Mizzie's Journey to Being Healthy

[Andy2]

Grr, this is why I need to stop stepping on the scale every day! I weighed in at 188.2, which is 1 pound down from last week. Yeah, I know that's an ok weigh in, especially after last week with my friend here and all. But when I peeked yesterday it was 187.6, so I went up since then. Plus, I just really wanted to see 187.something. Bla... That's it, no peeking this week! I'm sick of being disappointed on weigh day because it was lower earlier in the week.

The weather was nice last night, so we went for a walk. Not the most hard core exercise, but it was nice to get out. I tried to keep up the pace though, but hubby kept strolling along. Ok, I know it's just a nice little walk outside with his family to him, but to me it was my workout. Oh well, it was better then sitting around the house either way.

I'm going to try the Couch to 5K again tonight. We'll see how I do. I'm a bit worried about it, because my shins don't feel right today. They don't hurt, exactly, but I can feel them when I walk, which isn't normal. If it hurts, I'll stop running and go for a bike ride instead. Or maybe lift weights. I just wish they'd fix the darn TVs in the exercise room!!! Yeah, I have an iPod, but I like having the TV on. It gives me something to look at so I don't sit and watch the time. I e-mailed the manager weeks ago, but she just said they were "working on it". Yeah, ok, because it takes a month to fix the cable.

I'm getting together with a friend I haven't seen in a few months on Sunday and I'm excited to see her. She e-mailed and asked what I wanted to do, listing "go out for a drink", "go out for ice cream" and "take a walk" as a few ideas. I wrote back and suggested we take a walk. I know she and her hubby are pretty into fitness and I think she was happy with that choice. I'm excited to get out and walk with someone else and of course I'm hoping she'll notice that I've lost weight. I just hope it doesn't rain.

I checked the local YMCA's website for classes they offer. It looks like they do have quite a few, but most are during the day. I did see one that was listed at 6:30, but it doesn't say if that's am or pm. If it is pm, I'll look into that if I can afford it, but if it's am that won't work. I haven't had a chance to check the other local gyms though, so we'll see. The friend who I'll see on Sunday is a member of a different gym, so I can ask her if they offer anything also.

Anyway, things to do. If I don't make it back here today, have a great weekend everyone!

Aye, the fluctuations in weight over the week are enough to lose hair over haha. I mean, it makes you feel better about that huge-sodium-dinner-week-high weigh in, because you know its just retention, but on the opposite end, it also makes you feel pretty suspicious when you see a week low haha. I wish I had the discipline to only step on the scale weekly! Its part of my morning routine, although I dont really know why because I can usually guess exactly how much I weigh depending on what I ate the previous day.


Are you getting excited to see your friend! Its always fun to have people see the new you. I know lately I've met up with a lot of my old contacts from highschool, and the looks you get don't get old, so enjoy!

 

[mizzie]

She noticed! She noticed!!! WOOT!!!

Seriously, I was starting to wonder if it showed at all. And if it didn't, than I must be even fater than I thought I was! She didn't say anything right away, but while on the walk I said something about it being a good idea and that I was happy to be able to get out and be active with someone instead of alone and she said "I can tell you've been doing something, you look great!" *SQUEEE*

She asked what I was doing and I think she was impressed that I am going about it a healthy way. Just eating better and exercising, no fad diets, gimicks or pills. We talked for a while about foods and different kinds of exercise and how "low carb", "no fat" and "low cal" diets are dangerous. Oh, and the importance of the occasional cheat. ^_~ She even commented on how loose my clothes were. (Well, my jeans are pretty loose, I have to hike them up. LOL) She just had a baby 6 months ago and, according to her, she "went crazy" while she was pregnant. So she's been losing baby weight recently. She's only 5 pounds from her pre-baby weight now, so that's great for her! And she has nothing to lose after that too, she's always been very heathly and has a very slim body type.

Anyway, we had so much fun just walking and talking that we decided we need to make this a regular thing! The plan is to get together one day next weekend and walk. I'm really excited because I've been hoping for someone to exercise with and it was a lot of fun. We went at a pretty good pace, not just strolling along, but not too fast that we couldn't talk and we walked about 3 miles.

