It’s spring, and I’m frustrated.
But before I go any further, this is a little personal rant of mine and has nothing to do with photography. Feel free to skip this post. ๐ I think I’m looking for camaraderie in this battle I’m in and just wondering if anyone else is interested in doing this with me.
Okay, I’ve been trying this new workout regiment for the last six months. It’s focused on weight training at a cardio level. In six months, I haven’t dropped any thing! I’ve actually gone up in weight. My friends are sweet and say, “You’ve totally gained muscle weight!” So I told myself, WOAH, I must be gaining some serious weight in lean muscle mass. Better go do a body comp and find out HOW MUCH muscle I’ve gained.
Good news, I’ve gained 2.5 lbs of lean muscle.
But, BUT, FREAKING BUT, I’ve gained 8.5 lbs of fat!!! Can you hear because I’m crying and pulling my HAIR OUT!
I look at these results and feel so frustrated. Little background on me. I was in a horrible water ski accident when I was in high school. Before this I played and trained with a tennis coach for sometimes 4 hours a day. After the accident my back wouldn’t last more than 45 minutes on the tennis court. Went to college and quit working out. But after graduate school, I decided to get serious again and get the weight off that I had been gaining over the last nine years.
Went to Weight Watchers for a year. Lost 25 lbs. But then I seemed to plateau. I couldn’t get down in my weight any more. I had about 12 lbs to go to hit my Lifetime Goal and nothing was working.
Around this time we started shooting weddings, and after a 12 hour day, I was EXHAUSTED physically. So I started getting into the pool to swim laps and build up my back muscles. Eventually, I started working out with the triathlon group to build endurance. And in all this, I’m hoping I’ll lose weight and body fat as a biproduct. But NOTHING…N-O-T-H-I-N-G!
So I look back to my diet. I go to an endocrinologist to see if I have a thyroid problem–checks out okay. I get my food allergies tested. That was fun. I find out I’m allergic to wheat, eggs, dairy, and caffeine. So what can I eat? ๐
My diet changes radically and I start eating a lot more protein to sustain my workouts with lots of veggies. I’m a total juicer and love it. But still, I’m only gaining, not losing.
This has gone on for three years. Six months ago, I try this new workout and six months later I’m here on the blog dumping out all my frustration with all of you.
My chiropractor is a body builder and trainer so he comes to the gym the other morning and watches my weight training routine. When I get to the cardio he says I’m not doing a high enough intensity. I’m looking at him, hard of breath, and thinking “what are you talking about!” He says get up to 190-200 on the elliptical in Strides Per Minute AND work up to staying there for 45 minutes. I’m dying after 12 minutes at that pace.
Then I sit down with my cycling instructor this morning after class and he says, “Look Me Ra, you’re not suffering in class. I know you’re working hard and breaking a sweat, but you’re not suffering. Your intensity has to double.”
Being that he’s shorter than me, I wanted to punch him. I’m thinking, ‘Do you know how exhausted I am after class!” (whatever Diego!…you *%&!# is what I’m thinking)
But it appears this plateau I’ve been at for the last few years is mental and for some reason I’ve convinced myself I’m working out hard but it’s not suffering. ๐
Okay, are you still with me or sick of all this?
So, I’m not pessimistic about much in life. But when it comes to my desired fitness level and the last three years of hard work, I’m feeling like no hope is out there.
There is this slim thread that my cycling coach and chiro. are challenging me with. They both want me to double my exertion for the next month. Not workout longer but harder. Suffer. Burn twice the calories. I’m feeling like this isn’t possible, they’re saying I’m wrong.
At the same time, I’m going to start writing down what I eat and keeping track again. I think the traveling is killing me. That’s a big part of the 8.5 lbs of fat gained. Ugh. But reality is that our life involves consistent travel, and I have to figure this one out.
So, does anyone want to do this with me? I’m not sure what all of this looks like, but I’d love to do a second post every couple days where we share our eating or workout goals that we are meeting every couple days. We share long term and short term goals by posting them as comments, and we totally encourage each other to get fit before summer. Whether you want to fit in your bathing suit and feel good by this summer or you are training for a triathlon, the end feels overwhelming for all of us. I’m thinking that no matter what level we are at and no matter how much our goals differ we could still draw encouragement and camaraderie from each other. What do you think? Am I totally in left field and needing more sleep? ๐
If this is at all interesting to any of you, post a comment and let me know. If there is a big response, I’ll post up the first things “to do” so we can start working toward our goals sooner than later!
