Price of Beauty

I've heard Jessica Simpson has a show called The Price of Beauty. I don't have any type of broadcast television so I've never really seen it. This blog ideas are my own but sort of pseudo inspired by a similar idea.

The other day, I seen online that a women spends nearly 45,000 annually on hair extensions. Holy Cow! That enough money to support some families of 4. Just think of how much women spend on cosmetics, clothing and other beautification. Does it really give us a competitive edge to be more beautiful then the next woman? What ever happened to beauty being only skin deep?

Let me be blunt. I've been working out and dieting for just over 6 months. I've seen great results. I realized tonight that in this time I've only eaten fast food once. I stay pretty dedicated to both the gym and my diet. Most of the time I go to the gym 5 days a week, 2 hours a day. Lately, I've been really feeling burnt out. Despite my progress, despite my results and desire to make changes. I'm going to keep going though... I know it's what is best.

Every time I want to give up or think this isn't worth it I think of this. What would I pay or do to be skinny to have my dream body back? What exactly is the price of beauty. My dream body isn't something that Hollywood says is beautiful, it isn't something you would see in a centerfold of a magazine. My dream body is the best body that I can have, naturally. Ideally, it would look something like it did before I had children but my kids were worth the stretch marks and some figure changes. I can deal with that.

Many of women, including my friends have resulted to cosmetic surgery. Enhancing certain parts of their body and paying thousands of dollars for a larger bust, tummy tucks, etc. At this point in my life, cosmetic surgery isn't an option. But I do empathize with the feelings some of these people have. What I would give to have my body exactly the way I wanted it. When I think about it -- the answer is simple. Anything, ok well, almost anything. So easy cosmetic surgery seems to be, fork over some cash, see instant changes, ideal results. Yet it's so invasive. To me this is a last resort option even if that and so many women flock to this option first.

On a similar note, I've had a few friends who have had gastric bypass or other types of stomach altering surgeries. A few of these people were 40+ and extremely obese, possibly making this the best option for them. While others were young, in their 20's and overweight but not necessarily more overweight than I am or was. Now, I don't know all of their stories and I am not going to judge their choices. But none the less they have all chosen to permanently alter their bodies for the price of beauty and health. Losing weight is hard but it's not rocket science. Decrease caloric intake increase exercise. You're bound to loose weight if you stay consistent unless you have some other underlying medical issue. I've had doctors offer me gastric bypass for my weight loss solution BEFORE I even tried dieting or exercise. But for me and my personal situation, I am not willing to permanently alter my body just to be thinner. When I can get the same results through diet and exercise.

For the last 6 months, I've been buying healthier foods: diet food, fresh food, whole wheat and making substitutions for healthier choices wherever possible. I no longer drink cow milk but substitute for soy. Soy milk cost approximately $3.50 for a half gallon. About the same price as a whole gallon of milk. Sometimes I feel guilty for spending and buying expensive foods especially since I'm not working and money is tight. Then I think what I wouldn't pay to be thin, to be healthy and have my dream body back: an extra dollar, 50 cents at a time, or the monthly cost of my gym membership. Then I figure the money is really no big deal, so many women are surgically permanently altering their body. I'm choosing a healthier way and God is so good that he continues to provide for my family and give me the strength I need to continue my goals. So for me, the price of beauty for me is the price of good health: a good diet and exercise. Now I feel so rewarded and inspired by the changes and progress I've made - naturally.