Other than that: My weekend went well. No cheats, stayed under my calories. I didn't officially exercise too much (other than the walk), but I did clean and do laundry, so I was active anyway. It's been warm here and very humid, so I've been drinking more water, which is great. Yesterday I just couldn't seem to get enough.

I didn't get enough sleep last night because a friend called just as I was heading to bed. I could have told her it was my bed time, but I didn't. So I was tired and really, really, really didn't feel like exercising this morning. But I've been so horrible the last couple of weeks with doing my exercises that I just knew I had to. So I told the part of me that wanted to skip it to shut up and did it anyway. I'm so glad that I did! I feel so much better about myself because of it.

No luck so far on finding a class that is at a time I can do. They all run during the day. Grr... Yeah, because only people who don't have to work would want to exercise. But I think I might try to find a different DVD to do. I was thinking of the 30-day Shred.

 

[Andy2]

Seriously, I was starting to wonder if it showed at all. And if it didn't, than I must be even fater than I thought I was! She didn't say anything right away, but while on the walk I said something about it being a good idea and that I was happy to be able to get out and be active with someone instead of alone and she said "I can tell you've been doing something, you look great!" *SQUEEE*

Monumental feeling huh? I think its what a lot of people dream about when they are trying to lose weight. Fantastic Mizzie

Anyway, we had so much fun just walking and talking that we decided we need to make this a regular thing! The plan is to get together one day next weekend and walk. I'm really excited because I've been hoping for someone to exercise with and it was a lot of fun. We went at a pretty good pace, not just strolling along, but not too fast that we couldn't talk and we walked about 3 miles.

Awesome! Workout partners make being active both fun, and keep you accountable. Its also a great way to unwind and relax the mind haha. Glad to hear!

Other than that: My weekend went well. No cheats, stayed under my calories. I didn't officially exercise too much (other than the walk), but I did clean and do laundry, so I was active anyway. It's been warm here and very humid, so I've been drinking more water, which is great. Yesterday I just couldn't seem to get enough.

I didn't get enough sleep last night because a friend called just as I was heading to bed. I could have told her it was my bed time, but I didn't. So I was tired and really, really, really didn't feel like exercising this morning. But I've been so horrible the last couple of weeks with doing my exercises that I just knew I had to. So I told the part of me that wanted to skip it to shut up and did it anyway. I'm so glad that I did! I feel so much better about myself because of it.

No luck so far on finding a class that is at a time I can do. They all run during the day. Grr... Yeah, because only people who don't have to work would want to exercise. But I think I might try to find a different DVD to do. I was thinking of the 30-day Shred.

Sounds like you had a pretty stellar weekend! I completly agree that the feeling you get after you workout. For me, I feel pretty content knowing I moved around a little bit. Also because the alternative is me feeling guilty about sitting on the couch all day haha ;P

Good luck with the dvds. Ive heard great things, they will make you sweat hard! Keep up the good work Miz!

 

[mizzie]

Andy - It is a great feeling! I keep getting slightly let down that my mom hasn't said anything yet. I've seen her 3 or 4 times since I've started this and she's never once said anything. I'm starting to think that she's noticed, but doesn't want to say something in case she's wrong or that it'll discourage me or something. Thing is, that's not usually like her. She'll usually come out and say what's on her mind. This was the first time that someone who didn't know about it has noticed.

Yeah, I hear you on the post-workout feeling and the skipped workout feeling. It seems like I never really feel like exercising, but once I'm up and doing it, it's fine. And after I feel great! But when I skip it, I feel horrible and like I'm sabitaging myself. I really need to learn not to do that.

I've looked up the reviews for the 30 Day Shred and they are pretty good. It looks like the people who don't like it are either upset because they did it every day and were in pain or didn't like Jillian's... abrubt.... personality. Well, I don't plan to do it every day, I figured I'd work it in MWF instead of the DVDs I'm doing. I know better than to do the same exercises every day! Plus, I'm not looking for it to actually tone me in 30 days, I have no time limit. And I know all about Jillian's personality. lol In fact, I think having her yell at me will be better for me than some of the other over bubbly trainers out there. I can't handle too much chipper-ness that early in the morning.

