100 lbs to lose and severe depression

krispinator

Hi Heidi! I had to do a double take when I read the first line of your post because I swear it was me that had written it. I can SO relate to the struggles you're dealing with. I've lost around 60 lbs of the 160 lbs I need to lose. This is not the first time I've lost that amount of weight, either. And I am in no way bragging. You have no idea how foolish, ashamed, guilty and just plain embarrassed I am to have lost 160 lbs when I was 17, only to gain it all back and have to lose it again a decade later. I've struggled with mental health since I was in my early teens. I've been on probably every medication there is, and every combination of each too. I have bipolar type 2, which means I deal with depression mostly, not mania, and I also have PTSD which leaves me with constant anxiety and panic attacks. I also have horrible insomnia. I was positive my depression and anxiety would go away with my weight loss, but it didn't. It got a lot better for a year and a half. But once I reached my goal weight, my depression manifested itself in addiction. That brought on a whole new slew of problems. So fast forward 11 years later and the birth of one child, dealing with horrific postpartum depression, and you have me back at my all time high weight of 276 pounds. I might have been over 280, but I avoided the scale as much as possible. I literally one day just decided I was going to drink water that day and see if I could do it...and hell, if I'm drinking water, I might as well eat healthy that day too. It was literally just a snap decision to see if I could do it that day. And I did. So I tried again the next day. And I did. I've been doing that since December and I've lost around 60 lbs.

I am going to friend you. I would love to be part of your support team and cheer you on. I know you can do this. I know how extremely debilitating depression can be, and I know what it feels like to not even have the ability to get out of bed. I literally force myself to live each day. But after I start moving and get going, I don't have to force it anymore....I start to feel better gradually. Not all days. Some days are awful. But most days are manageable. And some days are even awesome! Especially lately. One thing that has helped tremendously for me is being preoccupied with something other than being a stay at home mom. I recently became a presenter for Younique and that keeps me busy each day...gives me something fun to look forward to and goals to meet. It also gave me a branch of a whole new support system, which I REALLY needed. Get involved with something for just you. It makes a world of difference.

You got this, girl! I know you can do it!! We just gotta get you believing it too :-)

Megkynaf

yeah been there.. I went to the doctor in January this year to get a general physical a vitamin blood work, and get some meds to stabilize my mood. it turned out that though I did not eat unhealthy I did not eat enough I only ate like 1 or 2 times a day and had given myself anemia. I had a deficiency in B12 and iron. the fact that I had no self love didn't help at all and I could not stay awake after work I would literally sit down and 5 minutes later I was fighting to keep my eyes open. dr gave me some b12 supplements iron supplements and wellbutrin for mood stabilizing. My hormones were also jacked up because of the weight, causing everything from fatigue to weird cycles to crushing mood swings. I started taking the supplements and the meds and started walking 15 minutes a day to start. I stay awake all day now I sleep better at night my moods are level and I am genuinely happier with more energy than I have had since I had my son 4 years ago. You can fix this. I know its hard when your a mom you take care of your kids, your husband, if your anything like me you take care of your friends too, but you need to stop and ask your self... you do and do and do, but do you do for you? make some time in-between this and that for you even if its only 10 minutes for you. do something that you used to love to do when you were younger or pick up something new. I paint its my release find something to take the edge off life. take care of you. I promise once YOU are more important to YOURSELF it gets easier. good luck and if you need a friend add me.

heidi_drc

My best advice (based on much experience with obesity and depression, and much more): is that the FOOD MATTERS. Not so much the calories, but the FOOD. Yes, you can cure depression and obesity. I still have a bit more fat to lose, and my metabolism is damaged due excessive calorie restriction in the past, but I will get there eventually. The good news is that I am completely healthy with ZERO depression for almost 2 years. Because of my food choices.

Best wishes to you and I hope you find what works for YOU.

That is wonderful, Congratulations!!! Very inspiring

devotedhufflepuff

Hi there. I have BiPolar II and Borderline Personality disorders and throw in some social phobia for good measure. I have been on and off meds and in and out of therapy for 20 years. I have the same trouble finding motivation to exercise. Bed always seems like a much better choice.

When I first joined MFP I found out about a website called Nerd Fitness. They have a very basic body weight training circuit that only takes a few minutes. I did it a few times a week for 2 weeks. In between I would take short 10-15 minute walks. Right now I am not exercising but I am losing 1-2 pounds weekly. I just log and measure my food religiously.

