About me
I am a yo-yo dieter. I have lost the same weight over and over again more times than I can count. I am a consistent exerciser but just don’t seem able to maintain weight loss. I thought I had finally figured out the whole “it’s a lifestyle, not a diet” thing. That if I ate what I used to eat, I would weigh what I used to weigh. That it isn’t about a number on the scale but about my whole relationship with food. I thought wrong.
I started this blog in hopes of inspiring and motivating myself on what I thought would be my last ever diet. I knew nothing about blogging. Nothing. I was surprised when I got my first comment. I quickly discovered that the greatest benefit comes from the amazing community I have discovered in the blogosphere. Our stories may be very different, but we can find such commonality in our experiences and feelings. There is such wisdom and support to be shared.
For those of you who want to know more about me: I am in my late 40s; married for 24 years to man who also struggles with his weight (and drives me crazy when he brings candy into the house); a new empty-nester mom to two boy, ages 21 and 18, away at college on opposites sides of the country, (who are skinny and fortunately have better relationships with food than I do); live in the Midwest but spent the first half of my life in New England.
I was always thin as a child and remember being embarrassed to change clothes for gym class because my legs were skinny. How I now regret envying shapely thighs! My metabolism seemed to change during my senior year of high school; I started gaining (a little) weight. Ironically, my goal weight now is the same number that made me so unhappy when I was 18. (And several pounds higher than goals of years past; I am trying to be realistic). I began my life-long diet journey my freshman year of college when I gained, lost, and regained my first 15 pounds. It has been a struggle ever since.
I write about my progress (and missteps) on what I now consider a lifelong journey of healthy living. And every once in a while I veer completely off topic. I’d love to have you along for the ride.
Karen
Hi, and welcome to a new way of life that, if you let it, will transform it! I’m 58, and been doing the South Beach thing since mid April 09. I’ve lost 67 pounds in that time, so if an old lady like me can do it, you can too! :D
Visit me here:
http://sunnygee.blogspot.com/
I’m going to bookmark your blog and visit you daily! Don’t get discouraged; change your life and ditch those elastic waist bands, or, at least fit into much smaller sizes that look fantastic! (I still love the comfort of them. I just wear them in size M/8 petite now. LOL)
Thank you so much for being who you are and helping me out whenever I need it! I appreciate that, and I appreciate you :)
Annie
Karen,
Hi! I found your blog through a comment you left on someone elses, and I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. I started again on the same type of journey at the same point you did, and I really enjoy reading other blogs to help keep me motivated (and remind me I’m not alone!). Would you mind if I added you to my blogroll? You can check out my blog at: weightlessly.wordpress.com. Hope to hear from you, and good luck on your journey!
Weightlessly,
Thanks… and I feel flattered that you want to – please do. I am going to check out your blog right now:)
Good for your SITSa! Feel free to stop by my blog for health and fitness articles, advice, reviews too.
Hey Toots!
Nice blog you got here!
Hope your shoulder is soon back to normal. Back in the day, when I used to ski, dismounting from the chair was my greatest anxiety. I would spend the whole ride up mentally picturing getting off the damn thing.
Take Care!
Susan
aka Happy Hag
Don’t be ashamed of your weight. I struggle with depression (which when at it’s worst affects my weight for lack of energy among other things) and if there is one thing I’ve learned in all my doctors appointments it is that I’m not really capable of change until I accept where I am at. This goes for each and every thing. You may not be where you want to be but until you accept yourself for what you are right this moment change will be more of a struggle. Just remember that your husband and your friends love you exactly as you are and so should you! Any version of yourself that is “better” in your eyes is only the icing on the cake that they already love.
Best of luck to you on your journey to being a happier you!
~ Alyna
Hi, thanks for the comment on my blog. I definitely understand losing and regaining the same weight many times. I’ve already done that a lot, and I’m only 26! And I also don’t post my actual weight on my blog. (I do say how much I have lost.) I know some people I know “in real life” read my blog, and I don’t like the thought of them knowing my actual weight. Sounds like you are on the right track! I know some people who have had a lot of success with South Beach, and it sounds like a good, wholesome eating plan.
