We all know it’s true. And you know what? Embrace it! The EPPP or grad school pounds helped us through those rough days of studying and grinding over way too much information. Sure, sure, some might call it stress eating, but I prefer to call it Feeding Baby Neurons. Food helps our bodies operate, and it’s well known that the ideal body weight is a bit of body fat for many things, which includes thinking! Too much fat can slow us down. Yes, I admit it. But there is a happy balance, and when the brain is working hard it needs more fuel.
This might sound a bit like excuse-making, but I’d rather we refer to it as self-forgiveness. And no one says we have to maintain a these pounds. The neurons are formed (and useless ones have been pruned by now), so let’s talk health and fitness in this new stage. There are many times in life when we prioritize something or someone above our own health and well-being, and that deserves forgiveness and acceptance. We did this because it was necessary at the time and/or because we wanted to. So, I say forgive and move forward.
Rule #1 in losing the EPPP/grad school weight is self-love. That’s right, I went there. But it’s true. It can be extremely easy to hate on ourselves for not being in our tip top form. But listen carefully (or read carefully) – we each have our own beautiful bodies and brains. We each have a different beauty to show to the world and thank goodness for that! Rediscover your beauty, remind yourself of it regularly, and keep moving forward.
Rule #2 is enjoy the journey. Ultimately, we are all on our own journey and isn’t it true that the journey should be enjoyed? Did eating what you wanted when you wanted help you cope with the EPPP/grad school stress? (Maybe, maybe not). Did eating what you wanted when you wanted allow you to enjoy a variety of delicious foods? Sure! So, no regrets! You had your fun. Let’s now try to enjoy the next journey just as much. Stop the self-hate, and appreciate where you are today because your journey is just that. Secondly, the new journey of health and wellbeing should be fun! Find activities that make you smile and even laugh! Join an adult gymnastics class or try hip hop dance! Do whatever you know will be fun enough to keep you going. If you’re like me, you might need to switch it up all the time. I personally decided to commit quite a good sum of money to joining activities that would motivate me. Considering the cost-benefit analysis just made good sense to me. But it’s your journey, and what makes you happy might be 2-hour walks a few days per week, or training for a run. Whatever it is, just enjoy the journey!
So here’s how it works…
Step #1 in losing the EPPP/grad school weight is decide to get real with yourself. I was in a bit of denial and told myself that I didn’t check my weight because that’s not what life’s all about. But when I realized I was feeling less and less energetic, less able to do the activities I typically enjoy, and was more moody than usual, I decided to buy a scale and do a little self check-in. I just wanted to make sure I was still within my preferred/typical range. Low and behold, I was not. SO, after a night of grieving (lol), I checked my own attitude and decided that this was just fine. I realized that I had come to this place in my journey for good reason and although it was worth it, now I would put my health and wellbeing first, instead of the EPPP and grad school.
Step #2 – I’m not going to tell you how to do this part, because I am not a fitness trainer, physiologist, kinesiologist, physical health specialist, or medical doctor. And I believe these are the folks who have the answers. So step #2 is seek advice for a healthy, manageable plan. Manageable means, take it steady. Don’t rush. Rushing wight loss is not healthy, physically or emotionally. And isn’t the whole intention here to be healthy? This may be talking to your physician or seeking advice from a nutrician its or exercise specialist, or it might be searching webMD for a epically supported plan. Either way, look for educated health professionals, and avoid fad diets. We want sustainable change, not drastic or risky change.
Step #3 – set realistic goals! Whether it’s exercise timelines (e.g., 3 days per week) or caloric intake (e.g., 1300 cal/day), or whether it’s weight or body shape goals, be real with yourself. Treat yourself fairly. If your end goal is a certain weight, and health guidelines suggest 2-3lbs per week as healthy loss, then how long should you realistically expect to work for this? Can you feasibly manage to go all out? Perhaps not. And if not, what again would be realistic? Do not expect “perfection” in either your body (whatever perfection would be in that case) or your process. Do not get trapped thinking this is a short game. We’re talking lifestyle change – it’s a journey remember? Healthy lifestyle = healthy journey 🙂 And if you slip up, please do not get stuck in hate mode again. You deserve everything you have earned and more! You’re working on it! And you are a wonderful, talented, brilliant psychologist (it’s true, no matter what your intrusive thought is telling you)! There is no need to judge yourself by your body shape or size. I of course promote a healthy lifestyle, with healthy eating and routine exercise, but not because I want you or me to be “skinny,” but because a healthy body makes for a healthy mind and a long life. And isn’t that the true goal?
That’s 2 rules and 3 steps you have to remember. DOABLE, right?
- Rule 1: Self-love
- Rule 2: Enjoy the journey
- Step 1: Decide to get real with yourself
- Step 2: Seek advice for a healthy, manageable plan
- Step 3: Set realistic goals
Good luck friends! I know you to can enjoy the journey and get to that self-love place. Stay healthy and stay true 😘
