I was remembering back to my 300 pound days. And unfortunately I wasn’t having fond memories of those days, but rather pathetic memories. I was a young woman with young children and my overriding emotion during those 10 years of obesity was tired.
I was always tired. If John were here right now he’d affirm that statement. I always complained about exhaustion and lack of energy – always.
I was too tired to:
♦Go shopping
♦Play with the kids
♦Cook dinner
♦Exercise (HA!)
♦Take a trip to the Nature Museum
♦Ride in the car for long periods of time
♦Stand up for any length of time (like waiting in lines)
I was pathetic. And as the years went by and I became more and more obese my feelings of tiredness increased rapidly. I could almost feel getting more tired as the days went by. I’d get up as late as I could get away with in the morning, put on my robe, and feed the kids breakfast. Then I might get dressed or I might lounge around in my PJ’s and robe for a while longer.
I’d shuffle from the kitchen back to the couch, sitting down in both locations to rest and eat. When the kids napped after lunch I’d nap too – only I’d nap after finishing off the box of Cheese-Its that I had just opened that morning. When they awoke I’d be tired again and just sit and watch them play.
Such was my life. I never associated my weight with my energy level. I would have told you that I was just a tired person in general. But I had never been a tired person before I gained over 100 pounds so I don’t know why I should have all of a sudden developed the tiredness syndrome.
Of course the weight was 99% of my problem. Yes, I had small children. Yes, they were busy. But the tiredness and lack of energy were primarily due to my weight and not the children. It’s hard to move around 300 pounds. It takes a lot of effort to keep 300 pounds balanced on two legs for any length of time. No wonder I was tired.
Tiredness was an excuse for me to keep sitting in one place. But thankfully, I did get off the couch and try to move my bulk around. And it wasn’t easy.
Those first months of dieting were an eye opening experience. I hadn’t realized or acknowledged how far away from fitness I had gotten. Those first walks I took – now they made me tired! I came home sweaty (Florida), tired, and hot. But I also came home with a glimmer of internal energy that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
That internal energy was a little spark telling me that I was moving in the right direction. For once in ten years I was making choices that were positive and helpful rather than negative and hurtful. That little spark stayed lit as long as I kept it moving.
Surprisingly to me, I did keep that spark alive and kept fanning the flames until I reached my fitness and weight goals. I am still amazed at how quickly my body changed, and how fast my level of fitness improved. Even when I was still 250 pounds, the amount of energy and “get up and go” I had was a far cry from my energy level at 300 pounds. And the energy level increased the more weight I lost and the more fit I became. It was like a miracle.
I hope that if you relate to my life before I lost the weight you are on your own path to finding that internal spark. It’s there in all of us, and will extinguish that “I’m Tired” excuse. Have you found your spark? Diane
I was extremely tired last night around 8pm. Lethargic even. This alarmed me because I haven’t been that tired since pregnancy. This alarmed me very much. (gulp)
Yum Yucky´s last blog ..The Calorie Game: Greedy Pizza Bottom Feeder
love that idea of the little spark being the internal energy telling you youre headed in the proper direction.
it always sounds so counter intuitive —that doing MORE STUFF will give you MORE ENERGY and not drain—but it’s true huh?
now to convey that little tip to my sister…
Miz´s last blog ..How do you lick your forearms?
Diane,
I recall the first time I went out running, when I was trying to really lose a bunch of weight – and how completely exhausted I was. It hit me, at that moment, how much this weight was truly costing me. Those days were not fun, but getting through them has led me to where I am today.
Lance´s last blog ..And The Word Is (2010)…
Yes i can relate to this as well…even with the little weight gain I gained compared to my normal fit active life. Horrible feeling…
Now ready to get that life going again.
Going home in just over 3 hours time.
Marcelle´s last blog ..Yesterday – Today – Home
Isn’t it crazy when you can find energy by exerting energy through exercise? It seems so backwards but it’s true! I think that’s why I’m addicted for life!
Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..Knock Out Your Workouts
I’ve been tired and lethargic over the past few days – but I also felt unwell and I think the iredness was part of the bug. It was also my body telling me I neded to lsow down a bit. Oddly I knew I was not right because I couldn’t cope with my normal work out routine.
I was bale to cope with it this morning thankfully!
Sally´s last blog ..Feeling – and doing – better
That is why I love to run so much now, because it has helped me stop the tired feeling and I am more energized
Staci´s last blog ..My Scale Must Be Broken!!!!
