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Sep
16
(Speaking for myself only, your mileage may vary, different strokes for different folks, etc.)
It’s possible to change your eating patterns, but more importantly, it’s possible to change your eating preferences.
Transforming your body and mind takes time. If you try to rush the process, you’re doing it wrong.
Muscle is beautiful.
There is no such thing as not having enough time to exercise. If you can’t find the time, MAKE the time. This is entirely within your control, and telling yourself otherwise is simply an excuse.
When you put the right foods into your body, you will experience long-term positive effects. You could eat junk food and feel good for five minutes, or you could eat something healthy and feel good for hours.
As your body gets stronger and you stay committed to your health, every aspect of your life will improve. Every. Single. Aspect.
It feels amazing to treat your body like a partner instead of an enemy.
It’s better to find your own diet and fitness path than to follow a rigid set of instructions. It’s easier than you think to do this.
Working out isn’t easy or comfortable. Don’t expect it to be. If you’re not challenging yourself, you’re cheating yourself.
It takes about three months to establish a good routine and see the beginnings of the changes happening in your body.
Perfection doesn’t exist.
Keeping yourself in shape and healthy fills you with self confidence, and self confidence is the best feeling in the world.
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t start now. If you need to start over, that’s okay: start again now.
Comments
151 Responses to “Things I have learned about diet and fitness”
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I think I might need to print out a copy of these little gems as a reminder. Thanks, Linda!
Yup. I want to print this out too and post it in the living room (my work out area of choice. That is, when I actually DO work out).
Well said. And I’m so happy for you that you’ve had such wonderful success! You look fabulous and I’m glad you feel great too!
no joke – I’m with Amy…these should all become daily mantra’s for me. You are so motivational, especially since I’ve been milking the whole “I just had a baby” excuse for the last 5 months!
Uhh, yeah Kirsten, my “baby” is almost 5! (years, that is…) Linda, I seriously came here today to find out the names of some of the videos you’ve been using, because I need to start NOW! Thanks for the extra inspiration… I’ll need it.
Thanks for that. I’ve been back in my routine for the past 3 weeks and feel great. Stuck at the office late last night and working late when I got home resulted in me being too tired to get up this morning to train. I turned off my alarm.
But you’ve just motivated me to leave the office, go for a run, clear my head, and then get back to work after.
Thanks. Bye.
And you are absolutely right about EVERYTHING you wrote there.
That’s funny, I always though the best feeling in the world would be punching Pat Robertson in the balls. Or punching Rosie O’Donnell in the balls maybe.
This post was depressing. Fitness makes me sad. We don’t need more skinny women Sundry, quit trying to rob America of the T&A we’ve worked so hard to stock up on. I mean just think what would Jebus do? The skinnier women get, the smaller everyone’s collective boobs get, and that’s un-American. Unless this post is gonna be followed by a second post about the ass-kickery that is breast augmentation then I’m gonna have put you on my titty terrorist list. Good luck coming through my airport any time soon.
Great post! I love the one about treating your body like a partner. I’m definately printing this out!
This is exactly what I needed to read. Now All I need is a nice, healthy kick in the ass to get mine in gear.
Wear big boots.
I need to start again! I started Turbo Jam in February and then 30 Day shred in May and I fell off the wagon in August. This was the first year in 11 years that I have put on a bathing suit and I have you (and myself) to thank for that! I reached my goal and then went on vacation and promtly quit working out. Why? When I know how great it makes me feel.
Thanks for this post today, hopefully it’s what I need to get back on the workout wagon! (Yes, I said workout wagon)
what did you do with the real linda?
Thanks Linda! I have been snooping around here for months and watching you transform. It is really awesome to see how far you have come. Each time I read your posts (and see your pictures) I feel a renewed desire to get started again on my fitness regime. I want to do more for myself and I know I will be proud once I get started on that path. I find you especially inspiring because you seem to strike the right balance between admitting that it is a difficult process yet making the reward sound too good to deny myself. Also, I think I have a similar body style/shape as you and am in about the same condition you were when you started this process the first time (post Riley). I want to see what I can do for myself in three months time. Amazon.com here I come for that dang 30DS and Turbo Jams!
P.S. Ever consider posts with food ideas? I think part of my problem is not knowing what to make for lunch and dinner. I suppose I could get some cookbooks and not depend on someone else’s ideas…or I could just ask you!
This is really inspiring. Question – why do you think people, i.e. me, and I’m assuming the old you, cringe when they hear such positivity regarding working out? I know once I get into it, I feel much better physically, emotionally. But when I’m slothing, I am so negative about it. Why do we hate it so, when we know it’s so good for us?
Mama R: every night I have to battle with myself to do my workout, even though I know I will feel like ten million dollars once it’s done. The bottom line is, working out is harder than NOT working out, even when you’ve built up the momentum of a good routine. And the inertia of not having a routine at all is a BITCH to overcome, speaking for myself anyway.
I think of the whole fitness thing similarly to quitting drinking. You try and make good choices today — forget about yesterday, or tomorrow. Don’t get sucked into feeling crappy about what you have or haven’t done to date, just say, fuck it, what’s one thing I can do right now?
Dammit. Now you had to go and inspire me. I am 38 weeks pregnant and have been stuffing my chip/cookie/twinkie hole nonstop with nothing but junk and I’m feeling a tad guilty….
I was just getting into Turbo Jam and ordered 30DS from netflix to try. I haven’t see great results yet but I have only been using a month. Of course I just found out I am 7 weeks pregnant so I feel foiled. I have not lost 25 pounds from my 1 year old (thanks baby!) and now I feel like I need to slow it down a bunch. I am so sad about this but happy to be preggo again so soon. Maybe this time around I will not eat pounds of almonds, apples, pineapple, whole milk and blueberries. I know these are all healthy foods but I still managed to gain almost 60 pounds eating them! Yikes.
Wonderful advice.
“If you’re not challenging yourself, you’re cheating yourself.” That. and you. amazing.