There are five things we need to do that will help us find success (if success is to be found! :)). Let me know if you’re interested in what those five things are.
I TOTALLY HEAR YOU!!!!
I’m in no way any where near your fitness level, but I’ve always been athletic, and if an instructor told me I’m not suffering enough, I would get on the ugly side of snippy (and that’s an understatement).
Doesn’t it piss you off to even ENTERTAIN the thought that they may be right???
That’s, to me, is even more frustrating than them actually being right…. am I making sense here? hope so!
I feel for ya! and I don’t want to suffer, but I will start walking & jumping & “cardio”ing more “with you”, from thousands of miles away.
~Carey
Me Ra – you inspire and exhaust me ๐ I don’t know how you do it all so gracefully.
I used to swim when I was pregnant with my daughter – but stopped after she was born and, after being pregnant again, well, 3 years later, I just haven’t started it up again. I’d love to be a part of some fitness goals, but I think my goals will have to be on the “at least I made it to the gym” level rather than “increase the amount of suffering” level. Would that work?
Sara
Bring it on Me Ra!!!!
I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and weight has and will always be an issue for me. So I am starting up the low carb diet again. I don’t want to, but in order for me to lose major weight I must do what works for my body and that is low carb. I have a podiatrist appointment on the 21st to get my heel looked at and hopefully see what is causing so much pain. Then I am going to try my hardest to get back on track with exercising my butt off (literally).
Maybe I need to add triathlon back on my list of goals to achieve.
Okay, no joke! I just call Diego (the “you’re not suffering cycling coach”) to tell him he’s on the blog if he wants to defend himself. And I’m not kidding you, without skipping a beat, he invites Brian and I with the kids to pizza and pasta tonight! This guy is unbelievable. He just raked me over the coals this morning about not suffering and diet, and he’s inviting our family to a great time with the kiddos and pizza and pasta!
This is why I’ve gained 8.5 lbs of body fat!
I’m up for that! I’ve been trying to eat better – specifically more veggies and fruits and less cookies (chocolate and coffee – OK I’m addicted to those three things!). That’s crazy about working out super hard. I’m a runner and I’m not killin’ myself on my runs but I have a pretty good HR going. Maybe I should be in more pain ๐
Sara, any level would totally work! You’ll see what I mean in the first five goals!
But you crack me up when you say I “exhaust you”. ๐ I’ve had a couple people say that which is why I can’t wrap my brain around not working out hard enough! But seriously, if you think I exhaust you…woah, Brian would REALLY exhaust you! ๐
You lazy sack-a-bone’s Me Ra, PICK UP THE INTENSITY! That’s hillarious and almost cruel, isn’t it? As hillarious as a safeway bag-pack.
This blog just keeps getting BETTER AND BETTER! I am SO WITH YOU on this. I actually gained FIFTY pounds during my pregnancy… FIFTY. Whatever, fine, I was ok – after he was born, I was working out and dropping pounds and not eating for two… I was eating for like, a half… and after I lost 40 pounds, my doctor put me on this medication that made me gain a TON of weight… like, almost all of it back. I’ve been so discouraged – working out, eating right and not losing anything. Everyone once in a while I’ll just say %*$(#)% it all and drink like, 8 gallons of root beer and it’s totally depressing! I definitely need something like this – motivation to push myself – we can all suffer together and it will make suffering so much better!
This just made my day so much better
My son will be 3 in June. I haven’t worked out since I went back to work part time a year ago.
I want to be, um, LESS embarrassed in my swimsuit this summer than I am in it now. So I’m all for mutual encouragement.
Gosh Me Ra, I actually got a little teary eyed with your post… I found out 2 years ago that I have a hypothyroidism and I find it soooo hard to lose weight… it is so frustrating because I just want to feel good about myself, I don’t want to be a stick mind you, just feel good… I used to be a cross country runner and was ALWAYS active…. I think what got to me is the whole “work harder in less time” because I just do not have that endurance anymore!
Regarding Diego, that pisses me off…. I hate when people tell you how you will lose weight, yet they also do things to test your willpower….
