I have struggled with my weight for at least half of my life. After being a skinny little thing for the first 25 years, bearing children/life/lack of exercise/love of food/sad periods and a whole slew of other things have sabotaged my weight. By nature I am a bit of a lazy cow, much preferring to lay on the sofa and read a book to going for a hike. I have been doing a 20 minute treadmill walk/run several times a week though. Plus, I do love to cook, have an insatiable sweet tooth and as I have recently discovered, I come from a family of pleasantly plump people. I have dieted and lost and yo yo'd constantly. Now I am just fed up and discouraged.
Being overweight is one of the last few things that are not taboo to make fun of. Through education and societal pressures and an overall acceptance of just about anyone, we don't make fun of minority groups, people with Down Syndrome, Gay people, disfigured people or pretty much anything that centers people out. Yet some people still feel it acceptable to photograph fat people in Walmart and post their picture all over the Internet and Facebook it. And people keep passing on those emails of fat people.........
I even saw on a blog recently, a post that showed a market stall selling underwear, and the blogger had picked the biggest pair to photograph and make fun of, and then compared them to her thong. I spent some time wondering if she was someone who felt good or bad about herself. If you think that is funny, it's really NOT. Those big knickers belong to someones Sister, Mother, Child, Brother, Dad, Grandad or loved one. That's just not COOL.
So, yet another attempt to get with the programme. This time the Dukan Diet. Dr. Dukan explains quite well why the weight comes back with some diets, which makes me feel a bit better about why my previous attempts have failed.
I thought that once I say it on my blog, that this may nudge me to really stick to it. I am starting next Monday as I am testing foods and recipes over the weekend.. My goal is HUGE. 35lbs. And then I will re-evaluate how much more I need to lose to be fitter. Next week I am going to have a Ticker on the sidebar to track my losses. Wish me luck, and you may want to check out for a while as I am likely going to be a grumpy old cow for a while. :)
Oh Chania, I relate to everthing you said/lived. I also felt frustrated at that vapid girl's take on what's funny. You worded it so eloquently: yes, those women wearing the "big knickers" are women we love. When I was a teenager, I probably fell into the trap, alongside my friends, of having a good laugh at people. That was a long, long time ago, and now I don't care how people look. They're not bothering me, so I'm not bothered about them. You never know what heartache, emotional strain a person lives on a daily basis. I guarantee the thong girl can eat whatever she wants, and has been skinny since she was very little.
ReplyDeleteI don't ever come on other friend's blogs to promote my own posts, but maybe my rants on diets will cheer you up:
http://karensomethingorother.blogspot.com/2011/01/diets-can-suck-it.html
I'm in the same boat...and I hike every day almost...it's just that getting older we hang on to a lifetime of too many calories. Don't be too tough on yourself...it's better to be a little plump than depressed. Focus on the great things about yourself, not the stuff that makes us feel bad.....
ReplyDeleteChania I recently started boot camp (my 3rd month yeah) and I have worked my butt off and so far, I have lost 8 inches off my body. I have only lost a couple of pounds, but the way I feel now is so much better. I just feel good. I know we all dread exercise, but boy it makes your spirit feel good. I wish you all the best luck on this new adventure. I hope you find some delicious recipes to share. I bet many of your readers would appreciate a good healthy recipe or two. I'm quite certain though you could not possibly ever be grumpy or a cow. I can't wait to hear about your progress.
ReplyDeleteI agree whole heartedly with what you are saying about making fun of other. Even very skinny people are made fun of (I don't fall into that category) For now I am just grateful that I am able to use my body.
ReplyDeleteVery impressed with you to speak to the Whole Wide World about your plan, you are very brave. Hope it will be less difficult. All my well wishes for you in this.
Strange they say practice makes perfect, never heard of a dieter say the practice helps the next time.
