 
 
 
Nothing!!Thursday, September 03, 2009
Since I haven't blogged for over a week, I thought I had better let people know I am still here. 
|
RAYLINSTEPHENS
9/3/2009 4:01PM
 |
 |
Ah! But you earned 3 spark points telling us that nothing is new! WTG Emma! 
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
MARILYN1946
9/3/2009 1:10PM
|
 |
Funny that if you normally do blog, you sort of have to blog about NOT having blogged lately so that blog readers know you're OK. And isn't "blog" a funny word anyway? LOL Wishing you and all your readers a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
TEDYBEAR2838
9/3/2009 9:10AM
|
 |
Glad you are doing ok. Keep posting and blogging. We like hearing from you and about how you are doing.
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
MARIADALE
9/3/2009 7:32AM
|
 |
Glad all is well
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
LOUISE979
9/3/2009 2:34AM
|
 |
At least you started blogging again. Just know that you are not alone.
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
DEEJ2U
9/3/2009 2:19AM
|
 |
Report Inappropriate Comment |
This week will be 6 months since I started on this amazing journey.
I had been very slowly losing weight over several years before this – not making any special effort and certainly not doing any exercise!!
The mere idea of exercise was enough to give me palpitations – no way would I exercise – I HATED it!! I was too heavy to exercise and the last couple of years – how could I be expected to exercise when I could hardly walk?.
The result of this was that although I had lost weight – I hadn’t lost more than maybe an inch off my extremely ample dimensions, certainly not enough to need new clothes.
Then it was suggested I check out the Sparkpeople site. I thought “ what have I to lose since I spend all day on the computer anyway, and anyway I have plenty of time”.
That was the start of this amazing journey.
I found a site where all information I needed to format my own eating program was available – and where I was free to do so, instead of being given a “one diet fits all sheet” told to come back in 4 weeks – or more – to be told “of course it works, you must have cheated!” Also a site where the most amazing support network is available 24hrs a day from the so many other people with the same ultimate goal, people who give so generously of their time, experience and support, and where guidance from trained health professionals is also available, not only in diet but in the many different specialties that are combined in true life changing actions.
I spent the first 18 or so weeks, reading all the emails that arrived – doing the 4 section course that Sparkpeople send. This was a solid foundation for the rest of my journey. During this time my motivation reached an all time high – even my Doctor commented on it on my last visit!!
The result of this is that I have made several life changes – though there are more to come!! Firstly I now use as much fresh fruit and vegetable as I can – and have reduced the quantity of protein I eat. Along with this I have learnt, though I still have to watch this, portion control.
Second – following a suggestion from a member of the “I hate Exercise Group” (to whom I will be forever grateful) I have found a form of exercise that I enjoy!! Yes, really enjoy and can actually do without causing pain to my legs!! I now use the “ Chair Dancing” DVDs – I started on the very gentle “Sit down and Tone Up “ and now I have graduated to doing the Chair Cha Cha which is great fun trying to co ordinate the arm and leg movements but also very much aerobic exercise!! The next dance – when I feel ready for it – is the Can-Can!!
The results of this so far, are – a steady 500g loss most weeks giving 15kg loss over the 6mths, with a 10” loss off my hips, and a 4 size reduction in dress sizes!! It’s a wonderful feeling to be proud of my loss even though I still have difficulty actually processing such huge changes.!!
How has my life changed? My attitude has changed – from being sure I would die fat to knowing I can do something about it , knowing the way forward is not by starvation and deprivation, which only sets up cravings and makes one unhappy in the long, or often not so long, term. Knowing that a good eating pattern with nothing left out, but carefully adhering to portion control, is part of the way forward towards a healthy body and that, with the help of exercise, weight loss will follow. Also, and this is a huge change for me, knowing that the way forward lies in exercise, and that I WANT to exercise because I enjoy it, it makes me feel good and it helps those inches depart!!
