Woman Talk at a Christmas Party-detailed.

[JT]

Last night, I attended a party where they were people I haven't seen in 6-7 years. During the MSU/WI game, the guys headed downstairs and I sat with three women I haven't seen in years. The hostess was talking about Chia seeds and her new diet, the other one was talking about the great things about being a homeowner and redecorating, and the third about her grandkids. The subject came to clothing.....
The one with the new house said "I have clothes in my closet from size 12 to where I'm at now." The one chimned and stated," I don't care anymore on big I get." The other two agreed. OMG. Just because a person has given up on finding a man or has a man doesn't mean you let yourself go. I stated more than once that I was allowing myself to splurge that evening becuase I figure I would be spinning tonight or the discs. For the record, I was one of the smallest and the most fit person there plus I wear the smallest clothes size and the maybe the most fit at this party although I wear larger size than many of you.
Looking back, I can only imagine when the weight conversation came up and the previous comment stated of the look of shock on my face.

 

[tralaiven]

I think that sometimes women equate being fit to finding a man. And that is not really what it is about...however that might be icing on the fitness cake !

I like to work to be fit because I like to feel good and I like to look good. I like to shop and be able to find things that fit and not have to dread looking in the mirror.
I like to be strong enough to carry in ALL my groceries at one time.
I like to be a good example to my kids.
I like knowing that if I am going to die early, it won't be because I did not take care of myself.
I like showing my friends that I respect them by caring enough to look nice for them.
I like to look nice because it blesses my parents to see me fit and healthy.
I like to be fit because I don't like a cottage cheese butt.
I like to be fit because I like having enough arm strength to screw in a light bulb over my head.
I like to be fit because I like to feel the sweat dripping and I like leaving a nice sweat mark on my step when I lay down to do flys.
AND
last but not least, I like to be fit because....the best revenge to my enemies is not to get back at them...but just to be happy, have a good life when possible and a killer bod!

Why in the world would I want to let myself go with all these great reasons!

 

[Ly10up]

I think that sometimes women equate being fit to finding a man. And that is not really what it is about...however that might be icing on the fitness cake !

I like to work to be fit because I like to feel good and I like to look good. I like to shop and be able to find things that fit and not have to dread looking in the mirror.
I like to be strong enough to carry in ALL my groceries at one time.
I like to be a good example to my kids.
I like knowing that if I am going to die early, it won't be because I did not take care of myself.
I like showing my friends that I respect them by caring enough to look nice for them.
I like to look nice because it blesses my parents to see me fit and healthy.
I like to be fit because I don't like a cottage cheese butt.
I like to be fit because I like having enough arm strength to screw in a light bulb over my head.
I like to be fit because I like to feel the sweat dripping and I like leaving a nice sweat mark on my step when I lay down to do flys.
AND
last but not least, I like to be fit because....the best revenge to my enemies is not to get back at them...but just to be happy, have a good life when possible and a killer bod!

Why in the world would I want to let myself go with all these great reasons!

Amen, sister!!

 

[mini-natty]

I think everyone knows of people that put health/fitness on the back burner instead of making it a priority in their life.

I come from a family that was (still is) this way. Very unhealthy eating habits, smoking/drinking to excess, overweight, do not engage in any sort of physical activities. It's sad, but you can't force anyone to change their lifestyle/eating habits.

I have a husband, but I want to be fit for MYSELF, not for anyone else. I want to set a good example for my daughter, who is the most important thing in my life. I want to be able to grow up with her and be fit enough to play in the park, go ice skating, hiking, take long walks on the beach. This is what makes me happy and this is how I plan on living the rest of my life.

BTW, didn't it feel so good to look fit and healthy in front of those people at the party? Be honest now. There is a great sense of pride and accomplishment in that.

 

[RapidBreath]

I've been really big before, and when you are at that size, sometimes the weight just doesn't want to come off, once you have it, its really hard to get rid of because it produces hormones (including estrogen) on its own, it functions like an additional organ. So, having walked that walk, I would not recommend to anyone to go down that path. (I put on the weight to protect myself from multiple stalkers at the age of 19.) If I had it all to do again, I would take martial arts, get a license to carry, and always travel in a pack.

But, if I hadn't gotten sick of being heavy, I never would have found Cathe. So, I guess its like all roads lead to Rome, all paths seem to lead to Cathe eventually. For me the tipping point was not being small enough to fit in my car comfortably.

Now, I'm still fighting another 60 pounds, but at least I know how to get it off, and I have the Cathletes to help me on my way. Most people don't have a real clue how to do what we do, because of that I try not to judge them by my own standard.