Chania, as someone who has had to watch her weight her whole life I can really relate to this post. I was thinking of doing my own post based on a convo I had in the grocery store of all places, with a total stranger. Thanks for this post and best wishes as you embark on your healthy journey!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
This has helped me a lot. I have my main meal at noon. Then around 5:30 I have my protein shake. In it is some cubes of ice, ground flaxseed (very good for you), strawberries, blueberries, a banana, about a cup or so of low-fat milk, and both a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. (I just like the taste of both. You can buy many flavors online). I get my protein powder at Drug Emporium. And I buy Syntha-6. Put in a blender. I do have a snack later like an apple with peanut butter. But this has helped me maintain pretty well when I don't overdo the fast food.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
It's not easy for sure but don't be discouraged slow and steady wins the race. I was 30 over and still have 15 to go and I'm taking it 2 lbs at a time. I tried to get my husband to enroll in dancing lessons (look at Kirstie Alley) but he gave me the 'eye roll'.
ReplyDeleteI believe we are sisters from another mother.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your journey! A friend of mine has a wonderful blog, freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com. She has begun a new path to a healthier and more fit life, and is documenting it. You should check it out. I find it very open, honest and inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteChania, I embarked on this same journey in 2009 and lost 50lbs and have maintained that weight loss so far. It is a lifestyle really about how you live, cook, and move. I make myself move every day in my garden whether I like it or not. Right now it's almost 100 degrees and that makes it very hard to get outside but I do it anyway. Once I am outside and among my flowers I am quite happy. Plus I lost three dress sizes! I wish you much success and know you can do it.! xoxo, olive
ReplyDeleteI won't be checking out - I'm with you all the way! I'm also working on losing a few pounds - and trying to motivate myself to exercise regularly. Maybe we can inspire each other to stick with it.
ReplyDeleteAs for people making fun of overweight people - looking at it from an objective perspective - I'd say they probably don't feel very good about themselves and are searching,in vain, for a way to feel better. How sad that they think making fun is the way to their happiness.
Good luck with the new program and I'll be rooting for you all the way.
You go girl! I'm behind you all the way! Rah! Rah! Rah! Sis! Boom! Bah!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! With most of my extended family overweight, weight is certainly something that I would never make fun of.
ReplyDeleteYour Friend, m.
Wishing you well on your journey. You are starting off on a great note with the treadmill walk/run!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be so hard on yourself! Truthfully, I think that those who have a love for good food and sweets are some of the most interesting people out there. And really, who likes to be around a bore? :)
I also think that it's just about 'feeling healthy, feeling good' so might be wise to try and not get caught up in numbers, like say 35lbs. Just keep up with a walk, aim to eat well, and when you feel good inside that's when you'll know you've succeeded?
Best of luck Chania!
Good luck, Chania! The ticker on the sidebar is a great idea. We don't mind you being grumpy at all.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your diet Chania.
ReplyDeleteChania good for you! I should be doing the same but the lazy cow/sweet tooth combination still gets me every time. I'll be watching and cheering from the sidelines. And who knows? Maybe you'll inspire me to do the same! I love the idea of that ticker thing...that's pure motivation right there:)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck. I can totally relate as it appears many of the people commenting here can too. For me, it just seemed to come out of nowhere and then continued to creep on to the bod....frustrating though when it happens in 5 lb increments! I will be cheering you on..personally I have added walks to my routine.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!! I have been lucky to have been pretty slim all my life but I do think about it and know it must be so difficult to fight with your weight and feel good about yourself when society is so opinionated and judgemental. I really wish you well!!
ReplyDeleteBeing an old slug, I watch every crumb I put in my mouth.And, being the size of a jockey, five pounds can change my waist size by two notches of my belt.
ReplyDeleteBut I do worry every time I sit down in my airplane seat, if some Goodyear Blimp is going to sit next to me and ask for a seat belt extender!
Being fit and healthy is much cheaper than being fat and unhealthy in the long run.
BTW,.....It is black tie.
The treadmill is great! I use the treadmill and bike and it REALLY makes a difference! I started off pretty slow and now I've worked up to 1 1/2 hours 3 to 4 times a weeks. I've lost weight. I don't know how much. I stay away from scales I find I fixate on that if it's around. I can tell by my clothes. Your on the right road. Every week just kick the speed up a little bit and you'll be shocked the difference it will make.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Oh Chania, you've really struck a chord with women all over the world with this post! I've been fighting a battle with my weight for years. I've finally found a way of eating and a lifestyle which seems to suit me but I still have to be mindful about what I eat (and how much I eat!) Weight goes on so quickly and effortlessly but it's such a struggle to get rid of it!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through a comment you left on Tom Stephenson's blog. I don't always "get" his posts either, but he's always interesting.