 

[jjjay]

Keep trying on the Cto5k - it took me a long time to get into the swing of it to start with - doesnt matter if you stay on week 1 for a while, suddenly it clicks and you start to get progressively more able to do more. I found that a proper pair of running shoes, fitted for how i run, really helped in terms of my knees and shins not aching once I started wearing them - I was amazed in comparison to what I thought were good sports trainers before (nike etc...).

 

[mizzie]

Thanks for stopping by jjjay. I am going to keep trying with the Cto5K, but that's my Tuesday and Thursday exercise. I like to alternate the walking/running and the cardio/weights. Keeps things interesting and I don't keep working the same muscles every day. I'm going to give it a shot again tonight. Here's hoping! You're right though, I probably do need better shoes. If this is something I really stick with, maybe I'll invest in some. But I don't want to put down the money before I really know.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I did run to the store last night and picked up 30-Day Shred. I'm a little nervous about it, since everyone says how insane it is, but we shall see. That'll start tomorrow morning.

I also got a new shirt to wear while exercising. I had been wearing an old tee shirt of mine that I got for free somewhere, but it's kind of warm and keeps pulling back so it feels tight around my neck. And I can't stand things around my neck. Anyway, I got a really nice exercise shirt at Target, so I'm hoping that will feel better. Also looked at sports bras, but the ones in my size didn't offer anything in the way of support. My regular bras are better. Grrr... I was actually hoping to find one, because I feel like I'm ruining my regular ones.

We made spaghetti and (home made) meat balls last night and it was SO yum!!! But not so great for me. The meatballs actually aren't too, too bad. Only about 60 calories a ball, so you can have a few. But why are there so many calories in pasta? I did go over my calories, but only by about 40 calories or so. That's really nothing, in the long run, still a 960 calorie deficit. Plus, I was about 300 under my limit on Sunday.

Nothing much else to report. Going to try the Cto5K again tonight. I think I'll be in week one for a month or so, lol! Oh well, doesn't matter.

 

[mizzie]

Oh, forgot to add before. I took my measurements this morning, but there wasn't much change. About 2 inches over all from three weeks ago. Still a move in the right direction though. I guess I'm not 100% sure what difference I should be seeing in 3 weeks time, so maybe that's a great change. I don't really know.

I have to say though, that I'm loving my forarms now. I guess it makes sense, they weren't too chubby, so they are obviously the last place I gain, so they were the first I lost. But if they stay the same size they are now forever, that's fine by me. They look about the same size as the forarms of my skinny friends.

Now, the top part of my arm is a different story. I still have "bye-bye" arms (the ones where, when I wave good-bye, they do to), but it's getting better. Oh! And I noticed something today. When I flex, my arm actually bulges a little. Holy crap... there's muscle in there! That was exciting. lol

 

[Verobc1]

Hey you are doing so great!!! It's nice to see you back in the game!!!! I just love it when people who don't know you are trying to loose weight comment on it!!! It feels like ok I am doing this right!!! Congrats on the muscles, I can 't wait to see that ......I should start working out my arms more lol!!! I am thinking of doing P90X I just need to get my hands on a DVD player first I have the dvds at home just collecting dust so I may as well try those!

 

[mizzie]

Fun and exciting updates today!

First off, I went to the exercise room yesterday after work to do the Cto5K again. If you remember, last time was a week ago and I could only do 11 minutes. Then things came up so I couldn't go again until yesterday. Anyway, I did it yesterday and I did the full 20 minutes!!! I can't even tell you how excited I was! You know those moments on Biggest Loser where someone realizes that they just did something they could never have done before and how much stronger they are now? Yeah, it was like that. I know it sounds a little conceited, but I was very proud of myself.

Oh, and for as much as I never liked Michael on the BL, I guess you can say he inspired me last night. I was just starting another running interval and I was feeling it and felt like just slowing down and walking through that one. I wasn't sure if I could make it through. Well, I remembered Michael and thought "If a 350 pound man can run for 5 miles, you can damn well run for 1 minute!" LOL And I did too!

