annb
12-29-2005, 12:07 AM
I am 42 and just weighed myself again at 285 'OUCH'. The new year is coming and here I go again with my resolution. I want to stick to it this time. I seem to always have no motivation to get up and exercise. I tried to take a picture of myself in my scibbies :eek: I hid the picture because I would cry. I want to know what everyones motives they use to stick to losing weight and how to start. My doctor tells me what to do like watch my portion and no sweets, well thats "easier said than done". He also suggests walking and swimming. he also diagnose me with arthritis in my back so I am in a lot of pain when I do alot of standing or walking. so its like damn if I do and damn if I don't. The pain is not a good motivater so I need some suggestions :confused: .
Sponsor
smurfett
12-29-2005, 12:24 AM
I have the same resolution as you-year after year. This year I definatly have some motivation though. First of all I need to be here to watch my kids grow up. Second of all ,my brother died this year and left behind 2 beautiful little girls. I don't want my kids to suffer the way my neices are. He was a very young man(38). And he died from something he could have prevented, that's what is so bad about it. That's my motivation. As far as what to do to get started-I don't know what to say. Try to find a walking buddy if that is possible. I know I always do better If I have someone there to push me get up and go everyday. I do need an excercise buddy too. Anybody in NE nebraska?lol-probably not:)
dutch-ny
12-29-2005, 05:22 AM
Try not my method! Visit to emergency room at hospital at age 18. Medication was "nitro glycern" .[if spelled wrong 'pills that stop heart attack'] Weight 600+ and by myself. I lost weight since then to 210 Lbs. Method 'simple ' start slow and one step at a time. Change one thing at a time.DO NOT START AT NEWYEARS!!!! It is easier to stick to it if you start at correcting one thing at a time. And!!!!! then make it two things corrected, then three,etc,etc,etc.
StenoLady1
12-29-2005, 09:04 AM
Hmm...motivators?
Go sit in a McDonald's parking lot for 20 minutes and watch the people that go in and out. Or one of those giant buffet places. Then go home and look in the mirror. This helped me realize I had to make a change and stick with it.
As for exercising, do it first thing in the morning. Yeah, you'll need to make time for it, but you'll need to make time for it at any time of the day. Only if you do it in the mornings, you'll have done it and there won't be any excuses later not to, since you've done it! I also find if I exercise in the mornings, I'm less likely to eat poor foods throughout the day.
With your arthritis, even if it's just a 15 or 20 minute walk in the morning, you're up and moving, feeling good about yourself, getting energized for the day! Ask your doc about a body ball. I have a bad back and neck, and it's the only home exercise gadget I can use that doesn't hurt me.
I cannot agree with Dutch more. Being overweight causes serious health problems either now or down the road. I can personally attest to this, as well.
Also, the baby steps is critical. New Year's is a great time to make a decision to get healthier, lose some poundage, tone up, get active, try some new menus/foods/recipes, but these are all habits that really need to be developed and it does take some time and adjusting. Working on one meal at a time was the charm for me. I perfected a healthy, low-cal/low-fat, nutritious, TASTY breakfast until it was second nature, then lunch, then dinner.
Lysne
Go sit in a McDonald's parking lot for 20 minutes and watch the people that go in and out. Or one of those giant buffet places. Then go home and look in the mirror. This helped me realize I had to make a change and stick with it.
As for exercising, do it first thing in the morning. Yeah, you'll need to make time for it, but you'll need to make time for it at any time of the day. Only if you do it in the mornings, you'll have done it and there won't be any excuses later not to, since you've done it! I also find if I exercise in the mornings, I'm less likely to eat poor foods throughout the day.
With your arthritis, even if it's just a 15 or 20 minute walk in the morning, you're up and moving, feeling good about yourself, getting energized for the day! Ask your doc about a body ball. I have a bad back and neck, and it's the only home exercise gadget I can use that doesn't hurt me.
I cannot agree with Dutch more. Being overweight causes serious health problems either now or down the road. I can personally attest to this, as well.
Also, the baby steps is critical. New Year's is a great time to make a decision to get healthier, lose some poundage, tone up, get active, try some new menus/foods/recipes, but these are all habits that really need to be developed and it does take some time and adjusting. Working on one meal at a time was the charm for me. I perfected a healthy, low-cal/low-fat, nutritious, TASTY breakfast until it was second nature, then lunch, then dinner.
Lysne
HBOGirl
12-29-2005, 09:17 AM
My motivation was not wanting to be sick. My doctor diagnosed me as borderline diabetic in April and that did it for me. I got up and went and got a personal trainer in October and that's how I started. I've had a treadmill for 2 years with the intent on using it and now I have no problem hopping on it every other night while I'm watching t.v.
Just take baby steps. Just remember that when you start out excercising, it's mostly about duration and not intensity but work hard enough to sweat a little. If you weren't doing anything before, getting up and doing something is going to have instant effects. And don't get on a scale! Measure your success by the way you are feeling, atleast for the first month or so. (ie...lose pants, more energy, not sighing when you have to walk a short distance)
Good Luck!!
Deni
Just take baby steps. Just remember that when you start out excercising, it's mostly about duration and not intensity but work hard enough to sweat a little. If you weren't doing anything before, getting up and doing something is going to have instant effects. And don't get on a scale! Measure your success by the way you are feeling, atleast for the first month or so. (ie...lose pants, more energy, not sighing when you have to walk a short distance)
Good Luck!!
Deni
OutToLunch
12-29-2005, 02:45 PM
I seem to always have no motivation to get up and exercise. I[B] want to know what everyones motives they use to stick to losing weight and how to start.
I think the trick is to come up with as many reasons as you can that DON'T have to do with how you look or how much you weigh. I think too many people exercise and/or eat right just because they want to lose weight. Well, that's the wrong attitude to have. First of all, it may not be enough motivation. Second, what's going to happen when you finally lose the weight? That's why I'm consantly telling myself all the benefits that come from eating right and exercising, but I'm making sure not to include anything that has to do with weight loss. For example, I hate exercise and if the only reason I gave myself to exercise was to lose weight, I would either lose motivation as I got closer to my goal or I would think my goal was too big and just give up.
So now whenever I think of whether I should exercise, I tell myself the following: It'll give you more energy, it's good for your heart, it'll help prevent muscle loss, it'll strengthen your bones, it's good for your immune system, it'll help relieve stress, it'll put you in a healthy mindset which'll make eating healthy easier, it's good for your skin, it'll make you rest better, it'll make sex better (if and when you do find someone to have sex with). :D
And when I'm wondering what I should eat, instead of worrying about my weight, I think about how a given food will affect my health. Will this food be good for my heart, my skin, my cholesterol, my blood pressure, etc.? When I look around, I see so many people who are sick, out of shape, taking a bunch of prescription pills, and complaining about the cost of health care. I can't feel sorry for them because I'm too busy wondering how many of their health problems were the result of their own actions. So if you're looking for motivation, just look around at everyone else and see how their unhealthy lifestyle is slowly killing them. And ask yourself if you want to be a burden on your spouse, your kids, or your grandkids. Ask yourself if you want to continue making doctors and health insurance companies rich. Don't even think about your weight. Eating healthy and exercising should be something you want to do if you really care about your health. Think of losing weight as a bonus that comes with taking better care of yourself, not the ultimate goal.
I think the trick is to come up with as many reasons as you can that DON'T have to do with how you look or how much you weigh. I think too many people exercise and/or eat right just because they want to lose weight. Well, that's the wrong attitude to have. First of all, it may not be enough motivation. Second, what's going to happen when you finally lose the weight? That's why I'm consantly telling myself all the benefits that come from eating right and exercising, but I'm making sure not to include anything that has to do with weight loss. For example, I hate exercise and if the only reason I gave myself to exercise was to lose weight, I would either lose motivation as I got closer to my goal or I would think my goal was too big and just give up.