Dammit, thanks for inspiring me. I’ve needed a kick in the ass to get off of the couch, this may have been it.
You continue to be an awesome inspiration – I ordered my 30 day shred today and can’t wait for Jillian to kick my ass.
Also, Biggest Loser starts tonight and I’ll admit it right now – I love it.
Um…that part where you said that thing about not having time to workout is crap? You’re talking to me, aren’t you?
That was awesome, simply awesome. Thank you for the motivation, you rock!!
Great reminders!
I’ve always battled my weight and, as a result, battled the overall negativity and moodiness that springs from feeling poorly about myself. It’s amazing the bullshit excuses I’ve come up with to get out of working out and, wait for this, I don’t even have kids! For the last 8 weeks, I’ve set my alarm at 0430, laced up my running shoes and scampered out the door before my body has had a chance to wake up and realize what the hell I’m doing at the nearby middle school track. By the time my mind is clear enough to formulate yet another bullshit excuse, I’ve already started “wogging” (my own pathetic mix of walking and jogging). Once I’m there, I figure it’s ridiculous to call it quits and I finish what I’ve started. I come home an hour later feeling a sense of accomplishment, feeling strong and very satisfied.
As for eating, I agree it’s amazing what we can program and de-program our bodies to consume. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll do a back-flip and beg like a dog for a good dish of creme brulee and I could practically make love to McD’s fries with ketchup, but I know how damn hard I’m working to improve my body and neither of those things are worth setting back the progress I’m making.
I’ve found that there is one thing that is sinfully delicious- being able to try on a great pair of jeans or a kick-ass shirt and having it look good. You see, it wasn’t that long ago that I had tears in my eyes when I finally achieved my goal of shopping in the “normal” section of my fave dept store. Prior to dropping 30 lbs., I was banished to the out-of-the-way Womens Dept. They may call it “Encore” at Nordstrom, but it still felt shitty when I had to take the next escalator to shop in the “special” section. I still have a ways to go before I can prance the beaches in a bikini (unlike you, hot mama!), but I can taste success and it’s insanely delicious.
My favorite line from 30-Day Shred is “I want you to feel like you’re going to die.”
Tru dat you crazy bitch, Jillian. Love ya!
Working out isn’t meant to be easy.
I love your lists.
Excellent advice Oh Wise One!
I’ve seen all of these very true statements countless times in many places.
Sometimes I read them and go “YES!” and other times I think “Oh shut the fuck up…”
Wow. I feel lazy now. Thanks for the positive and empowering thoughts.
I have struggled with this for 8 months now, but feel amazing and get compliments from family all the time. It sounds so corny, telling others to work out and eat healthy to raise your self image, but wow, it actually works.
As Yoda would say “Do or do not. There is no try.”
Seriously Linda, your journey thru/to fitness has been very inspiring. I recently wrote a post about something similar and how I’ve dedicated myself to reaching my potential. I’m blessed with good genes yet haven’t made the most of them, and with the years piling up, a few pounds are creeping on. And gosh darnit, if I have to be 40 years old (soon), I don’t have to look it.
I’m finding that my diet is changing as I work out. I don’t want to erase the benefits of an hour long sweatfest by going and eating a cheeseburger. So I find myself making better choices. Yes, I’ll still eat an occasionaly cheeseburger but it will be a treat instead of a staple.
Thanks again for your inspiration. Keep up the good work and the great workout recommendations! (I bought a Turbo Jam DVD and so far like it.)
You’ve officially gotten me over the “but I’m too tired to work out” hump I was sitting on tonight. Thanks for that.
As a fitness instructor on month 3 of maternity leave, I too find your words inspiring me to get back to the gym and ramp up my fitness level again. I didn’t gain a ton with my son (31 lbs) but I’m still tired of my clothes not fitting me properly… those that fit me at all that is! I still have almost 10 lbs more on me than usual and they’re distributed all weird.
My bigger challenge is diet and not just grabbing whatever junk will fill my growling belly fastest while my son is napping. I have noticed that I’m eating a whole lotta sugar these days and am not proud of it.
This post did not have a single joke about cock. I demand a refund!
Amen to this! Have I mentioned you are one of the most motivating bloggers out there! Rock on.
My husband and I have just signed up for an 8 week challenge with our local gym. I know it’s going to be incredibly hard, but I hear you, we have to work at it, don’t we?
Thanks for your inspirational words.
So here’s what I want to know. What exactly are you doing workout wise, how often do you do it and what has worked best for you??? You just look so amazingly toned everywhere.
I like that you opened with “your mileage may vary”, but your advice is really only applicable to Women Like You. You enjoy luxuries that other women haven’t dared to dream of. It’s not true that everyone can just MAKE TIME. You perhaps have no excuse for not being fit. And kudos to you 100% for living a healthy life. But listen, the world is full of all kinds of people. Please don’t make blanket judgments from your admirably high horse.
Most excellent advice!!
I know someone mentioned it above, but I think it’s awesome timing that you posted this on the day that Biggest Loser starts. What with the whole “I want you to feel like you are going to DIE” thing Jillian has going on in 30DS and all. I read your list to my husband with whom I am starting the Body for Life program this month, and he really liked it. He wanted me to add (from Body for Life) “nothing tastes as good as thin feels.”
I dunno, but I thought the whole phrase “speaking for myself only” virtually eliminated this post as being a “blanket judgement.” Huh.
I do think that maybe Linda oughta have another look at her own legs and re-assess that whole perfection does not exist thing, though…cause they are pretty DARN CLOSE.=)
I seriously think the folks at Turbo Jam and 30 Day Shred should be paying you as their Spokesperson! That could take your freelance career to a whole new level. I can picture the infomercials now!
Well said, Linda. Perfect.
“There is no such thing as not having enough time to exercise. If you can’t find the time, MAKE the time. This is entirely within your control, and telling yourself otherwise is simply an excuse.”
Sheepishly lugging my fat ass off the couch now. Thank you for this. Seriously.
you. are. awesome.
AMEN, sister. amen.
Sooo needed to hear that. Thx!
