Not a woe is me post…
Last year, I wrote a post about body positivity and its effect on me. You can read more here if you’d like. I wish I could report that I’d lost the pounds I’d pledged to lose in that post! The truth is I haven’t. I either have to accept this body as a permanent thing. Or, I have to get serious and lose this weight because wishing it off is just not going to work.
Remember Richard…
Richard Simmons used to have a fun show. It was part exercise, part motivation, part infommmercial! Richard didn’t refer to his eating plan as a diet. He called it a Live-it because diet has die in it. Makes sense, right? This was way back before technology became such a big part of our lives. He had these little card things that you’d slide windows on to mark how many types of foods you’d eaten during the day. Actually, the diet, whoops, live-it was fairly well balanced. I didn’t use it, but some of the teachers I knew did.
My plans…
I’m going to focus on short term goals and incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet. I’m also going to try to get more protein in…cut out the carbs…you know, the usual! I also need to start walking more. During our move, I was walking constantly, bending here, reaching there. And, my arthritic knee? It felt fine! I’ve continued to keep moving, and my knee has continued to be better than it’s been in a long time. But, those two chins are really bothering me!
Why now…
Why not now is the better question. I need to do this for myself for a few reasons. One of them is my health. It’s the same as last year. My family has a history of heart disease and diabetes. My knees as well as my constant heartburn would be better, too. Another is the voice in my head every doggone day telling me how awful I look and feel. That voice is constant and nagging. So, I’m going to show that voice who’s boss! The third is/are my knees and heartburn! I’ve now been told by medical professionals both situations would be better if I lost some weight. I knew that when I went to the doctor. I’ve known it, and I’ve ignored it.
A little more…
But, now is definitely the time because I am just so uncomfortable in my skin. If you’ve ever had a weight problem, you probably know what I’m feeling. You walk into a room, and you think everyone is looking at you and seeing only your weight. You look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re worthy. But, that dang voice is there to dispute the fact. Again, I’m going to hush that voice!
A little accountability…
So, even though it didn’t work last year, I’m really hoping you will see a change in me in the coming weeks and months. I mentioned in last year’s post that I carefully curate my pictures. But, there comes a time when you just can’t ignore the presence of an additional chin! I’d love to blame it on my Hashimoto’s, but my thyroid numbers are fine! I guess that means I have to blame it on the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream I adore!
The fashion…
This is probably what you came for, right? I’m wearing my Halftee again! I’m telling you, my friends, these are so amazing! I can’t wait to add one or two or a dozen to my closet! I know many of you probably like bodysuits, but I’m not a fan. I think my arms are shorter than average because I remember struggling with those things in the 70s! While a Halftee doesn’t give you the coverage of a bodysuit, it does give you that smooth look on the top half of your body without the added bulk around your waist. My dress is an oldy but a goody from April Cornell. It’s a cotton hopsack fabric, but what I really love is the print! I love a good paisley! The colors of this dress are the muted colors I adore, too! It’s a winner on almost every level! The only problem is it’s just a little too low cut to not wear something under it. And, it has pockets!
The Lewk!
This is a nice casual look so I went casual with my shoes. I meant to check the label, but I’m pretty sure they’re by Blowfish. Here’s a pair in grey! Nigel got me the turquoise earrings on one of his business trips to the Southwest years ago. I added a Victoria Emerson wrap bracelet to echo the turquoise in the earrings. While they don’t necessarily match the dress, I think they go!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Dang! I honestly did not mean to go dark on y’all! But, maybe some internet accountability will do the trick! I have lost this weight before and will do it again! The ironic thing is I lost 25-30 pounds during the Pandemic! But, the stress of the world reopening and other things led to putting it back on with a few extra even! I am definitely a stress eater and an emotional eater. With the move out of the way and the Pandemic seeming to be waning, I’m going to lose these el bees and like myself again! So, can we talk? Do you have one of those voices in your head? How do you deal with the little booger? Or, have you beaten it and want to share your secrets? Leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible!
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Thank you!
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Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also host Final Friday Print Mixing on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Great look. Especially the pattern.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com
Thanks so much, Heather!
Oh Marsha, I could have written this exact same post. I had to stop myself from repeatedly saying “yep” and “uh ah”. Except for my knees and thyroid being just fine, you and I are nearly in the exact same boat. And unfortunately for me, the voice in my head sounds a lot like my mother’s so that’s a whole other thing I need to work on. We can do it, Marsha, I know we can!
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Rena, my voice belongs to an aunt who frequently commented about the size of my thighs (which probably weren’t all that big then). I’ve got to make these changes and stick to them because I’m tired of being unhappy. Good luck to you…we will both do it!!!
You look gorgeous Marsha! Wonderful and Lovely Post dear! xoxo
Allurerage
Thetrendybride
Thanks so much, Jyoti!
I do have one of those voices in my head and despite having lost 30+ lbs and keeping it off for over 3 or 4 years now it does not go away. (because I had lost 40 and gained back 10 I only feel/see that 10 lbs I gained back!). I was pretty determined to drop those pounds this time and once I realized how great I felt I was determined not to gain it all back and make these dietary changes lifelong. I’m not going to lie– it’s a daily struggle as I am always craving sugar, chocolate, carbs, etc. and I know I really can’t eat them much at all and need to keep my diet full of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Best of luck to you!! Small changes that you keep up really do make large long term changes.