So now whenever I think of whether I should exercise, I tell myself the following: It'll give you more energy, it's good for your heart, it'll help prevent muscle loss, it'll strengthen your bones, it's good for your immune system, it'll help relieve stress, it'll put you in a healthy mindset which'll make eating healthy easier, it's good for your skin, it'll make you rest better, it'll make sex better (if and when you do find someone to have sex with). :D
And when I'm wondering what I should eat, instead of worrying about my weight, I think about how a given food will affect my health. Will this food be good for my heart, my skin, my cholesterol, my blood pressure, etc.? When I look around, I see so many people who are sick, out of shape, taking a bunch of prescription pills, and complaining about the cost of health care. I can't feel sorry for them because I'm too busy wondering how many of their health problems were the result of their own actions. So if you're looking for motivation, just look around at everyone else and see how their unhealthy lifestyle is slowly killing them. And ask yourself if you want to be a burden on your spouse, your kids, or your grandkids. Ask yourself if you want to continue making doctors and health insurance companies rich. Don't even think about your weight. Eating healthy and exercising should be something you want to do if you really care about your health. Think of losing weight as a bonus that comes with taking better care of yourself, not the ultimate goal.
StenoLady1
12-29-2005, 02:54 PM
I think the trick is to come up with as many reasons as you can that DON'T have to do with how you look or how much you weigh. I think too many people exercise and/or eat right just because they want to lose weight. Well, that's the wrong attitude to have. First of all, it may not be enough motivation. Second, what's going to happen when you finally lose the weight? That's why I'm consantly telling myself all the benefits that come from eating right and exercising, but I'm making sure not to include anything that has to do with weight loss. For example, I hate exercise and if the only reason I gave myself to exercise was to lose weight, I would either lose motivation as I got closer to my goal or I would think my goal was too big and just give up.
So now whenever I think of whether I should exercise, I tell myself the following: It'll give you more energy, it's good for your heart, it'll help prevent muscle loss, it'll strengthen your bones, it's good for your immune system, it'll help relieve stress, it'll put you in a healthy mindset which'll make eating healthy easier, it's good for your skin, it'll make you rest better, it'll make sex better (if and when you do find someone to have sex with). :D
And when I'm wondering what I should eat, instead of worrying about my weight, I think about how a given food will affect my health. Will this food be good for my heart, my skin, my cholesterol, my blood pressure, etc.? When I look around, I see so many people who are sick, out of shape, taking a bunch of prescription pills, and complaining about the cost of health care. I can't feel sorry for them because I'm too busy wondering how many of their health problems were the result of their own actions. So if you're looking for motivation, just look around at everyone else and see how their unhealthy lifestyle is slowly killing them. And ask yourself if you want to be a burden on your spouse, your kids, or your grandkids. Ask yourself if you want to continue making doctors and health insurance companies rich. Don't even think about your weight. Eating healthy and exercising should be something you want to do if you really care about your health. Think of losing weight as a bonus that comes with taking better care of yourself, not the ultimate goal.
Beautifully said -- err, written. I hope everyone reads this. I vote for it being a sticky!
Lysne
P.S. I went ahead and got some cottage cheese to try with my oatmeal tomorrow morning based on our last discussion. I hadn't tried cottage cheese in the mornings. We'll see if I'm sleepy ;)
So now whenever I think of whether I should exercise, I tell myself the following: It'll give you more energy, it's good for your heart, it'll help prevent muscle loss, it'll strengthen your bones, it's good for your immune system, it'll help relieve stress, it'll put you in a healthy mindset which'll make eating healthy easier, it's good for your skin, it'll make you rest better, it'll make sex better (if and when you do find someone to have sex with). :D
And when I'm wondering what I should eat, instead of worrying about my weight, I think about how a given food will affect my health. Will this food be good for my heart, my skin, my cholesterol, my blood pressure, etc.? When I look around, I see so many people who are sick, out of shape, taking a bunch of prescription pills, and complaining about the cost of health care. I can't feel sorry for them because I'm too busy wondering how many of their health problems were the result of their own actions. So if you're looking for motivation, just look around at everyone else and see how their unhealthy lifestyle is slowly killing them. And ask yourself if you want to be a burden on your spouse, your kids, or your grandkids. Ask yourself if you want to continue making doctors and health insurance companies rich. Don't even think about your weight. Eating healthy and exercising should be something you want to do if you really care about your health. Think of losing weight as a bonus that comes with taking better care of yourself, not the ultimate goal.
Beautifully said -- err, written. I hope everyone reads this. I vote for it being a sticky!
Lysne
P.S. I went ahead and got some cottage cheese to try with my oatmeal tomorrow morning based on our last discussion. I hadn't tried cottage cheese in the mornings. We'll see if I'm sleepy ;)
annb
12-29-2005, 03:23 PM
Thanks alot to all of you. I am on my way to the grocery store to buy healthy food for my new way of living. I do have the ball and I just pumped it up. Now if I can figure it out on how to use it properly. I will be checking back regurly to share my losses hopefully. good luck to all too
kyethra
12-30-2005, 08:44 AM
wedding dresses! Well that is one at least. I got engaged a couple of months ago and recently started trying on wedding dresses. Those run small, for one thing, and I am not that pleased with the plus size selection or the way I looked in some of the ones I tried on...
But the more important goals, and I have lost fifteen pounds, are things like pain.
I have a rare nerve problem and the doctor says that weight loss, especially in the abdomen (nerve entrapment in abdominal wall) will help. And I have fibromyalgia so weight loss can help with potential back problems that spring up with that. And it is supposed to help with my GERD, though I have yet to see evidence of this.
Mostly I try to focus on how I will feel. I am young now, 22. I got sick a couple of year ago and now i am worried about down the road- that had nothing to do with weight. And I don't want to have an illness that is preventable. I also had a knee injury this fall after a literall fall that is still slowly healing and that makes me think about my knees in terms of weight and how that might contribute.
One big thing for me is blood pressure. Latley it has been a little high, and I know that is bad. And that losing weight can help that and make it go down. So that is something I can control and do. I had better do that.
So I think that if I lose weight I will feel better. I will have more energy. I will feel more excited about dressing up. I will feel confidant in my success at weight loss. I will feel strong.
And I like to look at before and after pictures of other people who have lost major weight and kept it off and read how they did that. Motivates me.
Plus I read somewhere that it takes about 21 days for a new habit to become a habit. So that means try try again. If you slip up just remind yourself that you have x number of days left and keep at it. Pratice makes perfect, after all.
But the more important goals, and I have lost fifteen pounds, are things like pain.
I have a rare nerve problem and the doctor says that weight loss, especially in the abdomen (nerve entrapment in abdominal wall) will help. And I have fibromyalgia so weight loss can help with potential back problems that spring up with that. And it is supposed to help with my GERD, though I have yet to see evidence of this.
Mostly I try to focus on how I will feel. I am young now, 22. I got sick a couple of year ago and now i am worried about down the road- that had nothing to do with weight. And I don't want to have an illness that is preventable. I also had a knee injury this fall after a literall fall that is still slowly healing and that makes me think about my knees in terms of weight and how that might contribute.
One big thing for me is blood pressure. Latley it has been a little high, and I know that is bad. And that losing weight can help that and make it go down. So that is something I can control and do. I had better do that.
So I think that if I lose weight I will feel better. I will have more energy. I will feel more excited about dressing up. I will feel confidant in my success at weight loss. I will feel strong.
And I like to look at before and after pictures of other people who have lost major weight and kept it off and read how they did that. Motivates me.
Plus I read somewhere that it takes about 21 days for a new habit to become a habit. So that means try try again. If you slip up just remind yourself that you have x number of days left and keep at it. Pratice makes perfect, after all.
Lenin
12-30-2005, 09:42 AM
Vanity, Vanity and Vanity...in that order. It causes me to count every calorie and slave at the gym til I want to CRY!
If I am going from here to the end of my life, it is going to be looking as good as possible. If I had their money, I'd have all the face and body work that Joan Rivers and Carole Burnett can afford. I'd go into the plastic surgeon with a picture of Brad Pitt and Antonio Sabato and tell the best plastic surgeon in Brazil (where the best work is done)...anywhere between these two is fine, here's the credit card.
I got a lot of mileage out of a fat picture of me in a pair of Speedos that I kept pasted to the refrigerator and set as my computer desktop background. It was and IS a good reminder of where I don't want to go again...EVER!
If I am going from here to the end of my life, it is going to be looking as good as possible. If I had their money, I'd have all the face and body work that Joan Rivers and Carole Burnett can afford. I'd go into the plastic surgeon with a picture of Brad Pitt and Antonio Sabato and tell the best plastic surgeon in Brazil (where the best work is done)...anywhere between these two is fine, here's the credit card.