I did knock back the running part from a speed of 6 to 5.5 though. I think that helped me get through the whole thing. I was still running, no need to push too hard too fast. So, 3.5 for the walking part and 5.5 for the running. Oh, and two skinny girls came into the exercise room right before one of the running parts. I don't like to work out in front of people and I thought about just walking until they left again (they went straight to the vending machines, I figured they were just getting a snack and they were) but then I though "if they don't like it, they don't have to watch" and ran anyway. To heck with what anyone thinks of me or my body, I'm working on it. I feel so empowered!

And, oh man, I was literally dripping with sweat. I now understand why you see people with little towels in the gym sometimes. When I was done I went to the bathroom and got a paper towel to wipe off my face before I stretched. I might bring something next time. Of course, the humidity here doesn't help.

Then, this morning I did the 30 Day Shred for the first time. Man, that is hard, but a good hard. LOL It went well, but yeah, it's a lot more intense than my other DVDs. I think Jillian's brand of motivating in that DVD is exactly the kind I need though, tough but supportive.

One thing on that though, I really do need to find a good sports bra. The jumping jacks and jump rope parts were killer. I couldn't hardly do them and it had nothing to do with being tired. We are going shopping this weekend and I'm hoping to find one then. Oh, and I LOVE my new workout shirt! I'm super glad I got it.

I guess, to sum it all up, I feel really strong and really in control of my body today. It's great! I wish I wasn't stuck at the office all day, I just want to get out and move. Maybe I'll do something tonight, since I won't be able to go run tomorrow. It's my daughter's kindergarten graduation and I wouldn't have time to shower and get ready before I have to go.

 

[Janvier]

Hey Mizzie,

Where have I been, you lost 31 lbs??? Thats insane!!! You are doing SO well!! I am so happy for you!

I know exactly how you feel about working out in front of people, especially skinny or super fit people, its really intimidating but good for you for just not caring and just focusing on yourself and your running.

I am in awe of your progress and think your just amazing. Keep doing what your doing, your doing great!

 

[jjjay]

First off, I went to the exercise room yesterday after work to do the Cto5K again. If you remember, last time was a week ago and I could only do 11 minutes. Then things came up so I couldn't go again until yesterday. Anyway, I did it yesterday and I did the full 20 minutes!!! I can't even tell you how excited I was! You know those moments on Biggest Loser where someone realizes that they just did something they could never have done before and how much stronger they are now? Yeah, it was like that. I know it sounds a little conceited, but I was very proud of myself.

Oh, and for as much as I never liked Michael on the BL, I guess you can say he inspired me last night. I was just starting another running interval and I was feeling it and felt like just slowing down and walking through that one. I wasn't sure if I could make it through. Well, I remembered Michael and thought "If a 350 pound man can run for 5 miles, you can damn well run for 1 minute!" LOL And I did too!

I did knock back the running part from a speed of 6 to 5.5 though. I think that helped me get through the whole thing. I was still running, no need to push too hard too fast. So, 3.5 for the walking part and 5.5 for the running. Oh, and two skinny girls came into the exercise room right before one of the running parts. I don't like to work out in front of people and I thought about just walking until they left again (they went straight to the vending machines, I figured they were just getting a snack and they were) but then I though "if they don't like it, they don't have to watch" and ran anyway. To heck with what anyone thinks of me or my body, I'm working on it. I feel so empowered!

wow wow wow! Well done!! It feels so darn good to achieve something like that and actually see the tangible difference from when you last did it! Don't worry about the speed - just getting through it from start to finish is the really important part. So be proud of yourself! Heck, I'm proud of you!


I never EVER thought I'd be running like I am now and I never understood what people enjoyed about doing it but I feel SO empowered by it and SO...set free by it. Like I could just keep on running until the end of the earth and leave all the everyday crap behind. When I went to the gym yesterday I hopped on the treadmill at the same time as this really buff muscley gym-bunny kind of guy and he was darn suprised when 20 mins later I was still there keeping pace with him (ok so he was running maybe 1km/1.5km per hour faster than me but that's not much of a difference). Then I looked in the mirror and saw the momentary suprise on his face when I sprinted the last two mins at 8 and 8.5km/hr. I got off that treadmill at the same time as him with sweat dripping off of me...but I wasn't out of breath! I didn't have a stitch! And I stuck with it.