I am with you on this one. I will totally join you on this one. I will be looking for the post.
Hi! I would be willing to do this. I definitely need to lose at least 20+ pounds. I just have not been motivated since I have had my three kids. I have exercised and was getting on a good routine but then we got knocked out with the flu and haven’t exercised for a month. My exercise routine consists of doing the treadmill for 30 minutes and some yoga. I choose to ignore my really flabby pregnant looking stomach in hopes that it will disappear and that hasn’t worked. I am exhausted too after I shoot a wedding, so it would help tremendously if I would be in good shape.
When I said “You’re not suffering” – I could tell by Me Ra’s body language that she was sizing me up for a throwdown. That hurt my feelings – and now I’m suffering. Inside me, there’s a little boy crying out – he’s saying: “I need love. I need affirmation. I need pizza.”
We all need help to achieve our goals. Our friend, Me Ra — needs our help to get past this plateau. Is she working hard? You bet! Can she work harder? We’ll find out. Stick with her for this next month — the key to suffering through an hour long hi-intensity workout is to break it down into manageable minutes of misery.
Tomorrow – Me Ra might only be able to be truly miserable for 3 minutes in a 60 minute workout. But the next time she’ll stretch it 3 1/2 or 4. Before the end of the month – she’ll be suffering 20 full minutes in a 60 min hi-intensity workout — after all that misert, she’ll feel great!
PS We invited them to pizza and salad. Pizza has all the 4 food groups and one or 2 slices on a Friday nite makes the suffering worth it ๐
I am on board!! I HAVE to loose this weight. My sons 3 and the excuse that I had a baby just isnt working anymore!! I tried to start exercising but its so unmotivating when people dont do it with you so with everyone on board with this maybe it will be more motivating!!! Im so excited and I cant wait!
Thanks MeRa – Your wonderful!
oh yeah I’m in! I started my “program” last Monday and have lost a few lbs already! But I know its too good to be true and will either come back or I wont continue to lose.
Yeah, I love how many of you have already responded in the first hour. Keep them coming! It’s giving me a bunch of ideas!
And as you can see, Diego is an Italien smart @$@#$#@ which is probably why I get up at 5:40am to go to his class.รย :)รย I also hear the little challenge for this month in his tone.รย If a bunch of us are doing this together, I’m totally game!รย Maybe we should call this the Suffering Diet, instead of things that make it sounds all cheery, easy, and light hearted.รย When really this type of change just sucks all around.รย ๐
MeRa…
Seriously dear…you look awesome! Stop freakin worrying about 8.5 lbs!!! Our society has taught us all wrong and you of all people…pumping up women for WHO THEY ARE should not obsess over 8.5 lbs! You eat healthy, your heart and mind are healthy and you exercise more than most americans. I know you’re the “I can do it all mom”, but seriously, give yourself some slack. Continue to bitch on your blog, get pissed off by doing some high intensity work out, but also, relax! I think with a high stress job, kids and an ‘exhaustive’ husband (love you brian) …you need YOGA.
Just keep up the great work, change it up often (the body resists doing the same thing over and over) and realize you are a beauty!
Have a great weekend girl and enjoy pizza night!
Oh, Jen you are a total sweetheart! You know that! I just love you. Thanks for the sweet post.
I hear you on over obssesing. And I don’t look at the scale but more ask myself how I feel. And I feel like I really need to get more routine or discipline with all the travelling we do. When I’m home, I do great. When we’re gone, not so good. ๐ And doing or eating not so good when we’re gone, makes me feel icky all over.
Plus, I’d love to be a little lighter on the bike and try to meet some goals of racing this summer. But thanks for what you said because I really hope this post doesn’t come off wrong to people. Know what I mean? xoxo
I am game!! I have to get into a bridesmaid dress in October, Yuk! I need to lose some serious weight and what better why to do it then with friends that I have never met! LOL.
Oh my gosh, Me Ra, someone said it earlier; you exhaust me BUT its inspiring! I am having similar frustrations. I got married in October, and I swear to you all, on the wedding night, I just couldnรขโฌโขt stop eating. And that continued on through the honeymoon. I had been really watching myself before the wedding (I was not about to not fit into my dress!!! I know some of you feel me :D), but the second I could, I started eating again, lol. But now I donรขโฌโขt feel so great. My biggest problem is I LOVE food! Its so good. I am half heartedly trying Weight Watchers, but I feel like I’m just never full enough when I really watch what I eat. Maybe I am eating the wrong stuff??? I donรขโฌโขt know! But I am on board with all of you! My exercise level is nowhere near as advanced as yours, but it will most certainly motivate me. Thanks so much!