I got a lot of mileage out of a fat picture of me in a pair of Speedos that I kept pasted to the refrigerator and set as my computer desktop background. It was and IS a good reminder of where I don't want to go again...EVER!
Robbo103
12-30-2005, 09:49 AM
My motivation was PICTURES! OMG
The mirror tricks you but Pictures tell the truth. Looked at the picture and decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
I had huge boobs. I saved my money and got a breast reduction just four weeks ago. Also got some abdomen lipo. This has motivated me. I have 30 pounds to lose. I have lost 18 pounds since surgery from the pounds taken out plus my "bland" diet. I don't want to gain anything back. I'm learning how to eat.
Now my goal is to find a workout. I have a treadmill. I started walking on it very slow about two weeks ago. I think once my doctor gives me the ok to exercise, I will take this bootcamp or kickboxing class. I am ready to be a perfect size 8. The fact that I can fit "regular" clothes now, is my motivation. I use to get my satisfaction from purses, jewerly, and shoes.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!
My 30's is going to be FAB!
The mirror tricks you but Pictures tell the truth. Looked at the picture and decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
I had huge boobs. I saved my money and got a breast reduction just four weeks ago. Also got some abdomen lipo. This has motivated me. I have 30 pounds to lose. I have lost 18 pounds since surgery from the pounds taken out plus my "bland" diet. I don't want to gain anything back. I'm learning how to eat.
Now my goal is to find a workout. I have a treadmill. I started walking on it very slow about two weeks ago. I think once my doctor gives me the ok to exercise, I will take this bootcamp or kickboxing class. I am ready to be a perfect size 8. The fact that I can fit "regular" clothes now, is my motivation. I use to get my satisfaction from purses, jewerly, and shoes.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!
My 30's is going to be FAB!
annb
12-30-2005, 11:27 AM
thanks you, so far so good on eating healthy. I think I am going to buy something in a size I want to be and hang it up untill I can fit into it. Has anyone tried this?
smurfett
01-01-2006, 12:56 AM
No, ann i haven't tried that but good suggestion:) Something sexy,lol:)
chevyman
01-01-2006, 01:25 AM
I say just try something that you can do pretty eazy..the dieting and excerise... let your mind/body be your motivator....it's ones own fault for being over weight....no on shoves the food in my mouth but me.
dutch-ny
01-01-2006, 05:52 AM
Motivation? I was a 60" waist line when I was 18,Needed New pants,so I went to clothing store that had 'big sizes for men' . I could not find anything in his store at all!He had one pair of ugly pants at 58". He offered to special order the 62" that was needed.I made a deal with him, save aside the one pair for one month and when I fit into them I promised to be a steady customer. It fit me one month latter and until that store shut down I drove 40 Miles to buy clothes. I now years latter ,I wear a 38-40" Waist.
CorbinRay68
01-01-2006, 11:15 AM
Before last summer, I was fat (240 lbs) and I wanted to stay that way. I enjoyed the buffets, I had lots of fat clothes (2x), and I had no compelling health reasons to make me need to lose. But in July, I started taking some medicine that made me queasy, and by the time the queasiness went away, I had lost twenty pounds. At that point, I realized that I didn't have to be fat any longer, and I started to enjoy the process of losing weight even more than I used to enjoy the buffets. The weight continues to drop, and now I am a slim 163.
Lessons to share:
1. Embrace anything that lets you lose a few pounds in a few days. If you get a stomach virus and you feel lousy for a few days, consider it God's way to give you an excellent starting point towards permanent weight reduction.
2. Once your stomach shrinks, listen to it. When it feels full, stop eating, even if you just started your meal, even if you just paid a lot for it and you can't stand to see food go to waste. That was the hardest part for me.
3. Don't eat food you don't like. Instead, listen to your cravings. For some reason, I was craving bananas. So I ate two small bananas a day for weeks. Now I have that same craving for grapes (the big globe variety). Your body probably needs more vitamins and minerals since you're eating less, plus these fruits are much more filling and rich than something dry like salad or raw vegetables.
4. Give up all drinks except water (or coffee or tea). Don't kid yourself and think that you can drink diet soft drinks. They are bad for you, plus the carbination causes your stomach to expand, which is the last thing you want. I drink one cup of black coffee every morning (down from two).
5. Eat just two meals a day, no snacks or anything between those meals. This bugs my wife because she grazes all day and she's skinny, so she told me that I need to graze as well. But that doesn't work for me. If I eat three or four meals a day, I would gain my weight back in no time. The whole purpose of having a smaller stomach is to consume less calories. If you can eat 1,000 calories in a single meal, then two meals equals 2,000 calories and three meals equals 3,000 calories. In a week, you save 7,000 calories, which means you lost an additional two pounds.
6. Be positive about your abilitity to lose weight! Weigh yourself every day, several times a day. Each day, be proud of what you've accomplished. Brag on yourself to everybody around you. It's fun to get compliments for a change.
Good luck!
Lessons to share:
1. Embrace anything that lets you lose a few pounds in a few days. If you get a stomach virus and you feel lousy for a few days, consider it God's way to give you an excellent starting point towards permanent weight reduction.
2. Once your stomach shrinks, listen to it. When it feels full, stop eating, even if you just started your meal, even if you just paid a lot for it and you can't stand to see food go to waste. That was the hardest part for me.
3. Don't eat food you don't like. Instead, listen to your cravings. For some reason, I was craving bananas. So I ate two small bananas a day for weeks. Now I have that same craving for grapes (the big globe variety). Your body probably needs more vitamins and minerals since you're eating less, plus these fruits are much more filling and rich than something dry like salad or raw vegetables.
4. Give up all drinks except water (or coffee or tea). Don't kid yourself and think that you can drink diet soft drinks. They are bad for you, plus the carbination causes your stomach to expand, which is the last thing you want. I drink one cup of black coffee every morning (down from two).
5. Eat just two meals a day, no snacks or anything between those meals. This bugs my wife because she grazes all day and she's skinny, so she told me that I need to graze as well. But that doesn't work for me. If I eat three or four meals a day, I would gain my weight back in no time. The whole purpose of having a smaller stomach is to consume less calories. If you can eat 1,000 calories in a single meal, then two meals equals 2,000 calories and three meals equals 3,000 calories. In a week, you save 7,000 calories, which means you lost an additional two pounds.
6. Be positive about your abilitity to lose weight! Weigh yourself every day, several times a day. Each day, be proud of what you've accomplished. Brag on yourself to everybody around you. It's fun to get compliments for a change.
Good luck!
OutToLunch
01-01-2006, 11:54 AM
First of all, you should NOT embrace something that lets you lose a few pounds in a few days. We all want to lose weight rapidly, but we should do it in a healthy way. Second, I think it's a mistake to just listen to your cravings. That's how I lot of people become overweight in the first place. They crave something sweet so they eat a candybar. Problem is the sugar crash makes you want to eat more. Sometimes, it's good to eat things that you may not like. I personally hate vegetables. If I only listened to my cravings, how would I ever get something as important as vegetables into my diet? Third, how can you tell people to only eat 2 meals a day? That's terrible advice. Your wife is right. Grazing is the best way because you spread your calories out and keep your energy levels up. Eating 2 or 3 big meals is why so many people are overweight. They're giving their bodies too many calories in one sitting. Lastly, it's good to be proud of yourself, but don't brag about it. No one wants to be around someone who brags. You won't get compliments if you're seen as a braggart.
OutToLunch
01-01-2006, 11:58 AM
One other trick to keep yourself motivated is to try and make yourself even more self-conscious of your weight. One of the mistakes most people make when they gain weight is that they try to hide it. They wear looser fitting clothes to hide their trouble spots. The problem with that is that you become more comfortable with the way you look. And the more comfortable you get, the less motivated you will be. Why do you think so many want to lose weight for the summer? Cause they know that they won't be able to hide behind as many layers of clothes. Now I'm not saying you should walk around wearing clothes that are too small or too revealing. But if you've gained weight and your clothes are tighter, don't run and out and buy new ones. Continue wearing what you have and the discomfort will motivate you to lose the weight you gained.
