Lost 82 Pounds, Here’s the Ugly Truth No One Tells You
Truths of Weight Loss.
Losing 82 pounds sounds like a dream, right?
Of course, most days that is exactly how it feels: the result of hard work, determination, and an iron will. Now, let's get real for just a second. Writing weight loss isn't all sunshine and rainbows, okay. This is a hard admission: there is a dark side. The internet is full of so many stories of just how great life has turned out since weight loss. That is not exactly what happened.
FACING THE TRUTH
The biggest boulder in the road is to accept that I was once fat. It's still hard to talk about how difficult it was after having lost 82 pounds. I procrastinated and was lazy to get started, which delayed my healthier choices. I needed to lose 82 lbs in 18 months to reach my goal. I weighed 225 lbs and wanted to be 143 lbs. Of course, that means some brutal honesty and inner demon wrestling. While fitness photos make me proud, those "before" shots still make me cringe.
Five Harsh Realities of Getting Fit
- Here's the lowdown on the five harsh realities of getting fit after being fat:
- It Takes Time!
- By reading the first few lines of this article, many people will get inspired. That's a good thing, right?
- The answer is YES!
- But, they read the 18-month timeline. It doesn't sound too hard. That is the main problem.
It is weight loss as it should be: very slow, very steady. I waited weeks without progress; I'd think I'd get used to my new reflection. Even today, I still get a jolt of surprise when I catch my figure in the mirror. My brain still clings to the old image - size XXL instead of size M.
I still think like a fat girl when I go to the gym. Automatic self-doubt-ASSUMING a new exercise has defeated me before I even try.
Clothing and Eating
Time for new clothes? Still reaching for the outfits that cover instead of reveal.
What's for dinner? I pass so I can get my healthy choice. Losing weight is one thing, but losing the identity of being a fat girl is quite another story.
Weight Loss and Self-Love
When I was fat, I thought if I lost weight, perfection would be automatic. How naive, right? I envisioned a body with refined muscles, looks, and unlimited potential. But even now, at an ideal weight, I see how far I'm from perfect. My body isn't as firm as I had hoped, and I am still striving to tone it up. The skin is not as tight as in my teens, and no duh-it never will be.
I look better, fitter, and stronger. However, with the loss of weight, I didn't gain body acceptance and self-love. Traumas are yet to be tackled and healed. I did not transform into feeling better about myself because of weight loss. The best thing in this journey is that I do not blame my fatness anymore. Back then, I used to blame everything on my weight; I mean, ANYTHING. And I know I am not the only one; most people play the blame game to save themselves.
Not a One-Time Thing
It's an unfortunate fact that if you're fat, expectations from people will automatically be low. They think that one is lazy and cannot discipline themselves. Once you are fit, the expectations are sky-high, you must remain fit, continue making healthy choices, and jump through every hoop life throws at you.
At team-building events, nobody ever asked me to run or climb. They need some lazy, incapable man, and I didn't bother people with extra work, trying to prove them wrong. Now, as a skinny person, I feel pressure to maintain my fitness, willpower, and mental health. I find it rather hard to determine my priorities among all this external influence.
The Never-Ending Process
Gaining or losing 5 pounds when you’re fat is no big deal. No one notices. But when you’re skinny, 5 pounds feels monumental. Cheat days? Forget about them. Every choice matters, every day. This weight management journey never ends.
I have learned that discipline is the major keyword, yet it is extremely tiring. On birthdays, holidays, parties are choices always. It needs to be the healthy one if you wish to remain on track. This kind of thinking was alien to me earlier, and it's somewhat daunting to think this is forever.
Loss of That Extra Strength
When I was fat and fit, everything heavy was easy to move. My body weight gave me a strength advantage. Now, I struggle with tasks that were once effortless. I'm doing strength training, but it's not the same as the brute force I used to have.
Now people offer me help assuming I'm weak. Being a bigger girl, nobody ever gave that kind of help. My size made other people see me as capable. Now I'm perceived weaker, and it's not good. Just Remember
Weight loss is a journey with its own set of challenges. It’s great, but it’s not the fairy tale everyone imagines. Whether you’re fat or skinny, life has its difficulties. Ignoring them isn’t healthy. Whatever you’re going through is valid, and you’re the only one who can judge what’s right for you.
About the Creator
Sara bed
I am a writer specializing in crafting content focused on tricks, strategies, and factual insights. My goal is to provide practical and engaging information that inspires and empowers you .
