I don’t have to work today! (glorious!) But I keep forgetting that it’s Monday. Which means I keep forgetting that it’s a McFatty day. der.
Update on the drama of the potentially broken scale: Last week seemed to hold steady around 207 lbs, & today was 205.5 lbs. So I lost roughly a pound & a half last week, which is lovely. It’s still going downward on the scale & I’m doing it while I’m happy. Which is huge.
Because I was thinking last night…it was easier for me to lose weight when I was a psychotic Eeyore. Because quite frankly, I lacked the will to live. I had little interaction with friends. I either went to bed by 7pm or was awake until 2am. I did not celebrate anything. I did not go out. I found zero joy in anything, much less food. The idea of simply wasting away felt refreshing. I’m not ashamed to admit that. But now? Now, I have lunch with girlfriends. I find joy in stopping into Starbucks in the morning for a latte. I bake my husband brownies on the weekend. & it’s harder to lose weight this way.
Obviously, I’ll take being happier & holding onto an extra 10-15 lbs over the way I’ve been this year ANY DAY. If you can’t agree with that statement, please bend over so I can put my foot in your ass backside.
It’s easy to lose weight when life shuts down. But when life is more normal? When life holds joy & people & excitement? It’s harder. Can I keep losing weight when life is “normal?”
Is it easier for you to lose weight when life is “off,” or when it’s more “normal?”
What 205.5 looks like with a dirty baby-smudged mirror. & my favorite yoga pants that I’m wearing holes into. Which means I should probably stop wearing them out in public.
Kind of like how I should take time to wash my mirror before putting it out there for the universe to see. But at least the bed’s made. & it’s not like your house is perfect, either. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Seriously, can you imagine the stress of constantly trying to look perfect on a blog? I think about that a lot. How I should put on makeup & do my hair & put on clothes that aren’t covered in baby puke, but then I’m all, THAT’S NOT REAL LIFE. & then people would totally hate me for it. & I’d rather you tease me for my bare feet than think I live this fairytale.
umm, hi, random rant.
I’ve had too much coffee.
Much easier to lose weight when life is off. My mother was in the hospital and things were crazy and I dropped 10 lbs in about 2 weeks. Of course once she was back home doing better they creeped back on! Keep rocking it Blair you look great!
My bed is never made. And my floor is disgusting. I think there is dried yogurt on the window sill… hmm.
Thank you for being real.
Good job on the weight loss this week, girlie! Keep it up
and your random rant totally had me in stitches.
It would take me like a month to get my house clean enough that I would post a home tour online. With two small children and a Mommy who hates housework, I can’t even tell you the last time I made my bed when I wasn’t putting on clean sheets.
And not to be contrary, I feel like it’s easier to lose weight when everything is going well and gliding along in a nice, normal routine. When things are all crazy, and weird, and tough, I treat food like it’s some kind of reward, or even worse, I just use it to drown my sorrows. When everything is going well, I want to eat nice, light meals and work in the yard and run around with the girls.
When life is “off,” I just want to pig out on the couch in front of some new jersey housewives.
I don’t think you look 205lb at all. Like if I saw you on the street, that would be at least 40 pounds heavier than I would say you look. So maybe I”m a really bad estimater, but just wanted you to know you don’t look your weight at all, at least to me !
I’d much rather be “fat and happy” than depressed and skinny, any day. (not that your fat, just, you know…its a saying. aw, fuck.)
Anyway, you look amazing. Seriously. And words cannot express how much joy I have in reading the old BA again. Full of life and living fully with your beautiful family. Many prayers answered, I am sure.
XOXO
I completely agree, it was much easier to lose weight when life was off. But I also agree that keeping a little extra while being happy = totally worth it. You look awesome, and like a real person, and that’s why people love you.
I think you look amazing! And definitely when life is “off” it is easier. Especially when I’m sick, LOL!
I was just on a walk with my aunt yesterday who is in her 50′s, is single with no children, and is probably 5’7″ and 115 lbs. And she was telling me how she is back on weight watchers because she is fat, and she actually brought her own veggie burger and lite bun to our cookout.
And I immediately thought to myself that her life isn’t as happy as mine. It just can’t be. Mine is filled with family, friends, home-cooked meals and walks for ice cream. Sure I am still 30 lbs heavier than before I got pregnant, and sure I need to lose the weight. But right now I would much rather be happier and enjoying life than sad, lonely and worried about what I eat all the time.
anyway…it IS hard to lose weight when you are enjoying life, but as long as you are happy and healthy (which you really seem to be right now and I am so excited for you!) you can totally do it slowly and healthfully.
oh…and you look pretty damn amazing for any weight…so keep on wearing those old yoga pants in public (I’m about to leave the house in mine for the second time today!).