I was the way that you describe at just over 200 lbs. I think I would have been (totally) immobile at 300 lbs. Even the last 20 lbs (off) when I was already to a low weight – made a HUGE difference for me. HUGE. I am just not in good enough physical shape to carry around any extra weight. It is too hard on my knees and lower back. I can’t believe what a difference being light makes.
vickie´s last blog ..Protein – Raw Nuts and Seeds
Diane.. so true the weight weighs us down but so does that types of food we eat when we are heavy & that depressing feeling in our mind.. it all adds up to tired along with just too much to carry around, body wise! What a great post!
The spark that really got me super fit – falling in love with weights & weigh training!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog .."Diet"/Exercise Help
Yes, I 100% agree with this. I’m just like you in that I wouldn’t have believed it before. i was never as heavy as you (but close) and the fact that I was so exhausted was something I didn’t want to blame on my weight. As I’ve lost weight I’ve found energy reserves that must have been in storage or something.
That spark is there in all of us and it’s really wonderful when we find it – no matter what the scale says! Wonderful post.
I almost could’ve written this post, Diane: thanks for bringing it back center and focus! Plus, knowing I’m not working my heart so ridiculously hard has been a MAJOR deal for me.
Sunny´s last blog ..Owning My Evil
Oh this is me to a “t.” I was so tired and worn out just by doing everyday life things. Shopping was a huge chore, not just the money, but the walking, the looking, the everything. I hated it.
As I’ve lost my weight I’ve realized that I was tired because I wasn’t eating properly, nor was I moving at all. And, I let my emotions rule my actions – I was on a losing path but not with weight. Thanks for affirming that that spark is there waiting to be lit!
I still get extremely tired. So I’m hoping when I get the rest of this weight off I will have lots of energy! But eating right, exercising and having a healthy attitude would bring anyone energy.
Alissa´s last blog ..Exhausted
Yes, I’ve got that spark you speak of. It’s infectious once you get it. I’m constantly moving around and can’t wait to get my exercise in (most days anyway!).
Anonymous Fat Girl´s last blog ..Stress minus overeating equals laughter on my first day back to work
It is amazing that the more you exercise, the more energy you have. Seems kind of backwards, but it’s true!!
Melissa´s last blog ..WOW! Buzz Buzz
That’s been my biggest problem lately, so tired. A big part of it is SAD (the winter cold and darkness) but also my weight. I can’t seem to pull myself out of it enough to get into a stride but I keep trying.
Robin´s last blog ..New Years Revolution
I felt that spark the other morning after waking and walking at 5 a.m.
I’m learning that in order to keep that spark going, I do need to get a decent night’s sleep. The spark begins to die after multiple nights of only 3-4 hours of sleep.
I notice too, that after some meals I just feel like putting my head on the table and sleeping. A big exclamation point goes off in my head, “What the heck did I just eat?!” I’m starting to be more aware.
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..Definitely Maybe
I do know that if I keep up exercising regularly, I am less tired. I haven’t been able to exercise since Saturday, and haven’t had a good workout since Thursday, and I can tell that I haven’t, b/c I feel more sluggish. I also tend to not want to eat as healthy when I’m not exercising!
I used to go to my karate training after a long day in school so tired I would just sit in the corner leaning on the wall with my eyes closed until the class began. I always felt so much better and awake after the class!!
Dr. J´s last blog ..Fat family tries to change its ways
Thank You Diane for this beautiful and helpful post. I really enjoy reading your blog. Thank You for sharing your journey with all of us.
I’m testimony that physical activity has increased my energy and I’m not even near my goal weight yet.
I’ve surprised myself with how much more energy I have gained these past few months just from losing 20 pounds and walking 3-4 times a week. It’s nothing drastic, but it’s made a huge difference.
The spark is there and I’ll join you in trying to help others find their spark.
Oh, and sleep helps… LOL This is our first day back to school and we all stayed up too late last night…I think we’ll have no problem getting to bed earlier tonight.
Leah´s last blog ..Only 18 Days
Wow! Thanks so much for this. That is where I feel like I’m at now. It reminds me of my gas fireplace. I see the pilot light, but the fire hasn’t started! I’m so so so tired..even as I sit here and type. I know I need to push through with the exercise and that I’ll come out the other side with so much energy. I’m going to print this post. I need the constant reminder.
Doing well with the food, but the exercise needs a LOT of work. I have a trainer 3 days a week, but it’s not enough. I need the cardio regularly.
