How to control my weight

[Kim_Burly]

For years I was 30 pounds, or so, overweight, no matter what I did. Since I have been with Sir G I have lost nearly 35 pounds by going to a much better diet with smaller portions and obsessive exercise. I am getting a little bony and Sir is not happy at all. My butt is even flatter than before, my formerly shapely hips have disappeared and boobs are now swimming in my D cup bras. Where my nipples used to be at a 15 degree angle when free, now due to the excess skin in my boobs they are at a 45 degree angle. I want a boob lift, but Sir says no, wants me to get back to a "healthy" weight. He thinks I have replaced my alcohol addiction with an eating/exercise disorder. So, how do I gain a little weight. While I miss my big boobs, I would rather be a little underweight than overweight and get a boob lift.

My diet is really a vegetarian diet with chicken and fish for protein. I do have deserts and occassional treats, but I run at least 5 miles on the treadmill, or roads when I can, every day. I am also doing Jazzercize 4-5 times a week. Yes, I want to look like the woman Sir wants, but I don't want go back to being overweight. I'm at a healthy wieght for the first time since the birth of my son. I am trying to add muscle via weight training, but I need to get more serious about it. Any tips?

 

[bailadora]

Since you mention a boob job (even though your sir has nixed the idea), I take it finances aren't an issue? Is it possible to take those funds and work with a personal trainer? A talk with a nutritionist might not be a bad idea, either. That way, you can devise a way to add weight in a manner that's not detrimental to your health.

 

[fire_breeze]

For years I was 30 pounds, or so, overweight, no matter what I did. Since I have been with Sir G I have lost nearly 35 pounds by going to a much better diet with smaller portions and obsessive exercise. I am getting a little bony and Sir is not happy at all. My butt is even flatter than before, my formerly shapely hips have disappeared and boobs are now swimming in my D cup bras. Where my nipples used to be at a 15 degree angle when free, now due to the excess skin in my boobs they are at a 45 degree angle. I want a boob lift, but Sir says no, wants me to get back to a "healthy" weight. He thinks I have replaced my alcohol addiction with an eating/exercise disorder. So, how do I gain a little weight. While I miss my big boobs, I would rather be a little underweight than overweight and get a boob lift.

My diet is really a vegetarian diet with chicken and fish for protein. I do have deserts and occassional treats, but I run at least 5 miles on the treadmill, or roads when I can, every day. I am also doing Jazzercize 4-5 times a week. Yes, I want to look like the woman Sir wants, but I don't want go back to being overweight. I'm at a healthy wieght for the first time since the birth of my son. I am trying to add muscle via weight training, but I need to get more serious about it. Any tips?

I am not a physician - I've only played one once on stage - but I have lost tremendous amount of weight, kept most of it off, and have a good, solid foundation in weight management.

It's quite possible that your Sir is right; you are over-doing it by exercise. I understand it, though. It's very highly addicting. The problem is, you may not be consuming enough calories. For that level of high intensive cardio, you'd need to consume at least 2500-3000 cals. Anything less, you'll be losing weight. Additionally, unless you're a serious athlete, you shouldn't be training every single day. Your body needs to rest; even serious athletes (professional or not) work out no more 5 times a week.

I also COMPLETELY understand the fear of gaining weight, I've gone through it myself (I gained at most 10lbs, and I'm freaking out ). However, your weight will fluctuate between 5-7 lbs, and you can go up and down a size in season, and this is completely normal.

Here's a little fact that I was told by my doctors and trainer: what most women assume to be 'healthy' weight is actually underweight. We've been conditioned to assume that thin is healthy, when in fact, it's not necessarily. Much depends on your bone structure, your ethnicity, on your age, etc. Only a doctor or dietician or a very well-qualified trainer (but the good ones will refuse to do so) can determine that

Don't go by BMI and the whole 100lbs for 5 feet, 5 lbs for every inch after. That's a load of crock. According to that, I should be weighing 140lbs, which is underweight for me (as per my doc). I looked emaciated. Not sexy.

