changes others do. What I do try to do is take pleasure in the NSV's that I do see, like buying the smaller sizes in pants and tops, and tossing for good the stuff that is just too big; or fitting into a booth or airplane seat with a little wiggle room! Maybe start finding and focusing on those will help reprogram the brain!
  • JAMProphet
    JAMProphet Posts: 288 Member
    I think of it as a daily challenge- in spite of the fact that I know I no longer way as much as I did, there are still times when I look in the mirror and see the old 325 pound me.

    For me, its useful to remind myself that a positive self image doesn't just "happen" suddenly- its a choice, a conscious decision. Our perception of ourselves as not looking good based on our weight or body shape was also a decision we made, long ago, we just forgot that we made it.

    So I have to make it a daily mantra - looking in the mirror, taking a deep breath, and telling myself that I am a beautiful person, and that I choose to have a positive view of myself, even though some of the little gremlins in my head might choose to tell me otherwise.

    Try it and see :)
  • mlclarke22
    mlclarke22 Posts: 551 Member
    Im down 45 too and I still see a chubby chick in the mirror...I still want to lose 35-45 more(even though everyone tells me Im crazy!) Its especially hard for me when people compliment me and tell me how good I look because I just dont see it! Im sure it will happen soon!!
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    This is my current nemesis as well. I don't see a d@mm bit of difference between what I see in the mirror now and what I saw in the mirror 75lbs ago. I am really, really struggling with this. I KNOW I am smaller, and I'm down 5 sizes, but I don't see anything different-at all. I'm honestly considering professional help....
  • jujulamb
    jujulamb Posts: 195
    I know what you mean, I went and bought new jeans and picked my old size of the rack. It's like I did not want to believe I was 3 sizes smaller. I still see the same chubby faced girl in the mirror and constantly pick and prod at my image in the mirror, mental its all mental and I need to accept that I am a different person than I was 20 lbs ago.
  • shape_up4good
    shape_up4good Posts: 333
    so how do we change this?
  • jujulamb
    jujulamb Posts: 195
    Unsure, I know it takes time to mentally catch up with the physical no matter how hard we try. I guess one way is to try and stop thinking negative
  • peaceloveweedandveggies
    peaceloveweedandveggies Posts: 48 Member
    I've lost 45lbs over about a year or two and I still haven't had my brain catch up yet
  • shape_up4good
    shape_up4good Posts: 333
    I think my thinking is more the cause than the symptom. I need to fix the cause if I ever want to fix the symptom of being overweight.
  • jzebracki
    jzebracki Posts: 112 Member
    Hi! I have lost 47 pounds since May 7, 2012, and I just joined MFP on January 3rd so I can track the rest of my weight loss (I have 42 more pounds to go!). I look in the mirror and don't see myself any different either! But, I concentrate on what others tell me because others see me and see my results more than I do. It is hard to reconcile the "heavy me" with the "getting thinner and healthier me," but you will do it. It just takes time. Don't let that get you down or discourage you! Our thoughts are our worst enemies during this process! One day you will be walking down the street and catch a glimpse of yourself in a window, and it will just hit you - that you are looking fantastic! Our minds take time to catch up! My epiphany came the last time I tried on clothes in a dressing room! Hang in there! You are doing awesome and adding years to your life! Good luck in finishing out your goal!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories