It always feels good to know there are others out there like you. It could be that you’re a certain height. Or have weight issues. Or like Kermit the Frog green. It doesn’t matter. We all want to feel connected and we all hate the feeling of being alone. Which is part of why yesterday’s 6ABC webchat about weight loss was so cool. It allowed three of us to tell the world-at-large “you are not alone.”
Here’s a short who’s-who of the other wonderful people I met yesterday. Tim, a businessman who flies often, used to top 500 pounds. Asa was 200 pounds. Asa and Tim (and yours truly) lost weight (Tim, over 250 pounds and Asa, 60) the time-tested way – by eating less and exercising more. (For more on our story you can watch the ABC Action News piece on the right side of this very page. Just click play)
As I sat yesterday answering questions and downed the sweet nectar that was my Dunkin’ Donuts coffee I knew I wanted to put fingers-to-keyboard and make today’s blog all about questions and answers. It’s also about not feeling so alone out there in the real world of weight loss challenges. Yesterday, I described the story I’d heard about a young man going through his own weight battles and challenges whose only 12-years-old. His story touched my heart because I could totally relate to his personal experiences both in feeling fat but also suffering the barbs of other kids point that out on a constant basis. But as we “fat kids” grow up some of us, like me, get worse and are always looking for answers and a sense of connection. Today (and every day) I hope to provide both.
It’s not often I get to take questions in real-time about weight loss. Usually I receive e-mails asking me the “hows,” whens,”and “whats” of weight loss but not in the fast and furious world of live TV or a live audience. Below are some of the questions we received yesterday and the answers we gave. I do hope they help.
Q From Molly: How do I motivate a loved one to lose weight?
A From Asa Cansler: Molly, I would have to say that the best way to motivate a loved one to lose weight is by example. I, too, have loved ones who I simply haven’t been able to reach. I’ve not given up on them, I’ve just stopped nagging them. I let my lifestyle and my healthy habits become my voice and pray that they will come around with gentle tough love support. At the end of the day, Molly, your loved one has to want to do it themselves. They are the only ones who can do anything about it!
Q From Carolyn: What is the best time of day to exercise?
A From Bill Ivory Larson: Carolyn, there is a very simple answer to your question. The best time to exercise is the time you will stick with and make a part of your daily routine and lifestyle. I exercise in the morning because I know by the end of the day my energy and motivation are much lower. However, working out after work works for others. Pick the time and types of exercises you will stick with. You have to eventually pick a time and stick with it, but just know you can pick a time and, if it doesn’t work, pick another time and try that. Sometimes weight loss is trial and error and finding what fits you best. When you pick that time that will become part of your new weight loss lifestyle.
Q From Anne: For Tim, did you have “motivational support” to keep you on track? What types of exercise are the most beneficial?
A From Tim Liebmann: My motiviational support was my wife…she was equal parts compassionate…and the Grim Reaper…she kept me on track. In terms of exercise…I have found that switching it up is important so that you dont get bored with any one thing. Walking, biking, swimming, hiking..climbing..etc..there are so many ways to get exercise..but take it slow…very slow. if you get sore…you will stop…
Q From Jeanne: How do you stick with it? I know HOW to lose the weight…and I do really well for a week or two or three…but then life gets in the way, I get overly busy and extremely exhausted and I give up, stop exercising and start eating junk food again. What do you do to get through those times when you just want to give up?
A From Bill Ivory Larson: Jeanne, knowing how to lose weight is a great first step but knowing you are WORTH losing weight is the key. The most important thing to remember is that this is a lifestyle change. So life getting in the way will be a part of the old life you HAD. The new life you will have will have you make that time for yourself. Also, if you know you start eating junk then prepare for that and set yourself up for success – instead of junk do what I do and get clementine oranges or healthier snacks you like to eat and keep those in the house. If you do “cheat” cheat with a liquid (like low-fat Jello). When I just want to give up I just remind myself I don’t want to ever (EVER) go back. I also allow patience and know that there will be stumbling blocks. Anticipate those and you will lose the weight.
So there you have it. Some pearls of wisdom (I hope) from some of us who have lost weight but want to help you. Just always remember, and I neither say it enough or emphasize it enough, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. It is a scary thing to do and want to do but reach out to people and let them know. Build a support team around you to help you through those rough times, particularly starting out.
We all have differences in our weight loss stories, but we all have similarities, too. And if you want to drop me a line and ask a question please feel free. JUST CLICK HERE and type away. There’s always safety, comfort and support in numbers and I will always be here for you and with you as we fight the weight loss “battle of the bulge” together.
