Comments on: So, this weight loss stuff is hard, eh?

By: Bailey

Bailey — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:31:24 +0000

It's totally normal to fluctuate up and down with weight loss... as long as you don't ever let it discourage you completely. Here's some simple tips for "hanging in there", if you'd like to check them out: http://www.diet.com/tip/4-STEPS-HOW-TO-AVOID-WEIGHT-RELAPSES.html Good luck to you!

By: Ellie

Ellie — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:52:57 +0000

I know it’s hard, what with the book and all, to confide in us how you’re struggling. But I wanted to de-lurk and let you know that I find these sorts of posts so valuable and motivating. They really help me. Seeing how you deal with day to day cravings now that you’ve obtained (or at least approached) your ideal weight is very motivating. I know that sounds odd, but it really is. I think because you didn’t cross some finish line and convert into one of “them” a skinny “no I’m just not ever hungry”, “I don’t even like dessert” person who never ever thinks about food. Being that person and thinking like them is so unimaginable to me.

I think maintaining your weight once you’ve reached it is actually in some ways harder than getting there because there’s not 200 pounds and Lane Bryant to constantly remind you. The struggle isn’t as big, it’s in tiny micro decsions that add up. There are whole new strategies that need to be learned to cope with these day to day habits. (Some days I feel like I just missed 4 years of health ed or something in school and all the skinny people got an “A” in that class.) So, please, don’t feel bad that you’re struggling with sharing your thought process on it as well it’s actually helping me (and a bunch of others) to see your strategies and thought process on it. It’s like your the advanced scout for us trying out new terrain.

By: wantontraveler

wantontraveler — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:36:21 +0000

Welcome to being THIN! 20 years ago I entered the “maintainance years”. Now you must make decisions the same way as “skinny people”. Everyday we make the same choices. Do I eat that? Do I NOT? Do I exercise? Do I sit on the couch? As long as you make your goal and keep making the right choices, you’ll be fine. Sound simple? So did your advice to “eat less, move more”, right? It is simple. . . in fact, it’s basically the same thing. Living on “a diet” for the rest of your life stinks, but it’s the only way for me not to gain back the 80 pounds I lost.

Congrats on your success thus far. Another great motivator is age. It REALLY doesn’t get any easier as you get older. But, there were two overweight girls in my class of 360, and I was one of them. At my 20th reunion, there were many overweight woman, but I WAS NOT one of them. I would imagine your 10 year is coming up. GO! It will be a great motivator I wish I would have had half the support (and a book deal to boot!) through my struggle. Keep up the good work, and the honest blogging!

By: DebtDieter

DebtDieter — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:32:35 +0000

Vegemite, Weetbix, exotic? *lol* Too funny. As an Aussie it’s a constant source of amusement to see people from other countries try to come to grips with Vegemite, unless they’re from the UK or New Zealand, where they already have their own versions of it.

I’ve only just discovered your blog and I’m loving it!

By: chidame

chidame — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:14:27 +0000

I’ve been wondering when you would get to this point.

Fwiw, running intervals will burn off your fat AND improve your speed in running.

Welcome to the realities of maintenance.

By: Laura N

Laura N — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:10:48 +0000

Holy cow, I think I’m comment #100.

Loved the honesty in this post, Jennette. Had to laugh at your “It’s not the gum causing my headache, so shut up” because that’s just what I thought when you wrote how much you chewed gum. =) Thought it but would never say it. I’m not that much of a wanker (at least, I hope I’m not).

By: BrightAngel

BrightAngel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:55:04 +0000

Maintenance is hard but simple.

No magic to it.

Put simply, it is gaining and losing the same few lbs over and over and over and over into infinity.

Even after 2 1/2 years of maintaining a 100+ lb loss,

I often feel like those starving men in that research experiment who continually thought of food etc. My body still really wants to gain back the weight, but I have hope that with lots of time at this weight, eventually my body will understand it is supposed to stay at this weight.

By: mal

mal — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:25:38 +0000

As you’re well aware, those who are avid devotees of your blog (and your book, your words, your successes, your general amazingness, etc.) do not flock here because you are perfect. We flock here because you are human and unapologetic about it.

I have no maintenance advice — only mental health advice. Make sure to go easy on yourself and stay “on target” more than you’re off. Give yourself permission to bobble and enjoy the journey, man.

By: jenn9899

jenn9899 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:11:38 +0000

All hail PQ for being REAL, HONEST, & HUMAN! There is this pervasive thought that once you reach your goal, you are cured! Don’t I wish! Take it from one who did not re-start and ended up regaining 50lbs – DON’T BUY ANYTHING BIGGER. It only aids in the downward spiral.

By: Sue B

Sue B — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:24:27 +0000

Sometimes I don’t even wait until tomorrow or Monday to start over. I begin fresh the moment I become conscious and take a walk, like you did, or visualize the next healthy meal…unless, of course, it’s midnight and I’ve fallen face first in a bowl of chips then…it’s tomorrow.