It is so much easier to lose weight when life sucks. When I went through my divorce? 20 pounds. Gone. Just like that. They’ve come back, which is a good thing. I’d rather be happy than super sickly skinny any day. I’ve done depressed and skinny and it sucks. Fluffy and happy is where I like to be.
Also? Did you see my twitter home tour post?? My house is a mess on the daily and that’s OK. My kitchen sink currently has dishes in it from Saturday. Maybe I should stop playing on the internets and go take care of those???
Enjoy your day off!
Clearly I am perfect all the time. My hair this morning was impeccably done… and there are definitely not dirty bottles on the floor. Swear.
You look great!!!
Down is always the right direction on the scale. Always! You are looking so great!
I am struggling with the scale and the diet. Blah.
http://www.ajdplusthree.com/2010/09/excuses.html
I agree with Karen – when life is overwhelming I eat more, and when life is good, I am able to run, to eat well, to cook healthy and enjoy everything.
I’ve never once lost weight when sick (like cold or sinus sick, flu sick? YES because well, OBVIOUSLY) because I tend to think sick = french fries and real coke.
A 1.5 pound weight loss in a week is NORMAL. What you were doing before? UNHEALTHY and VERY SCARY. This is good! You are happy! Enjoying life! Your kid! Your husband! YAY!
I didn’t at all go outside in my “fat jammies” to swing the pun’kin and run around with her. I was dressed in adorable outside clothes for the occasion. Or not so much.
I actually felt like I lost weight more when I started getting back to normal…when life was ok. Maybe because I started actually cooking again vs eating McDonalds and Arbys, and Zaxby’s 12 times a week? Maybe because I’m running around playing more? Maybe because I don’t wear crummy clothes all day every day like I was doing?
There’s a lot of reasons. I think that once the jump start (ns) ended I was on the climb up. If Cody liked baked goods though…I’d be in major trouble.
My fave yoga pants are getting holes too… But they are just sooooo comfy! I think you look great! And your positive energy is so refreshing!
You look beautiful! (Baby smudged mirror and all!) It really depends on the situation on how I treat food. Sometimes when things haven’t been so good I’ve gained and other times I’ve lost. It’s such a mental thing with me…food is SOO my comfort that it’s easy to get lost in carbs and ice cream!
I don’t know. Once again I’m the odd man out I guess.
I just don’t think of food=happiness. Sure, I’m drooling over the cover of my martha stewart living magazine, and I’m sure as hell making that pumpkin pecan cake on the front cover… and I will eat more than 3 servings in one sitting, and I’ll bask in every moment of it.
But I don’t think someones life is happier than someone else’s because they pig out. I just refuse to buy into that logic. That’s alcoholic and drug addict mentality that justifies getting your fix every day. I’m sorry to shit all over this post, because I don’t intend to, but food can be a happy thing, but I don’t justify being happy vs. being depressed based on how many friends I pig out with every week.
I go bowling with friends, I go to the movies with friends, I have friends over for baby playdates, we go on hikes, we go to farmers markets. I don’t think ” friends are coming over, how can we gorge?”
For me, losing weight is easiest when I’m not in denial and when I’m devoted. I can be having the most low key month, or all hell can be breaking lose..food isn’t a vice of mine so my mood doesn’t affect how I handle consumption of it.
With that said, I think it’s AWESOME that you feel great, and awesome because you LOOK much better ( I don’t mean your butt or arms, I mean the actual life in your face. you dont look like you’re pretending for the camera anymore, but that you are genuinely happy) Now some of that can be from mood enhancing prescriptions that you take, some can be because PPD has gone the way of the DoDO for you… I think though, even though you feel good and are happy, it’s a slippery slope with all of the food oriented holidays coming up, fall, crock pot meals, football etc…. Sliding back up to 215-220 isn’t a stretch and I don’t think you’ll be terribly happy if that happens.
So, my point is, even though you feel great and look good, find a plan that you are going to stick to. It is BLARINGLY obvious that Nutri-system is not for you. You fall off of it more than you are on it, and you are always talking about “other” food that you enjoy. I really think you should think about weight watchers rather than Nutri-system. Yes, I know, the food is free should you keep promoting the one, but really, is it about free food or is it about your health and happiness?
I think you look great. It’s obvious you are happy. You’re glowing & its obvious. You are truly taking life for every awesome moment it is offering & you’re feeling like yourself!!!! Extra pounds or not you are fabulous & look fabulous…Congrats to you!!
