How Self-Discipline Makes All the Difference

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In my Muay Thai kickboxing class, the instructor talks a lot about discipline. The cornerstone of martial arts training, self-discipline is even part of the "Student Creed" we have to recite before leaving class (along with things like perseverance and honesty), and he often ends class with a speech … [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...]

The Right to Bare Arms (and Stomach, and Thighs…)

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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.

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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...]

Seeing Yourself as Others Do

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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

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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...]

When Life Gets in the Way

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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

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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...]

What it Means to Eat “Healthy”

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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...]

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...]