7.30.2010
Phases in the Journey to Weight Loss
12:01 AM | Posted by
EmMarah
Heya! It's Mara and I'm back.
Before getting to the nitty gritty, I think it'd be nice to go through the general process of things. I think what I'd be saying today could be applicable to other concerns, or "projects" you have to better yourself.
But yes, today's focus is on weight loss.
If you've read my other posts already, you'd know that I've once succeeded on weight loss. I used to try a lot back in the day (I was always a fat kid) but nothing really happened. I could see why I failed. My heart wasn't into weight loss really. I'd mostly do it because of how people made me feel. The family would say I'm too fat (mostly my parents =\), I'd be one of the bigger kids at school, etc. Before when I'd try to lose weight, it was for other people, not me. I couldn't really see what was wrong with me. I didn't think anything was wrong with me, and I know nothing was ever wrong with me.
So first phase? Know what you're doing this for (and judge whether or not it really matters).
Before getting to the nitty gritty, I think it'd be nice to go through the general process of things. I think what I'd be saying today could be applicable to other concerns, or "projects" you have to better yourself.
But yes, today's focus is on weight loss.
If you've read my other posts already, you'd know that I've once succeeded on weight loss. I used to try a lot back in the day (I was always a fat kid) but nothing really happened. I could see why I failed. My heart wasn't into weight loss really. I'd mostly do it because of how people made me feel. The family would say I'm too fat (mostly my parents =\), I'd be one of the bigger kids at school, etc. Before when I'd try to lose weight, it was for other people, not me. I couldn't really see what was wrong with me. I didn't think anything was wrong with me, and I know nothing was ever wrong with me.
So first phase? Know what you're doing this for (and judge whether or not it really matters).
I firmly believe that if you're just being pressured into something, you won't find it fun, you won't be happy and the whole thing would be a struggle. The last time I tried losing weight was because I wanted to be healthier. I'm studying under a health profession, I don't want to be a bad example. I like beauty and health things, I should be healthy. My family has a history of diabetes and heart problems, I have to be careful. Who did I do the whole weight loss thing for? Me. Not anyone else. Just me. No pressure from anyone, nothing. I didn't feel like I was torturing myself!
I knew what I wanted to do. I knew why I wanted to do it. So how do I get to it? I needed a good look.
Second phase? Assessment.
For a long time, I've been dead scared of weighing scales. I didn't want to get on them, knowing that I wouldn't like what I'd see. Don't ya'll know that feeling? Well I do, very well. Late last year, I just said to myself, "whatever" and got on when no one was looking. As expected, I didn't like the "answer" the scale gave me. I felt horrible, I won't lie. I felt a sinking feeling and everything. But I knew where I was. I knew what my starting point was, where I'd take my first step and it's important. You have to know where you're coming from if you want to know how to get to where you want to go.
Think of it like being in some place new. You wouldn't know how to get from point A to B if you don't know where point A is in the first place. What if the cab driver's new at the job? What if you don't speak the language? It's all up to you to take yourself from where you are now to where you wanna be. You have to know what "problems" or concerns there are so you can adress them!
And this isn't just about knowing your weight. It's about knowing what you're about and what you're working with.
Phase 3. Planning.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Which is true. For all my failed weight loss trips (that lasted for about a week at most), I had no direction, I made no real progress. Take what you learned from my last post on S.M.A.R.T. goals and take what you've got from assessment.
My example?
Well at the time I was xxx lbs. I don't drink sodas, I don't like softdrinks. I can drink them, but I've given them up a while back. I'm busy, too. I'm in Uni, so I can't afford to think about what I'd eat day in and day out. Plus I'm surrounded with fast food and unhealthy choices (the healthy revolution is still in its infancy here) so what to do?
Things I can't give up?
- chocolate
- rice (I'm Asian! Filipino at that!)
- meat
Things I need to get better on?