Now for the suggestions:
Go for a physical and tell your doctor your concerns. Ask him/her what is YOUR ideal weight. While you're at it, ask to have a full blood test, specifically your thyroid. An overactive thyroid can make you lose weight. A doctor should also tell you if you're overdoing it.

Chart everything that goes into your mouth. A good on-line food journal (such as sparkpeople.com or myfitness.com) will help you to determine if your under-eating for your activity level. It's also free, and there's also good resources on how to gain weight slowly and healthily.

Talk to a trainer. S/he may also suggest to cut back on cardio - if you want to build muscle, then sweets, you'll have to start eating. Eilan can probably offer sound and good advice.

You may also wish to look into a therapist specialising in addiction. I don't know if you ever dealt with the root of your alcohol addiction (and congratulations on kicking it ), but if you haven't, it's quite possible that you replaced one addiction with another.

And remember, everything in moderation, even moderation. There is such a thing as taking health overboard and that is NOT healthy. It'll make you run down and susceptible to illness, believe it or not.

Best of luck, and if you ever need it, my inbox is always open

 

[twister947]

It's not the answer to your question, but I want to say, if Sir G wants you to maintain an unhealthy weight, something is amiss.

 

[Kim_Burly]

I am not a physician - I've only played one once on stage - but I have lost tremendous amount of weight, kept most of it off, and have a good, solid foundation in weight management.

It's quite possible that your Sir is right; you are over-doing it by exercise. I understand it, though. It's very highly addicting. The problem is, you may not be consuming enough calories. For that level of high intensive cardio, you'd need to consume at least 2500-3000 cals. Anything less, you'll be losing weight.

I also COMPLETELY understand the fear of gaining weight, I've gone through it myself (I gained at most 10lbs, and I'm freaking out ). However, your weight will fluctuate between 5-7 lbs, and you can go up and down a size in season, and this is completely normal.

Here's a little fact that I was told by my doctors and trainer: what most women assume to be 'healthy' weight is actually underweight. We've been conditioned to assume that thin is healthy, when in fact, it's not necessarily. Much depends on your bone structure, your ethnicity, on your age, etc. Only a doctor or dietician or a very well-qualified trainer (but the good ones will refuse to do so) can determine that

Don't go by BMI and the whole 100lbs for 5 feet, 5 lbs for every inch after. That's a load of crock. According to that, I should be weighing 140lbs, which is underweight for me (as per my doc). I looked emaciated. Not sexy.

Now for the suggestions:
Go for a physical and tell your doctor your concerns. Ask him/her what is YOUR ideal weight. While you're at it, ask to have a full blood test, specifically your thyroid. An overactive thyroid can make you lose weight. A doctor should also tell you if you're overdoing it.

Chart everything that goes into your mouth. A good on-line food journal (such as sparkpeople.com or myfitness.com) will help you to determine if your under-eating for your activity level. It's also free, and there's also good resources on how to gain weight slowly and healthily.

Talk to a trainer. S/he may also suggest to cut back on cardio - if you want to build muscle, then sweets, you'll have to start eating. Eilan can probably offer sound and good advice.

You may also wish to look into a therapist specialising in addiction. I don't know if you ever dealt with the root of your alcohol addiction (and congratulations on kicking it ), but if you haven't, it's quite possible that you replaced one addiction with another.

And remember, everything in moderation, even moderation. There is such a thing as taking health overboard and that is NOT healthy. It'll make you run down and susceptible to illness, believe it or not.

Best of luck, and if you ever need it, my inbox is always open

Well thanks Fire_Breeze, my BMI is in the 16s. I am eating about 1400-1800 calories per day. I really can't cut back on the cardio or I'll lose my momentum and motivation. I have just dabbled in the weight training, so I could cut back on that, especially if I need to eat like Mark Phelps. I really just want to firm up my chest to hopefully help my boobs look firmer. Even if this were an addiction of sorts, it's not a bad addiction.

