You make several excellent points on weight loss. I agree that too often only the end result is the focus and the process is not looked at in a systematic, logical way that encompasses far more than an eating/exercise plan. I have been writing for years on this subject (with over 40 articles published during my time on staff with Natural Muscle Magazine, where I had my own column titled 'Inspiration') yet I see the masses still fall prey to the hype that perpetuates the myth of fast, and even easy, weight-loss, which definitely sets the stage for disappointment for most anyone dieting. While I approach this with a lifestyle and behavior change plan, it is also not a fast plan and that frustrates people-they believe it should be able to be done quickly, thanks to the years of marketing BS. Having struggled with bulimia/binge eating disorder for over 30+ years, and finally found my way through it, I started a blog journalizing the process to try and help others going through it. While many of my posts use a lot of humor, they are all intended to motivate, inspire and impart some wisdom and advice. I also included Before photos and continue to do photos every 8-12 weeks for the sake of honesty and so others will know that I am for real as well as serious. Humor has also been a big part of the healing process. I have included links to a couple of my posts that go deeper into what has helped me the most with regaining sanity in this journey and can be used by others to help guide them to success. I hope you take a read and please-stay in touch, let me know your thoughts and if you find the information helpful. Sincerely,
SMILINGTREE
Thanks for your comment on my post! You've been on my mind lately, and it is good to ready you've been taking really long walks. I agree -- a good, long walk clears the mind. It seems to spur something creative in my brain too. I have weird little flights of fancy while walking. Here's an example: While on the 12 mile hike in the Smokeys I was thinking about what I would do if I saw a bear. I'd take a picture, of course!
(As I thought these things it was like a movie playing in my mind: I saw me, seeing the bear, taking the photo, etc.)
The flash or sound of the camera made the bear angry. It came running after me. In the split second before this imaginary bear reached me I considered what to do: run? I can't outrun a bear! Climb a tree? I can't climb, and anyway, the bear could still get me!
So, I decided, the bear would just get to eat me. I took one more picture before it got to me and in the flurry of being eat by the bear, my phone was flung to the side.
Later, after my remains were recovered, I imagined my children, with the phone returned to them. They are looking through the pictures and come to the one of the bear rushing toward me. The last one.
They laughed and laughed and said, "Gah! Just like mom. A bear about to eat her, and what does she do? She takes a picture!"
Someday, that whole fantasy is going to be part of a story, somehow. Probably a weird dream sequence or something. :) 1658 days ago
CALENSARIEL
Hey! Sent you a PM. I'm not planning on drinking a lot of alcohol. I think Mark and I may get dumped in one of the lounges while Arn and Amy go try their hand at Black Jack some night, but for the most part we will be off the ship every day except one and then back just in time to get ready for dinner. The pool closes early, which surprised me, but we'll probably spend some time there on the day we're on ship all day.
In Bar Harbor Arn and I opted to not do a shore excursion. We're hiking the Shore Line Trail instead. Halifax, sailing on a three-masted schooner and the walking around town and over to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where most of the Titanic's artifacts are. Sydney, going to the Fortress of Louisburg. This is our second time there. LOTS of walking. Arn booked an excursion on Prince Edward Island where they take you around to all these beautiful places and teach you how to use your own camera. No clue what that will entail. Quebec City we'll be walking around St. Anne de Beaupre Cathedral and grounds and around Montmorency Falls. Not a lot of walking, just sauntering. And in Montreal we're just going to wander around town with friends from Pointe-Calumet. Want to go see Notre Dame and China Town.
Breakfast will pretty much be the same everyday, and we can order fresh fruit in our room. I've packed baggies for "borrowing" a few things from the breakfast buffet if we see something we like. This is when it truly sucks being diabetic. It's way too long sometimes between meals for my sugar. Forces me out of my well-controlled eating schedule. Portion control is pretty good in the dining room. I'll stick with broth-based soups. Probably lots of chicken, and NO after dinner drinks. My one major concern is dessert. Too many carbs will put me out like a light in half an hour. Since we really enjoy the after-dinner shows, I may have to skip them altogether.
I'm worrying about it anyway, and Arn's ready to kill me. He doesn't want to hear even ONE word about "dieting" while we're gone. 3128 days ago
SKYWATCHERRS
What can I say? You're awesome. Thanks for the comments on my fat stigma blog. I have been thinking about it and I am totally proud to tell someone I used to be heavy. 3238 days ago
Great cyber name! Love your bio, so open and honest! Kick boxing is so cool and how cool it is that you became the instructor! You look awesome and are a true motivator! I am so glad you stopped by my page and read my blog. Thank you for leaving the comment so I could come and learn all about you and find more inspiration!