330exGirlOrl
01-01-2006, 02:52 PM
I'm 21 years old and 5'2''. My main motivation to lose weight is that my entire family (for many generations) has had diabetes and obesity. The majority of the deaths in my family were due to some complication of diabetes. 4 years ago I weighed 160 pounds and was a size 16. 3 years ago I turned to a low-carb lifestyle and regularly hit the gym. My weight was down to 115 pounds and I was a size 5. Over the last year or two I managed to get away from the gym and soon after, my diet changed as well (oops :nono: ). Thank God, I have only gained 15 pounds and now and size 9-11, but that is too much, lol. I remember how hard I had to work to lose the 45 pounds and I never want to have to work that hard again. 3 weeks ago I started back to the gym and now that the holidays are over I will be starting back to the low carb life-style. I cant wait to get the muscle back and drop the fat once again! :bouncing:
annb
01-01-2006, 04:57 PM
Wow alot of interesting theories on motivation. I just weighed myself and I have lost 6lbs. this is a big motivator because now I really want to continue and feel good about myself. The only problem I am having is my stomach is always growling. I am trying to drinks lots of water and that seems to make my stomach growl not feel fuller, but I am not giving in. thanks all and have a Happy New Year :bouncing:
HBOGirl
01-01-2006, 05:10 PM
Last night I was watching an old Oprah episode with Bob Greene and according to him, your stomach growling just means that your body is using it's stored fat, which is a good thing. My stomach will growl when I know I'm not hungry, so maybe it's true.
chevyman
01-02-2006, 04:27 PM
hi,
I just thought of something els besides eatting less and the right foods lowering portion size ect,,,ect,,
try getting in the right frame of mind..you know its going to be a long tevias process but you got to keep the will power going as you lose each week praise yourself have you a personal chart and place colorful glitter stars on how much you lost that week a gold star for the most weight...
also think about what it will be like when you can go in a store someday to buy you new clothes ... and pick out any size you want and not have to worry bout the larger sizes the 18's the 22's the x-plus..that day will come for you if you just stick with your dieting and when that day comes I'd be the first to want to just hug your neck girl.
Good Luck to you.
I just thought of something els besides eatting less and the right foods lowering portion size ect,,,ect,,
try getting in the right frame of mind..you know its going to be a long tevias process but you got to keep the will power going as you lose each week praise yourself have you a personal chart and place colorful glitter stars on how much you lost that week a gold star for the most weight...
also think about what it will be like when you can go in a store someday to buy you new clothes ... and pick out any size you want and not have to worry bout the larger sizes the 18's the 22's the x-plus..that day will come for you if you just stick with your dieting and when that day comes I'd be the first to want to just hug your neck girl.
Good Luck to you.
orion
01-02-2006, 09:46 PM
Losing weight is fine but you have to be very realistic. Unfortunately 99.5% of diets fail within 5 years, most within a few months. Dieting doesnt work in the long run and the only way to have any real hope is to make a complete lifestyle change.
Secondly, exercise doesn't work to lose weight, there have been many studies that show you can't loose more than 10 pounds exercising and overweight people may even gain weight because exercise makes them hungry.
However exercise does work to make you healthier so I would concentrate on a modest weight loss of less than 20 pounds (that has been shown to help with diabetes) and begin a moderate execise program. After that be happy with who you are.
Secondly, exercise doesn't work to lose weight, there have been many studies that show you can't loose more than 10 pounds exercising and overweight people may even gain weight because exercise makes them hungry.
However exercise does work to make you healthier so I would concentrate on a modest weight loss of less than 20 pounds (that has been shown to help with diabetes) and begin a moderate execise program. After that be happy with who you are.
V6 Jeep 4x4
01-03-2006, 12:55 AM
My biggest motivation when I started to lose weight was to look good when I was going on Spring Break a few years back.(as shallow as that may sound) I lost 60-70 lbs in 9 months or so by exercising everyday. ( even though the above poster said it doesn't work) Now, I just find something that's a few months ahead, for instance my sister's wedding in July and work to stay in shape and look good for that particular event. It seems to be working for me.
chevyman
01-03-2006, 03:57 AM
I don't agree that exercising will not help you lose weight? a weekor two is to soon to know .... were talking months and months
however I do agree that if a person is obese then they will need to change there life style the rest of there life but it can be done I know many many people that have did it....staying on a diet is hard but a person needs to be on a diet that there comfortable with and one that works exercise is a boost for loseing and it makes you feel better .... when I exercise it makes me less hungry so go figure? and I feel better and don't really want to eat anything.
however I do agree that if a person is obese then they will need to change there life style the rest of there life but it can be done I know many many people that have did it....staying on a diet is hard but a person needs to be on a diet that there comfortable with and one that works exercise is a boost for loseing and it makes you feel better .... when I exercise it makes me less hungry so go figure? and I feel better and don't really want to eat anything.
OutToLunch
01-03-2006, 11:01 AM
exercise doesn't work to lose weight, there have been many studies that show you can't loose more than 10 pounds exercising and overweight people may even gain weight because exercise makes them hungry.
Say what?! Where did you read that? Of course, you can lose more than 10 pounds of exercise. If anything, exercise is more effective than dieting because exercise not only burns fat, it raises your metabolism so you burn more calories at rest. I would love to know what studies you're referring to.
Say what?! Where did you read that? Of course, you can lose more than 10 pounds of exercise. If anything, exercise is more effective than dieting because exercise not only burns fat, it raises your metabolism so you burn more calories at rest. I would love to know what studies you're referring to.
Robbo103
01-03-2006, 11:26 AM
Last night I watched The Biggest Loser Marathon. BIG INSPIRATION!!!!!
Damn.....
I'm on a mission.
Damn.....
I'm on a mission.
orion
01-03-2006, 12:57 PM
I would love to know what studies you're referring to.
"The influence of physical activity on BMR [basal metabolic rate]." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28, 85-91. Sjodin, etal. (1996).
They found that elite athletes were shown to have a significantly higher BMR than was expected from calculations based on body mass or body composition. But there were no differences found in the nonathletic control group. In other words, ordinary people don't get a higher BMR from exercising, only elite althletes do.
-----------------
"Alterations in body weight and composition consequent to 20 wk of endurance training: the HERITAGE Family Study." Wilmore JH etal. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3):346-52.
They put obese people through 20 weeks of enforced tough training and despite this they found that short-term exercise will induce favorable changes in body composition, but "the magnitude of these changes is of limited biological significance." In other words, 20 weeks of force exercise produce little change in body weight or body composition. Hard to believe I know, but many other studies come to the same conclusion.
------------------
"Effect of exercise training at different intensities on fat metabolism of obese men." van Aggel-Leijssen DP etal. J Appl Physiol. 2002 Mar;92(3):1300-9.
They put obsese men through 12 weeks of high intensity exercise. Despite this, they found the fat burning rate at rest didn't change at all. Even more surprising they found that high intensity exericse didn't change the fat burning rate even during the exercises! How is that for contradicting all the so called health gurus!
------------------
There are many, many more such studies. I can't post links but if you search for "weight loss due to exercise only research" you will find lots.
Unfortuantely the facts are clear. Some people just process sugar much more efficiently than others. We all know people who can eat like horses and don't exercise and yet are thin; then why is it so surprising that some people can eat 1400 calories a day and gain weight?
Perhaps instead of assuming that athletes are thin just because they exercise, we can start understanding that perhaps many are attracted to athletics because they have a thin body type (god help them in a famine). Ever seen an obese person say, "hey, I think I will go out for track and field this year!" Nope, because it makes no sense. Therefore, it doesn't follow that exercise makes you thin, and as you have now seen, the research shows that exercise won't make you thin either.
It also won't make you live longer, but that's another thread.
"The influence of physical activity on BMR [basal metabolic rate]." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28, 85-91. Sjodin, etal. (1996).
They found that elite athletes were shown to have a significantly higher BMR than was expected from calculations based on body mass or body composition. But there were no differences found in the nonathletic control group. In other words, ordinary people don't get a higher BMR from exercising, only elite althletes do.
-----------------
"Alterations in body weight and composition consequent to 20 wk of endurance training: the HERITAGE Family Study." Wilmore JH etal. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3):346-52.
They put obese people through 20 weeks of enforced tough training and despite this they found that short-term exercise will induce favorable changes in body composition, but "the magnitude of these changes is of limited biological significance." In other words, 20 weeks of force exercise produce little change in body weight or body composition. Hard to believe I know, but many other studies come to the same conclusion.
------------------
"Effect of exercise training at different intensities on fat metabolism of obese men." van Aggel-Leijssen DP etal. J Appl Physiol. 2002 Mar;92(3):1300-9.