((I totally laughed at Diego’s comment: รขโฌลI need love. I need affirmation. I need pizza.รขโฌย Donรขโฌโขt we all need pizza?!))
count me in! about 6 months ago i lost 10 pounds and i was so excited. now i am stuck i can’t lose the rest that i want to lose. my hubby says i lost the first 10 so fast because it was water weight. i must admit though. i exercise, but i do what’s comfortable for me. i am tired, but i am not suffering. i need to suffer!
o.k. I’m in…I never lose weight. Doesn’t matter how much I “suffer” during workouts, how little I eat, I always stay the same–NOT a good thing. So, I guess its kinda nice to know I’m not alone in this.
I’ve been training for a 5k (that’s so far from a triathlon it makes me laugh…anywho, I digress…). After our long winter a lot of suffering is going on during my training ๐
So, bring it. Tell me all about the 5 things I need to do to find success…I’ll take all the help I can get.
๐
Oh Me Ra! You’re just so wonderful! I love that you rant about your coach online and then invite him to defend himself – hi, Diego! Maybe you can take a picture of Me Ra suffering for us. ๐
I had a baby 8 months ago and dropped all the weight, plus some, IMMEDIATELY. Then I got on birth control and stopped breastfeeding and now the weight is climbing back up. I want to lose 15 pounds of tummy flub. Hubby (who keeps saying, “Don’t get fat! Don’t get fat!”) broke my treadmill. I am thinking about joining a swimming class… I’m not sure.
I have a disease though: I-Hate-Exercising-itis. It might be terminal. I am trying to self-medicate with Coca Cola and frozen taquitos but I don’t think it’s working!
I will totally get on board with you, Me Ra! Now that the weather is getting nice maybe I can start jogging with the stroller. It’s a great excuse to buy new running shoes!
PS: Carey, I saw one of your pictures in the May issue of PCPhoto on an MPix ad. I totally fell off the couch and said, “I kind of know that woman through Me Ra’s blog!” Love that picture. ♥
I’m in. It’s a great time to have some accountability. I have 10 more baby pounds and a bunch of others after that.
I was doing pretty good until this week – Noah’s dedication is this Sunday and of course I decided to make all the sweets for the after party – and of course I had to “try” them all ๐
i too have been COMPLETELY frustrated because i’ve been doing interval training for about 4 months now after having 3 babies in a row— seriously, BAM BAM BAM, all 3 1/2 and under… last month, the inches weren’t coming off and i hadn’t lost a SINGLE pound… my trainer gave me this article about how if you don’t have 8 hours of STRAIGHT sleep, your metabolism decreases dramatically… seeing as i have a newborn, it made more sense… so i tried to sleep more @ night, and the weight fell off this month… are you sleeping enough? hope this helps, but i TOTALLY understand where you are coming from… i really do…
I LOVE “the suffering diet” – it’s the PERFECT name!
I also love Myssie’s phrase “friends I’ve never met.” Thats totally how I feel too – a little goofy, but yes, Me Ra and all the women I see on here are indeed: Friends I’ve never met! ๐
I can’t wait to see how we do with this
Okay the word “Suffering”…that rings a bell with me! My deal is I’m sick of suffering because of the pain I feel because of my lack of strength and endurance level. The weight loss thing is just a gift if it happens…don’t get me wrong, I would love for that to happen as well, but I am after strength, well being and less physical pain. (Arthritis at 38 really SUCKS!) It’s a tricky one for me, too much activity, I’m in trouble, too little, i’m in trouble. Swimming with the oldies is where I’m at right now and it is helping me soooo very much! I’m in for any encouragement I can get from this peanut gallery! I love Jen M’s post! So true, so true! Bless you MeRa, just stay active, push harder when you can, make some positive changes in the eating habit department and don’t give up, plus remember to love yourself right where your at….also get your Thyroid checked if you haven’t already. So many women have thyroid issues and never get it diagnosed, me included!. Love ya much….
