Fitness Rant

Two things that I would have to say after reading your post.... ok, three.

1) Mindset is a HUGE part of weightloss... and with life in general. The fact that you've already decided that you hate exercise, all kinds and any form is setting you up to be miserable. I mean can you really tell me that you hate EVERY type of exercise? You don't feel even a LITTLE bit better after working out? i know for me there are definitely types that i don't really like to do, but I do them because they will make me better conditioned for the things that i love to do. And usually after I get through it, I can admit that it wasn't that bad, even if I had to whine about it the whole time I was doing it.

The fact that you have eliminated things that you really enjoy from your diet is making it much more difficult and is setting you up to be miserable and even give up altogether. Finding a balance between what you like and what you need to do is something that is in all stages of life and should also apply to your food choices. Maybe for you, it's one day a week that you can have your ice cream or muffin and chai, maybe it's finding a way to incorporate a treat every day, like splitting the muffin into quarters and having one quarter a day (I need to put it out of sight after I take my allotted portion to keep from eating all of it). But denying yourself altogether is not usually the most effective (for some people it is, but not the majority). So, i guess the point of this part is this: Change your attitude to change your experience.

2) Patience is key. You didn't get to the weight that you are at overnight, so losing it is not going to happen overnight. And, an inch in the hips is actually a big deal. that's great progress! It sounds like you've read a lot about it so I know you know that patience is important. I also know that patience is probably one of the hardest parts about many things in life. But, if you're seeing results and it's just not going as quickly as you'd like, don't give up. Shows like Biggest loser have really skewed people's perception on what acceptable weight loss rates are. In reality, a healthy, sustainable weight loss takes time and should come with a learning curve of figuring out how to lose while changing your habits. Which leads me to my final thought:

3) Self talk can be the most damaging or the most rewarding. in your OP you refer to yourself as a fatty numerous times. Now, i'm not going to pretend that i don't also talk down to myself in my head, because that would be a lie. But how you talk to yourself dictates how you think, feel, and how you move about the world. It can change perspectives on every interaction you have throughout the day, and it can affect your weight loss just as much as a cupcake can (not literally adding calories, but it will change your decisions about food). So my final thought is to change how you talk to yourself. this is something that i struggle with and I am constantly working on, but on the days when i can be nicer to myself I make better choices and I feel better in general.

LaurenAOK wrote: »

Haha this made my laugh, not at you, just the way you wrote it. I definitely remember feeling like this and I'm sure many on MFP have.

For exercise just keep trying different things until you find something you don't hate. There has to be SOME kind of movement you enjoy. You mentioned video games, for me when I started the ONLY workout I could stand to do was a video game... dance dance revolution. and guess what? I lost weight! There are also fun classes you could do like dance classes, etc. I found I love kickboxing classes because they make me feel like a bada**.

As for the food it doesn't have to all be "sad" food that you don't enjoy. Look up some fun healthy recipes and try different ones out. And definitely allow a treat here or there - that latte, for example. If you get it with the right ingredients, that doesn't have to blow your calorie goal for the day. Maybe don't have a huge chocolate muffin for breakfast... But a few squares of chocolate as a bedtime snack, sure!

This is about finding a lifestyle you can stick with long term. If you can't do that you won't be able to reach your goals. So hang in there and figure out what works for you. Many of us have been where you are and made it through. If you had told me years ago that I would become "the fit one" in my group of friends I would've laughed until I peed myself. But they'll all be cheering me on as I run the NYC marathon this year...

Good luck, and you can do this!!

DDR is hella fun.


You really got this. I've been there. Being cranky and snapping at everyone and just HATING that you aren't seeing the results you want RIGHT F**KING NOW!

It's okay. It gets better. I still CRAVE potato chips (usually A LOT more around TOM) and I get the runs after I eat them(TMI, I know). I just weigh it and log it and make it fit in the calories.

I did NOT enjoy ANY form of exercise until I lost about 25 pounds. Then I started doing Jillian Michael's DVDs (30 day shred and ripped in 30) I didn't finish ANY of those. HATED it. But I watched my intake, weighed and logged everything that went into my mouth. Found some epic recipes online and started cooking. I have a passion for it just like my dad used to. It's not the same as exercise but maybe for you, focusing on making the intake of calories less "sad" and more enjoyable would be better than exercise that you hate.

Now many months after I started I'm about 25-29 pounds from my goal and I enjoy running and lifting and the fact that I have come so far and can test myself everyday.

Regarding joining a casual soccer team:

I recently joined a swim team and I only just learned how to swim. I suck, but it's fun, I get better every day, and the group is super supportive. You'll find that casual adult sports teams tend to be less competitive than, say, your local high school team. Just go, let them know you're rusty, and have fun.

I've had days like that. First - you are beautiful and worth the time and effort to eat right right and exercise. If you want to punch something get on a pair of gloves and get a good workout. You can do this.

I really do hope the rant helped because sometimes that's the best thing we can do for ourselves, get out the negative crap in our brains.

If there is a soccer league close enough to you go sign up. My hairdresser and her mom play on a league and it's full of people of all ages and fitness levels and both she and her mom love it. It's dual purpose, you'll meet new people and it'll bring you an activity back into your life that you enjoy.

Food doesn't have to be sad. I think you're probably restricting yourself a bit too much. I drink lattes, I ask for a "skinny" version and if that's not possible just order fat free. You can avoid the bakery section of the coffee shop by bring your own, the small fiber one brownies are 90 calories and no they aren't a big chocolate muffin but it'll give you the taste you're looking for, the latte and bakery combo. As for chicken, spice it up or heck if you don't like chicken eat turkey or pork just work with the foods you enjoy and modify the sauces and side dishes.

Remove your makeup before exercising, you don't need it anyway and find a punching bag to pound on just protect your hands with some gloves.

On soccer night if you still want that chai tea latte with soy have it, that can be your reward for going outside your comfort zone. In the beginning who knows that might be what gets you to the arena/field and you just might find a friend to join you at the coffee shop.