- drinking water
- controlling hunger pangs
So from that, I can devise a (I don't want to say diet, it sucks and makes my brain fart, let's call it a lifestyle change?) lifestyle change that would accomodate my needs.
I felt that I don't want to listen to people who tell me that I can't eat this or that. I can and I will. The thing is, I just can't have a ton. And that's okay. I can still have it, I don't feel deprived.
Now that I know what I'm working with, how to do it and what I have to do is get on with it!
Phase 4. Acting on the Plan.
I know what I wanted to do. I knew why I was doing it. I knew how to do it. Now I can do it. Taking time, doing it at my own pace.
Little changes build up. Don't bring yourself down and think you're not doing enough. Go slow and steady. Don't go too fast or you'll crash and burn out!
I kept my chocolate but in granola bar form or dark form. I kept my rice, but limited it to half a cup per meal. I still ate meat, but when the rice was gone, I was done eating. I planned what to eat when I had time. I brought my own lunches so I wouldn't buy crap (saved me money too). I brought water with me, drank more and improved my digestion. I ate low-cal snacks every 2-3 hours. I counted calories! Not everything came at once, but those are the things I did.
It's more of compromise rather than sacrifice! :)
Phase 5. Keep motivated!
I think the key to motivation is to be realistic. Be realistic with your goal, what you're doing and the results.
Make goals you can reach, if you don't, you'll end up frustrated and you won't stick with what you're doing.
Be realistic with what you expect yourself to do. If you don't, again, you'll end up frustrated and you'll be all, "you know what? I DONT NEED THIS. Pfft." Do what you have to at a good and reasonable pace. Don't expect things that are worth it to be easy.
Be realistic with where you're driving at. When it comes to the body, it's both effort and genes. Listen to your body. Don't let your peers or media dictate your success. It's up to you, you're doing everything and you have only yourself to thank after all that hard work!
Bonus segment?
Have a cheat day. I did. I'd eat what I want, in semi-moderation. I didn't want to go crazy but I considered myself "spoiled" on those days and it kept me going.
Phase 6. Record your progress periodically.
This may seem like something to dread, but it's all a matter of mind-set. To me, this was something to watch out for, to keep on track for, it would be stepping stones, little successes. Plus, if you check yourself, you can assess what you're doing right or what you're doing wrong. There's no magic formula to weight loss. All our bodies are different. Not everything that works for me would work for everyone and vice versa.
I guess that's it! It's a continuous process. Take a hold of your life and take control!
I won't sugar coat things -- it would be hard in the beginning. Give it around two weeks and things wouldn't be so hard. Just keep motivated and know your priorities. I lost weight whilst my family would tempt me with fatty food, yummy treats and all that. I'd just say no and they'll keep tempting me, teasing me, but as time went on, I'd just ask myself, "do I really want it? I've gotten this far, come on" and that was all I needed.
Today I'm ready to try to continue the lifestyle change. And this entry is a reminder to myself on how to go about this mission.
What are your thoughts?
Anything I missed? (I'm running late for school, so maybe :p)
Has this helped you? (Sure hope it does)
'Til the next stop,
Mara
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7.28.2010
EM'S PROFILE
9:59 PM | Posted by
EmMarah
Hi there people! This is your blogger Em typing for you right now coz it is obviously my turn to introduce myself to everyone.
*sigh* I hate making a public profile coz I don't know what to say, actually I have lotsa things to say but I don't wanna sound conceited or too unrealistic. I'll just try my best and hopefully both Mara and I will be an inspiration to all of you.
Em - E.M are actually my initials. I know it's not sexy, it's a boring short name without an attitude so Mara being the creative doll that she is, came up with Emmaleigh. I liked it. Don't you? So yeah, that's the first part. :p Name introduction. How exciting that was!
I am 24, I'm still in University, I had issues with myself back then and decided to go on sabbatical and figure things out. What I wanted to do with my life, what is it really that I wanted etc etc. Well, GOOD NEWS! ;) I got things sorted out now and I've been starting to put my life back together so let's parteeey!!!
