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2,725 Comments
I’m sure I’m not the first person to say this, but I felt like Sarah could’ve been telling my story as she was describing her own experiences. I first joined Jenny Craig when I was 12 and have been struggling with my body every day since then. I’ve used my weight as an excuse to hold myself back from pursuing so many things, telling myself that I can’t do those things until I’m smaller. The concept of living more completely resonates with me as hope for a sustainable way of living in – and maybe even loving – my body. I’m so thankful that I opened Kate Northrup’s email today and found this program. Oh and for fun today, I’m going to have a long phone chat with my best girlfriend. We always end up laughing hysterically.
I was smiling as I was reading your post Jenna because I know how great those conversations are. I’m so glad you’re here and I can’t wait to hear more after you watch the 2nd video.
Hi Sabrina! So glad you found the videos. As you can see, weight loss and even more important, body acceptance is about so much more than what we eat and how much exercise we do. We need to have lives, real, connected and fun lives. When I went through the LMWL program, that was really what I was missing. We can have all the nutrition knowledge in the world, but without joy and connection, what’s the point? Hope you had fun playing dress up with your daughter!
Hello Sabrina! So glad you found the videos. Playing dress up sounds like so much fun and nothing seem to be more contagious then the giggles of a child when they play. It was great to hear you listening to your inner self saying “get healthy’ and recognizing there is so much more to that then just what we eat. LMWL program offers so many great helps with moving past the dieting and looking deeper into having a full life. After watching all three videos I hope you will join us in the program. These videos are just snippets of what you will learn in the modules. It is time! Talk to you again soon!
My biggest struggle is I don’t like my body/life when I am heavier than I want to be. I drink wine to have fun.
I’m going to a yoga class this morning.
I’m going to try eating without distraction today.
Sounds good, Wendy! I agree that yoga class is fun, but as it can also be a form of exercise, I’d love to see you add something else for fun, as well. Let us know how it goes!! xx
Hi Wendy! In LMWL, I found out just how much I relied on food for fun. It’s amazing how important having fun and experiencing joy really are. So, if wine=fun and yoga=fun you can see how to add in more yoga and rely less on the wine. Wine is still there of course, but now you have other things going on that also contribute to your happiness AND move you towards your goals.Have fun brainstorming other things you think are fun and add them in. LMWL is a seemingly simple yet profoundly life changing way of thinking. I would not trade my experience in the program for anything. π
My relationship with my body has been not good. Even when I was at a good weight I felt like I should be slimmer. But my current relationship with my body is at an all time low. I am 54, Weigh the most I ever have. It makes me miserable. It often is a focus of mine.
As for fun, I can’t even tell you what I consider fun anymore. It’s strange, but a few weeks ago, I told my loving, adoring husband of 32 years, we never do anything fun anymore. He asked what I wanted to do, sadly, I had no clue, no answer.
As for eating without distractions, I do this most of the time, at least when at home. My husband and I work opposite shifts, and so we eat a lot of meals alone, and we both eat most always at the table. We don’t own a TV (by choice), so no distraction there. Even at work, I usually sit away from a lot of the co-workers, not because I am anti-social, but because I am their supervisor and they want their space at breaks.
Please don’t miss understand, being alone is often a preference, I am okay with myself in that respect. I like myself enough to enjoy my own company, it’s just the reflection in the mirror that bothers me.
Maybe, after all, fun for me is something quiet, relaxing yet enjoyable, with a contentment and not something that has to bring huge waves of laughter or excitement. That being the case, my hobby of knitting or crochet would fit the bill. Haven’t done any of it for a few weeks. Might need to break out that yarn and those needles and create something beautiful.
Hi Sandra,
Sadly, so many women have stopped having fun and even forgotten what it is they like to do for fun. You’re not alone. But, I encourage you to give this a good brainstorm; see which ideas of Sarah’s resonate with you; and look around the comments if you need extra inspiration. Beginning with knitting or crocheting sounds excellent. What are you going to create today?
Great work on eating without distractions! Enjoying your own company is so important. If you’d like to take this further, feel free to thoroughly appreciate and enjoy your food. Slowly notice what you see, smell, and taste… Do you often prepare your own food?
