A lot of folks commented recently here about what’s working and what is not in their lives, in order to be their healthiest.  

Lori wrote,
 

“At reaching 60 you can imagine I’ve tried every diet out there over the years. The one I found that works best for me is to eat less carbs and be more active. After I lose the weight I need to, then it’s just everything in moderation. I personally think we eat much more than we need to! How often do we really feel hungry and do we stop eating when we’re full and not overeat?”

Sure, it’s always great to hear a success story (thanks, Lori, and congratulations), but the truth is that for every bit of “good” news, there’s also reports of struggle and need.

Kathy wrote,

“I am so happy that all of you are able to lose weight on your own. After being given testosterone shots due to early menopause, I gained 80-100 pounds in 6-8 months. My health was down the toilet, and no matter what I tried, the weight would not come off. I developed high BP, sleep apnea, and pre-diabetes. I had never been a heavy person in my life. It took falling and breaking an ankle so severely that I was out of work for 6 months.”

She found that weight loss surgery was what worked, and congratulations to you.  I’d bet you also changed eating and movement habits, too, to keep it off Kathy.

Others, like Malvina, are beginning anew each day, she courageously posted:

“I need some support for health problems & obesity… I need help.”

Kindly Melinda quickly posted an answer,

“We are here for you Malvina. I also need help for obesity. Just take it one day at a time. Eat healthier and exercise and believe in yourself. I know that God helped me quit smoking and I truly believe he will help with the weight loss also. Good luck and Take care!” 

Yes, Malvina and Carolyn, we’re all here for each other, and God is too.  How wonderful that you are both reaching out for others.  We are not alone!

The truth is that we are ALL in need and struggling sometimes, and successful sometimes.  Life is anything but linear, and never just one way.  There are ups and downs for everyone.  Me, too.  Yes, I’ve lost a lot of weight, and kept it off a long time, but not a day goes by that I don’t watch what and how much I eat.  Each day I must ask God for help, and appreciate the motivation He gives me to move and get to my gym or dance class, or dance and stretch at home.  Not a day goes by that I’m not worried about something or another, and need to remind myself to put it in God’s great hands, and ask to be shown the way.

Do I “get it,” honestly I’d love to say I do, but truthfully I don’t always!  Each day is different and some days are better than others.  Yes, I have a lot of methods and tricks that work to keep my weight within a 5-pound range, such as sticking with a Food Plan, a structure of limits.  Also, as I mentioned above, I need vigorous movement and play every day in order to feel good, not just to keep weight off.

I love hearing about how you “get it,” and also how you’re trying your best and occasionally “not getting it.”  I think a lot of us love hearing about how we are all wonderfully different yet we are all wonderfully not perfect and sometimes miss the mark, but get up and give it to God (or Higher Power, etc.) over and over again.  

Please post!  You are important and we honor you, any way you are.