What else do you wanna know? I'll just be random now ok? Whatever comes to my mind first. hmm, ok. I live in Canada, I stand five ft & a quarter, I have my own separate blog which is http://myfingersRtyping.blogspot.com and yes, my separate blog is for my everyday ramblings. Mara and I created a new blog that will focus more on our goal in weight loss and hopefully to inspire other people out there especially students like us living under a tight budget. This blog is gonna fun so don't you hesitate to join our cause. ;) This FTW blog will be more on our lives and sharing to the world what we've learned and how we're trying to be successful in losing weight, tips on getting better grades, how to be budget wise etc etc. We are determined to be fruitful.
As for my personal goal:
I am overweight. I am happy but sometimes when I look at my body in the mirror and see how some of my clothes don't fit me anymore, just seeing how did I let this happen to me, it depresses me. Thank you to blogging and internet, I met Mara, it felt like she's the long lost motivation/inspiration I've been waiting for. I get support from my family, friends and bf whenever I want to start a new diet, they're here for me but yeah, I am not motivated enough, I am not inspired well enough. Another personal goal for me is to be a wise shopper and I think this project will help me be one.
NO GIVING UP! because giving up means, giving up our dreams in reaching our goal, it means failing. We're not a failure and definitely not a pair of quitters!
We're here, myself and Mara are gonna be in this program to win it!
- lose weight
- be budget smart
- tips on getting better grades
etc etc.
OUR SUCCESS WILL BE YOUR SUCCESS TOO!
See ya around!
Em
Goal! In Favor of FTW!
12:01 AM | Posted by
EmMarah
Hey guys! Mara here. As you may know by now, initially, it was just about weight loss, but as the whole thing came together, there has been one most important aim -- to help people. That's my long term goal and I'm determined to make it happen.
I'd like to see myself answering questions/comments, making friends and learning from whoever stumbles on this blog as I hope they'd learn from me and Em.
Short term goals?
- Lose 20-30 lbs by the end of this year and finally reach my ideal weight (for health reasons, for myself, not for anyone else).
- Get better at eating healthy
- Develop my study habits.
- Develop my spending/saving habits.
- Get better at time management and balancing my life.
Well that's all I've got from the top of my head :p
What about you? :)
What are your long and short term goals?
Well you know what they say about making goals, to be able to reach them, they have to be S.M.A.R.T.
S-Specific
M-Measurable
A-Attainable
R-Realistic; and
T-Time-bound
Why specific? So you know where to go. If you don't know where to go, how would you make action to get there?
Why measurable? I think it's a motivation thing. If you can't measure how you're doing and you don't feel like you're making progress, you'll prolly get tired and give it all up!
Why attainable? You don't want to beat yourself up over something you can't have! You're better off pursuing things that would make you better and cause you less stress.
Why realistic? Similar reason as that of attainable. You can't force yourself to reach a point with impossible factors. Be reasonable with yourself. It'll make things easier.
Why time-bound? Know when to finish. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. You have to known when certain things have to be done!
What do you guys think?
Let me know!
'Til the next stop,
Mara
7.26.2010
Mara's Profile
12:01 AM | Posted by
EmMarah
Heya! Mara here and before anything, Em and I thought it'd be best that we tell everyone a little bit about ourselves. So let's jump into it.
Again, my name's Mara. I'm 19, I'm taking up Occupational Therapy and graduation date for me is in 2012 (yeah, before the world ends :p). I hail from the Philippines. And yes, I hate the freaking stereotypes we get. I love writing and I hope it shows. Once upon a time I hated makeup, nail stuff, and all things girly, but lo and behold, over a year and a half ago, I got curious. I've been blogging since I was 12, I believe (le gasp) but I've only gotten real serious (somewhat) about it a few months ago. If you already know me, it'd be because you check out my site -- http://belikewhat.blogspot.com. If not, then no, that wasn't shameless plugging :)) Just thought it'd be weird if I mentioned it, you didn't know, and I wouldn't put the link up.
