YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Conundrum

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Conundrum https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 02:01:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum/page/2#post-1354702 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:15:07 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1354702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had a job a few years ago at an archives, as a file clerk. Basically I spent all day on my feet in a giant warehouse walking around, pulling and replacing files and climbing ladders. I took a pedometer to work a few times and I was walking around 4 miles a day. I thought when I started the job I'd lose weight right away, but I never did. I got a little smaller and I'm sure my cardiovascular capacity improved a bit, but I pretty much stayed the same size. (I wasn't particularly watching my diet, either, which was not great at the time.) That's just to say that it sounds like the adjustment to your job has been the tricky part for you, Alana. And even though all the time on your feet and moving around has to be good for your general well being, in my experience, you still have to do more vigorous, get your heart going exercise on a regular basis, and/or change eating habits, to see a change in weight and/or inches. As you say, being healthy and overweight is totally possible, despite what some people think, so stick to your guns and focus on what makes you feel better and will make you healthier in the long term, preferably something that's sustainable and not too ambitious. Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum/page/2#post-1354594 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:06:20 +0000 Alana in Canada 1354594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, dianthus. I appreciate your encouragement. My goal is to lose 10 pounds. That's it. That's all I can handle psychologically, right now. And I don't even want to say that much--because then my head gets all wrapped up and my life gets taken over with this and nothing but this. I need a balanced approach, as Gaylene says. So, really, my goal is to exercise every day I work less than six hours. I have them marked on my calendar so I can know at a glance if this is an exercise day or not. So, let's say that if I manage to achieve this goal--working out everyday I work less than six hours for one month--so, by Oct. 13th, I may reward myself with an accessory (a scarf, a piece of jewellery, nail polish, lipstick, etc.)  Fair enough?  cheryle (Dianthus) on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354556 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:08:35 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1354556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks it is unanimous.  Alana, why don't you set short and long term goals and reward yourself with a new and fabulous wardrobe item for each goal achieved.  Not only will you end up being healthier (and I suspect happier) but you will also have a fab wardrobe.   Losing weight is not easy and it takes more time than gaining it but it is worth it.  If improved health isn't enough motivation think of the additional pension income you will earn by becoming healthier and living longer.  I am very much looking forward to my retirement and part of my planning is to stay fit enough and healthy enough to enjoy many years of travelling the world. Good luck.  You can do it!! Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354554 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:05:46 +0000 Alana in Canada 1354554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, RunCarla! Of course you do with a screen name like that. I appreciate it. I did a One Mile workout with one of my favourite Leslie Sansone videos. Then I did a whack of stretches. I feel much better. I do need to see my chiropractor--my back can't bend from the bra-line to my waist. Stiff as a board. I have decided that days I work six hours or less will be workout days. It's not just the time I need for working out, but for a shower, etc. You know. Thank you all so much!  Carla on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354505 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:33:03 +0000 Carla 1354505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No need to add anything to all the wisdom. However, I do want to offer encouragement. Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354496 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 15:18:05 +0000 Alana in Canada 1354496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Angie. You support means more than I can say. Today, I feel like such a doofus for starting the post yesterday and being so concerned--but that's just an indication of how far everyone has helped me shift my perspective, though. I'd been upset and in despair for a couple of days before I posted. I found my June numbers (well last May.) I have gained 9 pounds since then. So, yeah. Angie on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354481 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:54:37 +0000 Angie 1354481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sending hugs and moral support, Alana. We are here to cheer you on every step of the way. xo Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354306 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 03:52:45 +0000 Alana in Canada 1354306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh my, Ladies. I expected you to all say, "Go exercise" I did not expect such compassion and some very practical advice, too! Once again, I am just humbled by your kindness. First, I must make it clear: I have no problem losing weight. None. I can lose about forty pounds in six months. I have done it more than a few times. But always, obviously, I gain it back. So, I don't want to lose weight--not a significant amount. It is harder on your body to yo yo than to just remain constant--even if it is "too much." Secondly, I do ascribe to Healthy At Any Size, in other words, it is perfectly possible to be overweight and healthy and strong. Whether I am healthy or not is something I do need to have checked out. Thanks for reminding me of that.  