I look forward to hearing your response, and I’m so glad you joined this community. xx
Hi Sandra,
I too am a fellow introvert and love spending time with myself. However, for me it can easily become loneliness and lack of connection. I noticed that when I am not socially active, in small but consistent amounts, I start to use food as a means of comfort, connection and fun. I think that is why LMWL worked so well for me. You are connected to a supportive and compassionate group of women and it really helped me to learn how to reach out to others. Now I feel more creative in choosing things to do for fun and more confident in my day to day interactions with others. When you start to get more comfortable with yourself (which is different than being stuck in your comfort zone) you find you are just more open and ready to experience more joy. I hope you are on your way to knitting something beautiful!
Hi Sarah … thanks again for a great video. I have been loosely following you on email for over a year, and your philosophy about living more, loving your body and releasing the excess weight is so compelling. I have had similar struggles to your story and I’m just exhausted and disappointed in my thousands of attempts to diet.I do love my life but I don’t love my body, so the time has come to address this now!
Wendy, it sounds like taking the steps that Sarah outlined in the videos could really begin to change things for you. I’m not sure if you’ve already done so, but tell me one thing you could do TODAY to *show* your body that you love her…! You’re in the right place, love. xx
When I see my boyfriend tonight the first thing I will do is give him a huge hug to let him know how much I appreciate our relationship.
In gym class today I am going to look in the mirror and notice all the wonderful things about my body and really appreciate it for what it can do π
Lucy,
Excellent! I love your enthusiasm and look forward to hearing how these two action steps went for you. Thanks for being here! xx
Very nice to see this programme encouragΕng being our true self…
Hi Nilgun, I’m glad the program is resonating with you. Would you like to share what, specifically, you learned?
xx
Hi Nilgun,
You hit the head on the nail sister! It’s all about what makes you tick. I hope you have time this week to set aside and explore what makes you happy. I am so grateful to LMWL for helping me discover so much more about myself than I ever thought possible. π
Yes! If you are in the US, every state has several crisis centers and most have 24 hour crisis hotlines to call and get support. You can call a crisis center anonymously, too. Here’s one link but there are others, too.. http://www.crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html
Perfect, Louise! Let us know how the anniversary plans unfold. =)
Amazing, Louise. I can’t wait to hear about your anniversary plans.
Thank you, sarah and sandy!
I’ve listened to the first two jump start sessions and loved them. I feel you’re speaking to my soul!
We are thinking about Hawaii for our 14th anniversary. I have some swim suit issues that I need to work out so I can enjoy myself. ..
Eileen, you sound overwhelmed. It is okay to take this one small step at a time. It doesn’t cost anything to watch Sarah’s videos posted here as many times as you like. Fear isn’t going to help. Please have faith that you can improve your self esteem and your life. Maybe you could try just one small change from the videos today. Let us know how you do.
My body is currently going through a metamorphosis. I am at the beginning stages of my peri-menopausal adventure. I have always been relatively active and at least forty pounds lighter. I have decided to embrace my curvy-girl self and be healthy, while enjoying the really great soul that I know myself to be.
I am engaged to be married to the love of my life, my missing puzzle piece, the yin to my yang.
So for fun today, I am planning on going for a walk with my man and my dog and enjoying the blessings that God has granted me. I am going to stop and smell the roses and love every minute.
Thank you for sharing Regina.
This sounds great, Regina. Good for you, && congratulations on getting engaged! Keep us updated. (:
Hi Regina,
I hope you have a wonderful walk! I too am a fellow sister in peri-menopause (Yay) and I tell you if there ever was a time for body acceptance, it is now! I am learning to roll with the changes and embrace my body. Going through LMWL a few years ago really put me in such a good place as to enjoy this phase of my life. Ok, enjoy is a strong word…curiosity is more like it. π But it was very liberating to learn to let go of the hangups that were holding me back and keeping me from experiencing real joy.
I have recently embraced a new lifestyle. For a long time I have sought other peoples approvals and kept quite about the things that were most important to me. My fear of being judged by others kept me from fully integrating my spiritual beliefs and my trues self from being seen by the people who loved me most. In January, I went out on a limb, fully aware that I might be sacrificing my career in public education, and started a blog/website where I openly share my spiritual transformation and the awakening that has taken place within me.