I miss the hilarious non-body image blogs. :(
Wow, Julia. I’d love to know what luxuries you speak of. I work outside the home, take care of two small kids, and do freelance work on the side. Do you think I have ample amounts of free time? No, I do not. But I make the time. And for the love of fucking god, I’m not making judgments — this entire post is a reminder of what works FOR ME.
And Anon: I’m sorry this entry doesn’t fit in with what you’d like to see me talking about, when it comes to my own life and interests and all.
I’m with Anon. So sick of body/weight/food/fitness obsession. I used to read this blog daily because you weren’t all about that. I’m all for healthy. I’m all for self confidence. But if I have to hear about the shred I think I’m going to scream. I don’t troll and I hate posting Anon…but I also want to express my feelings without getting attacked by the tribe. Congrats Linda.
I seem I’m not the only one who thinks printing this out and reading it every damn day is a great idea! I loved working out and getting strong and feeling good! It’s been so long since I’ve MADE time to do it! I need to get my head out of my ass and get started. Again. And quit kicking myself for letting myself get soft and fat. Thanks Linda!
Thank YOU for sharing YOUR experience, which happens to be both interesting and inspiring to ME.
My copy of 30DS just arrived, and I watched it…eeee….and will jump in for real tomorrow!
Wow, go you! I like working out, but never seem to have any motivation to get my ass downstairs to the gym. I think I’m going to print this out, thank you.
Linda, your high horse is the shit. Who wants to be on a sober horse. (aka, a boring, stick up it’s ass, whining about other people who fixed their shit cause it can’t fix it’s shit horse)
(You see that? I made a double entendre to lighten my defense of this post without even once using the term “cunt-patrol” to describe afore mentioned horse metaphor, who shall go unnamed. My high school AP English teacher would be proud)
I would say your high horse even comes with “luxuries” such as not being a douche bag who bitches for no reason, which, by the way, I have no intention of mimicking. And I still stand by my previous opinion that thick girls are hotter.
Thank you, Linda. I read this just before leaving work, and when I got home I made myself go to the gym and do 7.5 miles on the elliptical instead of sitting around on my ever-expanding ass. Thank you for that.
Wait, that wasn’t a double entendre at all. Maybe I’m too much of a high horse this evening. ;) Scratch that bull crap about my high school English teacher being proud. I give me an F-.
I think Julia might have been referring to “luxuries” like not having to work a double and/or swing shift, not being a single parent, not living under the poverty line, being able to afford a gym and two cars and child care… some of the things that make fitness a leisure-time thing.
That said, and totally acknowledging that I’m on the luxury cruise myself and tend to make all the whiny “I have no time” excuses! — you DID preface this list with the fact that it is YOUR personal list! I don’t think you needed to be reminded to do that. I really appreciated the post.
Gave in + bought Shred @ Best Buy this afternoon, brought it home + lo + behold the damn DVD player isn’t working. . .
Instead of Shred, I am going to bed.
I think I read that in “Does My Butt Look Fat, Cat?” by Seuss.
I enjoyed the post. Going to print it. I say keep the fitness tips coming!!!!
Crazy. I’ve been on a high about exercising lately…but I blame it on new-toy insanity. I suck at videos because it’s the same thing over and over. I love my yoga class because it switches up all the time. And lately I’ve started working out every morning. I love it.
I have no idea who I am with that. Glad I’m not alone
Jenny: I mostly work out in my own home after the kids go to bed, even though I have a million other things to do (including, oh, the desire to relax for five minutes). It doesn’t require a car, or a partner, or a gym, or any money other than the initial investment of a pair of hand weights and a DVD.
I’m not saying that other people don’t have bigger challenges (and yet look at how some people manage to achieve unbefuckinglievable fitness goals despite difficulties most of us cannot even imagine: http://tinyurl.com/47gy9s). And yes, this is my own personal list which may not apply to anyone other than me. No one has to agree that this subject is interesting or enjoy reading about it — my personal blog, my life, my topic choices.
BUT. I absolutely disagree that fitness is a leisure time activity — especially when you consider the (gazillion) benefits beyond fitting into a certain clothing size. If it’s important to you, you make time. If it’s not, you don’t.
Jesus, are you fucking kidding me? You post a supportive and compelling call-to-action list and get shit on? Give me a break.
Linda, keep going with your bad self. And thanks.
I think I get why some folks are taking the list the wrong way and it’s a language issue. Looking at the list, I can see why you inserted the subtitle: without it, it wouldn’t be obvious that it’s a personal list that applies to you. All your statements say “you”, not “I”. A simple change from “you” to “I” would really personalize it and make sound less like a lecture. It would also make people more receptive to it. Obviously most people are fine with it, but the ones that aren’t are, perhaps, reacting to the way you’ve stated things.
Wow. Little head explosion over here in this comment section. I honestly think your achievements this year are amazingly admirable and you have set the bar pretty high, kudos.
Before I got myself into a better routine to lose some recent baby weight it was hard for me to be happy for you (basic insecurities) and for that I am truly sorry. (please note: i never commented at that time, you know, if you can’t say anything nice…) It was very brave of you to take this on for yourself and to share it with the world — vulnerable!
I am in a better place now, personally, and I can say: You rock! Way to go! I exercise and eat well but you are still in a place I will never see, again, different strokes, but, perhaps the people who poo’d on your posting are actually just insecure right now and not able to feel happy for someone else’s good fortune or good results. Whatev.
My favorite is this: **It’s better to find your own diet and fitness path than to follow a rigid set of instructions. It’s easier than you think to do this.**
I could write a posting about that one, and perhaps I will, but I’ll email you first for permissions and all.
I, too, exercise at 9pm, after the baby is asleep and sometimes without even bothering to make dinner for my husband or myself — taking the time for yourself to do something that makes you feel strong (not just physically) is telling yourself that you matter. And for me it says that my health, mental and physical are more important than folded ironed laundry and brushing the damn cat.
You also wrote recently about getting out of old ruts and you really have! Look how far you’ve come!