RamblingAnn--such a sensible perspective. You are right, if I were to lose anything significant, it would be Spring before I'd need anything new.  Peri--not an either/or. I need to keep reminding myself of this--in many areas of life, lol! Laurinda--those are some great specifics to focus upon. I wonder if there was some way I could access those numbers. (Here in Canada, if you see a doctor and he orders tests, you generally have no idea what those tests actually say unless there is something actually wrong. There is such a shortage of physicians that you don't just call them up to find out numbers when things are positive--and I certainly won't wait an hour or more while the doctor runs late. Happens all the time.) Weight training plus diet = fat loss. Without conditioning your muscles (i.e., only dieting) you lose muscle mass as well as fat. alaskagirl--I too get very attached to my possessions. Well, some of them more than others. You are so right: exercise affects how I feel, too. It's better than any "mood pill"--at least in my case, it really helps even out my mercurial mood swings--which, now that I think of it--do get worse in winter without the sun. I am sorry that you aren't as happy with your size as you were pre-baby. But, from what I've seen, you must  have been no more than a puff of smoke! You look great. I love that you think of your body as your most important wardrobe accessory! I love that thought. Gaylene--you are so right, they do go hand in hand--food and exercise. It is probably no surprise to you when I tell you that I am a both feet kind of gal. Whatever I do, I jump in wholeheartedly. I am not going to do that about diet and exercise, right now. I have far too much going on for me to devote that kind of time and energy. (Just properly answering this post alone, for example, is going to take most of my time this evening.) And so maybe that's not a bad thing. Jumping into weight loss with both feet makes it far too much like a "project" and not enough like dily life--too much like decorating the living room and not enough like doing the dishes. So, yes, finding a spot in my life for a bit of exercise is all I want to do at the moment. That would be sweet. rabbit- yes, I may have been worried unecessaily. You're right that oversized fits means I robably can wear my clothes through quite a few pounds gone. I think I'd be much happier even just ten pounds lighter, right now. (I can fluctuate up to five pounds in one day, so my ten pounds might be different from someone else's, lol.) IK--well and succinctly said. Thank you, Mo, taking the long view is excellent advice--and again, maybe it will take a significant amount of time before my clothes are loose enough to worry about downsizing. Gigi--I hope you can stay in your clothes! But, if you can't, and it is because you are getting healthier, then I would say, "go shopping!" In other words, I would say the same thing to you everyone is saying to me. Clothes just aren't as important...but my, weight fluctuations are mightily inconvenient, aren't they? Cocolion--I have been meaning to get a pedometer for myself for  long time. I have been extremely curious about how much I walk at work. Thanks for the reminder.  Windchime--thanks for the reminder that it doesn't have to be extreme. And it could be part of the change of life, lol! But I really blame the potato chips. Alexandra--thanks! Sideseams, it is, lol. Aida--what an interesting excercise. I've tried it out a couple of times. It's not easy at all! I've only managed two repetitions so far--and then I am panting like crazy. carter--thanks! I appreciate the reminder.  Suz--thanks. How interesting that you now work for them--it is keeping the weight off that I find the most challenging. I am thrilled you have managed to do that.  You are all so wonderful. I am resolved to do a fifteen minute (or one mile) walking workout tomorrow in front of my TV and imagining all of you cheering me on. I'll also do some stretches tht I use when I am feeling particularily stiff--as I am now. I work a six hour shift tomorrow in the afternoon/evening so it is eminently doable. And we will go on from there and take it a day at a time. Suz on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354207 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 00:56:53 +0000 Suz 1354207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First: HUGS!!!!  Second, what everyone else said. Brilliant women on this forum, seriously.  :)  I might never have found my way to YLF if I hadn't become fed up with being overweight and unhealthy. Finally, I'd had enough -- and admitted to myself that I needed help and support to make the changes I needed to make. So I joined a weight loss/ exercise coaching program.  I lost 35 pounds in 6 months. And, more importantly, I found a way of exercising that works for me. And improved my (already relatively healthy) eating patterns.  I didn't replace my clothes in all that time, apart from one top and one pair of jeans.  I didn't need to. What I had (which wasn't much -- not as much as you have now!) tided me over just fine.  I did need -- and want -- to replace them, at the end of the 6 months. That's how I found my way to YLF.  Talk about a fortuitous path!  Not only that, but now I work for the company that runs the program I enrolled in. (Nutrition and fitness counselling). And I ended up with better health, a better wardrobe, AND a better job.  