I am pretty sure I came out of the womb on some kind of diet because as far back as I can remember I was on a diet.
As a kid, my parents and family were always reminding me of how fat I was with every mouthful. They watched everything I ate and frequently made comments about how much I ate and how big I was.
During my teen years I read about many different diets, saw reminders of diets plans on TV on a daily basis and had girlfriends tell me about how many pounds they lost with the newest diet. All these diets promised success, a thin body and a better life.
By the time I was an adult and obese I pretty much crowned myself the “DIET QUEEN”. I took uppers and downers, drank weight loss shakes, had cow’s urine injected into my body and even had my jaws wired shut, all to get rid of the fat that constantly reminded me of how imperfect I was. I pretty much felt bad about myself all day long. I was always told that I had a pretty face; if only I could lose the weight.
Over the years my weight was the topic of most family conversations. I was somehow the scapegoat for all of the other family problems, so my weight brought comfort to my toxic family who could not face the demons that prowled around the family table. To me that translated to I was somehow damaged property and until I lost the pounds that surrounded and captured my body I was less than human.
Being thin was on my mind day and night and the battle I fought was getting even harder. My thoughts growing up consisted of two things...eating all of the time and how to lose weight for the last time. I had to get thin at any cost. Food was the comfort, friend and relationship that I had with myself and until I got thin that was how it was to be. My weight was a constant struggle and battle and losing weight was always the ultimate goal.
That is how it is still for almost every fat, overweight or obese person. We are constantly bombarded with diets every day. Society tells the overweight person you are less than perfect and until you become thin, your life means nothing. The message is loud and clear no matter which way you turn.
For me dieting was so damaging physically, emotionally, and mentally that at one point after drinking only Optifast every day and not learning how to eat I was rushed to the hospital with my electrolytes off and could have went into cardiac arrest. That was many years ago and while those days are far gone the memory still haunt me sometimes.
Today, I live a very different life. Once I learned that dieting was getting me nowhere and took matters into my own hands, I began to breathe and learned how to live. I began to not only eat better, but befriended food and realized that I was in control of food. I had the power, not the diet. I commanded what was to happen, and no longer focused on negative thoughts about myself.
If you are still dieting and living a life that is getting you nowhere fast, let me plead with you to re-think this. By learning how to use food as fuel and nourishment for the body your life will change. It is time to stop DIETING and start to own your life and live happier!
Hugs,
Debra
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
My goals for 2011
At the end of each year I start writing down my personal goals for the coming year. I wanted to share my 2011 goals with you in hopes that you too will begin to write your goals down at the end of each year as it is so effective and will help you to make those changes that you might want for the New Year. They are not resolutions that fall by the wayside within a month or so after the New Year. Instead, goal setting has been much more productive for me and it will be for you especially if you are someone who tends to make resolutions every year that we both know is pretty much a joke. With that said, I am so excited about 2011 as I have 5 major projects that I am thrilled to share with you!
1. I have known in my journey that I would write a book. I have been waiting for the right time and that time is now. I have been working on the initial stages for months, such as monthly time-lines and who will help me. My goal is to have the bulk of it done and ready to find a publisher at the end of 2011. This is a major commitment on my part to stay settled in and focused with hours of writing, reading and editing. I do have an editor, writer and assistant which comforts me as I could never do this alone. I will get it done...that is the COMMITMENT to me for 2011. I am very excited and while it is not a fitness book it will be a most INSPIRING piece of work that will help women everywhere.
2. In my 30’s I was a bi-athlete for years however due to work and other projects I was not able to train, let alone compete, so participating in events got put aside. But that has all changed as I recently got a major itch to get involved in this again. So, some 20 years later in my 50’s I have decided to commit myself to training and signed up for at least two triathlons in 2011. I will begin training now in order to get myself ready physically, emotionally and mentally. I am determined to do this! I will work on my personal fitness and nutrition to be at my peak as a personal challenge. It is time for me to bring my fitness level to new heights!
3. In July, I was approached by a production company in Canada to send out a demo tape for a new reality show on fitness. It took 3 days of hard work to shoot the piece and they loved it. I got the letter of congratulations and am now waiting for the final word to see if the project is indeed developed and if this show will be a reality. If so, I will do everything in my power to see it to the end, so I am the last one standing!
4. I love helping women to get fit, feel better, look better and get motivated. Thru my Fitness DVD’s and ShapelyGirl Fitness center that has been a reality. I want to start a ShapelyGirl fitness certification, shoot at least two more fitness videos in 2011 and continue working with women at the fitness center.
