Okay, so I’m still a away off being at my goal weight, but I’ve lost a fair bit this year. Enough that people have noticed. Enough that its helped change the way I see myself.

It’s a good thing. I’m thankful that my cravings for endorphins had positive side effects beyond helping to manage stress (the biggest “win” of all).

But there are things I never knew about losing weight that would’ve been nice to be told about at the start of this journey. They’re not bad things, and all are obvious once you turn your mind to them.

I’m going to share mine, and ask that you chip in with any things from your own experiences – we might be able to give someone else a gentle heads up about what they should expect…

1. The weight doesn’t come off evenly.

I’m most definitely a pear shape. Like every woman on my father’s side of the family, I have child-bearing hips and thighs with more dimples than a golf ball. Sure, I have belly fat, too, but it’s my lower half where I need to lose it.

Guess where most of my weight loss has been – yup, top half.

I love that I have a waist. It’s just frustrating to see my thighs, while smaller, not proportionally so.

2. Oh, the bruises!

Okay, I bruised like a peach before losing any weight, and I bruise the same now. I’m a total klutz and lack some pretty simple coordination skills. That has nothing to do with losing weight.

But having less padding – things hurt so much more! Especially whacking my hip on my desk – something I do regularly.

3. Clothes shopping

It’s actually really, really fun. You will four the first time you walk into a changing room with a smaller size and it fits. Perfectly. And, damn girl, you look good.

But it’s also really, really expensive.

Think about how much you’ve spent on the (work) clothes you’re currently wearing. Extend that to your entire wardrobe. Now, consider that you’ll have to replace all that. If you’ve got a lot to lose, expect to do so more than once (granted, you hopefully won’t go crazy with the credit card for your ‘in progress’ gear).

I’ve been particularly cheap and am still wearing most of my ‘before‘ clothes, and they look ridiculous.

4. Genuine compliments can sting

Family, friends, colleagues will notice your weight loss – and compliment you on your progress. Because they are happy for you. Proud of you. Some may even be motivated by your successes. Their compliments are genuine. You do look good!

I met up with a friend of mine who I hadn’t seen for a couple of months for my birthday. One of the first things she did when we found each other at the park was hug me, stand back and announce that I had lost “a sh!t load of weight!”

She was right, at that stage I was a good 8-9kg lighter than I had been the last time she’d seen me. Unfortunately, the first thing that came to my mind was ‘but I’m still fat, how fat did she think I was before?!’ Totally my issue, not hers, but the mind is a weird thing. If it happens to you, know that you’re not the first to think those thoughts, and you won’t be the last.

Remember, they’re genuine – because you’re doing so damn well.

5. Boosted self-confidence, respect and pride

We all know that being healthier makes us feel better inside and out – but there’s no descriptor out there that can explain the force of “oomph” that grows inside as you progress with any justice. There are no words.

Or maybe it’s just an endorphin high. Either way, this alone is worth all the effort!

So, tell me – what’s something YOU wish you knew earlier?
(Or, something someone’s to,d you at has proved to be a valuable heads-up?)