My motivation to finally lose weight came because of the progress I was making with my current therapist. I have had a lot of them and unfortunately there are a bunch of bad/mediocre therapists out there. Medication is a good first step but I highly recommend going to therapy as well. Be persistent, if you don't connect with one, move on to another. I couldn't even tell you how many different medications I have tried. Again, you have to be persistent. Educate yourself and work with your psychiatrist until you find a combination that works. If your psychiatrist isn't receptive to your ideas, find a new shrink. You have to empower yourself when it comes to these things, you don't have to settle for less.

And finally, unless your illness is under control, despite how much weight you lose, you still won't love yourself and be happy. So, focus on your mind first and your body will follow.

Best wishes.

aliamoj

I admire your strength, I currently need to lose 91 lbs in order to achive my normal weight. I am currently 229 lbs heavy, my heaviest weight and its frustratingly painful. I wish I know what pushes u consistently in attaining your goal , I have food addiction I binge just when I decide to eat moderately and healthy, I just couldn't stop myself, I feel like Im mentally ill this way. Hope you can give advice to uplift our self belief. Thank you so much!

heidi_drc

Hi Heidi! I had to do a double take when I read the first line of your post because I swear it was me that had written it. I can SO relate to the struggles you're dealing with. I've lost around 60 lbs of the 160 lbs I need to lose. This is not the first time I've lost that amount of weight, either. And I am in no way bragging. You have no idea how foolish, ashamed, guilty and just plain embarrassed I am to have lost 160 lbs when I was 17, only to gain it all back and have to lose it again a decade later. I've struggled with mental health since I was in my early teens. I've been on probably every medication there is, and every combination of each too. I have bipolar type 2, which means I deal with depression mostly, not mania, and I also have PTSD which leaves me with constant anxiety and panic attacks. I also have horrible insomnia. I was positive my depression and anxiety would go away with my weight loss, but it didn't. It got a lot better for a year and a half. But once I reached my goal weight, my depression manifested itself in addiction. That brought on a whole new slew of problems. So fast forward 11 years later and the birth of one child, dealing with horrific postpartum depression, and you have me back at my all time high weight of 276 pounds. I might have been over 280, but I avoided the scale as much as possible. I literally one day just decided I was going to drink water that day and see if I could do it...and hell, if I'm drinking water, I might as well eat healthy that day too. It was literally just a snap decision to see if I could do it that day. And I did. So I tried again the next day. And I did. I've been doing that since December and I've lost around 60 lbs.

I am going to friend you. I would love to be part of your support team and cheer you on. I know you can do this. I know how extremely debilitating depression can be, and I know what it feels like to not even have the ability to get out of bed. I literally force myself to live each day. But after I start moving and get going, I don't have to force it anymore....I start to feel better gradually. Not all days. Some days are awful. But most days are manageable. And some days are even awesome! Especially lately. One thing that has helped tremendously for me is being preoccupied with something other than being a stay at home mom. I recently became a presenter for Younique and that keeps me busy each day...gives me something fun to look forward to and goals to meet. It also gave me a branch of a whole new support system, which I REALLY needed. Get involved with something for just you. It makes a world of difference.

You got this, girl! I know you can do it!! We just gotta get you believing it too :-)

WOW...Thank you for commenting! It is hard to believe that people can live day to day like this. Alot of what you posted is exactly how I feel. Thank you for friending me. It is great to have people out there that care.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Heidi

mommy22alyns

Hi, OP! I have depression too and gained about 75 lbs in one year. I lost a little weight here and there, but have dropped 35 lbs since the beginning of the year just by calorie counting. I hate exercise too. But every little teeny tiny bit counts. I've just started riding a stationary bike during my baseball pregame shows - just 30 minutes, but it helps! I wish you much success. Good for you for getting started!

You can friend me if you want.

heidi_drc

Hi there. I have BiPolar II and Borderline Personality disorders and throw in some social phobia for good measure. I have been on and off meds and in and out of therapy for 20 years. I have the same trouble finding motivation to exercise. Bed always seems like a much better choice.

When I first joined MFP I found out about a website called Nerd Fitness. They have a very basic body weight training circuit that only takes a few minutes. I did it a few times a week for 2 weeks. In between I would take short 10-15 minute walks. Right now I am not exercising but I am losing 1-2 pounds weekly. I just log and measure my food religiously.