They put obsese men through 12 weeks of high intensity exercise. Despite this, they found the fat burning rate at rest didn't change at all. Even more surprising they found that high intensity exericse didn't change the fat burning rate even during the exercises! How is that for contradicting all the so called health gurus!
------------------
There are many, many more such studies. I can't post links but if you search for "weight loss due to exercise only research" you will find lots.
Unfortuantely the facts are clear. Some people just process sugar much more efficiently than others. We all know people who can eat like horses and don't exercise and yet are thin; then why is it so surprising that some people can eat 1400 calories a day and gain weight?
Perhaps instead of assuming that athletes are thin just because they exercise, we can start understanding that perhaps many are attracted to athletics because they have a thin body type (god help them in a famine). Ever seen an obese person say, "hey, I think I will go out for track and field this year!" Nope, because it makes no sense. Therefore, it doesn't follow that exercise makes you thin, and as you have now seen, the research shows that exercise won't make you thin either.
It also won't make you live longer, but that's another thread.
KIDINSANITY
01-03-2006, 04:12 PM
My motivation is to be able to have the energy to play with my kids BEFORE they decide they're too old to "play with Mom." My kids are 10,7, and 4, so I have to act fast!
330exGirlOrl
01-04-2006, 11:42 AM
Secondly, exercise doesn't work to lose weight, there have been many studies that show you can't loose more than 10 pounds exercising and overweight people may even gain weight because exercise makes them hungry.
That's one of the funniest things I've heard in awhile. Thanks for the laugh Orion.
What sometimes discourages people from working out is when they look at the scale too much. Yes, exercising does make you gain weight at first.... it's called turning fat into muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, so sometimes it does seem like you gain. The more muscle you build/tone, the more your metabalosim is going to rise and in turn, the more calories you will be burn. A tip that helped me was that I would only weigh myself every week or two, and that was only after I noticed my clothes getting looser.
That's one of the funniest things I've heard in awhile. Thanks for the laugh Orion.
What sometimes discourages people from working out is when they look at the scale too much. Yes, exercising does make you gain weight at first.... it's called turning fat into muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, so sometimes it does seem like you gain. The more muscle you build/tone, the more your metabalosim is going to rise and in turn, the more calories you will be burn. A tip that helped me was that I would only weigh myself every week or two, and that was only after I noticed my clothes getting looser.
chevyman
01-04-2006, 12:59 PM
I don't always believe what I read, and I refuse to belive all that.
I do believe you don't have to exercise to lose weight, but if you do exercise it will make you feel and look better/and speeds up the process in loseing weight.....living longer I can't say?...just have to use a little common sense there.
Exerciseing and dieting has its ups and downs sure, its the hardest thing a person can do or have to do......one day you may weigh more the next weigh less....but over a longer period of time you will weigh less if you stay with your diet & exercise plan, what your body has to go through with all the metabalosim changes....my point your body will change >via diet & exercise.
Everyone is different there, so a person that eats a lot and stays slim thats just the way there body metabalosim is for them, but for the other humm 75% of us that don't have a metabolism body like that we have to exercise and watch what we eat...it don't seem fair but its a reality.
If dieting and exercise did'nt work, then I guess all my friends that have lost boo-coos lbs including myself...can't say it was the dieting and exercise? maybe its magic, but we still lost.
I think it's pretty smart of an obsese person not to want to try out for track & field...why would they? I know you use that as an example, but what discouraging words to write in a form for helping people trying to lose weight.
I'll take dieting and exercise to the Bank everytime.
I do believe you don't have to exercise to lose weight, but if you do exercise it will make you feel and look better/and speeds up the process in loseing weight.....living longer I can't say?...just have to use a little common sense there.
Exerciseing and dieting has its ups and downs sure, its the hardest thing a person can do or have to do......one day you may weigh more the next weigh less....but over a longer period of time you will weigh less if you stay with your diet & exercise plan, what your body has to go through with all the metabalosim changes....my point your body will change >via diet & exercise.
Everyone is different there, so a person that eats a lot and stays slim thats just the way there body metabalosim is for them, but for the other humm 75% of us that don't have a metabolism body like that we have to exercise and watch what we eat...it don't seem fair but its a reality.
If dieting and exercise did'nt work, then I guess all my friends that have lost boo-coos lbs including myself...can't say it was the dieting and exercise? maybe its magic, but we still lost.
I think it's pretty smart of an obsese person not to want to try out for track & field...why would they? I know you use that as an example, but what discouraging words to write in a form for helping people trying to lose weight.
I'll take dieting and exercise to the Bank everytime.
sammyboy22
01-05-2006, 11:19 PM
My motivation to lose the weight for good is that I want to not have to think and be sad about being fat anymore. I am so sick of it. I am only 23, (my bday was yesterday) and I think I deserve a better body than the one that I have created for myself. I want to be hot, as superficial and shallow that may sound but, I do want to be healthy too. I have a potentially great body under this 50lbs of excess weight (about). I am 6'2'', I am male and I am still young, and I have no health problems YET! I have great skin that hasn't been stretched out really, and I have some good muscle tone in my arms and legs. I have a lot working in my favor, so I just have to be accountable and diligent in exercise and my diet and I know I can achieve what I have truly always wanted. I am finally ready.
orion
01-06-2006, 01:08 PM
what discouraging words
The media has our society worshiping: tanned, thin, buff, young, hot bodies and very few people fit that mold. This hasn't always been the case, in the past overweight woman were all the rage, I mean how thin is Mona Lisa? In the past the tanned look was considered to be gross, and women powdered their faces totally white to avoid even the hint of dark skin. What we think is a product of our times and right now oveweight is out.
On the positive side, studies show overweight people can be very healthy and physically fit if they don't veg out all day. In fact the mortality tables show that being underweight is far more dangerous. Insurance rates don't go up until you are significantly obese because they know being overweight isn't necessarily a problem.
You can be healthy, happy, productive, friendly and a good person even if you are overweight. It all comes down to that old saying: "if you don't like something, change it, if you can't change it, then change your thinking about it." What you think is 90% of the battle and knowing the truth about diets/exercise certainly helps to decide what battles are worth fighting and when you should change your thinking.
My thinking got changed:
- Exercise for heath, which mean being physically active, running after the kids, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking the car at the end of the lot instead of by the door, going for walks with friends, etc.
- Change your lifestyle permanently to lose weight. ie: if you go on a salad and salmon diet, expect that diet for the rest of your life. So what ever you decide to do, make sure you can live with it....small changes work best.
- Diets are short term solutions that can cut significant weight, but only rarely result in long term changes.
The media has our society worshiping: tanned, thin, buff, young, hot bodies and very few people fit that mold. This hasn't always been the case, in the past overweight woman were all the rage, I mean how thin is Mona Lisa? In the past the tanned look was considered to be gross, and women powdered their faces totally white to avoid even the hint of dark skin. What we think is a product of our times and right now oveweight is out.
On the positive side, studies show overweight people can be very healthy and physically fit if they don't veg out all day. In fact the mortality tables show that being underweight is far more dangerous. Insurance rates don't go up until you are significantly obese because they know being overweight isn't necessarily a problem.
You can be healthy, happy, productive, friendly and a good person even if you are overweight. It all comes down to that old saying: "if you don't like something, change it, if you can't change it, then change your thinking about it." What you think is 90% of the battle and knowing the truth about diets/exercise certainly helps to decide what battles are worth fighting and when you should change your thinking.
My thinking got changed:
- Exercise for heath, which mean being physically active, running after the kids, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking the car at the end of the lot instead of by the door, going for walks with friends, etc.
- Change your lifestyle permanently to lose weight. ie: if you go on a salad and salmon diet, expect that diet for the rest of your life. So what ever you decide to do, make sure you can live with it....small changes work best.
- Diets are short term solutions that can cut significant weight, but only rarely result in long term changes.
DAnn73
01-06-2006, 01:41 PM
The media has our society worshiping: tanned, thin, buff, young, hot bodies and very few people fit that mold. This hasn't always been the case, in the past overweight woman were all the rage, I mean how thin is Mona Lisa? In the past the tanned look was considered to be gross, and women powdered their faces totally white to avoid even the hint of dark skin. What we think is a product of our times and right now oveweight is out.