You won't need to replace your fun fall wardrobe this fall. No worries, there -- so enjoy it!  Some of it might even work a year from now when you have changed size. Meanwhile, also enjoy your renewed energy, greater mobility, and sense of self-respect as you care for your whole self.   :)  carter on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354203 Sat, 13 Sep 2014 00:35:36 +0000 carter 1354203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello?? Alana, your mom sews. If she can make your work tunics, she can take in your pants! There is nothing more important than having the stamina and ability to live your life the way you want. Focus on your priorities. The rest will take care of itself. Aida on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354158 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 23:36:11 +0000 Aida 1354158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *HUGS* to you Alana! Great advice already, just wanted to give you a breathing exercise that you can do to increase lung capacity (this is how I kept my lungs in shape back when I used to sing a lot): <ol> <li>Breathe in as much as your lungs can fill, through the nose at a steady pace, while counting 1-5.</li> <li>Hold while counting 1-20.</li> <li>Slowly let the air out, through the mouth at a steady pace, while counting 1-10 to the point where ALL of the air is gone.</li> </ol> If you prefer counting to 4s, you do 4 then 16 then 8. It's basically NUM, NUM*4, NUM*2. The trick is that your counting need all be at the same pace. So pick a pace that works for you, and then you can slow it down as your lungs improve. Do this several times in a row, a few times a day. Hope it helps! Alexandra on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354055 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:00:21 +0000 Alexandra 1354055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Alana, I'm adding another vote for exercise and taking the long view to prioritize health over clothes. You can always take in the side seams on your favorite pieces as you shed weight. Windchime on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354050 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:54:17 +0000 Windchime 1354050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Alana-- Just wanted to add to the voices encouraging you to exercise. It's ultimately caring for yourself, just as dressing well is caring for yourself. Just a modest exercise routine, such as regular walks followed by some stretching, makes an enormous difference in how one feels physically and emotionally. Re gaining weight over summer--could it be related to change of life? (You don't have to answer that!) After being quite thin all my life, I put on about 25 pounds over a relatively short period of time which I realized in hindsight was menopause- related. CocoLion on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1354034 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:44:48 +0000 CocoLion 1354034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I got a small pocket pedometer, I was curious how many miles I clock on a daily basis (between 1.5 and 5 -- on a restaurant work day it's 3 to 5).  I find that when I remember to put the thing in my pocket, I exercise more!  For example if the pedometer reads 3.7 miles I might do a bit more walking just to get it to 4.0 for the day. It's fun to check the pedometer during the day.  The one I have was $20 and tracks aerobic miles as well as calories burned.  You can get much more involved using a Fitbot (right name?) or the new Apple watch.  I think my $20 piece is fine but I do tend to misplace it frequently.  This is where a watch is better. Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353954 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:57:14 +0000 Alana in Canada 1353954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am just on a really short break, so I havenot time to respond to each of you, though I will later. But I knew you would talk some sense into me! You all are too caring and kind to let me continue down the "easy" path--though lazy is a better word, it isn't easy being in pain because your muscles aren't properly conditioned. (When I started working this job 11 months ago, I was in good physical shape, and I was doing low impact aerobics in my living room several times a week. I WAS an aerobics instructor in my mid-20's! Gigi on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353941 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:50:42 +0000 Gigi 1353941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like you already know the answer in your heart. We have only one body, while clothes are replaceable. :) I'm with rabbit in thinking that it might require quite a bit of weight loss before your clothing is obviously too big. I had the opposite problem—I lost weight from health reasons and then added it back on. I have gained 15 pounds back, and in doing so, I have outgrown a lot fewer items than I thought: two pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, and a couple of skirts. Everything else still fits, although it is a little snug. If I gain another 5 pounds, I might be in trouble, though. The other thing is, you might find you lose weight more in one area than another. I gained probably twice as much weight on my bottom half as on my top. So some of your wardrobe might remain more stable than other parts. Others here probably know more about fitness than I do, but I was reading the other day about the importance of including strength training in an overall fitness program and not just sticking with cardio. Cardio will burn calories while you are doing it, but having more muscle will help burn calories *all the time*, because muscles burn more calories than fat tissue over the course of the day. Or something like that! Mo on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353935 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:41:12 +0000 Mo 1353935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with IK's 'take the long view'.  