Bailadora, it's not that I'm rolling in cash, but yes, Sir will pay for a personal trainer or nutritionist if I want, he actually already offered that. I'm OK so far, I just need to find a balance. I don't want a boob job, just a lift. I haven't researched it too much, but it sounds pretty self-explanatory. Take out excess skin, that way if I do gain the weight back they'll be extra perky .

Twister, Sir wants me to be healthy, not skinny or overweight. He says he was happy with the "old Kim", I think he just misses my old boobs .

Thanks everyone, I'll think about all of this. I would still be happy to hear suggestions how I can keep exercising but put on 10 healthy pounds.

 

[fire_breeze]

double posting. Argh.

 

[fire_breeze]

Well thanks Fire_Breeze, my BMI is in the 16s. I am eating about 1400-1800 calories per day. I really can't cut back on the cardio or I'll lose my momentum and motivation. I have just dabbled in the weight training, so I could cut back on that, especially if I need to eat like Mark Phelps. I really just want to firm up my chest to hopefully help my boobs look firmer. Even if this were an addiction of sorts, it's not a bad addiction.

Bailadora, it's not that I'm rolling in cash, but yes, Sir will pay for a personal trainer or nutritionist if I want, he actually already offered that. I'm OK so far, I just need to find a balance. I don't want a boob job, just a lift. I haven't researched it too much, but it sounds pretty self-explanatory. Take out excess skin, that way if I do gain the weight back they'll be extra perky .

Twister, Sir wants me to be healthy, not skinny or overweight. He says he was happy with the "old Kim", I think he just misses my old boobs .

Thanks everyone, I'll think about all of this. I would still be happy to hear suggestions how I can keep exercising but put on 10 healthy pounds.

Anytime, Kim .

Just a note, though. Anything below 18.5 is considered to be underweight. A healthy BMI for an average person is between 18.5 - 25.0, with some exceptions (notably athletes).

I really do suggest having a chat with your doctor - a simple "I want to be at a healthy weight" will probably get them all excited.

Again, I'm not a dietician, but that caloric range is what was suggested to me when I was actively losing weight, and I was not working out every day. You really may have to up your intake, ESPECIALLY as you're still losing weight.

Also, there's no such thing as a not 'bad' addiction. Addiction is not good and overdoing on health is detrimental.

I just you to be healthy

 

[codex954]

Well thanks Fire_Breeze, my BMI is in the 16s. I am eating about 1400-1800 calories per day. I really can't cut back on the cardio or I'll lose my momentum and motivation. I have just dabbled in the weight training, so I could cut back on that, especially if I need to eat like Mark Phelps. I really just want to firm up my chest to hopefully help my boobs look firmer. Even if this were an addiction of sorts, it's not a bad addiction.

Bailadora, it's not that I'm rolling in cash, but yes, Sir will pay for a personal trainer or nutritionist if I want, he actually already offered that. I'm OK so far, I just need to find a balance. I don't want a boob job, just a lift. I haven't researched it too much, but it sounds pretty self-explanatory. Take out excess skin, that way if I do gain the weight back they'll be extra perky .

Twister, Sir wants me to be healthy, not skinny or overweight. He says he was happy with the "old Kim", I think he just misses my old boobs .

Thanks everyone, I'll think about all of this. I would still be happy to hear suggestions how I can keep exercising but put on 10 healthy pounds.

I have to say that I disagree about BMI being useless. It's true that there are exceptions (for example, people with lots of muscle mass will often have BMIs within the overweight to obese range, even though they're quite healthy), but BMI values can be very helpful for many people. If your BMI is around 16, you are considered underweight. However, I know nothing about your current state of health or your background (certainly some ethnic groups tend to have smaller measurements than others). I would recommend speaking to both a registered dietician and a qualified fitness trainer regarding how to optimize your diet and exercise to allow you to gain those 10 lbs, as well as follow up with your physician to ensure that you're at a healthy weight to begin with.

