The reasons vs. the benefits

We all have different reasons for wanting to lose weight. Some people are motivated by wanting to improve their health while some want to be positive role models for their kids. I have to say that the reason behind my decision to lose weight was superficial. I was motivated by vanity.

I was sick of looking the way I looked. Tired of clothes getting tight or not being able to wear certain things and tired of not feeling good about my appearance. The big 4-0 is looming (well, it's over a year away, but it's there!) and I decided that I didn't want to get there and look like this.

Over the past 2 months, I have realized something. When you decide to lose weight, you get all the benefits, no matter what your motivation is. Losing 16 pounds (so far) has definitely improved how i look (I'm short, so even 5 or 10 pounds makes a difference), but it also improved the way I feel. I have more energy and I typically feel great all day. Other people may have decided to lose weight for health reasons, but as they lose weight and get healthier, they look better too.

Whether you want to look better, be healthier or be a good role model, when you lose weight, you get all of that. So let's enjoy ALL of the benefits we are getting (whether we wanted them or not-LOL). We've earned them!