 

[Verobc1]

Wow Good Job Mizzy!!! What great workouts you are doing.!!! Just because I read this I now want to go workout!!!! Very Motivating! A lot of people are talking about the 30day Shred, I am gonna look into it. I know what you mean about the good sports bra I am having the same problem with most of my workouts.....I have tried many just can't seem to find one I like with a price tag that I can live with! I don't get why a bra cost 90$ it's not gonna last longer then the 20$ one so why such a big price difference??? When I go running outside I can't seem to run when other people are around I mostly just walk fast until no one is in sight, so good for you to being able to completely ignore the fact that other people are in the room!

 

[mizzie]

Janvier - Thanks for stopping by! I know, it's kind of snuck up on me also. I can't believe I'm almost half way there! I was actually surprised when I didn't care about those girls, too.

jjjay - Thanks! It did feel really great. I felt on top of the world, like I could do anything. That's a great story about the guy at the gym too. I hope I can be like that some day.

Verobc - Glad I could motivate you! That makes me feel great. Try the 30 Day Shred if you want, but definately get a good (or at least decent) sports bra because there are jumping jacks and those were tough without one. And I know what you mean by price. I had one recommended to me as being really great, but it was $100!!! I'm not going to spend that much on a bra, especially since it probably won't fit right in a few months when I've lost more.

 

[mizzie]

Ow, ow, ow! I'm in pain today! I haven't been sore since I started and I wasn't this sore. Damn you Jillian! ^_~ My legs hurt and they feel like lead. I feel like I can't lift them. Plus, the muscle in my upper chest (on the chest, right next to my armpits) hurts really, really bad. But I think that one is because of the sports bra issue, honestly. If I'm this sore tomorrow, I think I'll skip the morning workout and go to the exercise room after work or something instead.

I won't be able to run tonight because it's my daughter's kindergarten graduation. She has to be there at 6 and we won't even get home until 5:30. So I'll have to get her some thing really quick to eat (probably a PB&J), get her cleaned up and changed into something nice and be out the door in 20 minutes. *sigh* I just really hope she doesn't get all messy at school today. You'd think since they know the graduation is tonight that they would keep them inside doing something non-messy, but I doubt it.

We decided to have salad last night for dinner. It was even hubby's idea! I had a large dinner plate full of salad, with lettuce, carrots, broccoli, unsalted sunflower seeds, one serving of FF dressing and even a few croutons. And when I say a plate full, I mean full. It was the whole plate and it was heaped. I weighed everything I put on there and in the end the whole thing was only 215 calories!!! O_O

But, that put me in hard spot, because it usually works out that I eat a larger dinner so I eat a little lighter for breakfast and lunch. My calorie limit is 1500 and I had only eaten 800! I was partially tempted to just take the low calorie day as a one time, rare thing, but I also had an opportunity to have a snack and it just so happened that we had some of my favorite snack sitting in the freezer. So we made some mozzarella bites (kind of like cheese sticks, but with actual bread instead of breading). YUM!!!!

Yeah, I know, not a healthy choice. I could have had a million other things that would have been better for me. But they had been sitting in there since just before I started this, so for 3 months and now they are gone. And I still came in under calories (about 1250) and just slightly went over on sodium, so it's all good.

Other than that, not much to report. I'm looking forward to weigh day tomorrow, I've been good this week and haven't peeked. And I'm REALLY looking forward to the three day weekend!

 

[Andy2]

Ow, ow, ow! I'm in pain today! I haven't been sore since I started and I wasn't this sore. Damn you Jillian! ^_~ My legs hurt and they feel like lead. I feel like I can't lift them. Plus, the muscle in my upper chest (on the chest, right next to my armpits) hurts really, really bad. But I think that one is because of the sports bra issue, honestly. If I'm this sore tomorrow, I think I'll skip the morning workout and go to the exercise room after work or something instead.

I won't be able to run tonight because it's my daughter's kindergarten graduation. She has to be there at 6 and we won't even get home until 5:30. So I'll have to get her some thing really quick to eat (probably a PB&J), get her cleaned up and changed into something nice and be out the door in 20 minutes. *sigh* I just really hope she doesn't get all messy at school today. You'd think since they know the graduation is tonight that they would keep them inside doing something non-messy, but I doubt it.

