Today I found myself in two weight loss conversations. I didn’t initiate either of them. One was a pleasure. One struck a nerve.
I was approached by a friend who is struggling with her food choices. She was honest and authentic about the life stressors that are triggering her to eat for comfort rather than nutrition. I was honored that she felt comfortable approaching me. This person is someone who is constantly encouraging me in my fitness journey. My spirit benefited from being of service to her.
The other conversation began nicely enough. Someone wanted to know how much weight I’d lost (70 lbs) and what I did to lose it. I explained that I’m still losing and I have a healthy food plan that consists of six small meals a day. I don’t eat sugar. I don’t drink sodas, including diet sodas. I don’t eat white flour (most of the time). And I exercise…a lot. This person was very encouraging and I was feeling grateful for the feedback until she uttered the words that I never want to hear…
“I’m jealous.”
I also never want to hear the cousins of “I’m jealous:”
“You’re so lucky.”
“I wish I could lose weight like you.”
Ironically, as she was saying she was jealous of me, she was chucking change into the vending machine. Hmmm.
Call me sensitive, but these statements make it sound like the person who is losing weight has some sort of advantage that others don’t have. Yes, I am very fortunate that I found recovery for my addiction issues. But those in recovery circles have a saying that may sound harsh. It goes like this: “If you want what I have, you have to do what I do.”
Have I ever wanted to say “screw it” to my food plan? Read yesterday’s post for the answer. Has this journey been easy for me? Heck no. When I detoxed from sugar I was a miserable, raging lunatic. One of my motivations for staying away from sugar is that for me it is a true addiction. One bite of sugary food and I’m off to the races. And believe me, I never again want to go through another hellacious detox.
Another recovery saying is “I can’t keep it if I’m not willing to give it away.” For that reason I am ALWAYS willing to help someone who wants to receive my help. I’m thrilled if I motivate others. But I’m ticked off if I inspire jealously. That’s just how I roll.
482gr8 
I love this on Pam, and I have to think this person will come around. It’s interesting that you say this is a friend, but I’ve always believed that friends aren’t jealous of friends. You always want the best for those you care for. Hmmm….
“I feel the same way Pam. Dave Ramsey has some sayings:
It is human nature to want it and want it now; it is also a sign of immaturity. Being willing to delay pleasure for a greater result is a sign of maturity. However, our culture teaches us to live for the now. “I want it!” we scream, and we can get it, if we are […] ”
Could apply to food.
“If broke people are making fun of your financial plan, you’re on track.”
Replace broke with overweight and financial plan with diet.
“My financial life began turning around when I took responsibility for it.”
Replace financial life with fitness.
“Don’t take financial advice from broke people”
Replace financial with fitness and broke with overweight.
“Winning at money is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent head knowledge. Most of us know what to do, but we just don’t do it”
Getting fit is 80% eating right and 20% working out.
“If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”
— Dave Ramsey