Monday 16 January 2012

Photoshopped

A couple of cool things happened today. Firstly, I was offered a job at a wonderful company, starting next week. Secondly, an article was released in the Huffington Post, detailing the story of my weight loss. It can be found here. My favourite part of the article is a cynical comment from a dopey fuck called 'Nitpicker', claiming that one of my photos had been Photoshopped. This was such a back-handed compliment, that I couldn't bring myself to be anything other than flattered. Well, I do feel slightly sorry for his/her gene pool, but it takes all sorts to make a world.

My weight loss is currently hovering around the seven stone mark. I believe, in the trade, this is known as a Gateau, which I assume is a reference to eating cake being a barrier to weight loss. It's slightly irritating. I've discussed this with Sara and a couple of other people and, in all honesty, if it weren't for the fact I previously aimed to lose ten stone, I probably would have stopped trying to lose more by now. I'm at a weight that I reel really comfortable with and I'm happier than I've ever been. I'd quite happily stop trying to lose weight at this point, but I shall push on and see what happens. This, however begs the question: Do I do what I set out to do or do I stop, knowing that I've reached my physical and emotional goals? It's a big question, the answer to which I do not know.

Another interesting development is the fact my life is about to get a lot busier. As well as all this working out bollocks, I'm juggling my business and a new venture, the aforementioned new job. It will be interesting to see what impact this has on my development.

I have an appointment at the Polar bear hospital on Monday, which will involve a full psychological assessment, in order to ascertain the sort of Psycho therapy I need. I hope they're ready, because opening this particular box of tricks should be an interesting experience for all involved. I may be feeling immeasurably better than I ever have, but my brain is an unpredictable mistress, which still surprises me daily. I'll let y'all know how that shit goes down. Sorry, I went all Ghetto then.

One thing I need to overcome is the psychological relationship between exercise and mood. Sometimes, life gets in the way and I may go a few days without going to the gym. When this happens, my mind tells me that I no longer look like my 'after' photos and have instead reverted to my previous physical state, that of Jabba the Hut, in a Sauna, eating Jupiter because it looks a bit like a pizza. This is bollocks, clearly, but it's not unheard of to feel awfully guilty. I need to teach my mind that it's not only OK to take it easy and rest, but a very important element in general health.

Anyway, I'm off to Photoshop some pictures of my gut. Laters.

21 comments:

  1. Saw your article on Huffpost by way of pinterest. I was and am especially interested in learning about your process to overcome emotional eating, as that's something I struggle with. Congrats on the (clearly photoshopped! ha ha) success and best wishes.

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    1. -a. I too am interested about how to avoid the emotional eating. Big problem for me.

      The fact that you are focusing on the whole body including the mind tells me that you will be successful!

      Keep moving in the right direction!

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  2. Congratulations! You've done a great job in getting healthy! Don't give up or give in...you've worked hard to get to where you are and it's so worth it! And, Congratulations on your new job! I hope you really enjoy it! Thanks for sharing your story with us...you are an inspiration to others!

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  3. Wow, your doing a great job, Keep up the great work. Keep us updated. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Great Job dude keep up the great work. I started my weight loss goal this year by going to the gym and work out with a trainer and I am just starting to get the feelings back in my arms....lol

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  5. I read your Huffington Post article. I am truly inspired by you. Congratulations on your hard work and great success. I hope to one day be a success story too.

    My weight loss journey began a few months after my breast cancer treatment finished, when I reached my own personal bottom after looking a pictures from a vacation with friends. It was at that point that I realized I had lost who I was in the sadness from my diagnosis and what affect that had on my life. It's been a struggle, but I'm down about 35lbs. It hasn't been a yo-yo, but I haven't been consistent either.

    Now, my journey to healthy living has been given more of a push. I am motivated to keep going from your story. Thank you! Time to give my journey the same level of commitment you have given yours.

    I can't wait to see where the journey takes you.