 

[RapidBreath]

I think that sometimes women equate being fit to finding a man. And that is not really what it is about...however that might be icing on the fitness cake !

I like to work to be fit because I like to feel good and I like to look good. I like to shop and be able to find things that fit and not have to dread looking in the mirror.
I like to be strong enough to carry in ALL my groceries at one time.
I like to be a good example to my kids.
I like knowing that if I am going to die early, it won't be because I did not take care of myself.
I like showing my friends that I respect them by caring enough to look nice for them.
I like to look nice because it blesses my parents to see me fit and healthy.
I like to be fit because I don't like a cottage cheese butt.
I like to be fit because I like having enough arm strength to screw in a light bulb over my head.
I like to be fit because I like to feel the sweat dripping and I like leaving a nice sweat mark on my step when I lay down to do flys.
AND
last but not least, I like to be fit because....the best revenge to my enemies is not to get back at them...but just to be happy, have a good life when possible and a killer bod!

Why in the world would I want to let myself go with all these great reasons!

I absolutely love this post! I am (and probably always will be) a single gal, and it gets really tired to have to defend your workouts (my family doesn't pick, but other people don't understand.)

 

[JT]

Tralavien is spot-on on her comments. Thanks.
During the conversation, I mentioned my Mom. She is not happy because when my parents moved out of a huge house a few months ago, she got toned and lost weight. Now, she put on five pounds because she is not packing, lifting, etc.. They won't move again till May so she is looking forward to getting back into it. My Mom doesn't like to spin, she used to step. My Mom looks great, younger than most of her friends with lots more energy.

 

[fit44]

Most people don't have a real clue how to do what we do, because of that I try not to judge them by my own standard.

This is so true. I'm amazed by how many people do not know how to eat. I cringe when I hear people say low fat or whole grain...Two of many buzz terms that are abused in the food industry. Believe me, I was one of those people who jumped on the low fat band wagon....eating boxes of smart well cookies (main ingredient sugar). It has taken me years to figure it all out. I resisted eating plant food for a very long time.

One of my favorite trainers on T-nation wrote something that has stuck with me, but took a while to sink in. He said your body doesn't recognize calories, it recognizes nutrients. Those 100 calorie snack packs are not going to have the same effect on your body as a 100 calorie apple. Sh*t no matter how many calories, is still just sh*t.
I think it's more common for people to focus on calorie intake vs. nutrition, and that is a difficult battle to fight. I think that is why so many people give up.

 

[Jann]

One of my favorite trainers on T-nation wrote something that has stuck with me, but took a while to sink in. He said your body doesn't recognize calories, it recognizes nutrients. Those 100 calorie snack packs are not going to have the same effect on your body as a 100 calorie apple. Sh*t no matter how many calories, is still just sh*t.
I think it's more common for people to focus on calorie intake vs. nutrition, and that is a difficult battle to fight. I think that is why so many people give up.

I like this, thanks for sharing!

 

[Poochy]

I have seen "that group of women" .. at so many functions .. so many different places ... and although it is foreign to us/our way of thinking .. they think they are comfortable where they are.

I think it is so much easier to make excuses - and then if your close group of friends are also ones that make excuses then how can you really know any different. I have found people will laugh it off and say "I dont care how big I get - I cant loose weight" ... or "I can look at food and gain weight so why bother" ... or "I cant workout b/c of (this) or (that)" ... but I think if you look closely they dont mean it or believe it .. it is a defense mechanism that is buried so deep within them ...

then you have others that yo yo diet - binge - starve - over exercise and get into a vicious cycle .. like a hamster on a wheel that cant get off - that just get deeper and deeper they cant see their way out .. and end up giving up.

What I would love to tell those people and have them believe it - is put all the poisonous talk and thoughts out of your head - YOU CAN do it - IF YOU WANT to - is it easy? NO Is there a simple solution? NO but if you make up your mind - learn and feed your body for fuel to live and workout on - turn your brain into a sponge and try to learn everything that will motivate you and sustain your drive to change - YOU CAN do it and once you make up your mind you will be so empowered by YOURSELF .. and surprised at how far you can push your body and mind and what you can achieve if you just decide to.

A healthy support system is also a must - find like minded individuals that will motivate you and challenge you and most of all SUPPORT you. If your friends are overweight .. try to BE their motivator ... get them to join you .. change their lives and once again .. you will be empowered!!!

The key - is that little inner light bulb moment - once you "get it" .. you can do it!!!

 

[fit44]

Hey Poochy!

Off topic....
Look at my baby boy 7 months old!

 

[JT]

Very cute, he must eat alot.