Late last year, I saw just unhappy I was with how I was leading my life. I vowed that I would better myself and that 2010 would be my year. And guess what? I have been working on it and I'm pretty pleased with how things are going. I'm happier.
One of the things that were on my agenda was weight loss.
I lost 20 lbs. in about 3 or 4 months but when summer came along I was like "meh."
I didn't gain the weight back (well, maybe 5 lbs? Idk) and that makes me happy but I'm still not at my target weight.
Me and Em (joined together by the power of the internet) thought of losing weight together and putting up a blog documenting it BUT since we wanted it to be more unique, Em said it could be more than just about conquering weight loss, but other things we go through life as well. I was like "so it's a FTW (for the win) blog?" and that's the story behind our concept.
Em and I have never met, but thanks to our blogs, we immediately clicked! This blog would be testament to our friendship and a witness of our journey towards FTW success bonanza (through all the stumbles and triumphs).
Wanna hitchhike? It's going to be a long ride, and I hope, to whoever's reading this, that you find it to be one worthwhile to glimpse at :)
'Til the next stop,
Mara
7.22.2010
About
9:29 PM | Posted by
EmMarah
Originally, Emmaleigh and Mara talked about losing weight together, which evolved to starting a weight loss blog, which evolved into a FTW blog (so we can be original and help people with more than just weight loss!). Though worlds apart (as Emmaleigh is in North America and Mara's in Asia), the two have developed a bond through their respective blogs and hope to, one day, finally meet :)
TeamEmmarah: Our Journey to Success is run, written and edited by Emmaleigh and Mara. We are not professionals, we are regular people. That being said, we firmly believe in safety first and that going to a doctor or seeing another related professional would be the best way to go. This is more of a tips FTW blog. We won't make you do anything, it's all up to you :). Everything we do is by our own choice. Everything we enroll in or feature would be paid for with money from our own pockets. In the event that we do receive forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation, we would say so. Compensation received would in no way influence our opinions, beliefs, findings or experiences on the product in question. Views and opinions expressed in this blog are the purely the bloggers' own.
Wanna learn about the two more? Click here!
[*Will be updated with links to their respective About Me posts*]
Disclaimer/Disclosure Policy
This policy is valid from 24 July 2010
TeamEmmarah: Our Journey to Success is run, written and edited by Emmaleigh and Mara. We are not professionals, we are regular people. That being said, we firmly believe in safety first and that going to a doctor or seeing another related professional would be the best way to go. This is more of a tips FTW blog. We won't make you do anything, it's all up to you :). Everything we do is by our own choice. Everything we enroll in or feature would be paid for with money from our own pockets. In the event that we do receive forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation, we would say so. Compensation received would in no way influence our opinions, beliefs, findings or experiences on the product in question. Views and opinions expressed in this blog are the purely the bloggers' own.
FAQ
9:13 PM | Posted by
EmMarah
[*Will be updated as necessary*]
Q: What is a FTW blog?
A: A FTW (For The Win) blog is a concept created by Emmaleigh and Mara. Yep, we came up with the term, we "coined" it if you will. Basically, we aim on bettering ourselves and hope we could be "agents of change" and better others in the process. We don't claim to be experts of so and so, but we have a deep desire to help in any way we can by leading by example. A FTW blog is basically a never-ending search of FTW moments, for success in studying, being healthy, saving up, getting better, whatever! So yes, you're seeing it here first. Other FTW blogs may come into existence, but it is here, that it was born :D
Contact
8:53 PM | Posted by
EmMarah
For any questions, suggestions, or any other reason you'd like to contact TeamEmmarah, just drop an email at teamemmarah@gmail.com ! We'd love to hear from you!
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