First – you look amazing. Not just in your comfy yoga pants – but *you*. As a whole – as a mother.
Second – for me, it’s easier when life is in a routine. I’m having a hard time losing weight right now because I’m at home, food is everywhere, I don’t have to portion because I’ve got seconds in the fridge. It was much, much easier when I worked and could only ate what I brought with me. And I had a steady routine so snacking and bored eating wasn’t even in my mind.
Unlike now.
But you continue to be my inspiration on a crappy Monday as I stare at myself in the mirror and think, “Really? What happened here?”
And so proud of you! Look at what you’ve done the past few months with your life! A baby, holding down the job and the house, a blog, conferences, friends, a marriage, weight loss, sponsors, and overcoming PPD.
Blair, you rock my world. You know, I’d rather be ANYTHING than depressed. When real true depression hits, it is the most horrible thing in the world. I rather be giving birth and have the stomach flu. It is FANTASTIC that you are feeling so much better. You deserve to be happy.
I TOTALLY agree! I lose weight quite easily when I am down in the dumps. When I am happy and fine with the world? It goes right up there!
You know what? I always look at you and think…how can she be 10 pounds heavier than me? She looks SOOO much better than I do! I feel like such a cow and you are so cute.
Then i stop. I think…wait. Maybe I look cute too.
Love your McFatty Mondays. Love that you are so not a McFatty. That you are just a real momma.
I wore my workout pants with the holes in the seams and when I got there I remembered they were like that. That pretty much sealed it that I would be doing the elliptical and not the recumbent bike. Darn.
Also, MUCH easier to lose when life is off. Happy means eat, drink and be merry! I could stand to be a little less merry
I agree 100% w/
Obviously, I’ll take being happier & holding onto an extra 10-15 lbs over the way I’ve been this year ANY DAY.
It is easier for me to loose weight when everything else is wrong. That is the one thing that I can control.
Good luck and you look great!
you’re one step ahead of me….I dont make our bed.
You look amazing!!!!
I agree with you 100%!!! I love that you are back to your old self!
You are hilarious! I have been following your blog for sometime now and instead of being a creepy stalker, I thought I would say hello and share my blog with you! I am currently 4 days overdue with my first baby girl and I am looking to connect with some mama’s! I added your button, add mine (if you want.
)
I look forward to reading more on your lovely blog!
When life has me feeling out of control, I tend to have a much easier time obsessing about food, which is a relatively easy piece of life to regulate.
I do my best work in the weight loss department when the rest of my life is crazy, or when I am truly motivated to make a big change in my appearance.
I think you look great, and I can’t wait to see at the race later this month!
I totally feel ya. I lost 13 lbs in the last two weeks due to sheer stress & anxiety. I’d never done that before now, and I realize its a lot of the same things you are talking about. Go you for enjoying life!
You look fantastic! Awesome work! I’m more of the opposite…it’s easier for me to lose weight when things are good because I feel good but when things are bad, watch out because I will eat you too. It appears as though I’m an emotional eater.
You’re doing amazing…keep up the good work. I think the important thing is you’re not beating yourself up about anything…that’s better so you won’t fall off the wagon. Most would say, I had a bad day/week/weekend and just say screw it all but you’re still going and that’s the hardest part.
The greatest thing about this post?
1. You’re happy.
2. You’re not obsessed with your weight, but with your family and being the best you can be.
3. You still lost 1.5 pounds. Totally awesome. Way to go!!!
I’m a stress eater so it’s easier for me to lose when life is more normal (whatever that is!)
(and why isn’t anyone posting links to their posts???? Let’s go people!!!)
http://andpuppydogstales.blogspot.com/2010/09/mcfatty-monday-week-16.html
Definitely easier to lose weight when live is “off.” I dropped weight just by breathing the whole month after Duncan died.
And totally off topic — love seeing your PB bedspread in the photo. makes me want to go out and rethink the shams I passed over last year when I told you they were too rough….Hmmm….
That doesn’t look anything like 205.5 pounds to me – you go girl! And congrats on losing it while happy
I had some pretty intense PPD that luckily got treated in time, but I can relate! I’ll take happy anyday as well!
And yes, I’d rather see you this way than all made up for a camera. REAL is always better.
Hey there!!!
You look GREAT in your photo! I am just a few pounds heavier than you and wish I could look like that! Way to go on the loss!!
I am “eater”…I do lunch…I LOVE doing lunch with my girlfriends and sadly it is just so hard now..I need to learn how to eat properly when I go out..that is a challenge for me. I also love starbucks & cupcakes..at least at starbucks my drink of choice is Passion Iced Tea Lemonade which has no fat and is low cal..yeah! But the cupcakes..sheesh..no healthy options there!