Thanks for stopping by to comment on Single Mom in the South! Definitely check back this Wednesday…I’m feeling a little stunned by my timing in stumbling across this! Oh, and I think you SHOULD do a FAVES page…I’d love to see it just from the sprinkling I’ve read today! :)
Hi! Found your blog through LBS! I have a health and fitness blogs where I give tips, etc. If you are ever looking for some new exercises or other health info I hope you will check it out!. Enjoy the tea party and your weekend!
I also have a mommy blog http://bellorel.wordpress.com
Thanks for your comment!
I had to come and check ‘who’s that lady’! :)
I don’t have a weight problem BUT because I’m older than twenty I have to watch what I put into my mouth.
It’s simple but not easy.
We eat mainly light, home cooked food. Then we know there’s no extra fat/calories.
My sister is opposite of me – she’s yo-yo dieting all the time. I’ve got genes from my mother’s side, my sister from my father’s side. So it’s also a gene issue…
I can imagine how difficult it must be to change habits in a world of McDonald’s! (We eat in McD about once in 2 months…sometimes not even that.)
Nice meeting you!
I’ll subscribe your feed – we’ll meet again! :)
Just found your site! Excited to follow!
I am really happy to have found this blog. I too, aspire to become a non-committed runner. If I want to participate in a charity run, that i can, and not barely cross the finish line! Good for you and I am happy to follow your successes!
Hi, I love your blog!! For some reason I really relate to you. I am in my late forties, have always exercised my whole life and also a yo-yo dieter. I LOVED your post today about jogging. I FEEL the exact way you do about jogging. My daughter is an avid runner so I thought I would try the couch to 5k program (5th time trying).
I really hate running (jogging) but it makes me feel really good when I amn done, but like you I have a pain in my right thigh that tends to hurt when I’m done. I don’t have a runners body and I have jiggling going on. I am on my second week of couch to 5k so we will see how it goes. Like my daughter says “JUST DO IT”. I’ve lifted weights my whole life and I do body sculpting and yoga, maybe jogging will make me stronger, we’ll see I might go back to my walking!!! I will be following you for you put a smile on my face!! :)
Hi! I’m a new follower. I found you through Cara’s Weight Loss Journal. I just started on my latest weight loss journey and am so glad I found your site!!
Feel free to visit me:
http://hungrysexymomma.blogspot.com/
Its all about the journey and I applaud you! Keep positive and be happy. Sounds like you have a lovely family. :)
Cheers,
LC
I am dropping by from SITS. You have a great About Me page. I too have struggled with my weight and I am encouraged by your honesty to share with others what you are going through. It makes me want to go read your blog, what you’ve written here. Good job.
Oh I have a foodie-type blog so be careful! I don’t want to hijack your eating plans.
Hi. I saw your link on NW Design’s portfolio, and had to take a closer look. I’m subscribed now and plan to come back often!
Gwenelle recently posted..Palindromes of the 21st century
Hi Karen! Just found your blog! :) It often happens that I wish I could go back to my childhood times when I didn’t think about food and all … It’s awesome you’re challenging this journey, I wish you all the best!
Kath (My Funny Little Life) recently posted..Moving Again
Thanks, Kath.
I am always so excited to find bloggers like me in their 40′s. I’m a yoyo dieter as well and I will be visiting your wonderful blog for tips that I need.
Crazy that our lives are somewhat similar! I grew up in New England but am now living in Montana after a short stint in Texas :)
I have definitely experienced yo-yo dieting in the past and hope to never dance with that particular devil again!
SquatLikeALady recently posted..Eggplant Fries & Prairie Dogs
Wow, your first paragraph is very similar to my story. With the help of cognitive therapy, I’m hoping I’m on the brink of figuring it out. I just found your blog, but I look forward to reading more about your journey…
I accidentally found your blog when I was reading about Triscuits…maybe I will come back.