December 30, 2008 12:44 PM
Diet Prep - Resources and encouragement
*Don't forget to take a photo!!!!! For once, try to look your fattest :) Though you will hate seeing what you once looked like, it may keep you scared enough to prevent regaining lost weight. And you may someday be someone's inspiration.
I found Before and After photos very motivating. It doesn't matter which diet people used, just do a search under Diet Before and After and come up with sites like this one, where you can browse through success stories. To see the beautiful being buried beneath the layers of fat revealed the way God intended is absolutely inspirational.
* My friend Mel blogs at The Diet Naked Blog. Anyone else with diet blogs, please leave your address in the comments below.
* I am a big believer in spreading a wide net to gather in information. what works for me may not work for you. But do spend these last days preparing yourself mentally for the very challenging work ahead.
Sites which may be of interest to you:
Overeaters Anonymous
The Lord's Table
Overweight Spouse
* This is great news: The Biggest Loser is starting a new season Tuesday, January 6. I watched this in 2006 when I lost my original 80 pounds. I will be starting again next week. Only this time, I'm going to bounce on a mini-trampoline
* Jennifer at Conversion Diary is pregnant with her fourth child, but is coming to grips with some issues in her relationship with food and how it impacts her life. The day after Christmas she wrote:
I have a food addiction. My inability to control my intake of processed carbohydrates is having a significant impact on my life -- in fact, it wouldn't be inaccurate to compare it to a minor drug or alcohol addiction in terms of how it affects my mood, energy levels and general ability to function. I need to admit this, acknowledge its true severity, and deal with it. This needs to be my top priority right now.
Because I admire Jen's spiritual insight and integrity, I have asked her to be part of a Google group I've created to move the questions and more intimate diet discussion from the comments to a private forum. You do not have to be on the same diet I am to be part of this group - whatever works for you. Since this is not public but by invitation only, those who would like to be part of this group need to email me so I can send you an invitation.
Please use the next five days to do whatever you need to do to prepare - whether it be to overindulge yourself in whatever you won't be having for a long time, observing and getting real about how much you are really eating and how out of control your relationship with food is, or weaning yourself off caffeine to avoid the big withdrawal. But whatever day you've decided on, commit and don't blow it. Every time we set a target date and surrender, we are reinfocing a pattern of failure. This time, make your mind up and don't allow any excuses once that morning arrives.
I can't emphasize enough that the most important factor in your success will be confronting the Big Baby inside who thinks you deserve to feel comfortable, satisfied, happy at all times. You must completely give up any feelings of entitlement and be willing to purge yourself of self-pity. I had only to look at my how hard my special needs kids to see that my hard work was nothing compared to theirs.
Comments
Hi Barbara,
I have been reading your blog recently as my friend Beth Lambdin has you on her blogroll. I am from California but living in the Czech Republic with my husband and two daughters. We havelived here for a year and a half and I have gained weight as a result of lack of exercise, eating rich czech food and paying more attention to trying to survive in a foreign country and learn a new language than on what my body needs and what is healthy. i really would like to be a part of your group for accountability and support.
Thanks so much
Krista Coyan
Hluboka nad Vltavou
Czech Republic
Posted by: Krista | December 30, 2008 2:50 PM
Barbara,
I needed to read this right now. I would love to join your group. I am coming up with a plan to change my lifestyle and get healthier.
Posted by: Nicki | December 30, 2008 3:59 PM
Hi Barbara. Your blog has been such an inspiration to me both spiritually and physically. I'd love to be included in the private group discussions on the diet stuff. I am starting with you on January 2. Could you include me? Thanks for writing and sharing so openly!
Posted by: Susie Pearson | December 30, 2008 4:22 PM
Barbara - I'm so excited! I just emailed you a little while ago. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Posted by: Jennifer (Conversion Diary) | December 30, 2008 5:08 PM
I want to join you, however I am not quite sure what the diet plan is. Can you email it to me? Thanks
KC
www.somedaysremembered.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kristi Cooper | December 30, 2008 8:22 PM
I would love to join your Google group. Jen's feelings about carb addiction mirror my own. I definitely need the support!
Posted by: sara | December 30, 2008 9:20 PM
Count me in! A couple of years ago I lost 45 pounds, then I got pregnant, miscarried, and spiraled out of control. It is time to get back on track and do something about my excess weight.
I got the book from the library and will be joining you on Jan2. I will be trying to cut WAY back on caffeine and sugar over the next two 2 days. I fully expect a major withdrawal headache during phase 1. Oh well... I knew that when I allowed myself to return to those bad habits.