    Lisa
    http://lisarounds.blogspot.com/

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  6. Congrats! Stay focused and strong willed. Thats all it really takes besides exercising. No distractions just concentrate on you. About 3 years ago I lost 83 lbs. I was so proud of myself and the weird thing was that many of the people around me, I'm sure noticed my weight loss but never breathed a word of praise. You really need to hear something and you really need support like a routing for ya team. I'd like to share my email addy with you. Wisteriaandivy@yahoo.com. Keep up the good work T!
    Many blessings! Ana

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  7. You can do it! Found you via a Huffington Post article about you, this morning. You are inspiring me. I'm down 30 pounds from 338, and I have a 100 more to go! And what I like, is that you and I are doing some similar things..no gimmicks, just good choices and exercise. Keep it up!

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  8. Dont let nay sayers get ya down! Congrats on all the success and for overcoming the things that held you back!! Keep us the good work and know that your story will change lives!

    Amy :)

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  9. I found you from the HP article and wanted to say, CONGRATS and keep up the good work! Several years ago I had the opposite problem. I decided I needed to lose weight (as most women do). So, I embarked on a work out schedule and cut back on my eating. Well, for some reason the lbs. fell off and I went down to 89 lbs. I am 5 ft. Everyone either told me I was TOO THIN or thought I was sick. So, I quit exercising and ate whatever I wanted and have gained back 30 lbs and now can't get a pound off!!!!! I AM 64 years old but am determined to lose about 10 to 15 lbs and feel more comfortable. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK and good luck with the evaluation.

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  10. I just read the article on Huffington Post about you! What a truly inspirational story! I too suffer from Bipolar Disorder among the long list of things, and let it run my life while letting my weight reach an all time high. I am a food writer and have my own food blog where I recently began documenting my journey to a healthier lifestyle. Eating right and exercising has made my moods much lighter and more predictable. Congratulations on all of your success! I wish you the best and thank you for sharing your story. Don't listen to the asshole comments from HuffPo users, many of them are cowards and take the time out of their day to insult others. Congrats again! I look forward to future posts and am now happily following your blog =]

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  11. Good job. I lost 98lbs but slowly put about 30 back on. mostly with alcohol and hot wings during the holidays. Of course I started the holiday in July and ended it 2 weeks ago. back to the gym and off the booze. good luck to ya.

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  12. I just read your entire blog after coming across your Huffington Post article. Lemme tell you, I hope I'm as successful as you have been in your journey! It's eerily similar- I have Bipolar I Disorder, my father has been diagnosed with Chronic Leukemia (not the most aggressive form of cancer but he's 82, a hangnail is aggressive at this point...) and I have been emotionally eating for about 4-5 years now, feeling like a complete waste of space. Exercise had become foreign to me. When I was in my late teens and early 20's, I was confident, fit and thought I would rule the world. Now, I feel as if I just turned around and swallowed a fat person. It was just YESTERDAY that I "woke up". I don't know if it's just a manic phase or what, but I am running with it. I have about 70 lbs to lose and just started walking 2 miles/day and eating to live, NOT living to eat... and I know ALL ABOUT hiding out to stuff food down your throat! I just HAD to write to you to let you know how happy I was to find your article today. It really has given me to drive to stick to my decision. I look forward to more blog posts from you! :) Congratulations!

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  13. Wow - inspirational story indeed. I'm currently recovering from knee surgery and 100lb gain over the past 7 years. I put it on, I'll take it off and your blog will be with me every step of the way.

    Excuses aren't something you'll find on this blog - well, you might write about them, but you follow it up with a solution as well.

    Thanks!

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  14. Just found your blog from AOL and I am so happy for you! That's hilarious about the photoshopping. I have gotten then same kind of comments :) You have done an amazing thing for yourself and your health, and I hope whatever therapy/etc they set in place for you helps you continue to succeed. I know myself that ignoring underlying mental reasons for weight GAIN is a recipe for trouble. Best wishes from a fellow 'loser'! :)

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  15. I read the article in the Huffington Post. I started my own journey in October and have lost 69 pounds in 3 months. Thanks for doing it the healthy way...

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  16. Very well done. You have made a tremendous change in your life.
    Shouting encouragement for you from across the pond in Atlanta.

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  17. Wanted to tell you Congratulations! Followed the link to your blog via the Huffington Post article. Ignore the haters! Keep on trucking!! Congrats!

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  18. Just seen your article in the Post, i must say i am at that critical point to and i need some help and pointers because i got to get the weight off

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