And also, while I feel nose-scrunchingly jealous about your new jean size, I do find you quite inspirational. In the same way, my recent 12-10-8 Jean size is inspirational to a size 16-18 who wants to be a 12. But, I hate numbers. Bah.
Sooooo wishing this post didn’t make me feel like a lump of crap but, well, when you are sick and meds make you gain, it’s easy to feel like crap. HOWEVER, I do plan on printing this post out and sticking it on my fridge. I *NEED* stuff like this.
Josh, I love you. Thanks for making a “thick girl” grin tonight.
I read this post and got off my ass, I was planning on getting off my ass anyway, but this post helped me work a little harder, so thanks for that.
I am also glad you cleared up that this is YOUR blog and not Julia’s, anon’s, or anyone else for that matter. I wasn’t sure for a minute there.
A sign, perhaps? I just ordered 30 day shred and two other 10 minute videos in order to get back in the workout routine- my baby is 5 weeks old, and I need to get on the horse at 6 weeks.
Then I come over here and read this- I need to do this for me.
Whoah Sundry! What’s with all this PC crapola? To quote the great band 311, (and if anyone doesn’t like them they can choke on whatever large phallic object is handy) “Fuck the neigh sayers cause they don’t mean a thing.” You should pull some Maddox up in this bitch and put a quick stop to any negative fluster clucks. You don’t have a damn thing to explain to anyone, alright. This is where you step in and say, “Hey world, I just kicked some serious ass and maybe you all need to shut up, admire my shiny, golden, godlike glow, and sit back while JB gives me a BJ for once.”
Then you go and brush your shoulders off, or whatever the kids are doing these days, and take a big steaming shit on anyone who says you haven’t earned the right to brag. Everyone has hard shit in their lives, myself included. And there’s no reason at all to get a whole bunch of sand up your vagina because someone else did better than you. Screw that. That’s the whole point of an inspirational post. So you, or anyone else can say, “Hey look. It wasn’t easy but I know you want to do this, and I already did, and I know that you can too, so don’t give up!”
Even if I am an avid supporter of the thicker ladies, (skinny ladies, I like you too, kind of) that doesn’t mean that I don’t derive inspiration from your crazy fitness psychobabble. I downloaded that song from 28 Weeks Later and now exercise to it. I’m as big a tool if not bigger than anyone else who reads your site. I have actually stopped mid order in Hardee’s and switched from a big ass size to a normal one because I thought it would be embarrassing if I gained a bunch of weight while a working mother of two was losing hers. I talk shit, but I find inspiration from your accomplishments too. And nobody can take that away from you. And as a fan, and someone who looks up to you, it frustrates me when they talk shit and you don’t smite them with a furious vengeance.
I’ll snap my fingers and bob my neck to that one, while I erroneously pronunciate “Youz go gurl!” Don’t make me pull out an around-the-world with my finger snaps.
Melis: You’re welcome, and every thick girl rocks and deserves to feel attractive and not bruise people with their pelvis.
You’re so right, but what are those of us with a miserable lack of willpower to do? D:
I think I’ll print this list out too, it’ll give me the push I badly need. Thanks :)
This was great! I totally hear you. I’ve been crash dieting and binging the last few years, and in the past 2 weeks I’ve been working on not doing that, but for good, and it’s going really well so far. I’ve lost about 10 pounds and now I just need to exercise – you’re right, not doing it is just an excuse.
And I like the part about coming up with your own exercise plan…it’s the same with food, I think. I won’t follow a “menu”, just what’s healthy and works for me. I can’t stand those diets that involve weight loss bars/shakes…it’s so much easier, healthier and more fun to eat some baby carrots and some hummus, or whatever. Exercise plans never work for me because they don’t suit me, but when I do what I WANT to do, and just make sure I do it regularly, it works out so much better for me…like a different activity 5x a week, or whatever. Walking, dance class, running, rock climbing, swimming. It’s all doing good, so it doesn’t matter what you do. Anyway, thanks for that! Very inspiring.
As a working single mom with very limited help from friends and family I got fit. I did it at 5am. I did it at 10pm. I walked or ran on my lunch hour. It was my priority. Sometimes all I had was a crappy set of free weights and a VHS tape. My kids deserved a happy strong mom. I needed every minute of that exercise time. Yes it was great that I fit back into my jeans. But it was even better the example I was setting for my kiddos. I’m printing the list too.
I really, really needed to hear this, so thank you. I’ve been on a fitness rollercoaster for over a year. I’ll get all motivated for a while and get good results, but not fast enough, then I get discouraged and lay off the exercise and start eating crap again, regain weight, and start over. . . lather, rinse, repeat. I think I’ve finally decided that I need to just accept that (a) I need to figure out a way to eat that is healthy and a longterm, lifestyle change, something I can stick with forever; (b) I need to work out consistently, period; and (c) results will come when they come. If I keep working, there will be improvement, but it won’t be easy and it won’t be instantaneous.
I find you inspiring. Thanks for sharing this!
I think I’ll be printing this out. All wonderful tips that are SO HARD to remember sometimes.
But clearly they’re true, because you do look fabulous in your flickr pictures!
I, too, can’t believe the amount of crap you get for writing about health and fitness. It’s not like you mentioned HOT DOGS, for fuck’s sake.
Thanks Linda! This post is just what I needed. I printed two copies and taped one next to my full length mirror and the other on the door of the fridge.
Keep rocking with your bad self.
I just started reading your blog and Wow! Thank you for that, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I’m actually going to print it out and stuck it on my refrigerator in hopes that it will keep me on track.
Linda…you rock!!!! Thank you for the inspiration….
For the haters….bite me.
Josh…I have missed you!!!!!!!!
Linda,
I think you are an inspiration to a lot of moms. I had my baby Feb. 4 of 2007 and worked my ass off to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It took 8 months, but I was successful in that journey also. I love reading your blog and don’t understand the negative comments. I too am a mom that fits a workout in any chance I get. Even if it is just 25 minutes at 5am or after the kiddo has gone to bed. A healthly strong mom for my kid is worth the work.