5. To get my NO-DIET CONTRACT 2011 in the hands of women everywhere.
Debra
1. I have known in my journey that I would write a book. I have been waiting for the right time and that time is now. I have been working on the initial stages for months, such as monthly time-lines and who will help me. My goal is to have the bulk of it done and ready to find a publisher at the end of 2011. This is a major commitment on my part to stay settled in and focused with hours of writing, reading and editing. I do have an editor, writer and assistant which comforts me as I could never do this alone. I will get it done...that is the COMMITMENT to me for 2011. I am very excited and while it is not a fitness book it will be a most INSPIRING piece of work that will help women everywhere.
2. In my 30’s I was a bi-athlete for years however due to work and other projects I was not able to train, let alone compete, so participating in events got put aside. But that has all changed as I recently got a major itch to get involved in this again. So, some 20 years later in my 50’s I have decided to commit myself to training and signed up for at least two triathlons in 2011. I will begin training now in order to get myself ready physically, emotionally and mentally. I am determined to do this! I will work on my personal fitness and nutrition to be at my peak as a personal challenge. It is time for me to bring my fitness level to new heights!
3. In July, I was approached by a production company in Canada to send out a demo tape for a new reality show on fitness. It took 3 days of hard work to shoot the piece and they loved it. I got the letter of congratulations and am now waiting for the final word to see if the project is indeed developed and if this show will be a reality. If so, I will do everything in my power to see it to the end, so I am the last one standing!
4. I love helping women to get fit, feel better, look better and get motivated. Thru my Fitness DVD’s and ShapelyGirl Fitness center that has been a reality. I want to start a ShapelyGirl fitness certification, shoot at least two more fitness videos in 2011 and continue working with women at the fitness center.
5. To get my NO-DIET CONTRACT 2011 in the hands of women everywhere.
Debra
Friday, January 14, 2011
Julias' blog - Progress, not Perfection!
In a nutshell, I want to do cartwheels again!
I will from this day forward not focus on the look of my body, but rather what it can do. I truly believe that when I am strong, active, and leading the active lifestyle of my choice, everything will fall into place including the physical vessel. Long gone are the days of "physique". I want function!
There was a time not so long ago when I was doing cartwheels. I was able to run, jump, skip, and hop when I wanted. I wasn't small but I was mighty! It began to run amuck because I became so focused on the outer, not the inner. Obsessed is more like it. Eventually that led to today where I'm still trying to get back into a normal routine, but doing so without backsliding into obsession or compulsion is hard.
I walk a fine line.
My Goal, and again this is for ME, is I don't think it's important to worry any longer about what I look like. I just want to feel that sense of strength. To see progress made with the amount I can lift, the number of back extensions I can do, the more challenging pilates movements, and so on. I want to feel the raw power surging and I want to feel my heart pumping during a strong workout knowing I am working harder than the weeks prior, but yet, it's not as hard as it once was. I want to be strong enough to workout 6 days per week regardless if I choose 3, 5, or none. To me there is something so powerful in knowing I can do something even if it's not what I want to do. I could. If I really wanted.
How long will it take me to get there? It's hard to say. I have a general idea, but life has a funny way of working it's way regardless of one's plan. The point is to just give it my all regardless of what level I may be at right now. With time and persistence, it will come to fruition when it's meant to be. I am going to enjoy the ride and the work that I do. And one day, I'll wake up and be able to do those cartwheels almost unexpectedly.
Progress, not Perfection!
Julia
I will from this day forward not focus on the look of my body, but rather what it can do. I truly believe that when I am strong, active, and leading the active lifestyle of my choice, everything will fall into place including the physical vessel. Long gone are the days of "physique". I want function!
There was a time not so long ago when I was doing cartwheels. I was able to run, jump, skip, and hop when I wanted. I wasn't small but I was mighty! It began to run amuck because I became so focused on the outer, not the inner. Obsessed is more like it. Eventually that led to today where I'm still trying to get back into a normal routine, but doing so without backsliding into obsession or compulsion is hard.
I walk a fine line.
My Goal, and again this is for ME, is I don't think it's important to worry any longer about what I look like. I just want to feel that sense of strength. To see progress made with the amount I can lift, the number of back extensions I can do, the more challenging pilates movements, and so on. I want to feel the raw power surging and I want to feel my heart pumping during a strong workout knowing I am working harder than the weeks prior, but yet, it's not as hard as it once was. I want to be strong enough to workout 6 days per week regardless if I choose 3, 5, or none. To me there is something so powerful in knowing I can do something even if it's not what I want to do. I could. If I really wanted.