 

[wicked woman]

A BMI of 16 at 5'8" is 105 lb! The charts say <18.5 is underweight.

I'd suggest a visit with your doctor to discuss this.

 

[bailadora]

Oh hey! I'm sorry if I offended you, that wasn't my intention. It's just that working with a nutritionist and or a trainer tends to cost less than cosmetic surgery does.

I'm also going to give one more plug for getting professional help. Years ago, I had fertility issues and it turns out that one of the underlying causes is my rabidly high metabolism. It's not always the blessing some people think it is.

Anyway, due to my family history of stroke, heart disease, and high cholesterol, it's not like I could just pile on the high calorie, high fat foods. The nutritionist helped me achieve my weight goal in a manner that still addressed all my other health requirements.

 

[Trolltroll420]

When it comes to diet, most people are complete idiots.... I know that this is the Internet, and everyone has a body of an Adonis and a 9" penis... So if you don't listen to what I say, I understand. The key to being in great shape is to follow the caveman diet. This means anything that is prossessed in any way at all is out. This leaves red meat, chicken, fish, veggies, beans, etc.. Basically if a cave man couldn't find it, kill it, pick it, catch it, or grow it, don't eat it. Next, this is going to be a complete shock to all of you... Exercise! Walk, run, lift weights, stand up, sit down, right, left, up, down... Any thing active. Anyone can get in better shape.

 

[njlauren]

I am not an MD either, but one of the things is you are doing a lot of aerobic exercise,..running 5 miles a day and then jazzercise 4-5 times a week is a lot. I understand exercise is important to you but you can be overdoing it. Unfortunately you boob and your breasts are mostly fat, and when overweight they are much larger then they will be at weight. One thing I seem to recall about extreme exercising like you are doing is that you may be affecting your hormonal system, which in turn could cause you to see body changes you don't want (I am putting that out hypothetically, since I am no expert).

I understand only too well about losing the weight and wanting to keep it off, I have fought my weight all my life. The problem is, when you the kind of exercising you are doing, you are altering your body in ways you may not want to. One suggestion I have off the top of my head, maybe alternate the jazzercise and the running? Or maybe some days, walk on the treadmill and do jazzercise.

Even better? I would alternate the running and the weight training, that kind of alternation is according to my friend who is a trainer, the best way to stay in shape. When weight training, alternate the muscle groups, and work on the things you want, there are upper body exercises and exercises to help shape the caboose.

You also need to eat more, 1400-1800 is not even maintenance, the standard adult diet, with regular exercise, is 2000. I would recommend eating a lot of small meals, and try and make sure you are taking in a lot of protein.

Want my advice? Work with a trainer and a nutritionist, tell them what your goals are and see what they come up with before doing surgery, give your body a chance to shape itself. They can help you focus your diet and exercise on what you want to do, it is what they do

 

[Trolltroll420]

Running 5 miles a day will not allow your muscles to repair... You should cut the running down to twice a week, and incorporate weights to your program. I know that women are afraid to use weights... They think that muscle is manly and that's not how to get in shape. I disagree, first of all, women don't have the testosterone to build man muscle. Those chicks with a the huge manly muscles are on steroids. More lean muscle is the only way to fill out a saggy body. As for the tits, I'm sorry to say that surgery may be the only way to get the look you are looking for. No exercise in the world can help saggy skin and tits. Think of it as a reward to yourself for losing the weight... But start lifting the weights first. It will make a huge difference.

