Messages By: idealw8

Contrary to the title of a recent bestseller, it seems "French women DO get fat" after all. Changing eating habits are leading to a slow but steady increase in obesity among all French citizens, women in particular.

A survey conducted by the French National Institute of Health found that 1/3 of French adults are overweight and almost 13% are obese.

There is also a marked increase in sales of plus-size clothing.

In another study, researchers estimated that French citizens who earn less have a higher risk of unhealthy eating habits and becoming obese.

So, whether you're in Peoria or Paris, the battle of the bulge has the same antagonist - junk foods. Since study after study shows that eating out and relying on fast food are closely linked to obesity, people all over the world need to stock their pantries with healthy food.

Hello, Everyone.

Over the holidays I crossed back into the 400’s. 413.8 pounds to be exact. So… I’m officially in scary territory once again.

I read an article about how being a coach for other overweight people, can help one reach their own weight loss goals. So, I beat my head against walls, helping a co-worker who needs to lose 100 lbs. After a month, she had me in a deep depression and eating a good deal of the worst junk foods I never really even heard of before!

Phil asks, “where will you be one year from now?“ The answer is, of course, either heavier or lighter. Well, it was 1997 when I decided, “boy I’m an adult now and I really need to lose all my excess weight.“ A DECADE later and I’m 100 pounds heavier.

Just facing facts.

I’m not wildly upset or in denial. I’m just not doing the WORK it takes.

I’m grabbing this bull by the horns and riding on to victory!

I commit to new (for me) weight loss techniques:

Keeping a food journal

Paying attention to timing - larger meals earlier in the day, specific meal times, etc.

I’m even looking at the keys a little differently.

Go! Go! Go! Go Me!

I started with a huge breakfast and forced myself to take extra trips upstairs all day.

The only healthy carbs I have in my environment so far, are salad vegetables greens and apples. So, I had a large salad and a lot of apples today. An apple at every meal and snack.

Too many apples. :D

I turned down a free jumbo bag of Cheetos and a free trip to Dunkin’ Donuts!

Yes!

“How does mental and spiritual health affect your physical health? Often, negative events in our lives can have disastrous consequences for our physical health. How many times has an emotional moment lead to a self-imposed exile on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a delivered pizza?

So much of how we feel is determined by how we think and what we believe. If we allow ourselves to wallow in negativity and focus on what is wrong, we can't possibly enjoy vibrant mental health and will never achieve complete body health. On the other hand, a positive attitude and true faith in your own vibrant health can make all the difference.”

Sorry, don't remember where I got this from.

An infernally frustrating co-worker broke the last straw today & though my mind repeatedly suggested consuming massive quantities of chocolate chip & oatmeal raisin cookies, I DID NOT GIVE IN! *grin*

Something I came across somewhere…

When you want to help an overweight loved one, start by sharing your concern & ask if they mind if you try to help. If they do mind, leave the door open by telling them you're there if needed.

Avoid negative confrontations. Constant reminders of weight problems from someone close have a strong impact & can lead to more poor eating patterns.

Be a role model for healthy food & activity choices. Losing weight & getting fit requires a lifestyle change. Help them choose specific, attainable goals & ask your loved one to join your own exercise program. Just go at their pace, not your own.

Also, remember there is a strong genetic component to obesity & we are not all the same.