First, I want to wish everyone a happy new year, and apologize for the brief hiatus I've taken from my blog. I'd like to brush off my absence with a simple "oops, I've been busy," which is certainly true, but the good news is that I have been preoccupied making some much-needed overhauls to my … [Read more...]
The Right to Bare Arms (and Stomach, and Thighs…)
As the summer months officially come to an end, I decided it was finally time to step back on the scale. And, unsurprisingly, I was greeted by an additional five pounds. It's what I was expecting, given my week-long jaunts in Vegas, Atlantic City, and Orlando, the endless string of barbecues and … [Read more...]
I am Runner, Hear Me Roar.
When it comes to our diets, there are a few hard and fast rules that will help just about everyone drop a dress size. You know, like eat more celery and less Cheetos. But when it comes to the day-to-day decision to break a sweat -- because, let's face it, there is no lasting weight loss without … [Read more...]
Fake it ‘Til You Make It: Running My First 5K
I did it again! After running my first four-miler on the Fourth of July -- and proving to myself that I didn't die or, worse, come in dead last -- I finally had the courage to run my first 5K. And, appropriately, it just so happened to be the 10th Annual Downtown Westfield 5k and Pizza … [Read more...]
My First Race
After two years of running, I finally summoned the courage to run my first race! The race was held in a neighboring town, which just so happens to be home to the park where I usually run. I figured I'd start somewhere I'm comfortable, because despite my oh-so-cool, "it's no big deal" facade, … [Read more...]
Seeing Yourself as Others Do
One of the (many) things about myself that I've been trying to "work on" lately is my inability to accept a compliment. From the "you look amazing!" screeches from friends and family when I started losing weight to the occassional compliments I receive on my wardrobe, I have never been able to … [Read more...]
My Inner Battle with Obesity
It's no secret to anyone here that losing "the final 40" has proven a challenge that I have not yet been able to conquer. Granted, I now have my sights set on the "final 30," but completing my weight loss journey is a goal that has continued to elude me...for nearly three years now. I continually … [Read more...]
When Life Gets in the Way
Contrary to popular belief, my life doesn't revolve around weight loss. While my newfound commitment to healthy eating and exercise has radically transformed the way I live my life, there are times when work, family, friends, vacations, sleep, special occasions, and a long list of other … [Read more...]
Worthy of Weight Loss
Anyone who has ever carried around more than, say, five or 10 extra pounds knows that years of hiding behind excess weight can take a huge toll on your psyche. Tune in for just one episode of The Biggest Loser and it becomes abundantly clear that there's a reason why these folks have ballooned to … [Read more...]
What it Means to Eat “Healthy”
In the last couple of months, I've had to completely re-learn what it means to eat "healthy" foods. I've realized that for the past three years I've been in the dark -- like many Americans -- when it comes to the true meaning of labels like "organic" and "natural," and how to determine whether or … [Read more...]