Y’all might remember a bit ago when my friend Betsy wrote a wonderful guest post entitled Who Do You See When You Look in the Mirror? Betsy and I have been friends in our journey battle journey to healthy living for a long time, and in that time, I have learned a lot from her. Her guest post got me to thinking…why not ask her to write a regular guest post for my blog so that she can share her wisdom with a larger audience?
I asked Betsy if she’d be game and, to my delight, she immediately said yes! So starting today, you’ll be hearing from Betsy on a regular basis, probably about bi-weekly or so. But we have a problem. We can’t think of a great name for Betsy’s “feature” or “guest spot” on my blog! So that’s where you and the word CONTEST come in! Post your ideas in the comments below for what we should name Betsy’s feature on this blog. Betsy and I will choose the name we like best, and the winner will walk away with a $20 gift certificate to REI! (Fine print: REI is not paying for the gift card, we are. So go away FTC. The contest will remain open until Friday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m. PST, and the winner will be announced on Monday, October 18. You can enter as many times as you have an idea for the name of Betsy’s feature!)
Without further ado, here’s your chance to get to know Betsy a little better:
Val (aka SeattleRunnerGirl, aka SRG) has been kind and generous enough to invite me to regularly guest post on her blog and I am very excited to be here. Some of you may have read my first‐ever guest post, “Who Do You See When You Look in the Mirror” but I didn’t share much about myself in that post so I will do that now: tell you a bit about me.
I am 42, living in Northern Utah (and surprisingly for this part of the state, I am not a Mormon), I work as a publication specialist (my organization’s workplace speak for: graphic designer, writer, editor, creative director, grant writer, brand strategist, communications officer, public relations go‐to‐gal) which is my second career here as prior to that I spent eight years as an event manager.
More importantly, I am married to a loving, funny, smart, talented man whom I’ll refer to as FitHub. We have two cats: Milton – a female and we’ll save the story of her male name for another time; and Frank Burns – because he is just as chatty and annoying and loveable as the TV character. (If you don’t know who Frank Burns is then I can only surmise that 1) you are too young to be allowed on the Internet without adult supervision, or 2) you don’t watch enough TVLand.).
I was born and raised in Ohio but always had wanderlust and struck out for the mountainous West the moment I convinced three others to share the driving expenses with me. Once in the West, I couldn’t leave (not for any legal reasons but ‘cuz I dig it here). I’ve spent time in Washington, Alaska (where I met FitHub), Montana, and Utah.
Secretly convinced that I am a Size 2 menacingly trapped in the body of a fat woman by a wicked witch, I take Spin and fitness classes with all the wild abandon of Brittany Spears in one of her videos. I have always gotten the impression that most people expect fatties to be shy and quiet, so I’m certain that my fitness instructors and classmates aren’t sure what to make of my outwardly expressed enthusiasm.
I have been fat since birth with only brief times spent at an ideal weight. I have been sneaking food and dreaming about food since the age of four. Yes, really. I have vivid memories that my mom has confirmed, of me sneaking into the kitchen and taking the entire bar of Crackle Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese and biting into it. Devouring it. I would even hide it in my sock drawer for later enjoyment. As far back as I can remember food played an integral part in comforting me and making me feel happy. Safe. Soothed.
And as a result I had different food rules than my brother and sister. For example, they could eat whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted whereas I was on a carefully structured diet. Big Sister gets sugary cereal, and I get one scrambled egg and one slice of toast. Bigger Brother gets cookies and I get carrot sticks. Everyone gets second helpings and I get a slap on the hand. I’m no dummy. I know my parents were doing the best they could and I don’t blame ANYONE but myself for my excess weight. I spent my 20s and early 30s learning how to have a healthy relationship with food. Where I still struggle is mustering the DAILY DETERMINATION to do what feels best: eat moderately and move my body.
I’m not blathering on about the past to make excuses for my current weight (I have lost 30 pounds and am aiming to lose another 100), rather to let you know that I get you. That like you I’ve been struggling to get out of my way and lead a healthy, active life for many years. Well, really I’ve been struggling for a lifetime.
So that’s a bit about where I’ve been. Where am I now? Still fat but down 30 pounds. More active! Aware. Not using food for comfort but still enjoying it. What are my goals? Well, right now they are very simple because if I get too mired down in schedules, like I will do Spinning on Monday, circuits on Tuesday, Yoga on Wednesday, etc. I get to feeling a bit regimented and confined, so for now I keep it loose. Here are the goals:
1. Exercise 5 times a week for 60 minutes each time
2. Eat no more than 1300 calories/day
Some days and weeks I have this dialed in. Other weeks? Not so much. But I’m learning, especially from the blogs like 263 and Counting, Did I Just Eat that Out Loud, Body by Pizza, The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser, and of course my longtime cyber BFF’s blog SeattleRunnerGirl. And what I gain from reading these blogs is a greater awareness of my triggers and strategies for resisting them.