Thanks, Joanne! I knew, as the pounds were creeping on, I should curb my behavior, but that dang voice! You look fabulous. And, yes, it’s the small changes I need to make!
The soft colors of the dress are so nice, and the sneakers are great!
Thanks, Sally!!! Since embracing the grey, I’ve had to wear more jewel tones so I’m always happy when I find soft colors like these that work!
I think we can all relate Marsha. I know when we saw our naturopath, they had these videos to watch on mindset and it was amazing how that can make a difference. Not willpower. Mindset. It’s the knowledge and thinking that what you eat is either feeding disease or fighting disease. And when you look at it like that, the choices seem to be easier.
It’s fabulous to hear that your knee feels better when you’re using it. I wish more people would realize that.
And Rob’s heartburn cleared up when he eliminated gluten. I know that doesn’t sound like fun, but feeling better is worth it.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I do believe mindset is definitely the key. My mindset has definitely been hindered by my past…thus that nasty little voice! I told Mike it was amazing how much better my knee felt as I’d been using it so much. That could also have been that the rest of me hurt so much more!! I think stacking, unstacking, and unpacking boxes uses more muscles than I ever knew I had!
You look fabulous! The dress looks cute on you.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Such a cute look! And I have Blowfish shoes too. Lol.
Ugh, the past few years I have been struggling with my weight big time. I wish I could just blame my thyroid (Hashimotos here as well!) or something, but I think it is more because I just really like food and I don’t move as much! I need to get moving more. It’s hard to work in but I hear those same voices. I hated every picture I took on my girls trip because I looked so overweight, and I was uncomfortable all day feeling so chubby. So I 100% get this post!
Thanks, Erin! Oh, that Hashimotos…my numbers are on the low side of regular (or on the high side of regular…I can’t remember). Isn’t it funny how we can look at a picture of ourselves and see only the flaws when everyone else sees something completely different?
First off the dress, I love it! Also a big fan of paisley here. And the Halftee and sneakers are perfect with it. I’ve got Halftees in almost every color they offer. I’m ready for them to make more colors. That is awesome that your knees feel better with movement. What a motivator! My doctor gave us some weight loss advice, although I don’t yet know how if it works or not, because my meds are in continual change right now (a long taper off prednisone). He said the brain needs specific instructions like I’m going to only eat ice cream on Sunday’s (he’s not a fan of denying yourself indefinitely, because that insures failure). Or I will eat spinach daily. I have incorporated some of his advice. I eat meat only when we go out to eat. Being a total vegan hasn’t worked for me, because it’s too carby. So baby steps. Whatever strategies you choose, I know you can do it, Marsha!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks, Michelle, for your support! I’m just so disappointed in myself as I knew when I was gaining the weight the damage I was doing both physically and psychologically. I really need to figure things out!
Oh, I need some more half tees, that’s for sure. Which ones do you get?
I have started moving a lot more now that all of the boys are in school. I am still finding though that I have to make sure to schedule it into my day or I will push it till later and not do it. I am probably always going to want to eat ice cream but am working on portion control. That is where I often err. I see how your olive sneakers are similar to mine! Fun!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I knew, as soon as I saw your sneakers, they were alike! Movement is definitely key, and I haven’t been doing enough of that. I’m changing that in the next few days!!
I think you are gorgeous the way you are Marsha. But I completely understand wanting to feel healthier and more confident in your body. High cholesterol runs in my family and I’m constantly trying new things to help bring it down. Such is life. Love your pretty dress! I need to try a half tee!
Thank you so much, Laura! You are very sweet. I am determined to get healthier! And, do try the half tees! They truly are worth the hype!! You can even use my code to get a little off!
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Great post Marsha. It’s all about mindset. I like the idea of a half tee. Those body suits are so uncomfortable! Thanks for linking.
Thanks, Gail! I keep thinking about your diet and wondering if that would work for me!!!
Love this dress, the printing looks beautiful, and It makes you look so young
I will definitely take looking younger!! Thanks so much, Bonnie!
Marsha, I love this adorable paisley dress and I adore you! I think you look fabulous, but if you aren’t feeling fabulous, then it is the perfect time for making some changes! When I had the back to school crud last week, I was so tired but so hungry for all the comfort foods so I sat on my couch for 5 straight days and indulged. I am back to feeling 100% now but with an extra 10 pounds on me! How did 10 pounds happen in 5 days but it will take months to get rid of it again?! I am starting an 8 week weight loss challenge on October 22 with an amazing group of inspiring and empowering women. It is called the Big Bird challenge and the goal is to lose 10 pounds by Christmas and keep it off. If you want to join us, send me an email and I will get you more information!
Shelbee
Oh, Shelbee, thank you so much! You always make me feel so good! It is amazing how our bodies work, isn’t it? I can easily gain five or more pounds, but taking them off? A nightmare! I’ll email you!