Genetics

August 22, 2004

True that. I just went to the grocery store and bought a lot of veggies,

and some salmon.

___________________________________________

Genetics does not dictate the crap we put in our mouths or the amount

of time we spend in front of the TV. Genetics may dictate that you

butt will be more muscular then mine, or your abs more ripped but

that's about it.

Keep working hard, be a shining example of success and show them that

it is their lifestyle choices, not genetics that have them thinking

they are big boned.

August 22, 2004

Thanks Lydia. I may keep a blog or journal of some sort. This will help me

control what and why I want to eat certain things. I have photos of myself,

but not " posing " for the BFL plan. I will ask my mom if I can borrow her

digital cam until I get one for myself.

____________________________________________________________________

You're right Kay. You CAN do it... and your example MAY lead one or more of

them to follow in your footsteps as well. It might even save one or more of

their lives. If they're ever getting you down, come here and let us know.

That's what we're here for... moral support, encouragement, information,

etc.

: )

~Lydia

August 22, 2004

Thanks Ruth! I really appreciate that. I don't mind having the hips &

boobs...but the heavy thighs, and excess weight is killing me. I am tired of

buying 20w and 22 sized clothes. My long term goal is to be maybe a size 8 or

10. I have a long way to go, and I am ready to start. No more Micky D's for

a looooong time. (I will miss you Mc). )

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Kay,

It is a fact that some people accumulate fat in certain areas, but

that doesn't mean you are destined to be overweight. BFL is a

lifestyle that can cause you to overcome your genetics. Actually,

there are studies out now that show that genetics doesn't play a big

of a part in being overweight as once thought, it has more to do

with how people live and eat and how they use food. As you go along

and you start losing weight, you may find that your resistant areas

aren't getting smaller. This is very common for people with more fat

than usual in certain areas, but don't worry, it will eventually get

smaller. Think of your problem areas as a roll of paper towel. As

you unroll the paper towel, it really doesn't start looking smaller

until you've unrolled over half of it...the same goes for our body

parts that accumulate more fat than other parts of our body. Just

take comfort in knowing that if you follow this plan, you will be

building muscle underneath and as the fat layers disappear, you will

begin to see amazing things and even before you lose fat there, you

will see the area firming up!

I know how hard it must be without having the support system, but

keep visiting sites like this group where you find lots of support

and people going through what you're going through, and as you

venture through this journey to health, you'll meet lots of people

in the same situation as yourself. Stay consistent and take it one

day at a time. Don't be in a huge rush to lose weight. This is a

life change and it's going to take a while. If do something that

causes you to lose weight too fast, it won't stay gone, and chances

are you'll lose muscle along with that and then the weight will come

back twice as bad. Keep chugging along and try not to get into

debates and arguments with your family. Just do your thing and they

will see you transforming into a lean healthy woman and that will

show them!

Embrace what your African heritage has given you, and that is a

beautiful curvy body! At any size, that's more attractive than being

a beanpole! Just remember to stay focused and consistent!

Take care!

Ruth

August 22, 2004

Oh, ok. That's cool. Thanks. I'm not sure if I'll enter the contest just

yet. Isn't it like, $100,000?

_________________________________________________________________

In a message dated 8/22/2004 8:36:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

groups@... writes:

Just keep in mind that if the pics are for the official challenge, they have

to be from a film camera. Digital photos are not allowed.

" Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in

a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly

used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow - what a Ride!' "

~~ Sage (entrepreneur and speaker)

August 22, 2004

You're right Kay. You CAN do it... and your example MAY lead one or more of

them to follow in your footsteps as well. It might even save one or more of

their lives. If they're ever getting you down, come here and let us know.

That's what we're here for... moral support, encouragement, information,

etc.

: )

~Lydia

" Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in

a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly

used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow - what a Ride!' "

~~ Sage (entrepreneur and speaker)

Genetics

Genetics is something that I think I am a bit confused about when it

comes to weight loss. Now, in my family (which is African American),

just about everyone is heavy or " big-boned " . Just about all the

women in my family (me in included) have made several attempts to

lose weight, etc. I always keep my weight loss/exercise plans a

secret b/c the moment they find out that I am trying to lose weight,

the first thing I hear from them is: " It's genetic. You were born

into a big family. So, no matter how much weight you try to loose,

it won't stay off. You're gonna always have a fat butt, hips, etc. "

Blah Blah Blah. If you've seen The Nutty Professor, and the dinner

table scenes....that's EXACTLY how it is in my family.

I know its THEIR problem b/c they have not chosen to change their

lifestyle. I know. My husband is not supportive of me losing weight

either. Again...that's his problem. It can be kinda discouraging to

not have family to back you, but I am not doing it for them, but for

ME. There are a LOT of women and men I know whom come from large

families, but were able to keep the weight off. It's a little harder

for others, I think.

So, for those of you whom are being discourgaged by family

members...hang in there. It took me a long time to finally block out

their opinion and just start living for ME. I am only 26, and I don't

want to die of heart disease...which runs through my family at an

early age. My mom (who is very overweight) started having heart

problems when she was my age, and now, she is 42, and still taking

heart medication.

I know my family genes are a part of me, but from looking at other

women's success and trials from this group, I now have new hope, and

support as well. Monday is the big day for me to start my plan (not

to mention hitting the gym again), and I am really going to work my

butt off at succeeding my goals.

August 23, 2004