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Fitness & LifeSTYLE Coach
Real Name: Wendy Harris Gender: female Member Since: January 16, 2009 Last Signed In: May 04, 2009 Blog Views: 201 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
Vain or Vein?
Spring Into Summer Shape Tips 4 Getting Perfectly Dressed 4 Less Breakfast Can Be Fast, Easy, and Healthy :-) Keep, Consign, Donate, or Trash it? SPRING SHAPE UP Are You Wired For Relapse? Weight or Fat? January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 December 09 January 10 February 10 March 10 
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Weight or Fat?
Did you read last Sunday's article in the Bee titled "Is It The Weight? Or Is It The Fat? I, for one, was thrilled to see this topic being addressed. There is so much emphasis placed on our weight these days, and as the article said, "We tend to impose judgment on ourselves and others based on what the scale says." I've been telling my clients, friends, family, and anyone who will listen, that it's what that weight is composed of, not just the number on the scale that matters--body composition, percentage of body fat, fat to muscle ratio, those are more important numbers to pay attention to. The article pointed out that "muscle weighs more than fat", which actually is incorrect. Muscle is more dense than fat...a pound of fat, and a pound of muscle still each weigh a pound on the scale. Muscle takes up less space than fat. Think about putting a pound of chicken fat in a plastic bag or balloon, and then put a pound of lean steak in a plastic bag or balloon. Set the two side by side, and which one is going to be more compact looking? Ladies, consider this: I currently have two female clients in the same age range. One of them weighs 146 pounds, is 32% body fat, and wears a size 10 - 12 in most clothing. The other one weighs nearly 180, is down to 26% body fat, and wears a size 8 in most clothing. That is a perfect example of the fact that the number on the scale does not tell the whole story. Try not to obsess over it. In my opinion, even more important than any of those numbers, is how you feel, and how you function. Do you have good energy levels? Can you chase around after your kids with relative ease? Do you put on an outfit to go out to dinner with your friends or family, and think...ya know, I look pretty darn good? Then that's what really matters :-) 3 comments from 3 users
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posted by
creatress
on Jan 28, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I agree with you that health and size don't have to be enemies. Many things come into play regarding a person's size. Their genetics, family history... etc... If you're family is from Samoa, you're not going to look like Kate Moss without killing yourself. Focusing on health through fitness and diet rather than holding yourself to the standards of what our culture, or the media sais is "beauty" is the key. If you feel great inside, it will show out the outside!
posted by
JulieHintz
on Jan 29, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Definitely. Your actual poundage hardly even matters at all. I mean, it does matter, but it's not THE GOAL like you'd think it is. We know we don't REALLY care what the scale says or else we'd just dial down the knob on the scale until it says what we want it to and then skip off happily to Baskin Robbins, perfectly content with ourselves. I know at the core of it all, what I'm really searching for is more energy to keep up with my 36 million children (they multiply exponentially as I get more and more tired over the course of the day), to not be QUITE as soft as I am in most areas of my body, and to feel healthy. Looking good in good looking clothing would be something I'd strive for more in the "fine tuning" stages of getting fit. For now, I'm happy just to be able to do 40 sit-ups (I started at only 5 a few weeks ago) and feel good at 5:00pm instead of completely drained and ready to go to sleep. I last until about 6:00 now. Still, every improvement gives you confidence that you can reach for another. Thanks for giving us your take on the fat/weight issue! posted by
LifeSTYLECoach
on Jan 29, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Creatress & Julie: Good points from both of you--thanks! Exercise and eating in a way that's right for you and your personal goals will first lead to just feeling better. Feeling better, will lead to functioning and performing better in your everyday life. Which ultimately leads to improved energy and confidence, and that makes everyone look better!
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