Thanks again!
Julie´s last blog ..Power of the Mind and Choices
oh yes, I was always tired! The one statement I remember saying EVERY day after dinner though was “I ate too much!” I said that after EVERY meal! Now that I am aware of the right portions, I can’t believe all the food I consumed in one day!! No wonder I was always so tired…my body was busy digesting enough food for 3 people!
brenda´s last blog ..clutter in the brain=pounds on my hips
Finding your spark. You nailed it, Diane! It’s all about finding the thing that inspires you to reverse behaviors and reinvent yourself. It’s gotta be one powerful spark too. I think that’s why so many people struggle with their weight loss and fitness goals. It takes EXTREME dedication, sticktoitiveness, courage, accountability and drive. Everyone has the desire, but without the other key elements, the job is much harder to get done.
It is doable though – you’ve proven it. So whatever the thing that makes the spark… find it and hold fast to it, but most of all… use it!
Alixandra Hice´s last blog ..Hello Goodbye
I wrote the other day about how I was in so much pain after painting our bedroom and shopping for a big dinner. My mind is constantly active, motivated and full of energy. My body can’t keep up at this weight and that’s totally unacceptable. I had that “last straw moment” as I was icing down my knee and will think about it every time I’m too tired to eat right or go to the gym.
Tina´s last blog ..frozen
Sometimes when I pick up something heavy like a suitcase, and I think..holy cow this is heavy… to think that I used to carry around that plus more on my body. No wonder why I was tired all the time. Even when you feel tired, you never regret getting out and getting exercise. It will only get easier as my body gets lighter.
Trish´s last blog ..If not now, when?
Your posts are so spot on! I still have a ways to go, but I already feel like a different person. It is amazing. I can’t wait to see what the total new me feels like.
thin100´s last blog ..Jillian kicked my Butt!
I know EXACTLY what you’re saying. I was the same way when I was at my largest. I was SO tired, all the time. I especially hated shopping, which I can’t get enough of now. Moving my large body around the mall for several hours, having to shop at the “big girl” stores because nothing else fit, standing in line to buy clothes and comparing the size of my body to everyone else’s in line…ugh. NOT fun. Now that I’ve lost most of my weight, I FINALLY know what it feels like to actually have energy. It’s a great feeling!
Another great post!
Hope
It’s tough being very overweight because just moving around is physically tiring. Then there is the tendency of people wanting to get up and run starting today, which leads to overexertion, a feeling of failure, and the more sitting around because it is harder to do things than to not do things.
Patience can be a spark, too. And forgiveness.
Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Waffles and workout video
The thing I noticed with cario and wts. is how GOOD it felt to move in my body when I wasn’t exercising… Stretching (to put dishes up high), lifting (the grocery bags), squatting (to get down to my children’s level-Though now it is stretching up to kiss them on the cheek! LOL!)!! I became more in tune to my body and what made it feel good every minute, every day!
Mia
I have found my spark again! I lost in while having my babies. I just had so much emotion hitting me during all three of my pregnancies. And for awhile there it seemed like I was *always* pregnant.
Then finally, it clicked for me in November (of all months… the start of the holiday season). And I am relishing taking control of my body and essentially taking control of my life.
I too am always tired. The smallest thing will make me tired. But then I started exercising. I am still tired… but there’s an added energy there now. So I don’t feel the need to take a nap. It’s wonderful!
Your blog is so inspiring!
~Kellie
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..The curious case of becoming uncluttered
As someone who has gained 50 lbs and is starting all over again, I can relate to the fatigue. Also, I have so much weight in my front section, my back hurts all the time. I started my journey yesterday by trying to make better food choices and did a 30 minute Walk Away the Pounds dvd (it is around 0 degrees here in WI).
I can’t believe how out of shape I am, but the back pain was different today and I’m feeling a teeny tiny spark.
Thanks for sharing, and I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Sadi – good luck with your journey. We are ALL here for you
Sally´s last blog ..Ready for work again
I remember that feeling at 265. Like it was all you could do to drag your body around during your daily life. I couldn’t imagine how I would exercise if it was just this tiring to get groceries. Or traverse the campus at work. I had convinced myself it was just part of getting older. I was in my mid twenties…
The real wake up was 2006 holiday trip to San Fransico – I could barely walk the mile or so home from our NYE outing. I remember sitting on the ground somewhere and demanding a cab because my body hurt too badly to keep walking.
