So last night I ended up getting very sad and well, crying!, after browsing FB and seeing a picture of a girl I went to high school with (over 10 years ago), who had a baby the same time as me but looked fantastic in a bikini. No stretch marks, no saggy skin, nothing. So I was bummed. I got hit really bad - gained way more than recommended (my fault for using baby as an excuse) and horrible stretch marks,saggy skin hanging over belly button (genetic I guess).

Then I decided, "Suck it up, buttercup". Crying over it isn't going to change anything. Just get things done. Eat your meal plan. Do your workouts. Give it time. Quit crying and do it.

Do you ever have to remind yourself that crying or whining never got someone anywhere? Sounds harsh but I think there's no other solution.

all the time! There are many things about our bodies that we CAN change, but a lot more we can't. We have to learn to accept & love ourselves & stop comparing because everybody really is different.

Maybe try to look at your negatives in a new light. I always say, "yeah, she may be skinnier than me, but I bet she isn't as strong either." Stuff like that. Look at what your body can do for you & how magnificent it is in it's uniqueness.

Hope this helps a little at least.

Every time I look in a full length mirror I practice some tough love. I have some specific body features that I cannot change: broad shoulders and large breasts, even at my lowest ever weight, and short legs with a long torso.
I have done all the "love your body" mantras and have generally accepted all these features that I can't change even if I cannot completely love them. But it doesn't help when clothes fit terribly, when I'm surrounded by small-breasted women who don't automatically look fat in every shirt they try on, etc. So to prevent giving up on myself entirely I am my own drill sergeant: "You hate those breasts private? Well stop exercising and watching your food intake and they'll be EVEN bigger?" And it works!

Hi,
I give myself 10 minutes of cry/whine time as needed and then move on.It helps me !

Sheridan

Everyday, cause I know if I cry and whine I'll miss out on this amazing life I have. In the end who really cares about those stretch marks and loose skin, no one can see them under clothes anyway.

Dear ncuneo,

What an achievement-congrats!

I think of stretch marks and loose shin as badges of honor for a war well fought. They are just battle badges.No biggie!

I bet you have a nice new wardrobe. Enjoy.
Share your secrets of weight loss.Please

Sheridan

Sacha- I feel exactly the same! My 10 year high school reunion is next week and I am not going. I just don't want people to see me the way I am now. I'd rather them remember me the way that I was. I'm sure this isn't the best attitude, but people (especially girls) are so catty about stuff like that. I, too, have gotten so discouraged after seeing my classmates on facebook. Some have had twins and still have kept their shape. I, who have no children, am now morbidly obese. Sigh... some people have it made, lol