Some may write about great world-changing organisations or groups. I would like to share a personal experience that has the potential to change the world, one fatty at a time :).
< .Insert cheesy stock image of a childless anorexic model wrapping a tape measure around her 12 inch waist here. >
I have been overweight off and on for about the last 12 years, weight gradually creeping on, clothes sizes gradually getting bigger, holiday photos getting deleted more often 'cos I can't stand to see myself. Before that, since my teens I have been off and on diets, the F-Plan, the Grapefruit, the Cabbage Soup etc etc.
I have, in the past, attended Weight Watchers, which was a great help but the momentum faded as I reached plateaus or got tired of logging every single last bite or swallow of food and every single last bit of exercise. As well as paying each week at the meeting, buying special snack bars etc it started to get expensive.
It has always been easier with a group than trying to do it on your own. In the past though it has beem about losing weight by diet rather than changing your habits for ever, eating and exercising for the weight you want to be, not the weight you are.
Recently through the power of Facebook, Twitter and MyFitnessPal.com with friends (most of whom I've never even met) I have successfully lost 10 kg s, I have 5 to go till my preliminary goal weight. without paying for meetings, support groups or buying special snack bars!
Some girls I got to know through Twitter started up a private Facebook group, through our Facebook group I discovered MyFitnessPal, with that, following Jillian Michael's Podcasts, keeping the discussion and interaction going online, as well as following following inspiring Pinterest boards it has been a lot easier to keep up the momentum this time and I know that I have the tools to be successful and keep at a healthy weight as well as generally keeping healthier in what I eat & drink, plus the type, and frequency of exercise I do. even though I have reached a bit of a slow down, we try to remember it took years to put on so it could take a year or so to get off...
The main mindset change brought about by this collaboration is
Fit > Skinny
If anyone needs a little nudge, log onto myfitnesspal.com and explore, it has certainly made the difference for me
I feel more confident about the long term and I know that there will always be some-one there if I log into Facebook, Twitter or MFP to have a moan about the scales or crow about a workout or ask advice about a recipe.
So there you go, not just about I but about the power of WE, it is not just I who am benefitting, I like to think its helping all the other Shrinking Tweepettes out there too and we can continue to shrink, get fitter and healthier.
Go Girls! - you know who you are :))