What are the five things that will help us find success? Anything will help on this matter. I’ve gained 40lbs since I’ve been in my 30’s and I need to lose all of it. I’m going to be joining this fitness gym in Gig Harbor called 123 fit. There motto is “less pain,more gain” and I hope they don’t me pounds. The website is http://www.123fit.com. Check them out maybe they may have some ideas. I haven’t joined yet but will be shortly. I’ll let you know how everything goes.
Although you may not think it, I think you look great! Thanks for being so giving of yourself and your knowledge.
I hope you reach your goals but don’t be too hard on yourself.
MO (The Costco girl, but in Gig Harbor now)
I’m in, I’m in, I’M IN!!! Seriously count me in! I’ve been doing Weight Watchers for the last eleven weeks and started out really strong, but then as I intesified my work outs I’ve plateaued with my weight loss. (Which I expected.) But it just helps to constantly have comraderie and encouragement from others experiencing the same thing, because even though I know I shouldn’t get down about it, I can…and then my workout intesity starts to drop and the cycle of self doubt continues! Arggghhhhh! So I just started an Ulimate Jumprope class, and I LOVE it!! And HATE it! But mostly love it! It pushes me to the point of wanting to pass out or puke, and while I hate that feeling in the moment…I know that it’s the “good” kind of suffering.
So let’s do this! =)
Id love to join in!!
Me Ra…I am allergic to wheat. My mom and two sisters and two of my 4 children are as well. It is a huge lifestyle change.
With some it causes upset stomachs so bad you cant keep anything in and you lose weight. With some (like me) it bloats you and actually can cause weight gain. If you are not already completely off wheat….DO IT NOW!!
Read labels. Lots of hidden wheat out there!
Exercise sharpens your thinking. It also makes a wedding photographer agile and increases stamina, which I could TOTALLY tell when I was working out. But that was 2 years ago. Now I’m floppin’ over the top of my jeans a’la muffin top style.
Sigh.
I’m in.
When on the road, you may find this 20 minute workout helpful http://www.realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/. I’ve tried the advanced one, and its tough, good and easy to squeeze in 20 minutes.
Being 20 weeks pregnant I wont be joining in on the suffer fest, but once the baby is here!
P.S. Me Ra, I saw you at WPPI (attended and enjoyed your lecture), you look great!
I am so proud of you–despite no weight loss. You are doing great.
I need to drop 15 pounds and I want to do it in a month-BUT-by the time I finish sessions in the evening–I want to come home and start editing. I want to drop the pounds without doing anything. SO–that is why I am so proud of you. You are working hard!
My new method…I am going to bring my scale to my classroom–weigh in every morning–write my weight on the board–and make the kids say mean things to me. JUST maybe that will get my lazy butt to the gym.
What about B12 shots? My sister-in-law has been on them once a week–and it is working for her.
Good luck! You can do it!
I’m in. The pregnant moms at Ellie’s preschool are smaller than me. It would be nice to have jeans that don’t fall (roll)of my bottom when I walk. I can’t even blame the 10 lb 11 ounce baby any more. He’s over a year.
Doesn’t Brian have a cheese diet we could try?
Me Ra,
Seems like you struck a nerve with this post!
I love what Jen had to offer, so true.
You are on the road alot, lot, lot. You have to have the right habbits 90% of the time to get the results you want. Sooooo, food log-YES, change it up- oh yeah, and work hard- I know you do! Consistancy, consistancy is the key. And then double check your food log. Seriously.
Now let me take that lecture tone out of my ‘voice’ and tell you I’m still 20# over my normal weight from having my baby 8 mo. ago so I’m loving the comradorie here since I have been lacking the extra motivation needed to do the things I just got done preaching about! I like to think I’m taking…”baby steps”!!!
It helps to know we’re not in this alone. ๐
You rock!
I am with you girl!! This is what I need! I’ve done WW too and now I’m stuck with that last 10-15 pds that just won’t go away! I understand how you feel. You have this goal and you just can’t get there! Well if it’s suffering we need to do then lets suffer together! Bring it on! I can’t wait to see you in May! Good luck to all who are going to do this! We can do it! We are gonna do it! Wooowhooo I’m excited!!