But the road to a consistent, healthy lifestyle is a long, bumpy and twisty one (I’ll stop before saying it’s unending because I do hope one day to achieve the consistency thing), and so I look forward to getting to know you and learning from you as I bust the bulge. And that’s me in 771 words…and a photograph.
How about you? Were you a fat kid or did you gain weight as an adult? Do you like to map out your workouts for each day of the week or do you keep it loose? Do you think I’m missing the boat by not setting a stricter workout schedule for myself?
No related posts.
Never good at anything that requires my brain to work. What popped into my head was “Betsy’s Best.”
When I was reading this I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a medical reason for your “relationship” with food as you were growing up. I’m a parent and know how hard it is to know what to do but it sounds like your parents were dealing with the symptom, not the cause and in a way that would have made how you saw food so much worse. Sounds like you’re doing a great job dealing with it now!
Thanks for submitting a contest entry! Gosh, you could be right that there was an underlying medical condition for my constant eating. I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid when I was 14 (thanks to the astuteness of my English teacher) perhaps it had been out of whack for years. Who knows? What matters to me now is how I enjoy food without turning to it for my joy. Ya know?
Just seems like there had to be a reason. Glad you’re turning things around now. Really looking forward to reading what you have to say on here!
As for me…I’ve been told my whole life that I was fat. But when I look back I really wasn’t. I was 145 in high school (5′ 8 1/2″)…I can’t even get DOWN that far anymore! I’ll never forget one time…my parents had come to visit me after I’d gotten married. I was making myself a DIET dinner and my mom started telling me I was eating too much! Did I mention it was diet?! So have first hand experience with “helpful” parents. I know deep down inside that my mom wanted to help but she just didn’t know how to do it. I’m sure you mom just wanted you to be happy and just like all the other kids….but….
OMG, Betsy is the most adorable Cyber BFF ever.
And I guess I was a pudgy kid. I was always being put on diets. But I look back at pics of myself, and wonder why. Makes me hesitant to let my daughter get into ballet or theatre like I did, because that must have had something to do with my skewed vision of what I was supposed to look like.
Um, a title for Betsy’s column. Um. I kind of liked And Then There Was Betsy. I really thought that was the way to go. Is that lame? I guess I could come up with something that includes a bodily function reference if you really want.
You darling woman! Huh. I took ballet and was involved in the theatre since the age of five. I never thought about the negative impacts those activities could have had on my perception of myself. Silly me. But in my opinion (yes, I realize you didn’t ask for it but I’m giving it to you anyway) DO let your daughter be involved in those things if she shows an interest. You’re a smart mommy who will help her have a positive body image despite the potential of her being surrounded bulimic ballerinas.
Thanks for the contest entry. And no I don’t think it was lame. Sometimes the answer is staring us right in the face. Please, no, don’t suggest any names that involve bodily functions because I’m certain they’d be too funny to resist and I don’t think I could bare it.
I always thought I was overweight as a kid but looking back at photos I wasn’t a fat kid at all! Funny how perspectives get skewed. I gained most of my weight around age 20. A combination of medications, unhealthy living, depression and lack of any kind of exercise did it.
I have a pretty dedicated workout schedule. I work out 5 days a week. I don’t slack off. If I need an extra rest day, I take it but for the most part I’m doing something those 5 days.
Lisa recently posted..I’ll Take a Case of Wine Please
Well that certainly rings true for me too! What I wouldn’t give to weigh what I did my senior of high school when I thought I was so fat. Heh-heh. That was 80 pounds lighter than I am now!
Thanks for sharing your workout schedule. Five days a week does seem to be the optimal number of days to 1) allow for weight loss and 2) allow for recovering. I’m doing great getting in three workouts each week by attending fitness classes but those two days a week that are left to me? I’m kinda sucking at that right now. I’m going to pop over to your blog and see how you keep yourself motivated to not slack off.
How about, “Betsy’s ‘Bits” That may be a tad risque, because I’m sure that’s one of Mrs. Fatass’ words for “hoohah” but I was actually thinking “tidbits” not “ladybits.” I may have just taken myself out of the running. Oh well.
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Hahahahahahaha! My mind immediately went to ladybits so thanks for clarifying that your contest entry is related to tidbits and not ladybits. I mean, really, the ladybits ‘bit would have been frightening for all of you. And of course you’ve not taken yourself out of the running! If anything the bit of intrigue your entry suggests has piqued my interest, but that’s the kinda gal I am.
I was going to say “Betsy’s Bits,” but Mac beat me to it. I think it covers everything and is short.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..These Meats are Grilling me
Darn that Mac!
I thoughts of Bits too but was leaning towards Bits of Betsy. And then “itsy betsy spider” started playing in my head…Whoops.
Aside from loving food, I also used food as comfort from an early age. And being an only child, my parents had a hard time saying no. They would always send conflicting messages. They’d give me food, but then chastise me for eating too much or being too lazy, etc. etc.
I’m trying to find a balance right now. Yes, I still have my binges, but they’re few and far between.
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Jess at least it was the song “itsy bitsy spider” and not “Betsy Wetsy” that came to mind. Thanks for the entry of Bits of Betsy!