 

[njlauren]

Troll is right, you need downtime for your muscles to repair, it is how you tone. As far as toning up without surgery,there also are creams and such that may be able to help with that, I would try wild yam cream, it might help (ain't gonna hurt, for sure). Get your body under control, get your weight stabilized at a healthy level, then see what your options are. Surgery is still surgery, and I always say let that be a last resort

 

[satindesire]

I've said this a few times before, but adding a few eggs and a glass of milk or two every day can really help add muscle mass when you're working out a lot. Cheap sources of easy-to-get protein like eggs and milk can't be topped. I suggest boiled eggs on your salad at lunch/dinner and a glass of milk with your breakfast as super easy ways to incorporate extra protein into your diet.

Nothing wrong with working out almost daily, as long as you're taking occasional breaks to rest and get extra sleep (which is another critical means of building muscle, getting as much sleep as you can!). Also, make sure your diet isn't going to negatively affect the quality of the health of your hair and nails by making sure you're still getting healthy oils in your diet by eating food like avocado, sunflower seeds and switching your canola oil to plain olive oil (Not extra virgin) for things like frying and making homemade salad dressing. It's essential to get enough good fat in your diet to keep your hair and nails flexible and strong!

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

A close friend of mine lost 55 pounds by walking and changing her diet. When she made the changes she was obese, diabetic, hypertensive, and had already had strokes that left some weakness on one side.

Six months later she's off all her meds but one, and the marvel of the clinic she goes to. Her blood sugar is normal, her blood pressure is normal, her weight is right for her height etc and she walks 3 miles a day. I tried her sytem and lost 60 pounds without any suffering. I eat lotsa chicken and fresh veggies, but still enjoy a steak if I want one. Reducing stress is also helpful.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I've said this a few times before, but adding a few eggs and a glass of milk or two every day can really help add muscle mass when you're working out a lot. Cheap sources of easy-to-get protein like eggs and milk can't be topped. I suggest boiled eggs on your salad at lunch/dinner and a glass of milk with your breakfast as super easy ways to incorporate extra protein into your diet.

Nothing wrong with working out almost daily, as long as you're taking occasional breaks to rest and get extra sleep (which is another critical means of building muscle, getting as much sleep as you can!). Also, make sure your diet isn't going to negatively affect the quality of the health of your hair and nails by making sure you're still getting healthy oils in your diet by eating food like avocado, sunflower seeds and switching your canola oil to plain olive oil (Not extra virgin) for things like frying and making homemade salad dressing. It's essential to get enough good fat in your diet to keep your hair and nails flexible and strong!

So true! I eat boiled eggs every day, plus the avocado and olive oil.

 

[Kim_Burly]

Y'all sound like people I see every day, except you type, not speak . First, Bailadora, you didn't offend me, it's just that I find breast implants (except in cases of a mastectomy) repulsive, I hope that doesn't offend anyone and I'll leave it at that. I doubt I will get a boob lift, Sir is OK with my small, saggy boobs .

Some of the BMI calculators don't even take gender into account, so I'm not sure how much stock I put in that. I feel great, and I don't think I look too skinny. Now that I'm back into running, the 5 miles is cake. I did track and cross country in HS and college, I was pretty fast once upon a time . I want to slowly start pushing it and do a half marathon this summer and maybe a full marathon in fall. That's a long way off though. I've pretty much done with processed food and my son is none too happy about that, he still gets some junk food, but not nearly as much as he used to. My daughter has always been a great eater.

I will look at upping my caloric intake to 2-2,200, I'm going to do some minimal weight training, chest only. I work with the coaches and trainers at my school, they are excellent. I don't really care for doctors and I only go when I have to.

Thanks for the input

 

[Tomahawk26]

I am not a physician - I've only played one once on stage - but I have lost tremendous amount of weight, kept most of it off, and have a good, solid foundation in weight management.

It's quite possible that your Sir is right; you are over-doing it by exercise. I understand it, though. It's very highly addicting. The problem is, you may not be consuming enough calories. For that level of high intensive cardio, you'd need to consume at least 2500-3000 cals. Anything less, you'll be losing weight. Additionally, unless you're a serious athlete, you shouldn't be training every single day. Your body needs to rest; even serious athletes (professional or not) work out no more 5 times a week.