Honestly, even with hard work and dedication it can take a while to change an entire clothing size or 2.  You have mentioned a minimal sized wardrobe.  It could easily be that your clothes might wear out in the same time frame as you changing sizes.  So I would continue to enjoy what you just bought, but don't hold yourself back from making healthier changes simply out of fear of possibly shrinking out of that wardrobe. ironkurtin on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353925 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:28:00 +0000 ironkurtin 1353925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've gotten great answers!  My response is to take the long view.  Clothes are ephemeral.  Health is forever.  rabbit on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353873 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:41:23 +0000 rabbit 1353873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just echoing the others, but in particular two things:  one, with oversized fits tops in particular may work through a weight loss process (right now I'm a size 10, and have a sweater or two that are XXL in size).  Second, depending on weight loss patterns it might be 20 or 30 lbs. before certain items are no longer wearable.    I lost 30 lbs. since last fall, and think I only purged one or two items for waist size rather than other reasons. That said, both health and the way one feels in their body (energy level, ease of movement, strength and stamina) trump fashion for me any day. Gaylene on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353871 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:38:19 +0000 Gaylene 1353871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alana, I think you are wise to use your new clothes as a motivator and a guide instead of focusing on a number on the scale. Keeping our bodies in shape so we look good in our wardrobes is something that we all want--so you'll have lots of company on this forum. That said, I do think food and exercise work hand in hand. Finding the right balance between these two factors, in my opinion, accomplishes this goal as well as making us feel good about our bodies and our health. I firmly believe that the right balance is unique to each person and, most importantly, is realistic enough to continue for the rest of your life. In my own case, I did some research and came up with my own eating and exercise plan. I tried to be realistic about what I could commit to for the rest of my life. For example, having a glass of wine with dinner was something I wouldn't give up, while having fruit for dessert instead of ice cream was an easy swap for me. Same goes for exercise--I look forward to working out on an elliptical three times a week singing along to old ABBA tunes at the gym because it is my private time and releases stress but I can't stand being on a treadmill. I love to go for a walk with my husband but hate being in a chlorinated swimming pool. I guess my point is to take some time to figure out what would work for you for the rest of your life instead worrying about your clothes getting too large. If, and when, that happens you'll be able to find a solution, but for now just concentrate on finding your sweet spot for food and exercise so you can continue to wear your lovely new clothes. catgirl on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353869 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:35:16 +0000 catgirl 1353869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just to add, it helps me to think of my body as the ultimate wardrobe item/accessory - it's the ONE thing that will be with me till the end, and I hope to maintain it in the best - not the skinniest or most attractive, but healthiest and most resilient - shape possible (not that it is right now!). catgirl on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353867 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:32:51 +0000 catgirl 1353867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I adore most of my wardrobe and I have worked hard and spent a lot of $ on it. I get VERY attached to possessions. If you've seen the movie Up, I'd still be dragging that house around on my back. But I would throw it all out the window ito be as fit as I was 15 years ago, when I was only a size smaller, but so much more active (didn't have a kid and was self-employed). No wardrobe item is as important as your mental and physical health. And to be honest, what I eat affects my weight more than how much I exercise. But exercise affects how I FEEL. Laurinda on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353857 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:20:17 +0000 Laurinda 1353857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Hugs to you Alana! Everyone has something they are working on.</div><div>Of course health is much more important than size, but it is hard not to let it get to you. As others have mentioned, I'd encourage you to make sure you are up to date with your physical exams, including a thyroid check and blood sugar numbers. You might have an allergy or sensitivity to dairy or gluten or eggs or ??? The hormonal changes of menopause and peri-menopause can throw things out of whack as well. If you choose to change up your diet keep tabs on your fasting glucose, HbA1C, blood triglycerides and HDL; within 90 days you should see a difference.