My motivation to finally lose weight came because of the progress I was making with my current therapist. I have had a lot of them and unfortunately there are a bunch of bad/mediocre therapists out there. Medication is a good first step but I highly recommend going to therapy as well. Be persistent, if you don't connect with one, move on to another. I couldn't even tell you how many different medications I have tried. Again, you have to be persistent. Educate yourself and work with your psychiatrist until you find a combination that works. If your psychiatrist isn't receptive to your ideas, find a new shrink. You have to empower yourself when it comes to these things, you don't have to settle for less.

And finally, unless your illness is under control, despite how much weight you lose, you still won't love yourself and be happy. So, focus on your mind first and your body will follow.

Best wishes.

I actually have an appt July 1st to see a Psychiatrist. I have been to many couselors in my life and none have seemed to help. I always found myself helping them. Weird but true. I figured this time I would go right to the specialist to see if they can help me with my medicine and get this under control. I have to admit, at first I was ashamed that I had to see a "shrink", but now I am comfortable with the fact that I am taking a step into taking care of me. I know that is what is important. I am taking baby steps. I look forward to chatting with you more. Thank you for the reply.
Heidi

Cerakoala

Hello Heidi. Nice to meet you. I suffered from depression at my larger stages in life so I can understand how you feel right now. I can tell you that loosing some of the weight will help some Possibly not take it all away but I am sure it will chance your perspective, it did mine I am going to send you a friend request if that is okay I too held off for so long before getting my life back on track for the same reason I was scared of the big picture. I had 300 lbs to lose. 3 years later I am down 200 and let me tell you just after the first 25 i noticed a difference in how I felt and my depression I know we tend to look at the big picture but don't because the reality is its not the big picture. Even if you lose 25 you are way better off. So make that your first goal. Its more manageable and makes you feel less defeated. Then when you get there set the next goal Thats what it took for me to find success because when I though I have 300 lbs to lose, well I wanted to give up too

_HeartsOnFire_

OP...YOU ARE AMAZING.

Here's all the tips I have from the last 2 years.

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice.
-Wayne Dyer

It's about moderation not deprivation. There are no good/bad foods, only bad eating habits. Do or do not, there is no try. You have to want it, you have to work for it, you have to realize that only you can do it.

Read these:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

TL:DR the link right above this one then ->http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

Excuses??? http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/06/02/the-no-excuses-play-like-a-champion-challenge/

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal

Want to lift heavy things?
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Stronglifts Summary
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

Stronglifts Womens Group
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women



I deal with depression myself for 7 years I was severely depressed and stressed and wouldn't take care of myself. 2 years ago I had my light bulb moment, I started working on the physical...that helped but didn't cure the depression. Less than a year into losing weight I realized I needed to work on my mental if I wanted to keep it off and do this right. I had to find a way to deal with my emotional eating/drinking. I am not of the belief that food can cure depression. Sometimes it's just a brain chemistry issue. That's what it is for me. I am feeling better than I ever have though. In fact, for the first time ever yesterday I saw myself in the mirror and thought/believed I was actually pretty.

I was scared to try lifting heavy, but it's been the most life changing, amazing thing ever for me and I love it more than anything I've ever done.

krispinator

Looking forward to your posts too!!

StacyPhillipsTSFLcoach

I totally agree with the fact that you don't need exercise at the beginning but just a calorie deficit, in fact I didn't exercise at ALL until I had lost OVER 70 of the 150 that I had to lose. The calorie deficit was the key for me during that time. Gosh, just getting around my DAY with that much weight was exercise enough! And I DID just run a marathon in April in Paris, my first FULL marathon EVER, I never would have DREAMED of that until I WAS a healthy weight!

mysmileighs

The very first step on a journey is just deciding to take the journey, so your first step is done! Congrats! Good decision!

I have two responses to what you've said. First, I don't know if you realize it, but exercise isn't actually necessary to lose weight: a calorie deficit is all that is necessary. Period. That simply means eating less than you burn each day. If you don't exercise, you don't burn as much, so you simply eat a little less. But also, second, not only does exercise let you eat more since you're burning more, but it also improves your mood. Studies have shown it to be at least as effective as antidepressants, with fewer negative side effects, and fewer relapses. So, tracking calories should be your first priority, and you can do that even if you decided not to exercise...but exercising will have all sorts of benefits over and above that.