I have a long, long way to go yet, and a great many things to learn and do in that journey. One of the biggest new things is that I need to start strength training which I have, at this moment, put on the back burner. I need to find some exercises that I can comfortably do and that I feel good about.
But also – I am looking forward to the rest of this journey, at least 2yrs before I get near my goal, even though I realize that isn’t the end, rather a new beginning..
I am also looking forward to meeting more friends, to giving support as I have received support from so many wonderful people all of whom are trying to achieve the same goal as me!! To just say “thank you” to those who have given of their time and support to get me this far seems too small – but its all I can do.
Please know that I thank you all, the participants and the SP staff for the time and the sharing of experience and expertise that makes this site the wonderful place it is.
Sept 2005 – August 2007 – can you see the differences?? I know I can feel them.
Member Comments About This Blog Post:|
CHAIRDANCING
8/28/2009 3:26PM
|
 |
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. You are a bright light to us all! Kind regards from all of us at Chair Dancing® International, Inc. 800-551-4386 Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
TEDYBEAR2838
8/27/2009 9:14PM
|
|
You are an amazing example of what a person CAN DO. You have a winning attitude. I'm so happy for you and look forward to seeing more great posts from you. Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
SUNNYARIZONA
8/26/2009 8:04PM
|
 |
wow, amazing!!!!! keep it up and you can TOSS that walker!!!!!
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
JEAN524
8/26/2009 6:11PM
|
 |
I can definately see the difference in the two photo's but also hear the change in your outlook to life. What amazing progress. You must be so proud of yourself. Congratulations. Love, Jean
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
RAYLINSTEPHENS
8/26/2009 6:35AM
|
|
Fantastic blog Emma! I didn't have time to read it all before but now I do and I just love it! I am voting for your blog. You have made the changes in yourself to become healthier. I am so very happy for you and proud of you. WTG Emma!! Comment edited on: 8/26/2009 11:55:27 AM Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
RAYLINSTEPHENS
8/26/2009 6:35AM
|
|
Yes! Yes I CAN see the difference! WTG Emma!! Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
BIG_SCOTS_LASS
8/25/2009 3:57PM
|
 |
You've certainly come a long way in 6 months. You've made fantastic progress and haven't allowed your restricted mobility to get in the way of your doing some exercise. Others on this site should take a leaf out of your book. I stumbled across Chair Dancing when I was looking for exercises I could do sitting down. I'd heard the term, but wasn't sure if it was "proper" exercise. I found a website that had a couple of sample exercises and they were very effective. I didn't buy any DVDs, as I am able to get on my exercise bike and a small amount of walking, as well as most floor exercises, but I have recommended Chair Dancing to others who have restricted mobility. Now I'll direct them to your page and this blog as an example of how it truly works. Keep sharing your enthusiasm and drive with us. You're an inspiration! Charlie x  
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
MARILYN1946
8/25/2009 10:23AM
|
|
Gosh, that's true--you DO appear to hold yourself differently. You look younger and the weight loss is quite noticeable! Great job and great inspiration for the rest of us! Congrats and keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
MARIADALE
8/25/2009 8:11AM
|
|
Enjoy the journey!
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
AMYLYNN68
8/25/2009 4:17AM
|
Very inspiring. You are doing great. Keep up the good work!
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
IRONGRANNIE
8/25/2009 4:07AM
|
 |
This is just the most wonderful blog! You have done so well and you are so encouraging to your on-line friends. I can certainly see the difference, you even hold yourself differently. Well done and let's see what the next 6 months can do.   
Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
MATEYMATE1
8/25/2009 2:07AM
|
 |
What a wonderful 6 mths you have had. If I had a hat on I would take it off to you. Keep up the good work. I too hated exercise now I walk 5kms a day. And love it. love Syl Report Inappropriate Comment |
|
OFEDEOZ
8/25/2009 1:46AM
|
 |
You are doing absolutely fantastic! Thank you for sharing your story. 
Report Inappropriate Comment |
!
