5.22.2009

Battle of the Bulge


You can take the girl out of Germany, but can you take the hausfrau out of the girl?

Let's hope so.

When I became a stay-at-home housewife in Germany, I inadvertently adopted a low-maintenance lifestyle. "Low" as in subterranean, I-should-have-been-so-lucky-to-have-a- seismic-crack-in-the-earth-swallow-up-the-three-pairs-of sweatpants-I-wore-all-the-time, and remind-me-again-what-lipstick-is low.

I feel as though I became the stereotype German hausfrau--sans the knee high hose, of course. I let myself go because it was easier than continuing the high-maintenance habits from my days in the U.S. (And maybe because German chocolates and Rieslings really are that good.)

But since January, I've made it my aim to live a healthier lifestyle, lose "the expat 15" (as in dreaded extra pounds), and get back into a closet full of clothes that I haven't been able to wear since my honeymoon. There have been a few stops and starts over the months, but overall that which I have dubbed "operation hoochie momma" has been a success. I've shed weight, am favoring a well-balanced diet, joined, the gym, started salsa classes, and am taking a multivitamin daily. Today I even wore a skirt that hasn't seen the light of day since 2006. Thank you, stretch material. You made my day.

But to be completely honest, I think my body shape has changed over the last couple years and the numbers on the scale aren't exactly bringing me the measurements and sizes they once did. Losing an extra 5 pounds would make me feel more confident and, more importantly, help me to squeeze my 40-something derriere back into my favorite Guess jeans and "I (heart) fashion t-shirt from my 30s--which is really all I ever wanted anyway.

In other words, I ain't flying a mission accomplished banner over my wardrobe. I'm fighting hard, but haven't won the war just yet.

Why is losing weight and keeping it off such a battle?

13 comments:

MsTypo said...

If losing weight was easy we'd all be Victoria Secret models.

You can do it! Say no to carbs and yes to salad! :)

kenju said...

It's good you're fighting it now, because the older you get, the harder it is to lose and the easier it is to pack it on - especially in the belly!

I think back to when I weighed 118 lbs., could wear anything and eat anything and never gain weight. Now, I'd be happy to be back to 150!

sassy said...

I was always thin until I started fertility treatments, at which point I gained about 25 pounds that for the past couple of years I can't seem to get off. It's frustrating. I try, work out, eat right, but just end up blaming the hormones when all else fails!

I'm sure the Spainish heat this summer and non-carb ridden tapas will help... (;

Jemma said...

BCN is really easy to lose a bit of poundage because you really can walk everywhere if you plan ahead a bit. I am new to your blog and dont know where you lived in Germany but I find the northern countries are not as walking friendly as the med countries for some reason. (aybe it is just the weather..) anyways, keep it up!

oreneta said...

These things take a while.....

It is a nice place to walk off the work!

jamy said...

It's difficult because you're forcing your body to do something it doesn't want to do. I'm sure that even with your "extra" weight you look lovely.

I would focus more on being healthy--moving around more and eating nutritious food. If you happen to lose weight, great. If not, you'll still be healthier! :)

Dan-E said...

yeah, in my case it's because i use a lot of stuff like butter, salt, olive oil, etc. flavor first.

Sonja Streuber, PMP(R), SSBB said...

Losing weight???

Haha *snort* ha. Good one.

I'd be happy if I got rid of those extra 10 lbs of babyweight to squeeze my tushie back into my summer pants. But no! "Not gonna happen" is what the part of my brain tells me that's hardwired for chocolate ...

Sizzle said...

I wish I knew the answer to that question!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Welcome to my world! Oh to fit into my fave pair of jeans again. Of course the burger I had for lunch isn't helping either.

I just found your blog today and enjoy it very much. I'll be back again soon. Nice to meet you and good luck with the diet. Let us know if you find any tricks that work.

jaded said...

For starters, our metabolism changers, but not at the same rate as our expectations.

AmyB said...

Um. I want to look like you at 32, woman!! You are 42 and are looking damn fine with or without the extra 5lbs you can't lose! I completely understand how you feel, though. I looked at Mark last night with a furrowed brow and said, "I don't have room to hang up the clothes I just washed because the hangers are being monopolized by clothes I'm too fat to fit!!!" and then I had to laugh. So what if we gain a little weight? The reason why is a good one: we are happy. Can't complain too much about that. But we CAN eventually come down and join a gym, which you've done. Keep at it and your fave jeans will be on you before you know it!

AmyB said...

Oops. You're NOT 42 yet. Forgive that trespass! ;o)