However, despite the huge steps it took to find the bravery needed to put myself out there. I am still terrified by people seeing my body. I’ve always been slightly heavier than my “skinny” friends (except the times when I barely ate and exercised more than anyone should consider healthy), but still felt sexy and beautiful. Five years ago I got pregnant, and gained 40 pounds. I’ve really struggled with getting the weight off, and am so frustrated.
I’m a vegetarian, I eat organic as often as possible and really live a relatively healthy lifestyle, but I feel like a combination of slower physical activity, the initial pregnancy weight gain and hormones have made shedding the pounds insanely difficult. But what is most disappointing is the fact that I am keeping myself from getting my message out to the world. I want to have a spiritual mastermind group, I want to coach women, I want to have google hangouts and get up on a stage and speak about the amazing inner discoveries I have made, but my outer projection to the world seems like it’s still “not good enough” for others to listen.
Seeing you just healed so much for me. Your words, your message and your natural beauty shine from you – I can see how you have dealt with the same issues as me, but you aren’t letting it stop you from living the life you are meant to live, and your beauty is reflected in that. I can’t afford the course now – I’m a full time student, mother, part time barista and novice blogger – but when I can you better save me a seat, ‘cuz I’ll be there cheering you girls on. Thanks for the inspiration, keep up the great work.
Elisha, I am cheering for you right back. The world needs your gifts and I would love for you to participate in LMWL to develop the confidence to put them out there. xo
Hi Elisha,
I so enjoyed reading about your journey. Thank you for sharing. I hope the work you’ve done so far- in being true to yourself and beginning to expose your transformation- brings you the courage needed to further put yourself out there for the world to see. I agree with Sarah – we need your gifts! xx
My biggest struggle with my body today, is the fear of gaining weight again. I lost a lot of weight during the last years and now I’m not able to exercise any more because of health issues. Which also means I’m missing a lot of fun in my life, because dancing was really a source of fun for me.
I really don’t know, what to do just for fun, Maybe I start with some time for reading a book and writing my best friend a letter.
Eating without distraction is the hardest thing for me, because I always tend to read my mails, a magazine or watching TV while I’m eating. At least I will try to have one meal per day without distraction, hope that this will work.
Brit, keep us posted on how it goes. Also have you considered a swimming class, I’m not sure if you are able but it could be a way to bring some movement back that is easier on your body.
Hi Brit,
I completely understand. I have been living with CFS and Fibromyalgia for years. When I joined LMWL 2 years ago, I figured out pretty quickly how lack of fun was a problem for me. Like you, I only seemed drawn to the physical things I can no longer do (like dancing). Going through the LMWL program made me challenge myself to come up with other ways to have fun and even more important, how to accept myself, my body and see it for the gift it truly is. To show my gratitude, I do something that brings me joy everyday. Joy is joy, no matter what form it comes in. Make a list of anything and everything you can think of that sounds fun or interesting. Have FUN with it .;-)
Thanks Sarah and Justine for you answers. I’ve just learned that sport in any way is not an option for me, at least for the next time. I have to undergo a surgery and hopefulley afterwards there will be less pain and the opportunity to do some sort of sport again.
I will try to make a list with other things that will bring fun in my life and see how this is going to work out.
And I’m trying to have at least dinner without distraction which is working for me but really seems to be kind of “strange”.
Hey Sarah, I have already tested lots of things of well known coaches, most of them to my astonishment have been very disappointing and have been only after the money.
You appear very authentic, with a loving heart, I like your approach and your videos very much! You seem to be real! I wish you lots of success and wonderful clients which inspire you too.
I recently found out I am pregnant, yay! I am after my life change since longer but somehow can’t get it done, I think there are deeper blocks around. I am a coach myself and know most of the topics, but somehow huge life events show up which kick me out of my path and I have no energy left to get back. At the moment I don’t have the budget for your program, but perhaps next year after our first child is born, let’s see. Hugs!
Fabienne, I’m sure you realize as a coach yourself that someone can only really get as much out of any program as they are ready to put in. And everything generally happens at the right time in the big picture of life. Best wishes on your pregnancy. xo
Congratulations Fabienne! Not all coaches are a good fit for everyone, but I try to be really clear about who my programs are for. I look forward to exploring the possibility to work with you in the future.