 

[JT]

Poochy,
Glad that you understand. It's been many years since I have seen any of these women. Yes, they noticed my size immediately and many of them already knew I am into fitness. The ONLY way they will get into shape if they do it together. The excuses you stated are literally what they said.
There was a lady on GMA this morning, she woke up in the middle of the night and decided she needed to lose the weight-100 pounds later-she took small steps.
Near the end of the conversation, I felt I had to defend my way of life and say something although they all knew exercising and eating right are important for peri and post menopausal women.

 

[fit44]

Very cute, he must eat alot.

He does! I have a tough time regulating his food.... It's important not to grow a mastiff too fast, but sometimes he has too much rib showing. He's more active than my mastiff girl. He will change a lot after his first birthday.

 

[jdimascio]

I think that sometimes women equate being fit to finding a man. And that is not really what it is about...however that might be icing on the fitness cake !

I like to work to be fit because I like to feel good and I like to look good. I like to shop and be able to find things that fit and not have to dread looking in the mirror.
I like to be strong enough to carry in ALL my groceries at one time.
I like to be a good example to my kids.
I like knowing that if I am going to die early, it won't be because I did not take care of myself.
I like showing my friends that I respect them by caring enough to look nice for them.
I like to look nice because it blesses my parents to see me fit and healthy.
I like to be fit because I don't like a cottage cheese butt.
I like to be fit because I like having enough arm strength to screw in a light bulb over my head.
I like to be fit because I like to feel the sweat dripping and I like leaving a nice sweat mark on my step when I lay down to do flys.
AND
last but not least, I like to be fit because....the best revenge to my enemies is not to get back at them...but just to be happy, have a good life when possible and a killer bod!

Why in the world would I want to let myself go with all these great reasons!

YEP...couldn't agree more!!!!

 

[tralaiven]

fit44: a face only a mother could love ! I'll bet he is your big baby! thanks for posting the pics.

I especially like the first pic. It is as if he is saying, "Whatchoo doin' woman?"

 

[Poochy]

Hey Poochy!

Off topic....
Look at my baby boy 7 months old!

WOW .. he looks like a YOUNG BUSTER .. beautiful .. gorgeous!! I love my big babies!!! He is growing since your last picture!! Buster was about 100 pounds at 1 year old .. he is always hungry .. but I control his food b/c he has gotten too heavy at times .. he really only eats a cup of food in the morning and a cup at night w/usually cut up meat ... but he LOVES his treats too much!!!!!

I have got to get my babies Christmas card pics together .. I will try to post it when I get them in!!!! it is hard to POSE 2 huge dogs .. LOL!!!

LOVE my BIG babies!!!!!!!

 

[Poochy]

Poochy,
Glad that you understand. It's been many years since I have seen any of these women. Yes, they noticed my size immediately and many of them already knew I am into fitness. The ONLY way they will get into shape if they do it together. The excuses you stated are literally what they said.
There was a lady on GMA this morning, she woke up in the middle of the night and decided she needed to lose the weight-100 pounds later-she took small steps.
Near the end of the conversation, I felt I had to defend my way of life and say something although they all knew exercising and eating right are important for peri and post menopausal women.

I saw that woman on GMA .. and I thought of this conversation .. yes she had that "lightbulb" moment ... that is what I was talking about .. and wow what a transformation she made ..

Yes I find myself defending my "healthy lifestyle" . my "healthy food choices" .. and sometimes it does get under my skin .. but then there are those that will compliment me and say "you motivate me to eat better.. or exercise .. or do better" .. and I realize .. yes .. it is kind of my responsibility almost to say .. HEY .. it is OK .. it is actually GREAT to live healthy and make the right choices .. not a burden .. it is just a way of life!! and when i feel like eating that "cheat" meal or snack .. by goodness .. I am gonna eat it w/o guilt .. what is better than that??

 

[fit44]

I have got to get my babies Christmas card pics together .. I will try to post it when I get them in!!!! it is hard to POSE 2 huge dogs .. LOL!!!

LOVE my BIG babies!!!!!!!

We took Isabella and Romeo to see Santa last weekend and tried to get their photo taken together. It didn't work. Isabella looked awful and I refuse to put that photo on a card. I'm taking them back this weekend and getting the photos taken separately.

 

[fit44]

fit44: a face only a mother could love ! I'll bet he is your big baby! thanks for posting the pics.

I especially like the first pic. It is as if he is saying, "Whatchoo doin' woman?"

He totally lives up to his name (Romeo), and he is a BIG mama's boy. This breed has the most expressive face too. There is just no way you can get mad at them....like eating the bottom branches of the Christmas tree.