Learning to Silence Your Inner Critic

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I ran my first 5K of the season this weekend, and shortly after I passed the first mile marker, I found myself falling victim to one of my old behavior patterns: negative self-talk. Or, in my case, mentally bashing myself. I started the race strong: I shot out in front of most of the racers, and … [Read more...]

Letting Go of the “Old Me”

jenyoung

I have a confession to make. Prior to this weekend, I hadn't weighed myself since before the holidays. And by holidays, I mean Thanksgiving. These past few months have included some of the the most defining moments of my life -- not the least of which was finally moving out of my parents' … [Read more...]

Keeping My Own Promises

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When you're trying to adopt healthy living habits, I truly believe that success can boil down to just one factor: The ability to make a commitment, and actually stick to it. Now, this is not something for which I'm traditionally known. I'm shamelessly of the "I'll finish it later" variety who … [Read more...]

Oh, Gym, How I Loathe Thee. Let Me Count the Ways.

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Recently in my journey to optimal health and fitness, I have discovered a shocking new development. I absolutely, positively hate the gym. When I first began losing weight, if I wasn't at home or at work, I was on the elliptical at my local YMCA. As a result of juggling two jobs, my only available … [Read more...]

The Beginning of the End

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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...]

My Inner Battle with Obesity

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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...]

Worthy of Weight Loss

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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...]

Taking the First Step

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When talking to friends, family, and other acquaintances, as soon as the subject of weight loss comes up -- which, I must say, happens almost daily in my life -- I'm usually faced with the following confessions: "My jeans are tight." "I haven't been to the gym in weeks." "I eat too much … [Read more...]

Become Your Own Cheerleader

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When I first started losing weight, the compliments just kept on comin'. Friends and family -- especially the ones who don't see me every day -- were constantly making a fuss about my shrinking body, showering me with "you look so great!" compliments and incredulously questioning: "how much weight … [Read more...]

The Winds of Change

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(I thought this title was appropriate given the 55 mph gusts we're experiencing here in New Jersey this morning). Thanks to my efforts to acknowledge (and face) my fears, I've finally started making some changes that -- believe it or not -- may actually be making the scale move! I'm proud to report … [Read more...]