My journey has been a roller coaster to be sure. Growing up I was super active. I walked everywhere, I was part of NJROTC in high school, and I was on the swim team. I really didn’t have a great relationship with food then, but because I was so active I just lost weight. Didn’t matter if breakfast was a whole loaf of sourdough bread and a huge glass of whole milk. Didn’t matter if lunch was a super sized burrito. Didn’t matter if I had three servings of dinner. I was a trim, healthy, toned 140 pounds. At five foot, seven inches, I looked amazing, felt even better, and was super healthy. It also didn’t and doesn’t help that I love food, all kinds of food.
My first year of college was more of the same. I swam, did yoga, walked about 6-8 miles a day, went to class, worked part time, had a relationship, still ate like I did in high school, and didn’t gain an ounce. Then my body seemed to have enough. I was tired and cold all the time. First I stopped doing yoga to free up more time to relax and sleep. Then swimming went. Then classes. I thought I was burning the candle at both ends, and something had to give. I stopped doing everything except going to work as I needed a paycheck and health insurance. And I ballooned, gaining 40 pounds in a year, and felt awful.
During this time, I had one relationship end and another begin. It was this guy who pointed out that I shouldn’t be wearing a sweater when it was 80 degrees out. It was he who pointed out that I shouldn’t be tired after sleeping for 12 hours each day. It was he who pushed me to go to the doctor and get help figuring out what was wrong, because something was. At 22 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a condition that meant I was tired and cold all the time, my body was constantly afraid of starving and hoarded calories.
Medication helped some, allowing me to be more alert, wakeful, and at least not freezing. But the weight kept coming, slowly, but still I kept gaining. I recognized early on that I couldn’t keep eating like I was a teenage athlete anymore. I started eating more sensibly, smaller portions, healthier options, and while I wasn’t gaining anymore weight, I was now at 205 pounds.
For those that are wondering, I am still with the amazing man who pushed me into the doctor’s office. He has been a constant supporter through the past decade, and had his own struggle with body weight and image. We started hiking together and eating more mindfully, and while I have lost a few pounds (Yay 190!), I watched him just drop in weight and size in a matter of weeks. I love him, but at the same time I can’t help but feel jealous at the fact that he was able to lose weight so quickly and easily.
So, to answer the questions:
1. My biggest struggle has been comparing my current weight and shape to my 16 year old self.
2. For fun I’m going to go walk around my work neighborhood in San Francisco during my lunch hour instead of sitting and reading. I love walking, SF is gorgeous, and it is uplifting to see many happy, smiling folks around.
3. I tend to not be distracted during dinner, as my other half and I sit at the kitchen table and talk to each other about our day, but I know I’m bad about breakfast and lunch. I will let you all know how that goes for the next day or two.
Thank you all for reading my struggle. Hopefully this adds some new insights, and my story will encourage someone else.
Jenn, thank you so much for opening up here. You are in the right place with so many of us who can trace back our weight journeys for many years. Like you, I was also pretty athletic when I was young and never worried about weight until I was well into my 20s. At any rate, it is wonderful that you have a supportive partner! Not everyone does.
I love your walking plan…San Francisco is such a perfect city to stroll! And keep us posted about how your awareness and the breakfast/lunch distractions work out.
As for the 16 year old self, I’m sure she was great, but really that is the past. I hope for you that the Jenn that exists today gets as much attention, love and respect from YOU as the 16 year old version did…actually maybe you can even surpass that now. Connecting to the other wonderful women here may also help you realize we are all beautiful at every age. xo
I really hope this will help me
Welcome, Vicki! I think you will be happy with the process. Great to have you here with us. =)
For fun today, I’m going to put on some dancing music and jam with my toddler. That’s my idea of motherhood and yet I rarely do it!
My relationship with my body right now is frustration. I’m two months postpartum after my second child and 15 pounds overweight. Two months doesn’t sound like long, but I thought this weight would be gone. I don’t expect the same body because I’m a mama after all, but I’d like to fit into my old clothes!
Hi Whitney, Be kind to yourself. Two months postpartum second child – it may be a little longer for you. And it might be time to find some clothes for now? The jamming to music with you toddler sounded like a really fun activity. The important thing is to like who you are right now – today. Consider enrolling in the program as there are a lot of ladies facing what you are at this time in your life! We are all here for you!