How long will it take me to get there? It's hard to say. I have a general idea, but life has a funny way of working it's way regardless of one's plan. The point is to just give it my all regardless of what level I may be at right now. With time and persistence, it will come to fruition when it's meant to be. I am going to enjoy the ride and the work that I do. And one day, I'll wake up and be able to do those cartwheels almost unexpectedly.
Progress, not Perfection!
Julia
Monday, January 3, 2011
5 Tips to Get You Moving
When I was 25 years old I weighed 315 pounds and had failed on every diet in the book. I remember feeling almost hopeless and wondering how I was going to drag my heavy body around another day. Clearly, popular diets weren’t the answer for me. That’s when I made the life-changing decision to begin exercising, and I have never looked back. Today I can’t imagine my life without fitness at the very center. But sometimes it’s hard to get moving. Here are 5 tips that will get you off of the couch and motivated:
1. Believe that you are entitled to look and feel better.
What better time to invest in yourself but now? When you take care of yourself it is much easier to take care of those who depend on you. Moving will help you have a positive attitude about your life. That can help you become motivated to make it a part of your daily routine. Take a group fitness class, hire that personal trainer you’ve been thinking about, try yoga or a Pilate’s class and incorporate meditation and relaxation. Go to a day spa. All these things will help you to connect with yourself.
2. Exercise releases stress and depression.
A fitness program not only helps lower blood pressure and high cholesterol and strengthens and tones your muscles, but studies show that stress and depression can be improved with exercise. Aerobic activity releases endorphins in the brain, which will make you feel great.
3. Set goals and visualize your successes.
One of the problems people encounter when starting a new fitness program is having unrealistic goals. This also happens to dieters. We somehow think that we can run a marathon before we take the baby steps necessary to get there. I tell people all the time to be persistent and things will happen. A good workout will instantly make you feel better. But to see results it takes at least a month or so of being steadfast and focused. A good way to achieve your fitness goals is to write them down.
4. Connect with positive people who can inspire you.
You will need to have support to make some real changes in your life, like getting fit. Find a class with an instructor who will be there to get you through your first workout without judgment. Find a group that will uplift you and make you feel valued as you work toward your goals. Hire a trainer who will take the time to identify your needs and goals and help you to achieve them.
5. Make a decision to exercise and let nothing get in the way.
Along your journey you will encounter many obstacles that might make you think it is time to give up. It is part of creating change in your life. Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. There will always be things that potentially set you back and stress you out. It is how you manage your roadblocks that will get you going. When it comes to exercising, it is important that you have a clear understanding of how important this is for your life. In the end - aren’t you are worth it?
Hugs,
Debra
1. Believe that you are entitled to look and feel better.
What better time to invest in yourself but now? When you take care of yourself it is much easier to take care of those who depend on you. Moving will help you have a positive attitude about your life. That can help you become motivated to make it a part of your daily routine. Take a group fitness class, hire that personal trainer you’ve been thinking about, try yoga or a Pilate’s class and incorporate meditation and relaxation. Go to a day spa. All these things will help you to connect with yourself.
2. Exercise releases stress and depression.
A fitness program not only helps lower blood pressure and high cholesterol and strengthens and tones your muscles, but studies show that stress and depression can be improved with exercise. Aerobic activity releases endorphins in the brain, which will make you feel great.
3. Set goals and visualize your successes.
One of the problems people encounter when starting a new fitness program is having unrealistic goals. This also happens to dieters. We somehow think that we can run a marathon before we take the baby steps necessary to get there. I tell people all the time to be persistent and things will happen. A good workout will instantly make you feel better. But to see results it takes at least a month or so of being steadfast and focused. A good way to achieve your fitness goals is to write them down.
4. Connect with positive people who can inspire you.
You will need to have support to make some real changes in your life, like getting fit. Find a class with an instructor who will be there to get you through your first workout without judgment. Find a group that will uplift you and make you feel valued as you work toward your goals. Hire a trainer who will take the time to identify your needs and goals and help you to achieve them.
5. Make a decision to exercise and let nothing get in the way.
Along your journey you will encounter many obstacles that might make you think it is time to give up. It is part of creating change in your life. Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. There will always be things that potentially set you back and stress you out. It is how you manage your roadblocks that will get you going. When it comes to exercising, it is important that you have a clear understanding of how important this is for your life. In the end - aren’t you are worth it?
Hugs,
Debra
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)