[HotDoc]

I'm sure that I am not the only person here that is trying again after once putting in the effort, suceeding, and then ultimately failing after letting Themselves go. When I look back on that experience now, I would give anything to have never slipped up and put the weight back on. I was comfortable, I wore a size three pants. I felt more sensual, I didn't hide beneath all this clothing in the summer, I HAD A WAIST! Unfortunately, looking back I also realize that I didn't embrace it. I didn't love myself the way I should have. I didn't see this beautiful woman in the mirror who had tried...and suceeded! I always wanted more, I was never good enough for myself, I still felt insecure......I'm grateful that this time I have a lot more self esteem to back the image, so I am pretty confident that I will be the beautiful girl in the mirror. What is your experience with retrospect? Mabey it's a good thing to put on paper, so that we all can do better to respect and embrace ourselfves in the present...and the future, so that we don't fail ourselfves again. Share please!!

[Janie Canuck]

I agree with you. I know it's been a topic of some debate on another thread - whether weight issues are simply about liking to eat, or if there are psychological components. I used to think it was strictly behavioural, but as I age (I'm 40), I'm agreeing more with Oprah ie. "It's not about the food". Sure, I like to eat, but most people I know do, and they don't all have weight or food problems. Plus, bingeing until your stomach hurts has nothing to do with liking food, or anything else related to pleasure. I think it's all about punishing yourself. But for what? There's the million dollar question.

Like you, I'm really working on learning to like my body as it is - OK, my butt's too big, but hey, it's a pretty good body overall, produced a couple of beautiful kids, it's healthy, gets me where I need to go, and my husband isn't complaining. I read in a book that when you're on a weight loss journey, you should just "fake it 'till you make it", ie. even if you don't feel pretty/thin enough, etc. treat yourself as if you do. The positive attitude will only help your weight loss, becaue you'll be coming at it from a positive, "I'm worth it" headspace.