You rock Linda.
I’ve started trying, in baby steps, to eat healthier. My husband has lost 35 pounds since March so once this baby comes I’m going to feel all sorts of ridiculously obligated/fired up to try to be healthy (lose the baby weight). For me it will be battling the resentment that he has more time, blah blah, less babies coming out his vagina, blah blah. So for now I am working on the eating better food, feeding better food to the family, etc. Food is comfort for me and having a newborn is really hard so I see an interesting battle ahead of me.
I just have to remember that I’m carving my own path.
You and Oprah suffer from the same problem – people are jealous, I think, and sad that they can’t do it. I count myself among these people, in a way! I remember years ago, Oprah had on Bob Greene, her trainer? And he said people said that to him all the time, “she’s Oprah Winfrey, of course she can lose weight and get fit”. He said, and I’ll never forget it, “It’s not because she’s Oprah Winfrey, it’s because she has a pair of shoes and she’s willing to lace them up and walk”. Don’t mind the haters, Linda, you do look great and obviously it’s making your life better, too. Good for you.
I’ve always believed that the hardest part about exercising is getting in the car and driving to the gym (or putting on your shoes and inserting a DVD). For some reason the mental hurdle is my greatest challenge.
I also have a personal rule that I have to try each form of exercise (cycling, kickboxing, etc) at least 4 times before I decide that I don’t like it. Otherwise I’m making the judgement based on the fact that I don’t like exercising in general, not on the particular activity.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
this came just in time, as i’ve started a new lifestyle (not diet!) on monday to lose the baby weight and the wedding weight. babies are nine months old, wedding is three years old. no time like the present!
thanks for the inspiration!
Wonderful post. Being good to your body brings about priceless rewards. A diet rich in protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies coupled with exercise in ANY form – at least 3 times a week – will do each and every body good.
Perhaps I should remain neutral on my very first comment, but I cannot resist:
Any person who has time to read a blog, has some time to be good to their body. Oh, you’re reading while at work? Get up, go take a stroll around the office, up the stairs, around the damn parking lot. Yes, even in your heels.
I’m printing this out right now and taping it to my fridge!
Thanks for the post. Will you be my virtual trainer? : )
“You and Oprah suffer from the same problem – people are jealous, I think, and sad that they can’t do it.”
Ewwwwwwww…
I’m doing the Shred – in fact, I was the first person who recommended it here – and taking care of myself but this comment right there? Major turn off.
If commenters and this blog turns into the Oprah show, I’ll be very done with both. The high horse? Unattractive and a sure way to lose people.
[...] Read this. [...]
wise words Linda. i’m starting to realize most of this myself. it’s slow going (and i’m a LOT bigger than you’ve ever been. i pretty much have always been overweight), but if i want a better life for me and the people i love, this is what needs to be done.
thanks for posting your list.
Ok, so last night, my husband and I bought the 30 Day Shred DVD in our quest To Do Better 2008. I finished doing it about an hour ago and my leg muscles haven’t stopped quivering yet. From level 1. I don’t know whether or not to thank you for the recommendation or go across the country and kick your butt. You know…in a few days, when I can feel my legs again.
Your post stopped me from eating the last whoopie pie in the fridge last night, effectively wasting my 30DS exercise. Instead, I had some raisins.
I think I’ll post this in my closet, so when I get home and take off my work clothes, I immediately change into my workout clothes.
Thanks for reminding us we’re ALL worth the effort.
Linda, thank you so much for this. I read this site a lot, but can’t recall if I’ve ever commented. I’m at a personal low point right now in regards to health and weight. I “keep meaning” to get some exercise in, but that doesn’t amount to much. This helps. I appreciate what you’ve done, and I’m thankful that you are so inspirational. Thank you.
You? Are my fitness guru.
I just started Level 2 of the Shred yesterday. Ouchie mama.
And like you, I have zilch time. Working full-time, a horrific commute, and 3 boyz at home. But I’m MAKING the time. Like you said before, it’s 20 minutes. I CAN do it.
So, thanks.
Thanks for writing about your fitness journey! It’s been really inspirational. I’ve even ordered 30 Day Shred and plan to *gasp* unwrap it and use it when it arrives, which has been kind of a ridiculous stumbling block I’ve hit with other workout products.
I don’t see a high horse. I see celebration. And you have been a real gift to me with all your honesty.
I also see dedication to think this through so it sticks. Loosing my 65lbs in the last 14 months reminds me of coming out of other addictions, too, and taking each day as a reward and celebration in itself.
I think body image touches on alot of pain, but I think you, Linda, have been really successful at being honest about the juggle it takes – and the rewards there can be – as a mama who takes care of herself.
I, for one, will be printing this out,too, and putting it next to my own inspiration/proud of myself list I keep in the bathroom (the only place of possible privacy to read. :) )
I have another 30lbs to go and I will be reading daily for all you have to say. Thank you so much for including me in your journey. You have been a huge part of my own celebrations!
This is the quote that rings most true with me:
It’s possible to change your eating patterns, but more importantly, it’s possible to change your eating preferences.
I think I may have emailed you to acknowledge your inspiration the *first* time you embraced diet/fitness (before Dylan!) because partly thanks to that inspiration, I figured out my eating patterns and got my cholesterol down from 253 (danger danger!) to 183 in just six months. A big piece of that was thanks to your blogs where you evaluated food choices. During my own journey, I have indeed changed my eating preferences to include good, healthy, low-fat BEANS! I really love them now; I seriously think they are the miracle food! And they’re CHEAP!!!
And re commenters who don’t like posts about fitness/diet. Hey, it’s your blog, and this is important to you and has become a big part of your life. That’s what people blog about, right? Their own lives? You go.
P.S. The link? Was breathtaking. Truly speechless and moved. Thank you.
Thank you sooooo much for this! I am going to print it out and put it in a spot that I can see everyday.
So are you going to become a personal trainer, now?? With inspirational points like those, you’d be very successful!