Not suffering enough?!? I would have flipped out. Actually, I probably would have spent the rest of the day eating oreos and mumbling to myself “not suffering enough – who does he think he is?!?” :o)
Good thing you kept your composure (as best you could). The whole food allergy thing is awful and you have my sympathies. My two kids have them and it is so hard to manage. It is easy to get overwhelmed just by that. Hang in there – and good luck with your goals. I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress!!
Hey Me Ra,
If you haven’t checked it out already, you have to try: http://www.bikramyogatacoma.com/
It is so not about suffering but working hard and feeling great! I’ve been doing it for years and every time I am feeling “gross” I go do a class and then feel comfortable in my skin again. Last night during the hardest pose we were encouraged to SMILE and not make a struggling face. I love that! I am in on working harder, eating better support! You want to see change do the 60 day Bikram yoga challenge. I did it a few years ago, it was a amazing. Perhaps it’s time to try that again. I love Jen’s comment above, well said.
I feel everyone’s pain. Count me in!
Me Ra!!!!! I am so in on this, GIRL!! I’ve talked myself into doing a marathon this year, but I’m truly a beginner. I got married two and a half years ago and after a stressful couple of months and two moves across the country landing us right back at home with parents and in-laws, I was diagnosed with (graves disease – hyperthyroidism) which sparked Vitiligo, which has really and ultimately affected my self esteem; not to mention that before we got married I’d worked myself done to a size 8 or 10 and have gained ALL OF THAT WEIGHT BACK (80 LBS) AND AM AT AT 14 – 16! OH and yah, no baby to show for it!! I just completely want to feel healthy and great about myself and what I have to offer my husband! But, anyhoo, I’m willing to work knowing that there’s tons of women around the world getting HIP to your new plan. WAY TO IMPOWER US WOMEN, ME RA!!! You ROCK and I pray that you’ll meet, as will we, meet our goals this month or at least get started with some sort of work out regimen and get closer to where we want to be!
I’m with Jen! You look great and you obviously take care of yourself so don’t worry about the weight. As a group of mostly women who come to this site for encouragement – let’s collectively STOP THE MADNESS! I have two girls and my 9 year old is already talking about friends of hersรขโฌโข that are on a diet. It makes my stomach clench. I am trying to teach her that diets don’t work but eating healthy and exercise are just a part of the day. We need to set an example for the young women that are watching us by just being healthy period. Iรขโฌโขm living outside the States at the moment and love the attitude Europeans have towards food and life. It is meant to be enjoyed and not for suffering! Again, you look great!! Can I get an Amen!
I’m in too. I have thyroid issues, two kids and am just as frustrated as everyone. Have you gone to a naturopath? I find they can diagnose the strangest things that can be holding you back.
Looking forward to it.
ME RA! I have never, ever in my life known someone so EMPOWERING! It’s so funny – I had this EXACT same conversation with my best girlfriend yesterday. She called me all craaaazy and excited – “CHRISTI – OH MY GOSH! You have GOT to get right on your computer NOW and read Me Ra’s latest blog entry! STOP what you’re doing with the kids – and get your rear end there and READ it!” I felt like I wrote those words…..
I AM SO IN! IN IN IN! Like Flynn! Me Ra – Muuuuuahhhhh! XOXO
Me Ra, i feel kind of odd posting on your site, because i know you have no idea who i am, but i’ve heard you speak through Pictage and other photog events ๐ this is a pretty basic question, but has your trainer had you do intervals? i mean how can you increase your stamina if you don’t do it in increments to increase your threshold to go harder? it’s almost like telling you, you need to go bench your own bodyweight and if you don’t you’re not suffering. so here’s something for everyone to try 1x a week to increase your workout intensities:
pick your favorite cardio activity. warm up for 5 minutes and then go as hard as you possibly can for 2 minutes, then recover for 2 minutes (that doesn’t mean stop either, just go slower to bring your heartrate down), then go as hard as you can for 1 min. 30 sec., then recover for 1 min. 30 sec., again – go as hard a s you possibly can for 1 min., and then recover for 1 min., 30 sec hard, 30 sec. recover (don’t be surprised by this point if you feel like you’re going to puke). then go for a steady pace for 5 min. and do your intervals again. finish out with a 10 minute cool down. after you’ve done these intervals for 3-4 weeks – see how much harder you can go – you’ll be surprised ๐
Hi Me Ra,
I read your article in Rangefinder, and see that your post is not what I would normally expect from a photographer’s blog. I guess that’s the success of it!