The reward of being 110 lbs down? Spending open to close at the water park this summer and feeling just about the same as if I would have spent the day on the couch relaxing, and after checking how far we walked, it was over 5 miles.
Found your blog via JackSh*t btw, you are now on my rss!
I used to say the same thing and blame it on my medical condition. But then I lost the weight and even when I was facing back surgery I still had more energy than prior to losing the weight.
I love reading your stories because they remind me of where I’ve been (minus the kids).
Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Be Prepared
And achy! There is always something that’s either throbbing, aching or swollen.
I hear you on the tired. Every little task looks like a mountain that needs to be climbed.
This is no way to live!
Hanlie´s last blog ..Postcards from the middle of nowhere
It’s definitely true: since I started running, working out, weigh less I have more energy, sleep better and ain’t tired very often anymore.
F.e. I have meetings where I have to take notes and these meetings usually take about 6 hours. Up till a few weeks ago there was always a moment when I had a dip and almost fell asleep. But then one day after a meeting I realized that I didn’t have a dip at all. And haven’t had one anymore. I think that’s because I’m in a better condition now.
Fran´s last blog ..A day in my life: Monday January 4th 2010
I’ve always been energetic. As a child, it was softball, volleyball, dance, and piano. As an obese adult, the only energy I had was my mouth. I could (and still can) chat up a storm. But get me to play a game of pickup with my brother and cousins? Yeah, I lasted about one layup. Now having lost quite a bit of weight and with my continual physical activity, I can keep up with my son, brother, and cousins. I CAN do some many things that were so exhausting before. Now, I can still chat with the best of them, but I can keep up!
Erin´s last blog ..Back to the Grind…
It’s easy to forget how my energy exercise gives you. It’s taken me a long time to realize that exercise is most important when I think I don’t have time for it because that’s when I’m busiest and need the extra energy the most…
My mom actually brought me in for blood tests once because I was so lethargic in high school. It almost pained me to have to get up off the couch. I was a total bum. I don’t think all of it was laziness though, I was eating really badly and just wasn’t getting the energy I needed. Now instead of avoiding movement, I embrace it. I find ways to get little spurts of activity here and there during my day. If anything I get restless sitting on the couch at night now!
There is a downside though. Weight lifting leaves me sore all. the. time.
Susan´s last blog ..New Year, New Job
I kinda have a different experience. Most of my life I’ve been a varsity athlete, extremely active and not all that tired. I can see a bit of a difference now that I’m not working out as hard, but it could be so many things…Of course, my weight is mostly due to a medical condition so maybe that’s the difference?
mackattack´s last blog ..Sausage Bean Casserole
These days I find that I have the opposite problem: I have so much energy that it’s difficult to sit still at times.
Great post, Diane!
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Product Review, Contest, & Giveaway: Progresso Soup!
I’ve found that when I’m tired I NEED to go, especially on the weekends. Exercise wakes me up and makes me happy – it’s so true what they say about those endorphins! haha
fittingbackin´s last blog ..C25k Workout #2, Blogger Award, 7 Facts
I never believed people when they would say that exercise would give you more energy. I just couldn’t make sense of that, but it is SO true and I’ve learned that first hand for myself now. It’s a great feeling because I used to be “too tired” all the time too…what a crappy way to live!
josie´s last blog ..Gym Recap and Arm Update
I am starting back to exercising. I know that I get more erergy when exercising, so that is not an excuse I’m willing to use. I use the real one…I’m lazy! I got on my elliptical once this week, so I am starting slow but I will get there. I just need to find my inhaler…sports induced asthma is not my friend. My doctor was not willing to have me use that as an excuse not to exercise so she gave me one!
Oh, and I’m down within my goal range now, but another 5 lbs would be kinda nice. I still have a few pairs of jeans that I would like to fit back into. I got all emotional when I pulled up a pair of jeans and buttoned them over the holidays. I hadn’t worn them in about 2 years. Portion control really helped me, plus not eating pretty much any of the sweets. Self control is a beautiful thing!
Stacy´s last blog ..A new personal best…2.5 days
I’ve truly been amazed at how much more energy I have now that I’ve lost some weight. I never realized that I didn’t have energy before (I just thought I was someone who needed a lot of quiet, restful downtime — on the couch) until now, when I easily accomplish so much more. It’s SUCH a wonderful thing.
Sarah´s last blog ..Back to Running
Haven’t we all used that excuse? It’s great that you did something about your health while your kids were still young enough that you can enjoy activities with them now.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..The Healthy Edge