Thanks for reminding me that it is an on-going process and that I need to find what works for ME. I love your emphasis on the LIFESTYLE part, because there are SO MANY BLOGS out there dedicated to 12-week challenges, where people weigh and calculate every morsel of food and workout consistently for 12 weeks, then wake up in a tub of frosting wondering what happened when it’s over. Gee, maybe I’m speaking from personal experience here! Yes, I think I AM.
I just really appreciate your focus on making this an on-going process and new way of life, and that you blog about all the challenges you face (vacations, JB going out of town, etc.) and still manage to keep rockin’ it. I really like your Gather articles, too.
Once I have this baby (20 weeks to go!) I am going to get both 30DS and Turbo Jam, but there’s no reason why I can’t clean up my eating and be more active STARTING TODAY.
You are an inspiration!
I’m a total lurker..but I have to say..
I AMAZES me that on a personal blog someone can say “I’m a busy working mom who really wants to be healthy and fit for the rest of her life and these are the things I find work for me.” and people will come out and make snotty comments about “luxuries” and “high horsedness”.
Man…
Fixed the DVD player + am on the way to Target for the hand weights. . . I must know how you put up with hearing all that mandatory jibber-jab you can’t skip out of every single time you work out???
BLAH BLAH BLAH I MUST SAY I AGREE BLAH BLAH BLAH That’s enough talk, let’s begin BLAH BLAH BLAH!
Think I’m just going to leave my dvd player on the the work out section because holy crap, I could have finished the work out in the time her lips flapped.
Ok, fine…geez. Stay out of my head, will you?! :)
kelly . . . CRACKING up about your rant over jillain’s jabbing. I spend the first 10 minutes of every workout trying to fast forward or AT LEAST MUTE her too!
Linda, this is a fabulous post. It’s inspiring and so honest in its simplicity!
I’m not at the fitness level you are — I’m just starting — but you got me off the couch to go walk for a mile. And I got the 30 Day Shred DVD. ;)
One thing I like about this DVD is that is is captioned! I’m deaf (but just recently got cochlear implants) and this is the first workout DVD I’ve ever seen with captioning. I turned it on just to check and halfheartedly worked out with it for portions…and was incredibly sore for 3 days afterward. LOL!
Quote:
I’m doing the Shred – in fact, I was the first person who recommended it here – and taking care of myself but this comment right there? Major turn off.
Sorry, Lesley. I didn’t mean for my (what I thought was a) funny, kind of sarcastic comment to be SUCH a TURNOFF! But congratulations on being the first person to do the Shred DVD, ever. You’re the coolest!
THank you I needed that…
Thank you for making me wake up a little! :D
Brilliant. I found myself nodding in agreement on all of your points. Especially the “working out isn’t easy or comfortable” comment. I tell myself this over and over when I feel like wimping out after only a mile on the tredmill. Congrats on reaping the benefits of hard work!
AMEN.
Eh. This comment section is getting a little testy and what I’m doing is unwise. But hey. Them’s the internet.
What I like about this blog is Linda’s humor. I like my heartwarming stuff cut with sarcasm. This was just straight inspiration, and of that I am not such a fan. Personality defect of mine, maybe, but there it is. Linda can post whatever she wants, it’s her blog. I mention whether or not I cared for it only because I assume she’d be sad if people stopped reading her blog, and therefore would care what compelled people to read it. As can be seen above; I don’t appear to be in the majority, and pretty much everything you write, if it’s read by enough people, will piss one of them off. But it’s not as if this is a 13-year-old girls’ LJ; Linda’s a grown-ass woman who writes professionally on the same themes she often discusses here. Knowing what people like and don’t like about hr style is probably of use to her in that profession. Or so it would seem to me from my far-removed vantage point on the other side of the screen.
Some people don’t want to hear the truth. It’s really that simple. I salute the shit out of you for saying it anyway.
I need to print these out too. They are so simple, but so resonant. You are so awesome, Linda. If you, a mom of 2 with a job, a budding free-lance career, a house, etc, etc, can work out, eat right, and look freaking incredible, than this single, barely-employed college student, mom of 2 cats sure as hell can! That was way convoluted, but you get my point. :)
I did 30-Day Shred for the first time tonight. Holy shitballs. My arms are en fuego!!
Congrats on your successes. You should be VERY proud of yourself.
Very well said. I started changing my diet and exercise routine 2 years and 66 pounds ago. Having spent 20 years of my life in the obese end of the chart – I marvel at the things my body can do. Everything you said is true – and it took me a lot longer to discover. I’ve hit a plateau right now, and the part of your post that struck me the most was the line “If you’re not challenging yourself, you’re cheating yourself.” So very true. 2 weeks ago, I went to a new class at the YMCA and it kicked my ass and rocked at the same time. Congratulations on your success!
Linda, I’ve been on a similar fitness/health journey to yours for about the same amount of time, and being able to read about your experiences and successes has helped to keep me motivated (and I have picked up some fabulous tips and leads, such as the 30DS). I just want to congratulate you on your hard earned success and shout out an AMEN for everything you said in this post.
And Josh? Your comment was pure awesomeness.
ppl suck that they have to tear you down on your accomplishments. whether they admit it or not, i think it stems from jealousy – that you are doing it, and they can’t seem to. i know i’ve had some pissy, spiteful moments lately reading your blog, but then i stopped and said “wtf?” and realized it was all because i was jealous of what you have accomplished, while i’ve done NOTHING. i’m extremely proud of you. and i think you’re AWESOME.
i also think ppl should fuck off about what they do or do not want to read in YOUR blog. they don’t like it? go buy a fucking book. when they start sending you monthly cheques to write your blog, then maybe they can have a say.
i sort of agree with ppl on the “not having time” part though. i use that excuse allll the time. and yes, it IS an excuse. no one is saying you need to carve out an extra 3 hours every day. try 20 minutes. 20 minutes won’t break you. but at the same time, i TOTALLY get where they are coming from. say you are a single parent who has to be both mom AND dad. say you have 3 jobs and are only just scraping by. say you have a child who is sick, or difficult, or demanding. say you get up at 5 am every day and go to bed at 1 am. you are TIRED. you are mentally, emotionally, and physically EXHAUSTED!!! i get it. i’m there RIGHT NOW. but…take a walk on your lunch break…get off your bus 1 stop early and walk an extra couple of blocks. no one is asking you to start with The Shred. and trust me, you WILL feel better for it. and believe it or not, doing that little bit of exercise will give you MORE energy, not take it away.
that being said, i’m still a lazy ass. i still have no energy, and still feel i have no time…but i also grudgingly admit that that’s a load of bullshit i’ve created for myself so i don’t feel so bad.
keep doing what you’re doing, and will continue to love you/envy you, and i’ll try not to get too petty with my jealousy ;)
Dear Linda: You.Rock. Keep doing what you are doing.