There are quite a few people on here who have lost more than 100 lbs, so you are in good company. You might look through some of the success stories and see some amazing before and after photos, and know that you'll be posting one of those threads someday. :flowerforyou:

I agree completely! Congratulations for starting the journey! You can do this! :flowerforyou:

heidi_drc

THANK YOU
:smooched:
Hello!
I have Bipolar Disorder (Type 1) so I know exactly what you're going through. When I was first diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, I was 14 - which is when I was gaining weight at a pretty rapid weight. Unfortunately, endless medication exacerbated the issue for me (Fluoxetine, Quetipaine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Sertraline, Citalopram, Propanalol, other benzodiazepines and sedatives of which I can't remember because they were used against my will during psychiatric ward admissions).

Luckily, I've found that Fluoxetine, Sertraline and Citalopram didn't cause much weight gain (if any) and that was in fact caused by a lack of motivation to do anything and a close friend in fattening foods. Who needs to get out of bed and cook a meal when they have a cupboard full of chocolates and cakes? Your medication may, however, be a contributing factor - discuss this with the doctor or psychiatrist that prescribed your medication.

If you're still lacking motivation to the extreme of not really wanting to do much at all, your medication obviously isn't helping and therefore you may need a higher dose, different medication and/or therapy (CBT, DBT, Counselling, Mindfulness etc) in addition to any medication you may be taking.

Next you need to find a form of exercise that suits you. It doesn't necessarily have to be high-intensity cardio, but walking at a moderate speed for an hour or partaking in some form of Yoga can be beneficial in terms of both burning calories and boosting your mood (exercise releases endorphins and I always feel better after a bit of exercise). I find Yoga to be quite relaxing. When I lost 7 stone before my most recent relapse into a psychotic manic episode, followed by a depressive episode, I did it by simply eating healthily, walking and doing medium-low intensity short workouts at home.

You need to get into the mindset of realising that exercise can be both fun and beneficial to your mental state. The more physically fit and active you are, the more your mind benefits from the hormones and chemicals released by the physical activity.

As others have said, losing weight isn't all about exercise. Making healthier choices in your eating habits is a huge change which can also increase your mental Wellbeing along with your physical Wellbeing. To lose weight you need a 'calorie deficit' - you need to burn more calories than you consume. The amount calories you need to consume is based on your BMR, activity levels and any exercise you may do.

I said earlier on in this post about doing an hour of walking. Well, it doesn't even need to be that long. Start by going for a short 15 minute walk every day and slowly build it up. Eventually you'll find that you're actually enjoying walking and you'll most likely WANT to increase how long you walk, along with increasing the pace. You don't need to run a marathon, at all. Just start off slowly and you will be burning calories, even though it won't be a huge amount. I'll repeat: combine this exercise with a healthy diet.

You'll notice that once you start eating healthier and exercising, the low periods caused by Depression won't be so low and you'll have positives to focus on - increased cardio performance, weight loss, healthier eating and discovering tasty yet healthy foods.
[/quote]

heidi_drc

I am completely humbled by all of your comments and support. I cannot even tell you how great it is to get support and encouragement like this when I dont even get this from most of my family and friends. Looks like I have encouragement and I am loving it. Thank you all so very much and please feel free to find me on facebook as well Heidi Bennett D'Arcy. Would love to hear from each of you!
Thanks again, Heidi

heidi_drc

Hello!
I have Bipolar Disorder (Type 1) so I know exactly what you're going through. When I was first diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, I was 14 - which is when I was gaining weight at a pretty rapid weight. Unfortunately, endless medication exacerbated the issue for me (Fluoxetine, Quetipaine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Lorazepam, Sertraline, Citalopram, Propanalol, other benzodiazepines and sedatives of which I can't remember because they were used against my will during psychiatric ward admissions).

Luckily, I've found that Fluoxetine, Sertraline and Citalopram didn't cause much weight gain (if any) and that was in fact caused by a lack of motivation to do anything and a close friend in fattening foods. Who needs to get out of bed and cook a meal when they have a cupboard full of chocolates and cakes? Your medication may, however, be a contributing factor - discuss this with the doctor or psychiatrist that prescribed your medication.

If you're still lacking motivation to the extreme of not really wanting to do much at all, your medication obviously isn't helping and therefore you may need a higher dose, different medication and/or therapy (CBT, DBT, Counselling, Mindfulness etc) in addition to any medication you may be taking.