On the positive side, studies show overweight people can be very healthy and physically fit if they don't veg out all day. In fact the mortality tables show that being underweight is far more dangerous. Insurance rates don't go up until you are significantly obese because they know being overweight isn't necessarily a problem.
You can be healthy, happy, productive, friendly and a good person even if you are overweight. It all comes down to that old saying: "if you don't like something, change it, if you can't change it, then change your thinking about it." What you think is 90% of the battle and knowing the truth about diets/exercise certainly helps to decide what battles are worth fighting and when you should change your thinking.
My thinking got changed:
- Exercise for heath, which mean being physically active, running after the kids, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking the car at the end of the lot instead of by the door, going for walks with friends, etc.
- Change your lifestyle permanently to lose weight. ie: if you go on a salad and salmon diet, expect that diet for the rest of your life. So what ever you decide to do, make sure you can live with it....small changes work best.
- Diets are short term solutions that can cut significant weight, but only rarely result in long term changes.
I think I want to :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: because someone shares my thoughts!! It's difficult, if not downright impossible for some people to believe what you wrote above.
Either way orion, right on! Thank you!
On the positive side, studies show overweight people can be very healthy and physically fit if they don't veg out all day. In fact the mortality tables show that being underweight is far more dangerous. Insurance rates don't go up until you are significantly obese because they know being overweight isn't necessarily a problem.
You can be healthy, happy, productive, friendly and a good person even if you are overweight. It all comes down to that old saying: "if you don't like something, change it, if you can't change it, then change your thinking about it." What you think is 90% of the battle and knowing the truth about diets/exercise certainly helps to decide what battles are worth fighting and when you should change your thinking.
My thinking got changed:
- Exercise for heath, which mean being physically active, running after the kids, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking the car at the end of the lot instead of by the door, going for walks with friends, etc.
- Change your lifestyle permanently to lose weight. ie: if you go on a salad and salmon diet, expect that diet for the rest of your life. So what ever you decide to do, make sure you can live with it....small changes work best.
- Diets are short term solutions that can cut significant weight, but only rarely result in long term changes.
I think I want to :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: because someone shares my thoughts!! It's difficult, if not downright impossible for some people to believe what you wrote above.
Either way orion, right on! Thank you!
katied1183
01-06-2006, 03:53 PM
I also agree with Orion about the fact that the way we think about "what's hot" and "what's not" is influenced by the type of society and times we live in. that being said, what i don't agree with is the idea that "overweight" women like mona lisa used to be accepted in our society. many people often use the example of marylin monroe also -- who was a size 12 (or 14?) if i remember correctly.
but let me pose this question: did marylin moneroe and mona lisa have diabetes? did they have to shop at "plus size" stores? did they have trouble walking up and down stairs or get winded after 20 min of walking through a mall?
NO THEY DIDNT!!!! when we talk about what's healthy and what's not, what's overweight and what's not, we have to keep in mind what it means to be overweight!!! Yes, it's true that we live in a society that puts skin and bone actresses up on a pedestal and tells us that in order to be beautiful (sorry guys for the sake of brevity im referring to women) we have to be NO LARGER than a size 4. however i think it is also IMPERATIVE that we don't fall into the trap of blaming the media and our society for promulgating unrealistic thin ideals that "MAKE" us go running in the other direct. that's like saying that it's "not our fault" that there is an obvious obesity epidemic growing in our nation. and when i say "nation" i DO mean the United States. I can't speak for every coutnry, but i spent 8 months abroad in Spain and I can tell you from experience that there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON (with the exception of thryroid an chemical imbalance problems)someone shoudl be obese and wearing a size 18+. I'm sorry, that might sound cruel, but we are solely responsible for what we put in our mouths and the types of lifestyles we lead. I saw firsthand what a different type of lifestyle they live in Spain (again, only as an example). it's true that they don't have the same type of media that we have and no, they don't obsess over fad diets liek we do and their magazines dont constantly advertise 8 second abs and all that junk. BECAUSE OF THAT, it seemed to me that they obsess less, and live more sensibly. yes, some spaniards are overweight, but when i say overweight, im talking size 12 or 14 at the most.
so my point is: if you are healthy, eat a balanced diet (with treats of course!) and live a moderately active lifestyle and you are still a size 12 or 14 -- don't despair! you can take pride in knowing that you are healthy and happy and don't need to adhere to the media's thin ideals. BUT if are not taking care of yourself, eating everything/anything you want, and not exercising, then it is not fair to say that our society is "unfair" and it's only the "times we live in" that say you're overweight. you need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at. a 280+ pound person would have been overweight during the middle ages and they are now too.
but let me pose this question: did marylin moneroe and mona lisa have diabetes? did they have to shop at "plus size" stores? did they have trouble walking up and down stairs or get winded after 20 min of walking through a mall?
NO THEY DIDNT!!!! when we talk about what's healthy and what's not, what's overweight and what's not, we have to keep in mind what it means to be overweight!!! Yes, it's true that we live in a society that puts skin and bone actresses up on a pedestal and tells us that in order to be beautiful (sorry guys for the sake of brevity im referring to women) we have to be NO LARGER than a size 4. however i think it is also IMPERATIVE that we don't fall into the trap of blaming the media and our society for promulgating unrealistic thin ideals that "MAKE" us go running in the other direct. that's like saying that it's "not our fault" that there is an obvious obesity epidemic growing in our nation. and when i say "nation" i DO mean the United States. I can't speak for every coutnry, but i spent 8 months abroad in Spain and I can tell you from experience that there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON (with the exception of thryroid an chemical imbalance problems)someone shoudl be obese and wearing a size 18+. I'm sorry, that might sound cruel, but we are solely responsible for what we put in our mouths and the types of lifestyles we lead. I saw firsthand what a different type of lifestyle they live in Spain (again, only as an example). it's true that they don't have the same type of media that we have and no, they don't obsess over fad diets liek we do and their magazines dont constantly advertise 8 second abs and all that junk. BECAUSE OF THAT, it seemed to me that they obsess less, and live more sensibly. yes, some spaniards are overweight, but when i say overweight, im talking size 12 or 14 at the most.
so my point is: if you are healthy, eat a balanced diet (with treats of course!) and live a moderately active lifestyle and you are still a size 12 or 14 -- don't despair! you can take pride in knowing that you are healthy and happy and don't need to adhere to the media's thin ideals. BUT if are not taking care of yourself, eating everything/anything you want, and not exercising, then it is not fair to say that our society is "unfair" and it's only the "times we live in" that say you're overweight. you need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at. a 280+ pound person would have been overweight during the middle ages and they are now too.
DAnn73
01-06-2006, 05:02 PM
I also agree with Orion about the fact that the way we think about "what's hot" and "what's not" is influenced by the type of society and times we live in. that being said, what i don't agree with is the idea that "overweight" women like mona lisa used to be accepted in our society. many people often use the example of marylin monroe also -- who was a size 12 (or 14?) if i remember correctly.
but let me pose this question: did marylin moneroe and mona lisa have diabetes? did they have to shop at "plus size" stores? did they have trouble walking up and down stairs or get winded after 20 min of walking through a mall?
NO THEY DIDNT!!!! when we talk about what's healthy and what's not, what's overweight and what's not, we have to keep in mind what it means to be overweight!!! Yes, it's true that we live in a society that puts skin and bone actresses up on a pedestal and tells us that in order to be beautiful (sorry guys for the sake of brevity im referring to women) we have to be NO LARGER than a size 4. however i think it is also IMPERATIVE that we don't fall into the trap of blaming the media and our society for promulgating unrealistic thin ideals that "MAKE" us go running in the other direct. that's like saying that it's "not our fault" that there is an obvious obesity epidemic growing in our nation. and when i say "nation" i DO mean the United States. I can't speak for every coutnry, but i spent 8 months abroad in Spain and I can tell you from experience that there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON (with the exception of thryroid an chemical imbalance problems)someone shoudl be obese and wearing a size 18+. I'm sorry, that might sound cruel, but we are solely responsible for what we put in our mouths and the types of lifestyles we lead. I saw firsthand what a different type of lifestyle they live in Spain (again, only as an example). it's true that they don't have the same type of media that we have and no, they don't obsess over fad diets liek we do and their magazines dont constantly advertise 8 second abs and all that junk. BECAUSE OF THAT, it seemed to me that they obsess less, and live more sensibly. yes, some spaniards are overweight, but when i say overweight, im talking size 12 or 14 at the most.
so my point is: if you are healthy, eat a balanced diet (with treats of course!) and live a moderately active lifestyle and you are still a size 12 or 14 -- don't despair! you can take pride in knowing that you are healthy and happy and don't need to adhere to the media's thin ideals. BUT if are not taking care of yourself, eating everything/anything you want, and not exercising, then it is not fair to say that our society is "unfair" and it's only the "times we live in" that say you're overweight. you need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at. a 280+ pound person would have been overweight during the middle ages and they are now too.
