So distraught....

T

TeTe

Cathlete
DH and I go to the beach every year, usually alone. This year we invited a couple and their little three-year old (whom I ADORE) to spend a few days with us. Well, of course, having a kid, they brought a camera. And they took pictures of her at the beach. And I got caught in some of those pictures.

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! I have not seen a picture of myself in a swimsuit in a very long time. It was, literally, NOT a pretty picture.

Now, I knew I needed some work, but GEEEEEEEEEEEZ! I don't look like that in the mirror. I mean.........GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ!

So, right here at the eat-until-you-puke time of year, I'm trying to at least maintain. More cardio? I have to. Today I will make myself go the 45-60 minutes that I should have been doing, instead of pooping out at 30.

Just needed to put it out there...I really am so distraught. (I know that's shallow and there are lots of other things that I should be concerned about in this life, but, well............ did I mention I'm distraught?)

:-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-( :-(
 
Just wanted to say "YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!"

I know I have definitely been caught in the same situation and it's not a good feeling... But that picture can serve to motivate you for the better. Whenever you feel like pooping out - just remember the picture!

Best of luck!
 
TeTe,

Don't forget the camera truly does add weight and try not to be too hard on yourself.

Instead of looking at *those* pics, maybe pull out a photo of yourself when you're looking your hottest/fittest and stick *that* to the fridge or to your workout wall, so it'll serve as your motivation.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]
[font face="comic sans ms"]When I look at the smiles on all the children's faces, I just know they're about to jab me with something. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/cartoon/homersimpson.gif
 
Thanks, B & Cathy.

Cathy, I wish I could blame it on the camera adding extra pounds, but I have just been lying to myself for a while. This was the wake-up call I needed.

I think I'm going with both suggestions. The fatty-fatty-two-by-four picture, and a nice picture of me after I lost 25 pounds about 10 years ago.

My motivation to go to Weight Watchers and lose those pounds was also a picture that made me see what I really looked like. I think I'll do the WW thing again. Something about paying out hard-earned money, having someone else weigh you, and listening to some of the motivational stuff that came out of meetings really helped me last time. Add the exercise that I've gotten in the habit of doing, and I know I will be successful...(trying hard to convince self;-))Not to mention the great support and motivation that I can get from this board!

I'll be seeing you Catheites in the daily challenge threads!!!!
 
Oh, and remember those horrid "Star" magazines that post "Celebrities With Cellulite?"x( :) Heeheee. The direct sun is no one's friend, especially a woman's thighs, regardless of the shape or the size. Just a thought.
 
I'm so sorry you were caught on camera!!! It brings up one of my favorite sayings ever:

Thank God for clothes.
 
I have been in that spot where some photos brought the shock and wake-up call that was needed, so I do know how you feel.

I have been losing weight slowly for nearly two years, and sometimes I think I'm doing great based upon where I was before, what I see in the mirror now, and how clothes fit, but then one bad picture will throw it all off - albeit temporarily. I *know* the camera is not always kind and try not to put too much stock in it. I have seen thin or very fit friends of mine look quite heavy in some photos, so the wrong angle, lighting, etc. can do it. I do think photos can be great motivation, but I know I personally don't care to see the "before" shots of me anymore! I shuddered this weekend when I glanced at my passport photos.

BTW, I am doing WW now, too (since Sept.) and it was just the push I needed to get out of a plateau. Best of luck to you! It'll be a challenge during this time of year, but you're not alone. I'm workin' at it, too.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]
[font face="comic sans ms"]When I look at the smiles on all the children's faces, I just know they're about to jab me with something. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/cartoon/homersimpson.gif
 
I figure doing it now, I might not lose any weight, but maybe it'll help me not GAIN any weight!

Thanks so much for the encouragement and good luck to you, too.
 
Im sorry but I giggled when I read your post:) ;) I was just picturing a women looking at pictures of herself, and she kept saying "geeeez, I don't look like that in the mirror...geez".
The other posters are right. You can do this. Remember, what we eat is over half the battle but if you can get some good workouts in there...you will see some changes!
Good luck and let us know how you do!Just think how good you will look in the mirror the next time! haha

Lori:)
 
I had that very some moment when I got back from a trip this summer. It was the inspiration for my joining WW online at 4 AM one morning when I was all worked up over my weight. I was having knee pain at the time and all I could think was--your knee should hurt for all the weight you are making it carry! I was really worried that I would have to reduce my workouts, which would mean gaining more weight and you can see where this would make you lose sleep right?

Being on WW is working too, so don't wait to join--you will be glad that you did even though it is the wonderful eat-a-thon time of year! Good luck!

Keli
 
tpf, there are pictures and there are pictures. I've seen pics of myself at my ideal weight standing in the noon day sun with pasty white legs and every bit of cellulite on display. My DH looks at the pics I consider to be horrific, and thinks I look fine. Sometimes it's just the awful lighting, or the wrong pose, and sometimes it's just our imaginations. In general, women are much too hard on themselves. I think this cartoon sums it up:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL282/1578952/5951789/105512694.jpg
 
One thing that really helps me keep going when I'm exercising is my HRM. I have the alarm set to go off at 155 to remind me to back off a tad. As long as my HR stays between 140 and 155, I'm getting a great aerobic workout that I can keep up for over an hour. When I don't wear the HRM, I work too hard and can't sustain the effort. Now, when I do intervals, my HR does get up there, but I make sure I'm actually recovering during the non-blast phases instead of staying too high the entire time.

For motivation, you have to find what works for you. I like those commercials of the woman hanging the bikini on the wall and looking at it every day to motivate her until she can fit into it. Maybe you can get a great pair of jeans and put them out where you can see them. Or something like that.

Sometimes we just need an eye-opener. For me it was checking my blood sugar and finding out my levels were pre-diabetic. That scared me, so I started losing weight and have my blood sugar under control now.

Good luck,
April
 
tpf, just wanted to add that when I joined WW a few years back it was right around this time - before Thanksgiving - and I lost weight through the holidays!!!

I know you can do it! :)
 
I cringe every time I see pictures of myself. So Gorgeous, cut yourself some slack. That doesn't mean you can poop @ 30 either... ;-)
 
I love that cartoon. Its so true on how men and women see themselves.

I believe its possible to enjoy the holidays and lose weight. Just keep the faith and I agree on using positive motivation like a great picture or pair of jeans. Don't even look at the picture you don't like. You can do it!!
 
Just thought I'd share my plan so maybe you want to join. I am going to just focus on maintaining until Thanksgiving where I will allow that day and a couple days to enjoy the holiday treats. Then, the monday following it I will go hardcore into weightloss efforts until a few days before xmas where I then enjoy the holiday. Sometimes it just makes it easier during this season to plan out when you will let yourself enjoy the treats and you know it is coming up so you look forward to it. Yet you still have control.
 
I know how you feel. I couldn't fit into a pair of pants I wore last year and it depressed me to no end. Not to mention those awful three-way mirrors coupled with florescent lighting in department store dressing rooms. Don't they get it??? You won't sell bathing suits in that enviornment!

I've been cutting back on carbs, including more cardio, and switching my lower body focus away from heavy weights and doing barre workouts. So far, so good.

It may not be pretty, but sometimes reality checks are a good thing!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top