I ABSOLUTELY agree with the recommendation to eat more as suggested above. People can not sustain that kind of activity level and caloric deficit without hurting necessary processes and abusing their metabolism. I think culturally, at least in the US, women constantly think the answer to their fitness problems is simply to eat less, but it's not. A lot of women who CAN'T lose weight also need to eat more. If what you're eating is natural/organic as possible, I don't think it's likely you're going to overeat, because natural foods have MUCH fewer calories per serving, generally speaking, and the fats and sugars in them are USEABLE for your body.

I'm an athlete, and I work out roughly 5 days a week (when all goes to plan), always for about an hour and a half, if not more. If I'm not consuming enough calories, those days are torturous and I find myself without the energy needed.

I would also recommend more protein to help add some more curves back to your body if you're concerned about looking too "skinny"--add some strength training too and gain some muscle while you're at it.

 

[Trolltroll420]

Y'all sound like people I see every day, except you type, not speak . First, Bailadora, you didn't offend me, it's just that I find breast implants (except in cases of a mastectomy) repulsive, I hope that doesn't offend anyone and I'll leave it at that. I doubt I will get a boob lift, Sir is OK with my small, saggy boobs .

Some of the BMI calculators don't even take gender into account, so I'm not sure how much stock I put in that. I feel great, and I don't think I look too skinny. Now that I'm back into running, the 5 miles is cake. I did track and cross country in HS and college, I was pretty fast once upon a time . I want to slowly start pushing it and do a half marathon this summer and maybe a full marathon in fall. That's a long way off though. I've pretty much done with processed food and my son is none too happy about that, he still gets some junk food, but not nearly as much as he used to. My daughter has always been a great eater.

I will look at upping my caloric intake to 2-2,200, I'm going to do some minimal weight training, chest only. I work with the coaches and trainers at my school, they are excellent. I don't really care for doctors and I only go when I have to.

Thanks for the input

I ran a marathon 2 years ago. If you are looking to get in shape, I don't recommend this being your goal. The wear and tear on your body is extensive. You end up doing more harm to your joints, knees, etc. if you do decide to do it anyways, I suggest you pick up a large container of gold standard whey protein. You will have to add a lot more calories to your diet as well.

 

[Kim_Burly]

I ABSOLUTELY agree with the recommendation to eat more as suggested above. People can not sustain that kind of activity level and caloric deficit without hurting necessary processes and abusing their metabolism. I think culturally, at least in the US, women constantly think the answer to their fitness problems is simply to eat less, but it's not. A lot of women who CAN'T lose weight also need to eat more. If what you're eating is natural/organic as possible, I don't think it's likely you're going to overeat, because natural foods have MUCH fewer calories per serving, generally speaking, and the fats and sugars in them are USEABLE for your body.

I'm an athlete, and I work out roughly 5 days a week (when all goes to plan), always for about an hour and a half, if not more. If I'm not consuming enough calories, those days are torturous and I find myself without the energy needed.

I would also recommend more protein to help add some more curves back to your body if you're concerned about looking too "skinny"--add some strength training too and gain some muscle while you're at it.

I talked to my favorite coach tday and she doesn't necessarily agree with my approach. I'm going up to 2,200 calories for a while and see if my weight stabilizes. If it keeps going down, I'll bump it up some more. I'm starting to think that if I can stay at my current weight, I'll be okay with that. Sir feels I'm too underweight. But I feel great and I have a loads of energy. I'm very, very afraid that if the scale starts going up, I won't be able to stop it at 5-10 pounds and I'll end up back where I was.

 

[fire_breeze]

I talked to my favorite coach tday and she doesn't necessarily agree with my approach. I'm going up to 2,200 calories for a while and see if my weight stabilizes. If it keeps going down, I'll bump it up some more. I'm starting to think that if I can stay at my current weight, I'll be okay with that. Sir feels I'm too underweight. But I feel great and I have a loads of energy. I'm very, very afraid that if the scale starts going up, I won't be able to stop it at 5-10 pounds and I'll end up back where I was.

