A Silver Lining To The Joys of Shedding Pounds

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There’s really no silver lining to the horror of the weight loss process. It includes a monk’s diet, an athlete’s workout schedule, and the patience of Job, who I never personally met. If you really want to torture yourself, try one of those desperately low-carb diets like Atkins.

Like millions, particularly since the advent of fast food, the wonders of Oreos, and strawberry Twizzlers, I’ve struggled with weight. The many journeys I’ve taken during my long life haven’t always been easy. Then again, the lessons I’ve learned made every step almost worth it.

I won’t bore you with the well-known health hazards of obesity. Pretty much everyone knows those already, and most forget them while reaching for an Oreo.

So, instead of highlighting the well-known risks of being overweight, I want to highlight the positive side of weight loss.

One of the first things I noticed was how much more energy I had. Morning grogginess became less frequent, and I was eager to start the day. After all, when I can actually see Mr. Johnson while having my morning pee, I’m happy.

Speaking of mornings, they’re a lot brighter when you’ve had a restful night. Losing the pork can help alleviate sleep issues like sleep apnea, although I don’t think I have ever suffered from that, leading to more peaceful nights.

It’s not just about physical appearance but the pride in setting a goal and working towards it. Every pound shed was a testament to my determination, thus boosting my self-esteem. Of course, there isn’t much to be done about one’s physical appearance when one is in the winter of one’s life, yet afraid to shovel the sidewalk.

Whether hiking, dancing (wait, I don’t dance anymore), or just playing with my dogs, physical activities are more enjoyable without the extra weight. Being able to walk or run a mile without worrying about the ‘big one’ is a plus.

Oh, the joy of fitting into those jeans that had been sitting at the back of my closet! Now that’s fun! It is also a reliable indicator that something is working.

With a healthier lifestyle, I found my mind is sharper, much sharper. Tasks that once seemed daunting became manageable, and I felt more focused, which my dogs appreciated, provided I was focused on them.

The more weight I lost, the more motivated I became. I wanted to drive to Cleveland, well, not really, but I could have. I wanted to hike a couple of miles and was actually able to do so. Each benefit fueled my desire to keep working at it.

In conclusion, while the journey to weight loss is unique for everyone, the benefits are universal. It’s more than just a number on a scale; it’s about the quality of life we gift ourselves, and I like gifts. Don’t you?

About Post Author

Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.

professormike05@gmail.com