Healthy Habits with Kaci: How Much Do You Weigh? Who Cares.

One of the things I hear most from new clients is "I want to lose 20 pounds in a month," in which I generally respond by saying, "That's not going to happen." Yes, I know that sounds a little harsh, but it's the reality. Unless you're doing some crazy crash diet and exercising like a maniac (i.e., The Biggest Loser), you're probably not going to lose 20 pounds in a month and keep it off and there's nothing wrong with that!

Entertaining to watch, but unrealistic.

To be completely honest, weight is the last thing I'm concerned about with new clients. I usually tell them to NOT weigh themselves in the first few weeks because they're probably not going to like the number that pops up on the scale. Here's the reality. Often times when people begin weight training they will actually gain weight (insert gasp here). You see, muscle is denser than fat, so if you take the same amount of muscle and fat, the muscle will weigh more. However, the muscle will take up less space. This explains why people may not drop any weight at first, but they will lose inches and their clothes will start to fit better. Some people actually gain weight at first due to water retention. Do not freak out. It will go away as you continue to train. You did not gain 5 pounds of muscle in 2 weeks, unless you're taking something I don't know about and in that case, we need to chat.

This puts things into perspective.

Here's the deal people, stop freaking out about your weight! Yes, we all have that magic number in our head that we weighed some odd years ago when clothes fit just right and we didn't worry about what we were eating. Well, that time has passed and now it's time to focus on making yourself the leanest, healthiest version of you now. There are no miracle potions or gimmicks. Continue eating right and exercise and your body will cooperate. Find what is realistic for you and make it a lifestyle. Stop freaking out about those last 10 pounds and continue to control what you can, diet and exercise. Maybe you'll never reach your "goal weight," but your body will look like you have. So honestly, who cares how much you weigh if you look great?

*Disclaimer: I was not a Hooter's employee. It was Halloween and they were easy costumes. Thanks for understanding. Also, the creepy guy hanging on me in the Raider's mask is my boyfriend. I'm lucky.