You've proven yourself that you are able to lose weight. Instead of focusing on numbers, focus on how you feel, your energy level and pants size. Your weight can fluctuate up to 5 pounds in one day. However, do remember that serious athletes consume a lot of calories, because they need the fuel for their training. You may wish to start off slowly by eating more healthy protein and healthy fats.

Ask what your trainer recommends. And I still suggest that you check in with a therapist. Please please please trust me and believe me that this tight control CAN turn into an obsession very VERY easily, and a very unhealthy addiction.

I am not trying to discourage you from a healthy lifestyle. I am hoping that you won't go through what I did, and I almost destroyed my body. (and yes, saying that it won't happen to me is a very good indication that it can, that's what I said).

Please be healthy

 

[Tomahawk26]

You've proven yourself that you are able to lose weight. Instead of focusing on numbers, focus on how you feel, your energy level and pants size. Your weight can fluctuate up to 5 pounds in one day. However, do remember that serious athletes consume a lot of calories, because they need the fuel for their training. You may wish to start off slowly by eating more healthy protein and healthy fats.

Ask what your trainer recommends. And I still suggest that you check in with a therapist. Please please please trust me and believe me that this tight control CAN turn into an obsession very VERY easily, and a very unhealthy addiction.

I am not trying to discourage you from a healthy lifestyle. I am hoping that you won't go through what I did, and I almost destroyed my body. (and yes, saying that it won't happen to me is a very good indication that it can, that's what I said).

Please be healthy

I second all of this, and also want to emphasize that I hardly ever use weight as an indicator of my health, because how can it be? A simple weight does not take my body composition into account. If that composition is shifting around because you're losing fat and gaining muscle and you use weight as your sole indicator of progress, you may feel emotionally whipped-around, because as fire_breeze says, as women, our weight fluctuates quite a bit. Personally, I go by how my clothes fit and how I feel.

I could feel your fear in your past posts about this, but that last sentence in your most recent post really shows a certain desperation (and I hope you understand how I mean that, and that I am in no way judging you or your fear) not to be where you were before. But you know you can lose weight, as stated above. To me, losing weight is not the key to health.

It can be a piece of it, but I think as women, we are taught that so much of our value rests in what we look like, and in being smaller, taking up less space in the world--rarely are we encouraged to change our lifestyles for the sake of health, but rather for aesthetic reasons. Look at the covers of magazines around this time of year (really any time of year, but esp. now since "bathing suit season" is approaching), and you will see that they all resonate with the idea of looking better to satisfy the male gaze. I think we need to see ourselves on our own terms, and that can be hard, with almost nothing else in culture pointing to that, and with such long-standing habits of judging ourselves by someone else's standards. Habits, especially mental ones, that you don't even recognize are the hardest to break.

I hope you can let go of some of that control and just let yourself be, and see yourself through your own eyes. I hope all of it will be enjoyable rather than stressful.

 

[norfolklad]

When it comes to diet, most people are complete idiots.... I know that this is the Internet, and everyone has a body of an Adonis and a 9" penis... So if you don't listen to what I say, I understand. The key to being in great shape is to follow the caveman diet. This means anything that is prossessed in any way at all is out. This leaves red meat, chicken, fish, veggies, beans, etc.. Basically if a cave man couldn't find it, kill it, pick it, catch it, or grow it, don't eat it. Next, this is going to be a complete shock to all of you... Exercise! Walk, run, lift weights, stand up, sit down, right, left, up, down... Any thing active. Anyone can get in better shape.

And until what age, pray tell, did the average caveman live?

 

[Tomahawk26]

And until what age, pray tell, did the average caveman live?

I think there were other factors in play outside of diet. You know, like the lack of even the most basic health care, and dinosaurs.