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Top 3 Indian Towns with Sub-Zero Temperatures: Experiencing the Frozen Extremes
India is a land of contrasts. From tropical beaches to arid deserts, the subcontinent boasts an incredible diversity of climates. While most think of India as a warm, sun-drenched country, it also has regions where winters are harsh, and temperatures plunge well below zero. These towns, located mainly in the Himalayas, challenge the very notion of life in extreme cold. For travelers, adventurers, and researchers, they offer a unique experience—a glimpse into a frozen, high-altitude world where survival is a skill and winter reigns supreme. Here, we explore the top three Indian towns known for sub-zero temperatures. 1. Dras, Ladakh: India’s Coldest Inhabited Town Nestled in the Kargil district of Ladakh, Dras holds the title of the coldest inhabited town in India. Sitting at approximately 3,300 meters above sea level, Dras experiences winter temperatures that often plummet to –30°C or lower, earning it the nickname "The Gateway to Ladakh." The town’s extreme cold results from its high altitude and the valley’s geography, which traps frigid winds. Winter in Dras is not just cold; it is long and harsh. Heavy snowfall can isolate the town for weeks, making access to essential supplies a challenge. Roads often close, and the local population relies heavily on stored provisions and community support. Despite the harsh climate, Dras is rich in culture and history. Its proximity to the Line of Control makes it strategically important for India, and the military presence is significant. Locals have adapted with sturdy stone houses, traditional woolen attire, and high-calorie diets to withstand the biting cold. For visitors, Dras offers breathtaking landscapes of snow-capped peaks and frozen rivers, a rare glimpse into extreme high-altitude life. 2. Leh, Ladakh: The Cold Desert Capital Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is perhaps India’s most famous cold-weather town. At 3,500 meters above sea level, Leh regularly sees winter temperatures fall below –15°C, and nights can be even colder. Despite being a major tourist hub in summer, Leh transforms into a cold desert in winter, where life slows down, and survival becomes the primary focus. Leh’s unique climate—dry, thin air combined with intense cold—creates one of the harshest living environments in the country. Snowfall is lighter than in Dras, but the cold is uncompromising. The frozen Zanskar River becomes the site of the Chadar Trek, an adventure that attracts thrill-seekers worldwide but demands careful preparation against frostbite and hypothermia. Residents of Leh have mastered the art of enduring the cold. Homes are built with thick walls and insulation, heating is often solar-assisted, and winter diets are rich in fats to sustain energy. Leh illustrates human resilience in extreme conditions, combining traditional knowledge with modern adaptations. 3. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh: The Frozen Heart of Lahaul Keylong, located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is another town where winter is a formidable force. At an altitude of roughly 3,100 meters, Keylong’s temperatures can drop to –10°C to –20°C during the coldest months. Unlike Ladakh, Keylong experiences heavy snowfall, which often blocks roads and isolates the town. Life in Keylong is shaped by the winter’s harshness. Locals store essential supplies months in advance and rely on traditional wooden houses and insulated clothing to survive. The town, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and monasteries, holds cultural and administrative importance in the region. Infrastructure projects such as the Atal Tunnel have improved connectivity during winter, making Keylong more accessible. However, the town remains a challenging environment, reminding visitors of nature’s power and the endurance required to live in high-altitude cold zones. Why These Towns Are Significant These sub-zero towns highlight India’s climatic diversity and showcase human adaptation in extreme conditions. They are living examples of how culture, infrastructure, and survival strategies intertwine to sustain communities in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Furthermore, these regions offer important insights into climate change. Shifts in snowfall, glacier melt, and temperature extremes directly affect local life, agriculture, and water resources. Studying these towns helps scientists understand high-altitude ecosystems and develop strategies to mitigate climate risks. Final Thoughts India’s frozen towns challenge the perception of the country as a land of heat and humidity. Dras, Leh, and Keylong not only experience sub-zero temperatures but also demonstrate resilience, tradition, and adaptation. They are destinations for adventurers, scientists, and travelers seeking to experience life where winter dominates, nature is formidable, and survival is a daily achievement. Visiting these towns is more than sightseeing—it is an opportunity to witness human ingenuity and endurance against some of the harshest winters on the planet, offering a perspective of India that few outside the Himalayas truly understand.
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Comments (1)
I've lost a similar amount of weight and related to this a lot. I see that 5 pounds post vacation and freak out. I still have a ways to go but I'm a lot healthier. Mine was related to PCOS and I ended up under the knife over it for a mass. My body will never be the same but I'm trying to love it. Thanks for opening up this way. It's good to read other people's similar journeys.