I will be grocery shopping tomorrow in prep for the plan.
Posted by: lambofHisflock | December 30, 2008 10:01 PM
I'd like to join too. I'm heavier than I've ever been, and all the food I'm consuming is consuming me. Count me in!
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | December 30, 2008 10:13 PM
Hi Barbara,
I found your site on Jennifer's Conversion Diary. I have found your story so inspirational. I need to lose about 85 pounds, and I have been thinking for a long time that I need a physical and spiritual solution. If you still have room, I would really like to be part of the Google group.
Thank you for all your sharing.
Sue
Posted by: Sue | December 30, 2008 10:15 PM
I have a question for anyone that has used a mini trampoline before. We have a large backyard trampoline and I can't jump on it. I "wet myself" whenever I jump. I have a friend who just jumped on their new trampoline and the same thing happened to her. I have heard other women that have had children say the same thing. Does this happen with the mini trampoline too? I would love to use the mini trampoline for exercise but I don't want to waste my money if I can't even use it.
Barbara, I'd like to be added to your email group. I ordered all of the Fat Flush books from paperback swap and they are starting to come in!
Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa | December 30, 2008 10:17 PM
Barbara,
I have been a follower of your blog ever since I read your Mommy Survival Guide that I found ,or should I say found me, at our Christian Book store in town. I also have a child with Down syndrome, who we coincidentally sent to Montessori for two years. Having my daughter is the event that brought me to know God and 4 long years later, along with the help of a little 12 step program, my husband as well. The 7 short years of my daughters life have been such a growing experience. Nothing like this last year though that my husband has been working his steps. As he has been doing that I have come to terms with my own addiction to food. Your blog has been such a source of sanity for me. Just being able to read how someone else who appears to have it all together and is a respectable citizen can share similar struggles is comforting. So after my lengthy comment I would like to be added to the diet discussion please. Hopefully this counts as emailing. I will look around to see if there is another place to send this.
Posted by: cortney ming | December 31, 2008 1:54 AM
Hi! Can I suggest a book? Fr. Thomas Dubay wrote a little book "Deep Conversion/Deep Prayer" for folks struggling with habitual sins--not huge sins like adultery, but ordinary sins like gossip and overeating. He takes them seriously. Some folks might find it helpful, esp. if the 12 Step/addiction model is alien to them or doesn't apply.
Posted by: Cecilia | December 31, 2008 9:58 AM
Please include me in your diet plan. I just received my book. I'm nervous about how the baby inside me is going to act. I love sweets after dinner and coffee everymorning.
Posted by: Debbie | December 31, 2008 11:17 AM
Good Luck with your diet. I am still working on mine. I am in the trap where I wants success but I know I will fail. I like your positive attitude. You were looking for helps...I love this free dietblog. If you can get by the crude name! It is easy and simple to use. Have a Blessed New Year!
http://3fatchicks.com/diet-blogs/
Posted by: Faithfulmom2 | December 31, 2008 4:36 PM
This year I lost 55 pounds on Weight Watchers. I dropped out in October and have now put 10 pounds back on. I've re-joined today and will get back on track. I'd very much like to join your group is you have room.
Posted by: Helene | December 31, 2008 4:53 PM
Hi Barbara - just found your blog through Conversion Diary as well. I also need to refocus on my health. This past year has been focused on my 2 year old and all of her allergies. I learned to recook everything just for her so I should be able to do it for me! :). Ordered the book from the library today and would like to be a part of the Google group. I saw the website and I am curious if I need to use their supplements or if I can use similar ones from my local healthfood store. Thanks so much! Pam
Posted by: Pam | January 1, 2009 7:57 PM
Hi Barbara, what perfect timing! I have struggled with being overweight since I was in high school. Our tween daughter is on the pudgy side and I want to make healthier choices for both of us. I am looking forward to being better disciplined about my eating habits and excercise.
Posted by: marci seither | January 2, 2009 1:22 AM
Hi Barbara,
I would like to be included in your Google group. I lost 50lbs in the last year and a bit. I've regained about 10lbs over Christmas, and I would really like to lose another 20lbs from where I am today. I've kinda plateaued lately. I have PCOS and I want it to be under control and I want to be able to conceive again, and I know that losing another 20lbs would be the most helpful thing.
I'm nervous about 'failing' with this whole weight lose thing, and becoming a yoyo dieter. I've always had a problem with the idea of dieting, and I don't think that I lost the weight through dieting exactly. I stopped doing the things I always knew I shouldn't have been doing.