Next you need to find a form of exercise that suits you. It doesn't necessarily have to be high-intensity cardio, but walking at a moderate speed for an hour or partaking in some form of Yoga can be beneficial in terms of both burning calories and boosting your mood (exercise releases endorphins and I always feel better after a bit of exercise). I find Yoga to be quite relaxing. When I lost 7 stone before my most recent relapse into a psychotic manic episode, followed by a depressive episode, I did it by simply eating healthily, walking and doing medium-low intensity short workouts at home.

You need to get into the mindset of realising that exercise can be both fun and beneficial to your mental state. The more physically fit and active you are, the more your mind benefits from the hormones and chemicals released by the physical activity.

As others have said, losing weight isn't all about exercise. Making healthier choices in your eating habits is a huge change which can also increase your mental Wellbeing along with your physical Wellbeing. To lose weight you need a 'calorie deficit' - you need to burn more calories than you consume. The amount calories you need to consume is based on your BMR, activity levels and any exercise you may do.

I said earlier on in this post about doing an hour of walking. Well, it doesn't even need to be that long. Start by going for a short 15 minute walk every day and slowly build it up. Eventually you'll find that you're actually enjoying walking and you'll most likely WANT to increase how long you walk, along with increasing the pace. You don't need to run a marathon, at all. Just start off slowly and you will be burning calories, even though it won't be a huge amount. I'll repeat: combine this exercise with a healthy diet.

You'll notice that once you start eating healthier and exercising, the low periods caused by Depression won't be so low and you'll have positives to focus on - increased cardio performance, weight loss, healthier eating and discovering tasty yet healthy foods.

Thank you so very much!

yvonneangelgoh

Hey there!

I am also just starting out. It is in fact day 17 for me. Haven't been east to squeeze in the extra time to practice yoga and job, not to mentioned sacrifice precious meal time with my husband. Just remember to persevere on! you can do it. Just keep going. Even if you take 4 steps forward and 1 step back, slowly but surely u will get there.

ScoobyM34

I'm in the same boat you're in. Just keep trucking and hopefully tomorrow will be better!

tarcotti

Been there too! Everyone else has said it all. All I can say is, I couldn't do this while I was depressed. I fixed that problem first, and now I'm getting healthy. But that is just me, and this doesn't apply to everyone.

Archon2

The very first step on a journey is just deciding to take the journey, so your first step is done! Congrats! Good decision!

I have two responses to what you've said. First, I don't know if you realize it, but exercise isn't actually necessary to lose weight: a calorie deficit is all that is necessary. Period. That simply means eating less than you burn each day. If you don't exercise, you don't burn as much, so you simply eat a little less. But also, second, not only does exercise let you eat more since you're burning more, but it also improves your mood. Studies have shown it to be at least as effective as antidepressants, with fewer negative side effects, and fewer relapses. So, tracking calories should be your first priority, and you can do that even if you decided not to exercise...but exercising will have all sorts of benefits over and above that.

There are quite a few people on here who have lost more than 100 lbs, so you are in good company. You might look through some of the success stories and see some amazing before and after photos, and know that you'll be posting one of those threads someday. :flowerforyou:

This is such good advice. I've been trying to drop about 50-60lbs the past few years and started exercising regularly in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each year I would only lose 10 lbs and put it back on in the more inactive time for me in the winter. Calorie intake is the more important and easier to adjust part of the equation! Much easier to resist eating that slice of cake after dinner or getting that plate of leftovers at 9pm than it is to run for an hour to make up for it!

Get some regular exercise in there, but get control of your diet habits first and foremost....MFP is a great tool for that.

ruthejp13

bump. Too late to read everything but I know how you feel.

Ke11er

I can hear in your post that you're disappointed with your body. But really, I think you might be amazed if you think about it... in the decade since high school you have created and given birth to 4 human beings!!! Now that's an amazing and strong body!! And mothering them is a whole other level of superhero strength. Great to hear you're under care for the depression, keep after it! And fabulous that you want to get healthy. I agree with the others, even just a walk around the block would be exercise enough to help fight the depression and put you squarely on the path to a healthier lifestyle. But you know you best, if weight loss will be the best first step to make things better for you then all you really need to do is start carefully logging. Make sure you're eating appropriately sized portions of those healthy choices you already make and you'll see a difference on the scale very soon. Very best wishes for your good health and success on this journey

Blueseraphchaos

If you actually want to exercise to create a bigger calorie deficit, and you have a smart phone or other mobile device, try downloading an app like runkeeper or something similar, then set it to "no workout" and start walking or running until you don't feel like it anymore...then look at the calories burned by doing that for even 5 minutes. I, too, have depression and anxiety,and i have noticed that regular exercise actually helps my moods by quite a bit. I also sleep better.