There is no possible way you actually way 205! You seriously do not look like you could way that much!
I think you look fabulous, baby puke and all.
To be honest with you also, I feel relieved when others show their imperfections. Seriously, who has the time to keep the house spotless, workout 1 hour 5 days a week, cook dinner every night, maintain a perfect ‘do, squeeze in sex, have a social life, nurture your child, and have time alone? Seriously- who?? I can’t do it. For me, hair, exercise, time by myself, and the house are on the back burner. I’m too busy living and loving LIFE to seriously lose these 20lbs. I’m active, healthy, and happy. While I do take the time to tell myself no to the second helping of ziti and I do manage to drink mostly water (I quit soda after Silas was born, YIPEE!!). Darlin,’ you are not 5’3″ and you pull off 205 beautifully
keep up the happiness and where you are right now. I remember your posts about how life with a kid not being all that great. I never related to that. I don’t mean to sound “perfect” or “unrealistic”- Some days are long and hard, but every time I look at his big blue eyes, Silas reminds me why I do so much for him. I’m his mother and I will always be his mother.
Cheers to happiness, may it never change!
Have you guys ever seen the movie “motherhood”? reminds me all too much of what we’re all talking about RE: having to keep it all together
One of the easiest times I’ve lost weight was when life was “off.” I had ended a three year relationship and just wasn’t hungry. I dropped 18 pounds in 11 days. I felt good, but then I started eating too much and gained it (plus some) back.
It’s great to see you so happy!
I am totally the opposite of you. The times that I have been successful at weight loss have been when everything else in my life is going well…it’s like that gives me the motivation to also want to succeed at being healthy. But I am also totally a stress eater…and even when I’m trending more towards depressed than stressed, I sort of fall into a “so what if I eat one (two, three?) more brownie…everything else sucks and this at least tastes good.
My struggle now, though, is that I think my life is pretty darn great….but I don’t totally have this working mom thing down yet, so I really struggle with scheduling work outs, remembering to leave time to pack my lunch in addition to the bottles for daycare, etc.
You’re doing great!
it’s ok- my mirror is dirty too.
I would GLADLY carry an extra 10 or so pounds if it meant I was happier and enjoying life. Life is what you get out of it – I’d rather be “chunky” and happy than thin as a rail and hating life any day.
I want to reach through the computer and give you a giant hug, each post I see you more and more and I am so thrilled for you, so proud of you and cheering you along.
I found you from another site. I love your site. I can’t wait to get to know you better. Stop by when you get the chance. I have a Meet Me Monday blog hop and I would love if you could join in. Hope to see you then!
http://www.inspiringyou2save.com
You. are. ADORABLE. Of course.
I just wrote recently that I really don’t mind if it takes me an entire YEAR to lose 5 pounds if it means I was living that year well. That is the truth. A new truth, but still the truth.
Quality of life is SO MUCH MORE than food and weight, right? If it takes you a little longer to lose the weight you want to, but you’re loving life, I think you are spot on, my friend:-).
i think we can keep losing weight when life is “on”… but it’s about recommitting every day/every week…
life is pretty “on” for me of late… and it is so hard to keep losing… but… i know i can…
oh, and i’m impressed with your bed being made… and i like that you are barefoot…
keep up the good work…
I appreciate your “imperfectness” because you are right, we all have dirty houses and we are all wearing yoga pants with holes in them, so why shouldn’t you??? (No really, I have yoga pants and yoga capris with holes in them.)
And yes, I find it harder to lose weight when I am happy with my life. Mostly because I think, “why change anything, I’m happy.” Hence the fact that it takes me sooo long. Oh well. I like my life
)
are these really the only options? fat and happy or skinny and miserable?
there’s got to be some ” healthy and happy” option. Has to be. Refuse to believe that it’s one or the other.
“are these really the only options? fat and happy or skinny and miserable?
there’s got to be some ” healthy and happy” option. Has to be. Refuse to believe that it’s one or the other.” —Agree!
Although when my anxiety and panic is really bad I cannot eat for weeks sometimes months… then yeah, I lose a ton of weight. But when I am happy I def. don’t gorge on food or anything. Well, unless I have PMS
Working out has been the only consistent thing in my life for the last several months. While I’ve struggled & generally fail at keeping my house picked up, my legs shaved & my emotions stable, fitness has been my rock. It wasn’t always that way fo shizzle, but somehow it has been recently. It’s the only normal sometimes. & I completely agree with everything you said! You have the right prospective, B.