X-Post: Helping your head "catch up" with your new body

When I talk to folks who are moving through their weight loss journey, I often hear things like, "I can't see any difference in my body" or "I know the scale is moving, but my body hasn't really changed" or the dreaded "This isn't working, I look exactly the same!"

We often cannot recognize the differences in our body simply because we are looking at it each and every day.  Here are a few of my tips for "getting your head into the game" and recognizing your new body.

At the beginning of your journey:

Take pictures - front, side and back shots.  Every month on the same day of the month, repeat the process.  A picture is worth a thousand words and while you may not notice the difference from one month to the next (depending on the month) you will over the long run.  And, when you reach your goal and OH wants to feature you - you will have the before, during and after pics!

Measure the "room" in the doorway - Get a measuring tape and stand against one wall in a doorway.  Measure the room from your hip to the other side of the doorway.  Write that down in your journal.  Repeat this process at set intervals.  As your body shrinks the extra space will go up and up and up.

Draw an outline - gather a piece of butcher payer, a marker and a trusted friend.  Tape the paper to the wall.  Stand against the paper and have the trusted friend "outline you."  Write the date on your outline then take the paper down, put it away for three months.  In three months - repeat the process.  You will often be amazed at the difference!  Continue doing this until you have reached your goal - what a great visual of the old you versus the new you! (this one is my personal favorite)

During your journey:

Buy clothes - I am not saying break the bank, but you must have clothes that fit.  I cannot tell you how many times I see folks in the weight loss process wearing clothes that are 2-3 sizes too large.  This masks your weight loss so that you cannot see it.  It is discouraging not to be able to see the differences.  Shop at Value Village, Goodwill, consignment shops - wherever you can get good deals so you have clothes that fit you properly.  Oh, don't forget to save one pair of your "big" pants (I didn't do this and I really regret it).  Put the pants on for another great "in your face" visual of how much you have really lost.

Look in the mirror - and I mean REALLY look in the mirror.  Look for the differences.  Do you only have two chins instead of three?  Have your boobs (maybe not for the guys, but then again....) gone from a DDD to a DD?  Is there space between your legs where there never used to be?  Do you have a neck again?  Look for the differences.

Have a wonderful and rewarding journey toward a healthier you!

Thanks for the awesome info.  You are so right, too.  I wasn't seeing the new me until recently - I took pics of me wearing my old size of jeans and now I can really see the difference now.

Woohoo!!!   Congratulations on hitting your goal - and for looking FABULOUS!!!  I agree that Vicky's suggestions were great, but just wanted to tell you how wonderful you look!!  And to hit your goal before your one year surgiversary is terrific!!  Again, congrats to you!!!

Vicki,
thank you for sharing this! What a great article. I'll be preparing to save at least one pair of big jeans so I can do that after picture! I like the idea of shopping too... it really makes me feel like it will be OK to shop throughout the journey and not just waiting until the end. I thinkk I only have 1-2 pairs of pants from my smaller days that I can't wait to get back into, and eventually see those fall off!

I'm glad I was able to give you some tips.  Good luck on your journey!