We decided to have salad last night for dinner. It was even hubby's idea! I had a large dinner plate full of salad, with lettuce, carrots, broccoli, unsalted sunflower seeds, one serving of FF dressing and even a few croutons. And when I say a plate full, I mean full. It was the whole plate and it was heaped. I weighed everything I put on there and in the end the whole thing was only 215 calories!!! O_O

But, that put me in hard spot, because it usually works out that I eat a larger dinner so I eat a little lighter for breakfast and lunch. My calorie limit is 1500 and I had only eaten 800! I was partially tempted to just take the low calorie day as a one time, rare thing, but I also had an opportunity to have a snack and it just so happened that we had some of my favorite snack sitting in the freezer. So we made some mozzarella bites (kind of like cheese sticks, but with actual bread instead of breading). YUM!!!!

Yeah, I know, not a healthy choice. I could have had a million other things that would have been better for me. But they had been sitting in there since just before I started this, so for 3 months and now they are gone. And I still came in under calories (about 1250) and just slightly went over on sodium, so it's all good.

Other than that, not much to report. I'm looking forward to weigh day tomorrow, I've been good this week and haven't peeked. And I'm REALLY looking forward to the three day weekend!

Well done on the workouts! Glad to see Jillian is making you hurt!

That achiness in your chest you described is the same area I ache when I bench press. And just in case youre wondering, I dont wear a sports bra, so its not that for me. Glad to see you're keeping yourself challenged though!

Have fun at the kiddy's graduation! Good luck on tomorrow's scale news, but either way, SLEEP IN ON MONDAY!

 

[mizzie]

That achiness in your chest you described is the same area I ache when I bench press. And just in case youre wondering, I dont wear a sports bra, so its not that for me.

LOL! Well, I didn't figure you did. I suppose it could be from the DVD, but the chest exercises on the 30-day shred are the same ones as my other DVDs, so I don't think it's from that. Anyway, yes, Jillian did kick my butt. And I hope to sleep in on Monday, we'll see if my daughter has different ideas.

 

[mizzie]

Well, 187 this morning, so that's a 1.2 pound loss. I guess I'm ok with that, but I am a little disappointed. I've been averaging 2 pounds a week and I've been really good this week, both with food and exercise, so I was expecting more. That's what I weighed on Tuesday for the BL Challenge, so apparently I didn't go down at all the last three days. Well, it's a loss and all I can do is go on. I was really hoping to see 186.something at the most though. Still, that's 32.8 pounds lost total, so that's something. So close to the half way point!

Oh, and in other news: My mom noticed my weight loss!!! I'm sure you've all picked up on it, but I've been waiting and waiting for her to say something! She's the kind that won't tell you she thinks you've lost weight unless she really does, so it's really validation that it does really show.

Ok, I'll back up. My mom and my grandma came to Chloe's graduation last night. The graduation was really cute and they didn't drag it on, but made it short and sweet, so that was good too. lol They even played Pomp and Cercumstance, and I have to admit, I got a little teary. Is it possible to flash forward to something you haven't lived yet? Because I watched my 6 year old walk out and I could almost see her at 18 and graduating high school. It was a very bitter sweet moment.

Ok, enough with the sappy mom stuff, huh?

Anyway, afterwards there was cake and punch in the lunchroom (I didn't have any) and then we stood around talking for a while. I thought "she's not going to notice again", but when we were walking out to the car, she said "you've lost weight." Lol, I told her it was about time she noticed! And she said that she had noticed a while back, but just didn't say anything. She asked what I was doing and when I said diet and exercise she said "oh, that figures" I told her it was the only way that works and she sighed and said "i know..." LOL People really will do anything to lose weight except diet and exercise.

Anyway, she said that I looked good and that she was proud of me and it all just made me feel really good! I have a feeling that she didn't want to say anything for a while because she was waiting to see if I would. We can be alike sometimes.

