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The last 5 pounds

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I did it. I lost “the last 5 pounds.” I’m at a comfortable weight for me. More importantly, I’m at a healthy weight for my height. I fit in all my pre-pregnancy clothes. I feel healthy. My measurements are on point. So what’s the problem? Why do I feel like I have ANOTHER 5 pounds to lose still?!

Let me clarify. I’m 5’3″. I’m sitting at about 116 pounds, give or take. I don’t feel like I’m fat at all– because I’m not. But I don’t feel like I have reached my potential or am anywhere close to having my perfect, dream body. Could my dream body be just 5 pounds away?

losing the last 5 pounds, weight loss isn't necessarily the answer.

The last 5 pounds does not equal that dream body.

What do those 5 pounds even mean? What is my goal really? More muscle definition? Well defined abs? A smaller waist? Will losing weight even accomplish that?

If we have never been at what we’d consider our “ideal body” then we cannot accurately gauge how many pounds we need to lose. The difficult part is becoming the best version of your own body when you don’t even know what that looks like. It’s like trying to get to an end destination of a place you’ve never been with no GPS.

We assume the answer is weight loss. “If I lost 5 pounds I’d look like that… [5 pounds later]… if I lost 5 more pounds…” “I’m nearly there, maybe a couple more pounds to go…”

What we don’t realize is that we can change our body composition and achieve our goals by gaining weight as well.

Maybe your dream body will come as a result of putting on muscle and upping your caloric intake. Maybe 5 pounds weight loss is not what you need at all.

losing the last 5 pounds, weight loss isn't necessarily the answer.

Unrealistic expectations.

Anyone else stalk the fitness accounts on Instagram? Or pin the pics of fit chicks on Pinterest? We do it innocently and call it motivation and maybe it is. This can, however, lead to unrealistic expectations.

I know I’ve made the assumption in that past that if I followed so-and-so’s work out long enough I’d be able to have a butt like theirs. But it’s just not true.

The reality is that even if I did the same exact workouts and ate all the same things and slept the same exact amount or even weighed the same, I would not have the same body as these women I wish to emulate.

Why? Because I have a different body. I have a different genetic make up. I have a shorter torso. I have naturally thin legs. Thin legs that I’ve always been self conscious about because of my naturally large chest.

What an impossible goal it is to look like someone else. What a frustrating goal even. Instead, strive to be the best, fittest, healthiest you.

Shift your focus to achieve your goal.

Shifting my focus from a weight-oriented goal or a specific physique to a goal that includes feeling healthy and becoming stronger has triggered a new feeling. I no longer have a goal that may be unattainable. I can see success every day, with every choice I make.

By eating healthier and working out I know that I will feel stronger and more confident & comfortable in my own skin. That is what I wanted to achieve by losing the last 5 pounds and I can get there without stepping on a scale.

Why do you want to lose 5 more pounds? What do you hope to accomplish by doing so?

losing the last 5 pounds, weight loss isn't necessarily the answer.

Lauren @ Imperfect Adventures

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

I love your point about "innocently" following IG accounts and calling it motivation; I've totally done that. I don't think it actually results in motivation, but sets my expectations. Great post!

Lexi @ That Fit Fam

Monday 3rd of April 2017

definitely agree! thank you!

Katie Derrick

Wednesday 22nd of March 2017

I love this post so much. It's amazing how our bodies change so much after a baby and as we get older. I miss my 20 year old body haha! That being said, you look amazing and thanks for sharing this post.

Lexi @ That Fit Fam

Wednesday 22nd of March 2017

Thanks Katie! So do you! And, honestly I miss my 20 year old body too! lol there are times where I wish I would've taken a pic of myself pre-babies because I can't tell if I look the same or even close to the same anymore =/ oh well.. just trying to embrace this new mom-bod and hopefully get stronger along the way =)

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