Myth Busted: Weight-loss Isn't Linear

If you're like us and have ever tried to lose a decent amount of weight, you've probably encountered a journey that was far from linear: meaning your weight has fluctuated at some point- whether substantially or just by a few pounds. That's a really frustrating experience, and to make matters worse, there are TONS of articles/blogs/videos floating around the interwebs that make you feel like an absolute failure if there are hills and valleys in your path to getting (and staying) healthy. And honestly, we think that's kind of BS.

We got on this topic the other night when we were trying to add up our combined weight-loss, and had a bit of an "ah-ha!" moment. We mentioned in our INTRO post that this blog is chronicling the 2.0 version of sugarphiggetsfit because 1.0 didn't fully stick. We had yo-yoed with our weight, and we knew we needed to get it under control if we were going to be healthy long-term. So, by definition, our weight-loss journey would definitely NOT be considered linear.

What's exciting is that here we are. We are FINALLY losing "new" weight that we didn't get to the first time around, and that's a pretty big deal.

Especially since we've breached the 100 lbs of combined weight-loss benchmark at 104 lbs! WOO WOO!

Easter 2018

Seriously, go us! :D But in all it's glory, that number doesn't really tell the whole story. Why? Because that's the NET number. It doesn't illustrate that we (embarrassingly) gained back a combined 49 lbs, and since January 3rd have re-lost that amount AND made positive forward progress. When we talk about gross weight-loss over net weight-loss to account for our non-linear journey, we have instead lost 153 lbs together.

We don't bring this up to get extra credit points or for an added ego boost. In actuality, this fact is more depressing than it is empowering. But it's our truth. It's what's real for us, because weight-loss is a STRUGGLE. A glorious and wonderful struggle (on most days), but a struggle all the same.

To be frank, there will most assuredly be more hills and valleys as we continue on this wellness path. Even now, we're writing this while eating Oreos... #noshame! And we're okay with that. It's possible that your experience has been different from ours, and that's okay too (even if it makes us a little jealous). No matter your experience, as long as you're actively working to make progress - you've taken the biggest step towards being successful.

On the bad days (or weeks), try not to wallow and self-deprecate. Instead, reflect on your "why" and focus on the small victories- even if it's that you only ate HALF of the Easter carrot cake instead of the whole thing like you would have done before starting your journey.

On the good days, don't be ashamed to CELEBRATE and shout your success to the masses! It's fine to be happy for yourself and to brag a little.

In the end, all that matters is that you're doing it. So go you! Go us! And go wellness! We're all coming for you!