No reason to “yell”, is there? First of all, I don’t know if Marilyn Monroe had diabetes, as I wasn’t her personal physician, nor was I Mona Lisa’s physician either…..so I honestly don’t know if they had it or not. I doubt that they had to “shop” anywhere, especially a “plus size” store. I’m sure they had their clothes made for them, but again – I don’t know. Did they have trouble walking up and down stairs – again, I don’t know. Did they get winded after 20 minutes in a mall? Again, I don’t know. Although I doubt Mona Lisa had a mall to visit. Anyway, to my point – are you insinuating that only overweight and obese people get diabetes? Or don’t exercise? If you are, I think those are highly generalized statements that you can’t possibly prove. Let me guess – all thin people are immune to diabetes? All thin people exercise, therefore they can go up and down stairs fine, as well as walk through the mall without tiring? Is this what you’re saying? If you’re saying fat people are all one way, then all thin people are one way, right?
I don’t think anyone mentioned that society is “unfair”. At least, I didn’t. What I did agree with (and you agreed with as well), is that society has a ridiculous “ideal” of what a woman’s body should look like. I don’t think I was placing the blame on society for people’s weight issues. However, it IS interesting to note that when a person suffers from anorexia, one of the first things someone blames is “society”.
You mentioned that “You need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at”. But what if a person’s body is “meant” to be overweight? Can you even entertain that in your mind? Probably not. But what about diversity, what about the idea that health does not equal body size, what about the idea that we respect people for their bodies, their choices, their lifestyles.
I don’t think anyone knows what it “means” to be overweight unless you’ve actually lived in an overweight/obese body. Unless and until you have, I don’t think you have any right to pretend to know what it feels like (I’m not saying anyone has done that, just in general). And unless you spend every waking (and sleeping) moment with every fat person in the world (and the thin ones too!), don’t even try to presume to know what they do or don’t do for their own health and well-being. There are many factors that go into a person’s overall health, not just the numbers on the scale.
And now that this is off the original topic and since this IS the weight loss board, I'll leave it at that.
It's time for my overweight body to walk the dog anyway. :D
but let me pose this question: did marylin moneroe and mona lisa have diabetes? did they have to shop at "plus size" stores? did they have trouble walking up and down stairs or get winded after 20 min of walking through a mall?
NO THEY DIDNT!!!! when we talk about what's healthy and what's not, what's overweight and what's not, we have to keep in mind what it means to be overweight!!! Yes, it's true that we live in a society that puts skin and bone actresses up on a pedestal and tells us that in order to be beautiful (sorry guys for the sake of brevity im referring to women) we have to be NO LARGER than a size 4. however i think it is also IMPERATIVE that we don't fall into the trap of blaming the media and our society for promulgating unrealistic thin ideals that "MAKE" us go running in the other direct. that's like saying that it's "not our fault" that there is an obvious obesity epidemic growing in our nation. and when i say "nation" i DO mean the United States. I can't speak for every coutnry, but i spent 8 months abroad in Spain and I can tell you from experience that there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON (with the exception of thryroid an chemical imbalance problems)someone shoudl be obese and wearing a size 18+. I'm sorry, that might sound cruel, but we are solely responsible for what we put in our mouths and the types of lifestyles we lead. I saw firsthand what a different type of lifestyle they live in Spain (again, only as an example). it's true that they don't have the same type of media that we have and no, they don't obsess over fad diets liek we do and their magazines dont constantly advertise 8 second abs and all that junk. BECAUSE OF THAT, it seemed to me that they obsess less, and live more sensibly. yes, some spaniards are overweight, but when i say overweight, im talking size 12 or 14 at the most.
so my point is: if you are healthy, eat a balanced diet (with treats of course!) and live a moderately active lifestyle and you are still a size 12 or 14 -- don't despair! you can take pride in knowing that you are healthy and happy and don't need to adhere to the media's thin ideals. BUT if are not taking care of yourself, eating everything/anything you want, and not exercising, then it is not fair to say that our society is "unfair" and it's only the "times we live in" that say you're overweight. you need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at. a 280+ pound person would have been overweight during the middle ages and they are now too.
No reason to “yell”, is there? First of all, I don’t know if Marilyn Monroe had diabetes, as I wasn’t her personal physician, nor was I Mona Lisa’s physician either…..so I honestly don’t know if they had it or not. I doubt that they had to “shop” anywhere, especially a “plus size” store. I’m sure they had their clothes made for them, but again – I don’t know. Did they have trouble walking up and down stairs – again, I don’t know. Did they get winded after 20 minutes in a mall? Again, I don’t know. Although I doubt Mona Lisa had a mall to visit. Anyway, to my point – are you insinuating that only overweight and obese people get diabetes? Or don’t exercise? If you are, I think those are highly generalized statements that you can’t possibly prove. Let me guess – all thin people are immune to diabetes? All thin people exercise, therefore they can go up and down stairs fine, as well as walk through the mall without tiring? Is this what you’re saying? If you’re saying fat people are all one way, then all thin people are one way, right?
I don’t think anyone mentioned that society is “unfair”. At least, I didn’t. What I did agree with (and you agreed with as well), is that society has a ridiculous “ideal” of what a woman’s body should look like. I don’t think I was placing the blame on society for people’s weight issues. However, it IS interesting to note that when a person suffers from anorexia, one of the first things someone blames is “society”.
You mentioned that “You need to take care of yourself and live at a comfortable weight that your body is meant to be at”. But what if a person’s body is “meant” to be overweight? Can you even entertain that in your mind? Probably not. But what about diversity, what about the idea that health does not equal body size, what about the idea that we respect people for their bodies, their choices, their lifestyles.
I don’t think anyone knows what it “means” to be overweight unless you’ve actually lived in an overweight/obese body. Unless and until you have, I don’t think you have any right to pretend to know what it feels like (I’m not saying anyone has done that, just in general). And unless you spend every waking (and sleeping) moment with every fat person in the world (and the thin ones too!), don’t even try to presume to know what they do or don’t do for their own health and well-being. There are many factors that go into a person’s overall health, not just the numbers on the scale.
And now that this is off the original topic and since this IS the weight loss board, I'll leave it at that.
It's time for my overweight body to walk the dog anyway. :D
FoodAddictee
01-07-2006, 12:27 AM
I think you took offense to her post when none should have been taken. I do believe she was speaking in general terms, not pointing any certain "overweight/obese" person out. Yes, you are right that some some people are healthy overweight. However, if one takes in their body build and type and discovers that their weight is fine, then they are actually not overweight, right?
People are getting angry over generalized statements when this board is supposed to be for help or support.
People are getting angry over generalized statements when this board is supposed to be for help or support.
annb
01-07-2006, 11:39 PM
Wow I didn't think my question would get so controversal. I was just trying to find something to keep me and all of us to keep losing weight. I need that extra push to gett me to get up and move. I usually am a quitter, especially on losing weight and exercising. I went grocery shopping today to try and be more aware of labels and buy healthier. Wow what a chore!!! I came home with healthy foods and some cheaters, not much. I have lost 10 lbs since I started this whole life change. i even went out and bought the biggest loser dvd which is great!!! I also watched that marathon.
Someday I want to go upstairs and not breath heavy or feel like I am going to have a heart attack. I want to have normal sex with my boyfriend. I want to be able to go in any store and buy clothes that look good and in my size. I don't really society is to blame for my overeating, because they didn't put the food in my mouth, but they didn't help either with their advertising and all the tempting fast food restaurants out there.
This is my problem. I do realize now that I did not gain this weight overnight and it is going to take time.
Someday I want to go upstairs and not breath heavy or feel like I am going to have a heart attack. I want to have normal sex with my boyfriend. I want to be able to go in any store and buy clothes that look good and in my size. I don't really society is to blame for my overeating, because they didn't put the food in my mouth, but they didn't help either with their advertising and all the tempting fast food restaurants out there.