The number one thing to do about your weight issue is to get the book, “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield, and DO what he says to do in the book. As he talks about, our minds are like radio towers, transmitting signals out to the universe about what is on our minds, and attracting it to ourselves. In essence, the more you think about fat, even if you are thinking about losing it, the more you are attracting the situations in life that will bring more fat to you. Create affirmations like, “I enjoy living a healthy life at my ideal body weight, and I get tremendous enjoyment from how I look. I love that I can see it in other’s eyes that I am a truly attractive person inside and out.” Whenever you are tempted to think about weight, fat, frustration with loosing weight, stop yourself, and recite the affirmation instead, and imagine what it feels like to enjoy how your body looks/feels. This will stop the negative weight cycle in your life immediately, and start attracting to you the situations, people, exercise, food, etc. that will make the affirmation come true. Be prepared for surprises!!!
Let go of all the frustration. Close your eyes and imagine yourself handing your body, your weight, your health, over to a higher being. Let that higher being, who controls the universe, bring about the changes you desire.
Ed
Me Ra –
No worries. Just call me up when you and Brian get some great food and I will come over and eat it up for you!
Actually, I am about to start working out so, I will let you know how it goes. If it goes well, I will charge a simple consultation fee; )
r
I’ve been using a site called The Daily Plate (http:/www.thedailyplate.com) to help me lose weight, and it’s been REALLY working for me. I’ve lost 20 lbs. since February 1st. It’s a slow-and-steady kind of thing, but it’s coming off slowly but surely. I can track my body measurements and weight, and watch the lines on the charts all slope down and to the right…which is extremely gratifying! I told the website my average activity level (low), and my weight goals, and the website tells me how many calories to consume each day if I want to lose 2 lbs/week. Then I type the foods I eat into the site and it tracks the calories, protein, carbs, fiber, cholesterol, etc. for me. I can see how on-track I am with my nutritional requirements, and how what I’m eating effects how I feel and what I weigh. It’s been totally revolutionary for me. I’ve tried a million different things to lose weight, and this one is the only one that has worked for me. I still have over 100 lbs. to lose, but for once I feel like I’m finally going to be able to do it.
Hope this helps. ๐
OH! And anyone can create a group on the site, too, and other members can join. So it might be a good way to get people involved in one place. ๐
I’m so IN!!!! I feel like I could have swapped out your name for mine in your post Me Ra. I “used” to train for triathlons – but I hit 30, was diagnosed with cancer – couldn’t workout for 3 months. No sooner was I given the red light to start up again, and I was in a nasty car accident – which permanently effected my neck/back. Oh wait – then there was my divorce. But thank goodness for me, when I get depressed, O don’t eat. So off comes some weight. Turning 30 sucked!
But wait – life happens again – I met Cory – my new husband 6 years ago. And during that “we’re newly dating” stage, the weight started adding back up. Gosh, the price we pay for feeling happy! ๐ I’m now 20 pounds heavier than when I got married (just about 2 years ago). I know it’s because we too are working more than ever. Our photography company is blooming as well as our other businesses. But I’m trying to find balance this year. I need to lose that darn weight!!! Count me IN!!!!
[…] The whole post on Friday is not so much about my needing to be healthy b/c I know I’m making good choices. It’s more about wanting to break through a plateau I’ve been at for 3 plus years. I want to go for that triathlon this summer or the 62 mile bike race and feel stronger than last season. […]
Okay, I am totally believing in the ‘mob mentality’ thing (in a positive way!)and hoping to see some much needed results. Power in numbers right? Or at least the beauty of camaraderie. I am seven weeks post baby and although I remember the journey being an up hill slippery slope with my first, I’m ready to work. Looking forward to your first five things post and journeying alongside. Thanks for the fabulous support idea!
ok, this is now my favorite post. Also love Diego’s post! Suffering?? Yikes, I went to the “Y” this morning and knew when I left that it wasn’t good enough. I just did enough to say I did it! I’m with you girl. Let’s go for it!!!
[…] I have a Suffering with Me Ra category! Remember that post! I’ve got so much to say on that topic! And I’m seeing about having a couple special guests that come on to help us ladies out. […]
[…] Remember this post, “He Tells Me I’m not Suffering!“? […]
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