Anyhow, I think that a resource to help me stay focused and re-focussed if I have a bad day would be beneficial. And someone telling me to say a rosary instead of listening to a motivational tape would speak more to my understanding of the spiritual dimensions of life and health.
Thanks,
Faustina.
Posted by: Faustina | January 2, 2009 9:59 AM
I would like to join the Google support group. I am trying to lose 80lbs. I lost about 16 before Christmas and have gained about 5 back over the holiday season but want to get started again. I will not be following the detox diet but will use my own calorie counting method.
Posted by: Joy | January 3, 2009 4:01 PM
I would like to be a part of your google group. I'm ready to loose about 100 lbs. It's the right time and I will be starting on Jan. 5th. I just need some support. Thank you!
Posted by: Cheryl | January 3, 2009 9:28 PM
Hi Barbara,
I would like to join your dieting group. I have about 15 pounds to lose. . . pounds I've lost and regained more than I care to remember. A group environment where support is offered might be just the ticket! Thanks.
Posted by: Cathy | January 4, 2009 4:39 PM
I need to lose about 120 pounds. I need prayer and encouragement. Thanks, Marty
Posted by: Marty | January 4, 2009 6:01 PM
Would you send me an invitation please?
Posted by: Mama Hen | January 4, 2009 7:45 PM
Hi Barbara, I would like to join your group too. I have been overweight all my life and would love to know what "normal" feels like before my 60th birthday in June. I have 35 lbs. to lose.
Dorothy in Maricopa, AZ
Posted by: Dorothy | January 4, 2009 11:37 PM
Hi Barbara,
I would like to be included in your group. I know however that I will need prayer warriors and support.Please let me know what I will need to start the program.
Posted by: Lydia | January 5, 2009 12:58 AM
Would love to be in this group....I have 40 pounds to shed which is kinda scary.
Posted by: Anne | January 5, 2009 1:01 PM
I want to join! I want to join!
I lost 70+ pounds two years ago when you first lost your weight as well. Then...I met my husband, got married, had a baby and put on TOO much weight. I'm now heavier than I have ever been and having more problems physically (joint pain, insomnia, snoring, loss of flexibility) than ever before too.
I am blogging about my journey. I've done weight loss before, and I've not been able to maintain. Perhaps the blogging thing will help with that this time.
Check out my diet blog at: http://2hard2bfat.blogspot.com
Here's to lots of success!
Posted by: Ceci | January 5, 2009 3:08 PM
Hi Barbara,
I would love to join your group! I need to lose about 30 pounds and have a terrible carb/sugar addiction. Ugh!
Posted by: Jenn | January 5, 2009 3:27 PM
I seem to be a bit late, but am very much in need of some support. I need to lose 100 pounds to be at a healthy weight and am scared to start thinking about any of this.
Posted by: deanna | January 5, 2009 9:22 PM
hello, i am currently more than halfway through day 1 of my detox. I am in major need of a detox. I got my book 2 days ago and i am pumped. Please include me on your updates/emails.
Thanks so much and good luck everyone!
Posted by: leslie | January 6, 2009 3:04 PM
Please send me an invite I am in the midst of surrending my battle to God as it is the area I have controlled for years.
Thanks
Posted by: Liz | January 7, 2009 10:45 AM
Hi Barbara -
I just read "Does Weight Matter" on Crosswalk for Women and was very encouraged! I've been telling myself to get the extra weight off for a few years now but never seem to stay with it. There are always the excuses that don't really work.
I would love to be included in the google group.
Would you send me an invite, too?
Thanks so much.
Posted by: Katy | January 7, 2009 5:03 PM
Hi Barbara,
If it's not too late, I think i'd be interested in your diet site. I won't be doing fat flush this time (though it worked before) because my friends and I are doing our own Biggest Loser.
THanks,
Janet
Posted by: Janet | January 9, 2009 12:16 AM
I'm hoping it isn't too late to join your group.
I really need some encouragement and strong Godly
women for accountability.
Thank you!
Posted by: Maritza | January 9, 2009 12:28 PM
This group sounds great! I have been dieting for 2 years and have lost 30 pounds but have lost my focus and I need some encouragement to stay on the right track. I know that after 2 years I should have already made my goal but I have gotten sidetracked many times. I think making this God centered is the key. The spiritual walk is the key. Please alow me to be part of this goup. Thanks
Posted by: Debbie | January 11, 2009 6:10 PM
Barbara,
Jennifer over at Conversion Diary sent me your way... is it too late to ask to join? If I can still join, please send me an invite.
Thanks,
Heather
Posted by: Heather | January 14, 2009 11:11 PM