Good going Chania. Last year I lost 35 lbs. by eating less carbs and doing more walking I managed to keep it off through the loss of my Dad in April and my Mom in Nov The day after the memorial I fell and shattered my knee cap. I'm gradually getting back to losing the 10 lbs I gained. I'm glad to hold out my hand to you and wish you every success.
ReplyDeleteSandy
As a large person myself, I am astounded when people around me make, comments reguarding obesity...do they not see me in the room? Hello.
ReplyDeleteI have first hand, been ignored, looked over, and walked past as if I don't exist in stores, line-ups etc.
I have had many issues in my life. Food has been my friend for too long. It is a lifestyle.
Snacking, at night is my worst trait.
Although, lately I have been forced to walk the streets of Vancouver, finding parking, and buildings. I forgot, what it was like to walk, sweat, and feel that high afterward. I used to run, about 13 years ago. It reminded me of how good exercise can feel.
I wish you well on your endeavor..and maybe I will join you soon.
You are me. Skinny as a rail for the first 28 years. Then babies and life. Having to cook and bake became enjoyable. Find a friend to diet with. Me and my friends email each other. What we EAT. EVERYTHING, EVERY DAY. It's kind of embarrassing some days, but it does make a person think b4 licking the spoon. We weigh in once each week and tell our loss or gain. It's working (most of the time) and we cheer each other on, and give a kick in the butt when needed! So far 16.5# :) It's a struggle, but it feels great.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you! :) You are definitely not alone in this wrestle with weight... we women are cursed with it, I think. :) I actually just wrote about the same thing today... http://emilievinson.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-am-not-size-i-wear.html
ReplyDeleteOh Chania I am with you all the way on this!! I am getting to the stage where I know I am bigger than I have been for ages, but all I want to do is pig out. Good luck with your diet - I may join you along the way!! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI have a bloggie award for you over here:
ReplyDeletehttp://karensomethingorother.blogspot.com/2011/05/blog-award-for-big-mouth.html
I'm totally with you on this! Good luck with the new diet - it sounds similar to the 40/30/30 I tried a few years ago and lost about 20 lbs. It's all about making sure you include protein/fat/healthy carb at every meal to keep blood sugar from spiking. While I had success with the one I tried, constant relocating gets me off my routines and I find it hard to stick to it, even though I KNOW what I should be doing. I owned a treadmill before moving to Ireland which was really great but now after 4 years of little exercise other than walking to shops, etc, I'm feeling a little pudgy again and yet my sweet tooth has not disappeared. I'm hoping our new apartment will have a gym since 40C means no outdoor exercise until fall. It will be great to hear what you think of this diet and how easy it is to stick to it. You can do it!! :)
ReplyDeleteNicely put. (I came here from Karen's blog, and glad I did!)
ReplyDeleteI will not be checking out Chania, grumpy or not. If you need some support we'll all be cheering you on. xx
ReplyDeletegoodluck chan. love you!
ReplyDeletechania
ReplyDeletethank you for your borthday greetings and thank you for following my blog
x
Best of luck Chania!! I'm going to check out Dukan...I need a little jump start in this area too.
ReplyDeletexo J~
I want to confess to you I need to lose 35 pounds as well! Everything you described fits what has happened to me over the years ++ more! Good luck to both of us.
ReplyDeleteClearly, there are many more of us in the same "need to diet" boat than you might have thought. I think it is more important to be healthy rather than be fixated on a certain weight. Of course, easier said than done. As I write this, I know I have a magic number I'd love to reach on that scale ... and yet when I really want to motivate myself to be better with my eating/exercising, I just think of my kids and how I want to do everything I can to stay healthy as long as I can. Like everyone else here, I wish you much luck on your weight-loss journey. A warm hug.
ReplyDelete