 

[chubbygirl]

Wow I had lots to catch up on!! You are doing great and running and enjoying it too! I love it!! I'm so glad your mom finally noticed - I bet she's super proud and even a little jealous. Anyone that has tried to loss weight before knows it's hard work and even harder work to keep it up so you should be really proud! You had a good loss too - I think anything over 1 pound is worth a high five!! Maybe next week you will have another woosh and drop 3 or 4!! Keep it up - you are doing so great! Have a fun weekend!

 

[mizzie]

Thanks Lisa. It has been a rather eventful week concidering. My mom was proud and that made me feel really good. How is it that no matter how old we get, our mother's pride in us still means so much? And I think you are right about her being a little jealous too. She doesn't have a lot to lose, maybe 25 pounds or so, tops. The thing is, as soon as I mentioned eating right, she said "oh, I couldn't do that, I love bread and pasta too much." *sigh* I just don't think she's there yet. Not that it bothers me, but it bothers her, you know?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyway, this is a rather abrupt change, but it's something that's been on my mind lately. Does anyone else get irritated when someone comments on willpower?

A few times when I've been talking to someone about my weight loss, usually someone who could/should lose some weight themselves, they'll eventually say something like "Oh, well, you have a lot of willpower. I don't, mine is terrible." Grrr...

I mean, it just feels like they are saying "well, it's easy for you because you are blessed with strong willpower so you can do that. I could never lose weight because it's out of my control, I can't help it." And that's BS, IMHO. And it feels like they are trying to brush away my hard work like it's nothing. Like I don't have to struggle with it, like I can just turn off cravings and hop out of bed and exercise without even trying. And I know they are trying to diminish their own guilt by making my achievement sound like less, with is just a low blow.

On the flip side, hubby will say things like "I'm proud of you for having such strong willpower" which is the right way to look at it. That doesn't anger me because it doesn't make less of the hard work I've put in. It also recognizes that I've had to work on changing myself in order to have that willpower.

Ok, sorry, I just needed to get that out and thought maybe someone here might know what I mean. The diary is the place to get things out, right?

(Disclaimer: This isn't directed at anyone here. I wouldn't have posted it if it was.)

 

[Andy2]

Thanks Lisa. It has been a rather eventful week concidering. My mom was proud and that made me feel really good. How is it that no matter how old we get, our mother's pride in us still means so much? And I think you are right about her being a little jealous too. She doesn't have a lot to lose, maybe 25 pounds or so, tops. The thing is, as soon as I mentioned eating right, she said "oh, I couldn't do that, I love bread and pasta too much." *sigh* I just don't think she's there yet. Not that it bothers me, but it bothers her, you know?

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Anyway, this is a rather abrupt change, but it's something that's been on my mind lately. Does anyone else get irritated when someone comments on willpower?

A few times when I've been talking to someone about my weight loss, usually someone who could/should lose some weight themselves, they'll eventually say something like "Oh, well, you have a lot of willpower. I don't, mine is terrible." Grrr...

I mean, it just feels like they are saying "well, it's easy for you because you are blessed with strong willpower so you can do that. I could never lose weight because it's out of my control, I can't help it." And that's BS, IMHO. And it feels like they are trying to brush away my hard work like it's nothing. Like I don't have to struggle with it, like I can just turn off cravings and hop out of bed and exercise without even trying. And I know they are trying to diminish their own guilt by making my achievement sound like less, with is just a low blow.

On the flip side, hubby will say things like "I'm proud of you for having such strong willpower" which is the right way to look at it. That doesn't anger me because it doesn't make less of the hard work I've put in. It also recognizes that I've had to work on changing myself in order to have that willpower.

Ok, sorry, I just needed to get that out and thought maybe someone here might know what I mean. The diary is the place to get things out, right?

(Disclaimer: This isn't directed at anyone here. I wouldn't have posted it if it was.)

You know, I get that from family a lot.

My only response is that willpower had little to do with it. It came down to wanting the happiness from a good self image versus the amount of happiness that junk food gave me. Its about small individual choices adding up to a big change.


I'm happy to hear your mom noticed! Sometimes, its hard for overweight people to admit they see a difference in someone else, because it reminds them of the (usually unhappy) state that they're in themselves. Personally, I get compliments from all my skinny friends instead of overweight friends, which you would think would be opposite haha. Just my 2c