[lucyford]

I think before all this exercise and conscious eating efforts I was in a happy oblivious bliss as to how big I've really gotten. I started this around 225. I'm down 11 lbs which is great...but now I'm starting to get really analytical of my body. Before I always felt fine. I'm obese (hate that word) but it hasn't had any physical limitations yet--other than the IR. I've always been able to get out with my dog and boyfriend. Hike at the river, ride my bike. Kick butt in pilates. I've been able to avoid really looking at my body and ignoring my appearance. But lately I just FEEL heavy. Even just sitting down right now to type this post I feel almost suffocated by my weight. I want this weight off now!!! I know it's taking longer for me and that I just need to stick with it but...anyone else more aware after they start losing?

[Sunshine87]

I would not say that I am more aware now because I am dieting however, I have several social events to attend and I am in a scurry to get some nice clothes that fit. I can only lose so much weight before then and I am faced with the reality that I cannot fit into clothes that fit 6 months ago.
The good news is...
Is that I get to post on these boards and imagine myself reaching my goals. It will only be a short time longer that I will be obese. (Ironically, my kid brother always thought it was "obeast". I too, cringe to that word.

[luckymommy]

I can absolutely relate! Every time I go on a diet (and I've done almost all of them), I really start to notice how big I am! When I'm eating everything in sight, I tend to just focus on the food....even though I know I'm expanding, I don't allow myself to really see what's happening. It's crazy and I know it's a mistake, but yet that's how it has been thus far. This time, however, is different. I'm starting to really pat myself on the back for doing what I'm doing, despite some very intense problems that I have going on (including chronic daily migraine pain). So, rather than bash myself for my appearance, I'm noticing the changes that I do like. I'm focusing on how good I do look, rather than how awful I feel. I'm just so grateful to be back on track that I refuse to let anything get in the way. I'm already 40 and I want to finally make it to goal without sabotaging myself before I get there.

[astrophe]

Yep. I've been at this up and down for more than 10 years. I tend to be successful at fending off the IR part of my PCOS/IR but not permanently successful at taking the weight off. It seems to hinge on my ability to get consistent exercise at a level that I need to push the PCOS beast over into weight loss.

And when doing so, I'm more connected and in tune with my body because... well, I have to be in order to succeed!

It is some work to connect to my spirit but not as hard as body. And I tend to live in my mind, so that connection comes easily. Emotion is also not a problem.

But people need to be balanced in mind-body-spirit-emotion to be healthy people.

I suspect there are people who deal easily with the body connection, and maybe struggle with another area like emotion or spirit. We're all wired different.

A.

[MonicaM]

I think you might be more aware of your body because of the new exercises you are doing. I have just started using the machines at my YMCA in addition to the treadmill and swimming pool. My stomach and core muscles are letting me know they exist! And, I feel like I am lugging a ton of weight around, when I am actually lower than I have been in seven years.