This is my problem. I do realize now that I did not gain this weight overnight and it is going to take time.
chevyman
01-08-2006, 01:03 AM
DAnn73,
I understand what your saying,and you do have interesting points.
annb
if you are excessively over weight hang in there.... keep trying....your never a "quitter" if you don't try agian.
I just don't agree that exerciseing makes no difference in weight loss or it's a society hand-me downs thing mona lisa or no mona lisa.
It's discourageing to me to read post like that.
btw not being nosey here> if you are running out of breath climbing stairs...maybe you should have your blood presure checked....perhaps you have underlying problems? (hopefully not) ....its better to be safe than sorry because heart desease has no warning...only pain and suffering/sometimes thats not enough to know?, if your Dr suspects something? stress test or heart catherters test are life savers.
sometimes its not all because a person is over weight.
I wish you the Best.
I understand what your saying,and you do have interesting points.
annb
if you are excessively over weight hang in there.... keep trying....your never a "quitter" if you don't try agian.
I just don't agree that exerciseing makes no difference in weight loss or it's a society hand-me downs thing mona lisa or no mona lisa.
It's discourageing to me to read post like that.
btw not being nosey here> if you are running out of breath climbing stairs...maybe you should have your blood presure checked....perhaps you have underlying problems? (hopefully not) ....its better to be safe than sorry because heart desease has no warning...only pain and suffering/sometimes thats not enough to know?, if your Dr suspects something? stress test or heart catherters test are life savers.
sometimes its not all because a person is over weight.
I wish you the Best.
Angelene
01-09-2006, 10:27 PM
Getting back on topic, my motivation to lose weight is my upcoming wedding. I'm getting married in May -- my first fitting is this weekend and I'm down 9 lbs since New Years!
aquatilly
01-10-2006, 04:35 AM
My motivation is that I'm sick of being fat. I just really want to for once be able to wear clothes that are cute and stylish and not having to limit myself to clothes that hide my problem spots no matter how ratty they are. I have a closet full of clothes that I could wear that are very cute but I only wear about 10 things out of my whole collection because those are the ones that fit and hide my jiggly bits.
whackedback
01-10-2006, 12:34 PM
Also, getting back to the topic....
My motivation was my doctor telling me that he was going to discontinue my diabetic prescriptions and start me on insulin. It was like a bomb going off in my head. My ears started ringing. He gave me 2 months to "try and turn things around." Well, the thought of having to take my blood sugar 5 times a day and inject myself before every meal did it for me.
Since that day back in April '05, I've gotten my blood sugar down to a normal level (HbA1c reading below 6.0%) and I've lost 30 pounds. That's only 25% of my goal, but I'm heading in the right direction. I've done this by making a conscious choice to control my portion sizes and exercise more. I do treadmill 3 days a week, and a therapy pool 2 days a week.
So, I was at the last point before being declared hopeless by my doctor, so I did something about it.
wb
My motivation was my doctor telling me that he was going to discontinue my diabetic prescriptions and start me on insulin. It was like a bomb going off in my head. My ears started ringing. He gave me 2 months to "try and turn things around." Well, the thought of having to take my blood sugar 5 times a day and inject myself before every meal did it for me.
Since that day back in April '05, I've gotten my blood sugar down to a normal level (HbA1c reading below 6.0%) and I've lost 30 pounds. That's only 25% of my goal, but I'm heading in the right direction. I've done this by making a conscious choice to control my portion sizes and exercise more. I do treadmill 3 days a week, and a therapy pool 2 days a week.
So, I was at the last point before being declared hopeless by my doctor, so I did something about it.
wb
Robbo103
01-10-2006, 02:59 PM
Also, getting back to the topic....
My motivation was my doctor telling me that he was going to discontinue my diabetic prescriptions and start me on insulin. It was like a bomb going off in my head. My ears started ringing. He gave me 2 months to "try and turn things around." Well, the thought of having to take my blood sugar 5 times a day and inject myself before every meal did it for me.
Since that day back in April '05, I've gotten my blood sugar down to a normal level (HbA1c reading below 6.0%) and I've lost 30 pounds. That's only 25% of my goal, but I'm heading in the right direction. I've done this by making a conscious choice to control my portion sizes and exercise more. I do treadmill 3 days a week, and a therapy pool 2 days a week.
So, I was at the last point before being declared hopeless by my doctor, so I did something about it.
wb
That is GREAT!!! Keep up the good work. My dad is diabetic.
My motivation was my doctor telling me that he was going to discontinue my diabetic prescriptions and start me on insulin. It was like a bomb going off in my head. My ears started ringing. He gave me 2 months to "try and turn things around." Well, the thought of having to take my blood sugar 5 times a day and inject myself before every meal did it for me.
Since that day back in April '05, I've gotten my blood sugar down to a normal level (HbA1c reading below 6.0%) and I've lost 30 pounds. That's only 25% of my goal, but I'm heading in the right direction. I've done this by making a conscious choice to control my portion sizes and exercise more. I do treadmill 3 days a week, and a therapy pool 2 days a week.
So, I was at the last point before being declared hopeless by my doctor, so I did something about it.
wb
That is GREAT!!! Keep up the good work. My dad is diabetic.
annb
01-10-2006, 04:02 PM
thank you wb and others. Diabetes also runs in my family, I have a aunt and several cousins who have it. It is a wonder why I do not have it with my eating history. I still haven't bought that sexy outfit and hang it up to see everyday. I think I will wait til the spring fashions come out. Good Luck to all
OutToLunch
01-10-2006, 04:59 PM
If you're looking for a reason to lose weight, just think about the cost of getting sick. Health care in this country is ridiculously expensive and it's only going to get worse. Supposedly, half of all personal bankruptcies are because of unpaid medical bills. So if looking better or feeling better isn't enough incentive, then think about how much you'll end up spending down the road if you develop heart disease or diabetes. Do you want to be spending your savings paying medical bills? Do you want to be a financial burden on your kids someday? Eating healthy may be more expensive than eating junk food, but in the end, you come out ahead.
chevyman
01-10-2006, 05:48 PM
If you're looking for a reason to lose weight, just think about the cost of getting sick. Health care in this country is ridiculously expensive and it's only going to get worse. Supposedly, half of all personal bankruptcies are because of unpaid medical bills. So if looking better or feeling better isn't enough incentive, then think about how much you'll end up spending down the road if you develop heart disease or diabetes. Do you want to be spending your savings paying medical bills? Do you want to be a financial burden on your kids someday? Eating healthy may be more expensive than eating junk food, but in the end, you come out ahead.
Ain't that tha truth.
Ain't that tha truth.
pinkbubbles
01-11-2006, 02:40 AM
smurfett, think again!!! the worlds a small place! :) I'm from nebraska. hehe, not often that you find people from here though so i know where your coming from when you say probably not...anyways! my motivation is because i am still young (16) and everyone says its great to start early. and heart problems and breast cancer are just like bugs in my family and i want to do anything possible not to run down that un easy path anymore.
Robbo103
01-12-2006, 09:03 AM
I downloaded the song What Have You Done Today (To Make you feel proud) by M People (the biggest loser theme song)
The words are very motivational!
The words are very motivational!
trincam
01-12-2006, 05:39 PM
:eek: My motivation now is to lose weight for my girls.I am trying to be active in their school since i don't have a job.My daughters are all perfect little models hour glass figures inherited from my mom and i want them to be proud of me.They lovem e but i know i am embarassing.Nothing fits right things stretch out and then you get between sizes!!!!!!!!!!! :nono: So I also joined this message board so i don't feel all alone. :bouncing:
KimC2005
01-12-2006, 08:43 PM
My motivation is too feel healthy and good about myself. There are many overweight people in my family and I am hoping to break that cycle
HowWhenWhy?
01-13-2006, 09:01 PM
First i would like to say is hello to all of you. I had motivation to lose weight but that time of the month came and messed me up bad. I am about 5'3 and i weigh about 210. I am very disgusted with the way i look. I looked at tape of me recently, and i was like oh my God. I never looked like this before. I gained weight over a span of 5 years. I hope that it won't take me 5 years to lose it. This for me is very emotional sometimes. But if you all can relate please please please desperately tell me what keeps you motivated besides the getting up and doing the exercise. Even though that is the case. But I need other things or just basically a goal.