How Did You Do It?

Quick – off the top of your head – think of one weight loss tip you’re practicing. Now, where did you hear about it? I’m 99% sure you learned of it from someone else. Maybe you read a tip in a magazine, swapped stories with a gal in the gym, or caught a sound bite on the radio while stuck in traffic. However you heard about your latest weight loss strategy, someone’s story was most likely part of passing it on. I’m fascinated with the power of story, especially among folks wanting to lose weight.

Whenever I share the fact that I’m trying to lose weight and writing a blog about it, people smile in that limp way which says, Sure…but is it really working? Then, I mention I’ve lost over 60 pounds. NOW they’re interested. Faces lift. Shoulders straighten. Then, they ask The Question:

“How did you do it?”

I always hear some version of that question. At first, this bugged me. I knew in my heart that copying someone else’s strategy rarely translated into my own success, so why would I want to feed that old, broken way of doing things? I didn’t want to perpetuate the idea that – if they just do what I did – they’d lose weight, too. Then, I realized, I do the same thing. I glom onto people’s stories. In fact, I’m practicing Intermittent Fasting (IF) right now because my doctor recommended it. However, it wasn’t her prescription that got me started. It was her story. She’s one of the most energetic, sparkly people I know, so when she shared how IF had helped her, I made a mental note to check it out. I started the next day.

In truth, staying healthy is a lifelong practice. I will always have some food and movement routine to keep the body I’ve gotten back in the last two years. I get bored easily, and finding new ideas to keep me interested is one way to stay engaged. Sharing stories is another. To that end, I’m excited to announce Version 2.0 of 100 Pounds in 1 Year. This site is still about losing weight and gaining life, but with the added power of story behind it.

Who supplies the story? We all do! I know this will work only if it’s about more than just me. I need your input, too, dear reader. Stories are meant to be shared, and I want the 100 Pounds in 1 Year website to be a safe community for readers to glean their next best idea.

Here’s what you can expect from 100 Pounds in 1 Year, Version 2.0:

Two, exciting additions:

1. Dear Phat Girl (“Phat” as in hip, cool, and indefatigably fabulous): a regular question/answer column where you can hear how other readers are facing their challenges.
2. Chapter previews of upcoming eGuides, my 100-page idea-bombs of “true-dat-girlfriend!” goodness.

Plus More of Your Favorites:

1. Short stories about people like you who overcome common weight loss glitches with grace and practical smarts (plus entertain you while trapped in traffic or waiting in a lobby).
2. “Take Home Tips” in every story (ain’t ditching those, huh-uh, no way).
3. Inspirational quotes to print, cut out, and tape to that jar of peanut butter that calls your name at 2 am.
4. More Guest Posts from educated professionals about moving and eating to thrive.

I know your time is precious, so I’m going to sweeten the deal. Every time you comment on a post, you’ll be automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a FREE 100 Pounds eGuide of your choice. Plus, if you leave a question, it could be answered in an upcoming column of Dear Phat Girl!

In writing this blog, I’ve always strived to stay true to wherever I was at any moment. I’m excited to see how 100 Pounds in 1 Year will morph with more input from readers. My best hope is that we all will keep sharing and keep finding new ideas to keep ourselves healthy and engaged in fulfilling lives. Ah, heck…let’s just say it…we’re going to change the world.

Finding new ideas to keep me interested is one way to stay engaged and keep healthy.