But people who are saying exercise is unnecessary are correct. Logging and measuring and weighing foods you eat is a great start. When i log stuff, i do it before i eat it. If i don't like the calorie count i see, i swap it out for something lower-calorie. It took me awhile, but i generally know now what foods are calorie-dense but will still leave me hungry in an hour vs what foods will fill me up.

But yeah, i understand the mindset of not exercising if you're not going big. But getting something going and then tracking the calories it burns is a great way to see the difference that tiny amounts of exercise make. Then, you eventually find yourself able and willing to exercise more, because it makes you feel good. it's worth a shot. I'm 34 with 2 kids and packed on 80 lbs after my second kid in about 4 years. I know the boat you're in, and what finally kicked me into gear to lose weight was seeing that even the clothes i already owned were getting right (probably just water weight, but it still kicked me into gear)

Good luck!

ruthejp13

You have received wonderful advice and support. My depression started before puberty. After puberty came insomnia. I'd sleep only 3 hours a night in summer and didn't have my periods. Chemical imbalance in the brain and body is a tricky business. I'm almost 50 now and haven't been on medication for 10 years. The stigma of depression is less than it used to be but it is still there - especially with friends and family. When I first went on antidepressants it was as a Guinea Pig in a clinical trial because I was afraid of having depression on my permanent record. It could have easily prevented me from getting a new job or new insurance. By being in the clinical trial I was anonymous.

How I finally got off all meds was getting off of carbs and sugar and exercising. I started studying the brain and body. I was on a high dose of a trial medication that made me a little too happy. I started writing this crazy diet book between laps in the pool. Then the clinical trial ended and the medication was not approved by the FDA. But because of my eating and exercise I didn't need to get on other antidepressants. Now 10 years later, all the stuff I was making up as a way to lose weight has been scientifically proven.

Here are two excerpts:

Exer-Slim #1 - Jump 2 minutes a day

I got out of bed and did jumping jacks. I stood in the bedroom waiting for the digital clock to change. The last time I did jumping jacks was in some aerobics class 15 years ago. They wanted me to “spread those legs”. Oh come on, quit pushing me at least I’m doing it. Forget how well I’m doing it, the fact is it’s happening. Oh man, am I out of shape. I can’t even do it for a full minute.

Oh well, tomorrow’s another day and 2 minutes is just a goal I’m trying to achieve. Maybe start with 20 seconds the first day and add 20 seconds per day.

Exer-Slim #2 - Laugh 2 minutes a day

I want you to say, this is the most fun I’ve ever had on a diet. This silly Exer-slim is for 2 minutes a day. I want you to laugh. I don’t mean listen to some good jokes or watch a funny sit-com. I mean, “Time to do my exer-slimming.” Time yourself and laugh like Santa Claus.

This is the opposite of most exercising tasks. Most exercises start out easy, then you get worn out and it gets harder until it hurts.

Apparently that’s not true for people who enjoy exercise – or so they tell me.
They claim after about 20 minutes they feel better, the endorphins have kicked in and it gets easier. I think I’m endorphin deficient. The longer I do it, the more I hate it. I don’t have the best attitude about working out, do I.

But this exer-slim is not an easy one at first. Forcing yourself to laugh is very strange. The first 30 seconds are the hardest. Then you start to feel ridiculous and it’s funny. Now you’re not forcing yourself to laugh anymore. You’re laughing at yourself. Two minutes is a long time, the longer you are doing it the more ridiculous it is.

I started laughing harder when my dog came over and looked at me, “What’s so funny?” Ok, maybe I just found some of those endorphins.

If you can find a buddy, it should be even funnier. My sister and I have been known to just get into these contagious laughing fits where we can’t even look at each other without laughing. I want you to literally laugh until it hurts. Feel the burn.

Diary of a Fat Female
http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Fat-Female-ebook/dp/B007USYCN6/ref=la_B00668X8MC_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381963429&sr=1-2

Please mention this post when friending me.
Ruth