Thats an awesome strategy Jill, thank you so much for suggesting that. I’v never really though about what would actually make me feel sexy, I’ve never felt that way before so it will be a new feeling for me. I’ll be headed for the mall this weekend to try on some new things!
Thanks Sarah! I’ve recently started rebuilding my accessory collection!
My current relationship with my body is,in a word, disconnected. I feel like I need to eat a certain way to manage some hormonal issues,but when I set out to do that, I self-sabotage and it makes no sense to me! I really enjoyed this video. The night is almost through, but I’m going to try to carve out some fun time tonight. Do I really know even what that means anymore??!
Hey Kristyn! We all get confused about why we “self-sabotage.” I remember wanting to eat healthier to aid my health problems and still not being able to do it. I’d try and fail over and over and blamed it on my willpower. Sarah and LMWL helped me uncover the emotional connection I had with food and the real reason I was getting in my own way.
Can’t wait to hear what you tried doing for fun!
Hey April, I can totally relate…I’m soon to be 31 and just accepted a job that I love. before that i was in the same boat as you and actually resisted taking the job. Thank goodness for my roommates’ support and a boss that waited for me to make up my mind…she waited 4 months for me..that’s how badly she wanted me!!! How amazing is that! It can be really overwhelming and heart breaking to not be where you want to be in life…you know what you don’t want (which is a good start). Sarah’s program helps you really find out what you really want/need and she gives you the tools and action steps to really start enjoying life, your body and living more! It can be a really big leap…but it is beyond worth it to sign up. We really hope that you’re able to join us!!! let us know if you have any questions, etc π
That sounds so lovely! We’re all here for you π
Oh, how I recognize myself in so much of what you said, Sarah!
Eating without distraction is so key. I hardly ever do it when I’m by myself, which is often since I have a busy job, a long commute, and I live alone. Dinner tonight, I will not be distracted!!
Hi Rosie, Yes the reality of what Sarah shares is that most of us can listen and say “hey you really know me!” I hope you have signed up for the program. It is truly worth it. Good for you for working on eating without distractions. Can you share what fun activities you have started having since listening to the videos?
Lana – it’s so great that you’ve recognized your meanness and how you would never talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself. So eye opening, right? LMWL is such a supportive environment to really learn how to take care of yourself the way you deserve. We’re glad you’re here.
How was the knitting and reading? Did it help you reduce your food cravings?
Hi Montana – it’s great to enjoy the job you have while you figure out what else there is for you. And you’re not the only one who’s confused. I spent years figuring out what I really wanted to do. The key is just trying new things and being open to possibilities while also finding ways to pay the bills that you don’t mind (or even like). The career section of Live More Weigh Less can really help, too.
Hey Montana, are you able to join in on one of the live more weigh less programs??? When you’re overwhelmed, it can be difficult to to figure things out especially by yourself. We’re here to help and Sarah has a great program to help getting you feeling great about yourself and doing more of what you love. I’m so glad you’re reaching out and hope that you were able to watch all the videos:)
I’m excited to start eating without distracting, I always felt the need to multi-task while eating or something was going to be left undone. Also, I love dancing so off to Zumba class I go. It’s a great way to get my body in motion while having fun and laughing at the mistakes.
Elcyna – you’re off to a great star!. Zumba is so much fun. And learning how to eat without distractions has been key for me.
Hi Elcyna, I hope you’ve been able to start eating without distractions π
Hey Montana! I think all of us, on some level, deal with a fear of missing out on something better. Even people who have their passion for a career have days where it feels like work. Even when I am happiest in my career, when I see someone else totally excelling at something, it makes me consider if I would be happier doing that. I remind myself that it is not their career I am jealous of, but the passion they bring to it and the life it has led to. I have to create that for myself with my own passion and on my own terms.
I think you are already starting to ask yourself the right questions. What do I have to give to the world? What makes me come alive?How do I measure success? The answers may not come to you all at once.
We are here to help!
I am still trying to figure out other ways to show myself self love. It is a big struggle for me. I do get massages once a month though and I love taking baths (like long deliciously warm baths) but haven’t been able to have baths as much as I use to.