Balance. That’s a big one and something I’m trying to achieve in all areas of my life too.
I immediately thought of “Betsy’s Bits” too… guess I’ll have to keep thinking.
Julie recently posted..Solitude Has Its Place
what about Notes from Betsy, Betsy’s Notes?
Hi Josie! Your fabu entries have been noted and entered. Thanks!
Betsy’s Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo means “to promote or propose an idea” and/or “cheering” and/or “clamor, uproar.”
I love that it’s an uncommon word that can take on multiple meanings, just like your blog posts will, I’m sure.
Bella recently posted..Shattering the Image
Ballyhoo – LOVE it. Thanks Bella!
Throwing my $.02 for name: Itty Bitty Bits of Betsy
Now on to the fun stuff.
Okay, so I am really humbled to be thrown in with that list of other bloggers.
Thank you beyond words.
I don’t know if I was a chubby kid. In my brain I say yes but if I were to look at pictures (unfortunately there are none) I’d probably say no. I know I was wearing larger sized clothes in elementary but I was also very active (in a loner sort of way). I did have some horrendous eating patterns that became full fledged eating disorders soon after starting high school.
As far as your workouts go, you need to do what feels right for you. I have a very strict regimen of needing to burn a certain amount of calories and a set schedule of classes that I take each week (boxing mon/wed/fri in morning, boot camp tues/thurs night) but this is only because I need to know exactly what I’m doing to keep me in the moment. Same goes with my life home life and work life…a little obsessive but I’ve learned to live with it.
Keep it loose if that’s what’s working for you. The only person you have to agree with is the one looking back from the mirror!
Tara recently posted..How much do you weigh emotionally
Itty Bitty Bits of Betsy, that’s cute and forward thinking since one day I hope to be an ittier and bittier version of my current self. Thanks for the entry!
I learn a great deal from hearing how everyone else manages their time and schedules their workouts. Your schedule is impressive and is obviously working for you so keep up the great work!
I think it will be fun to hear from you. How about ‘heavens to Betsy…lol.
jk,
I was thinking A bit of Betsy…
That’s me though.
I work out six days a week and know exactly what I am doing daily.
That way there is no skimping out.
Good luck with your guest posts.
Actually, I think Heavens to Betsy is inspired! Love it. Thanks for the entries they will be duly noted and considered.
I can see how scheduling exactly what you’ll do for exercise each day you know exactly what you’re expecting from yourself so there’s no blowing it off.
ahhhh now everyone else has BITS in my head
being who I am (a misfit in all sense of the word) ID do Betsy’s Blatherings
Yeah, I know, right? Bits and that obviously set off the alliteration theme. Betsy’s Blatherings is so apt. I always say and write that I’m blathering, how did you know? Thank you for thinking on this and submitting your entry!
Betsy, I can’t wait to read more of your honest and hilarious writing! You definitely have a gift and your voice shines through your words.
Some ideas…
Betsy’s Blessings
Beautiful Betsy
Betsy Says It Best
Betsy’s Balance (or any version thereof… Balanced Betsy, Finding Balance with Betsy?)
Well aren’t you a sweetheart! Thank you for the kind words and the numerous entries. This is too fun! Be well Ashley.
I’m new to the weight loss blogisphere, but I have to tell you, your post resonated with me SO much – thank you! I’m committing to the journey once again… this time for real! And, the blog world is a HUGE area of energy and ideas and knowing I’m not the “only” one… fabulous.
And, while I’m no wordsmith, I’m all about giving it the contest go… how about: The Basics with Betsy.. [or, Back to Basics with Betsy.. I'm nothing if not a fan of alliteration! ...] I suggest this, b/c the post I read made me think about going back to the basics of weight loss.
thanks!!
Charlie
Hey Charlie! It’s wonderful that are committing to a healthy, fit journey again. Welcome!
And you are so not the only one.
Super fantabulous contest entries. We’ll add them to the mix. Thanks!
I grew up fat,but its something I rarely think about anymore. Am I blocking it out? Or have I moved on? I don’t know. But you’ve given me something to think about.
So
I propose your segment to be:
“Something to chew on”
(Covers eating healthy/lifestyle changes AND alludes to how you got me and others thinking)
Huh. I hope to rarely think about my fat self (because I have transformed into a fit gal). Don’t get too stuck on the past. If you’re leading a healthy life or striving too the past may not be that big of a deal for you. Like Ram Dass said, “Be Here Now.”
Hahahahahahahaha! “Something to chew on,” that’s wonderful! Thanks for the entry.
How about “Secret Size 2″
Lisa recently posted..I’ll Take a Case of Wine Please
Secret Size 2 is an awesome idea! We’ll add it to the entries. Thank you for submitting it.
how’s about “Betsy’s Bi-weekly Bits”
“Betsy’s Beef”
“Betsy Betsy Betsy”
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I’m sorry. Do you know my family? Because they’re always saying, “Betsy, Betsy, Betsy.” you have submitted three great entries and they’ve been added to the mix. Thanks!