Dear 30 DS DVD: I.Hate.You. (But you rock regardless)
Dear haters: Fuck.Off. Go read a blog about twinkies and shizzzzz.
Dear Josh: You.Da.Man.
Linda – if you were to start a website to inspire healthy living. (weight loss, healthy eating, etc) I would totally be the first to join up!!! You inspire me…..nough said! (perhaps something to consider when pondering your future..hint hint)
Josh – love love love it!!
“Transforming your body and mind takes time. If you try to rush the process, you’re doing it wrong.”
This is the one that really got me. I am a horribly impatient person, and when I’m not uber-motivated to do something, I just give up and say “I can’t” and come up with more lame-ass excuses. I need to give myself the time to make exercising a habit, and remember that nothing is going to happen overnight! Thanks for being an inspiration, you rock in so many ways!
Thank you so much! That post and then the comments from Momma R are amazing. I am totally printing them out!
The commenters who claim they don’t have time and can’t make time need to TURN OFF THE COMPUTER AND GET ON THE TREADMILL.
Great words, every damn one. Screw the haterz.
My daughter is almost 3, and at 38, I’m still fighting the male version of “baby fat”. The worst part was starting the workouts again after 7 years or so.
The best way FOR ME (the caps are for the whiners that can’t read) to get in some workout time is to ride my bike to work–I live fairly close (6 miles), so I traded my car time for bike time, I buy less gas, I’m in better shape, and I wonder why I didn’t think of this before. And while I’m not trying to lose weight, I sure as hell wouldn’t mind converting some of the fat to muscle and moving it around a bit. So, yeah, diet is everything. Self image is everything.
Screw the haterz. Did I mention that?
I just wanted to roll my eyes at the whole idea that you were on your high horse. And at the idea that a single entry of “straight inspiration” somehow merited concern for your continued readership. Come ON, c. Be snarky, sure, but own it. Fake concern is gross.
Josh scares me.
I’m a lurker:) but, i LOVE you site. Great job and excellent writing. i ’shred’ with a girlfriend of mine in the mornings. we have a blast. we alternate houses and I personally don’t travel with my weights, so I just use cans of soup or beans (I know, light, but I’m out to tone, not build muscle). Just thought I’d toss out that tip for those who don’t have or want to buy hand weights!
Cheers,
Anne
Ummm, whatever (to those doubters of making time).
I work full time, go to school part time and have a four year old. I’m 37 and in the best shape of my life.
I get up at 6am five days a week to run or bike. You can do it if you want to.
Linda, you look beautiful. But more importantly you feel good and and are proud of it. Good for you!
Also, you are so fucking funny it kills me.
I’m really shocked by the vitriol of some of these comments that said, you know how I feel about The Shred and now, I have these interesting things called ‘muscles’ in my arms. Amazing. Thank you.
haha. right. no time for the luxury of exercise, but PLENTY of time to troll personal blogs. funny, isn’t it.
anyway, i appreciate the honest simplicity of all of this. you CAN make time if you decide it’s worth your time. if you decide that YOU are worth your time. ahhh. sometimes the truth burns a little.
You? are awesome. Thanks for the inspiration! :)
When I read this post the other day I nearly cried, and then I printed out copies for my office, my kitchen, my living room and the rec room where I sometimes work out. I have been reading here for years and your journey to become more healthy and fit has inspired me to keep working toward my own goals. I have not (yet!) had the same amazing improvements as you, but I’m trying. Thank you for helping me, and I’m sorry that your fantastic post has to be marred ever so slightly by doofs. And thanks for the link to the paralympic photos. Those did make me cry.
Just wanted to say thanks. And, printed! Now going to check out 30DS.
I wish I could pay you to be my personal trainer. I wish you weren’t right about everything on your list. In fact, I need to be getting off my ass, off of this computer right now…
After I print up your post. Thank you for your inspiring words.
Wow, I have just started a business as an on-line fitness coach. My motivation is my belief that we could solve a lot of problems in our country if we all got fit and healthy. (my whole fitness thing is competing in triathlons, not much to worry about with weight loss, diet, etc as you are too busy swimming, biking, running – all things you LOVED as a kid)
I am surprised at the negativity some have expressed here. When I have been at my most fit I loved the feeling of strength I had. Your body is one thing you have that is yours and yours alone. And if it isn’t working that well for you – you are winded going up the stairs – you can’t stay awake during the afternoon – you panic at being asked to join a volleyball game…. don’t you want to fix it? Is that a body image complex? Surely not.
A friend who trains for Ironman with me is a surgeon with 4 kids and he finds the time. Mind you he probably doesn’t read too many blogs or watch much TV. A telling example from my own life is when I have a race scheduled and when I don’t. With a race on the calendar suddenly I find time for the workout. We manage to find the time for the things we want to do.
I too, jump on the “exercise wagon” and bought 30DS. I was good for 3 days and thought, fuck it, I’m sleeping in. After reading this, my dimpled butt is getting out of bed! I swear!
Absolutely!
Self confidence IS the best feeling in the world. Being healthy is the best feeling.
I’ve got 2 kids under 2 and just lost the rest of my pregnancy weight. I always hear “you bitch”, even though I never personally bring weight up. They just have to look at me. I’m a bitch because I follow the “don’t eat shit” diet and don’t sit on my ass? OK, fine. ‘Cause really, that’s all it takes.
To all of you who don’t have the “luxuries” that women like Linda are SOOOOO priveleged to have: In the time it took you to read this blog and comment you could have almost completed a workout!! Now get your ass off the computer and MOVE! Jeez
I really have nothing new to say, but hey, that’s never stopped me from talking before! =)
I love your sarcastic and funny entries, but I’m also completely thrilled for you that you have had so much success in getting healthy. I think that some of your readers need to remember that you are a PERSON with a LIFE and a PERSONAL BLOG — you’re not an on-demand comedy show. Jesus. Is that really such a hard concept to grasp?
I’m off to take a tentative peek at this 30DS thing. I’m terrified, I’ll admit, but I just got my ass back to using my Wii Fit and it’s probably time to kick it up a notch…
I’m still amazed at people who, by their own free will, come to a blog, read the material, get pissy, and then feel the need to comment. Seriously?
Regardless, I loved this. You are so right, and I’ll say it.. you’re not only right for YOU, but this is advice that ANYONE can use and benefit from. You are great, keep writing about whatever the hell tickles your fancy, and we – the faithful sundry readers – will love every bit! :)
i love this blog but have to admit i did find this post to be a bit sanctimonious. Its great that u got fit but u really werent exactly biggest loser material or anything. I sorta feel like you have been jamming this down our throats and have become a bi narcississtic. You didnt even give your body time to heal after having dylan. It just propagates the hollywood mentality of having to have a perfect body right after delivering. and yeah…u do seem to be on quite the high horse. That post may just be when sundry jumped the shark. Your response to valid commentary isnt very endearing. I guess its true. Skinny women think theyre better than everyone else
I agree. I used to love reading this blog, but…lately, it’s all about Linda.
“some fat chick” – it’s all about linda…..
it’s all about linda? on linda’s website? imagine that! who should it be about? what a ridiculous comment.
“Skinny women think theyre better than everyone else”
You mean they’re not?
Well, shit, there goes my entire belief system.
I just really wish that I could bag up Anon 2 and Some Fat Chick’s comments and fertilize my roses with them.
I read the first para of this when it came up in my RSS feed the other day and went, Oh, more fitness stuff, not interesting [to me]. And then I read something else. I did not read the whole thing then comment complaining about how much I didn’t want to read it, because I am a sensible person. Why do people bother trolling comment sections saying “But this blog should be all about what I WANT!” If you want to read a blog that only talks about your own pet topics, start your own.
God, who pissed in the Internet’s Wheaties this morning (and since this post was written?)
I for one and printing this out. Also, checking into workout DVDs that I can AFFORD (nice that 30 day shred is only $10, and a 5 disc set is only $24 on Amazon) and will be commencing that lifestyle change I’ve been dancing with the last few weeks.
Thanks for the inspiration, Linda. I like your high horse. Reminds me a little of Jillian herself. No excuses.
If nothing else this post will weed out the ASSHOLES who come here, there is that.
Eff the naysayers (with a leperous dick!). That was bad, sorry!
I loved this post. Your transformation after 2 kids has been really awe-inspiring. In your writing, you seem so much happier and more content than in posts from long ago – good for you!
I have fallen off the workout bandwagon now and again and recently started going BACK to school to finish my nursing degree. This is a HUGE time committment for me and I convinced myself that there really was no time in the day for working out. Some days, that may be true, but like you said, You have to make time!! So, this week, I made time to workout and damn, I feel better! I am more alert, my study sessions are more relaxed and effective, I concentrate better and feel more accomplished. It’s not about being skinny (which I never think you implied) – its about feeling awesome! It’s a nice perk that a bangin’ body comes along with it though!…
Eff the naysayers (with a leperous dick!). That was bad, sorry!
I loved this post. Your transformation after 2 kids has been really awe-inspiring. In your writing, you seem so much happier and more content than in posts from long ago – good for you!
I have fallen off the workout bandwagon now and again and recently started going BACK to school to finish my nursing degree. This is a HUGE time committment for me and I convinced myself that there really was no time in the day for working out. Some days, that may be true, but like you said, You have to make time!! So, this week, I made time to workout and damn, I feel better! I am more alert, my study sessions are more relaxed and effective, I concentrate better and feel more accomplished. It’s not about being skinny (which I never think you implied) – its about feeling awesome! It’s a nice perk that a bangin’ body comes along with it though!…
Hi Linda,
Just found your blog through a link on Big Fat Blog. I love this post and got a good laugh because, I wrote a very similar one in my own blog only yesterday!
I, too, am on a longterm fitness/weight loss journey (118 pounds down and counting). I, too, have gotten crap from some people who want to cast me as living a life of luxury and privilege because I make time to work out and prepare healthy food. Shrug. Don’t let ‘em get to you. People prioritize what is important to them, end of story. Just keep doing your own thing — clearly it’s working for you — and congratulations!
I’ll certainly be back to cheer you on. :)
this is TMI for anyone i actually know, but i feel like linda for one wouldn’t care:
i am 36 weeks pg and just looking forward to a time where i can comfortably buckle my own shoes and wipe my own ass. oh my god it must suck to be permanently fat.
Can I just say that I have the Turbo Jam DVD thanks to you, Linda, and also the 30 Day Shred. I just finished doing 30 Day Shred (only for the second time though, boo). What I have learned is this: jumping jacks and jump rope performed after one has had a child takes on a whole new challenge! It also includes a necessary kegel!
This is just a follow-up note to say, I printed out this entry and posted it on my refrigerator. It has been inspiring me for weeks now. Thank you.
Good Morning Good Folks
I’ve been passive on this forum for a while now, so here goes my first post! a great site I’ve found for Free Mobile Applications etc. is Esnips.com I’ve found everything on my list…
let me know what you think!, Hope this helps ;-)
I’m Out
[...] Things I have learned about diet and fitness : All & Sundry [...]