</div><div> </div><div>From what I've experienced:</div><div>Diet works for weight (fat loss, and not lean loss)</div><div>Weight training for strength</div><div>Cardio training for endurance</div><div> </div><div>Everyone has to find what works best for them. You will find lots of support here for whatever you choose and can stick to. YLF includes all kinds of walkers and runners and lifters and yoga enthusiasts, and healthy vegans and meat-atarians.  Along with lots of fashion advice for whatever shape you are in.</div><div> </div> Peri on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353817 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:36:15 +0000 Peri 1353817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that with styles being on the loose side the way they are now, oversized tops especially being right on trend, that you could continue wearing your new clothes quite a long way into the weight loss process. The new T you love now could be the new-ish loose flowy tunic minus 20 pounds from now.  So I say take care of your health so you will feel better, and enjoy the clothes even more as the fit of them changes. I don't think it is an either/or. Rambling Ann on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353808 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:15:57 +0000 Rambling Ann 1353808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You aren't really looking for anyone to really advocate for the unhealthy, easy path, are you? IMHO people here are too caring to do that. If Cerinda's helpful numbers match your experience, you could be due for new stuff just about the time spring shopping starts. Like a lot of us, I found that after a year+ on YLF my tastes had evolved quite a bit, so you may be revisiting your fall wardrobe anyway by this time next year. I like how Angie says it's a process not a destination.  Alana in Canada on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353805 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:13:05 +0000 Alana in Canada 1353805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So, I am at work. I had to climb two flights of stairs and walk three blocks in my commute--so I already get lots of "excercise." I need more, though, in order to maintain my stamina. Laura--you may be entirely right! My mental "dilemna" about clothes vs exercise is most likely a form of procrastination. So is telling myself that I *can't* exercise on a day when I am working more than six hours. (Which is how I fell out of the habit.) Tina--you are a fellow Albertan? Cool. Walks are not a bad idea. I am usually making supper when my husband comes home and walks the dog....(and it is too dark and cold to go after supper, now.) But, I need to figure that out. Cerinda--oh, that is good news, indeed. I am not afraid of losing 18 pounds through exercise, not at all. I just need to tighten up the tummy muscles and lengthen my hamstrings. Oh--and condition those poor lungs so it doesn't hurt when I sprint up a flight of stairs! So, if what's true for you is true for me, there is no conundrum at all. I hope you have fully recovered from that injury. citygirldc--I think all of you here will have to be my support group! I haven't time to join another! Emily, thank you! It is true it is more important to be comfortable in my body than in my clothes. Maybe I can start tomorrow. Got to get to work now. Emily on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353794 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:57:26 +0000 Emily 1353794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How you feel in your body is so much more important than how you feel in clothes.  If you want to exercise, exercise!  Worry about the clothes not fitting when they start to actually not fit.  citygirldc on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353793 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:56:57 +0000 citygirldc 1353793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In terms of exercise, make one small change at a time especially if time is an issue.  Park the car further away and walk to your place of work. Take the stairs instead of the elevators. Just change your daily routine a bit more than you normally would.  I also joined WW for a short time and it really helped me in terms of food portions. One cup of rice or pasta is not what you think it is.  You can do this online or join the group for group support.  Good luck. Cerinda on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353790 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:51:39 +0000 Cerinda 1353790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alana, as part of recovering from a back injury, I started long walks and weight watchers.  The weight initially just fell off; now it's creeping off.  I, too, had just invested in a better wardrobe.  I found that I had to replace my jeans about every 18 pounds, that my trousers had to be taken in at 30, and my blazers altered at 40.  YMMV of course, but I just want to suggest that your new wardrobe may not be as big a factor as strength and flexibility.   Tina on "Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/conundrum#post-1353782 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:41:18 +0000 Tina 1353782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Conundrum indeed! Thanks for sharing and being so honest. Since you're asking, I will say that feeling good, being healthy and general well being are definitely more important than clothes. But... I don't think they are mutually exclusive either. Also, have you had a complete physical recently? I ask because sometimes it can be health related. I would encourage you to make any exercise program very manageable especially if it is not something you have really been into in the past. It sounds as though you already have a fairly demanding job physically, could you work in a couple of 15 minute walking sessions during the day? I am a fellow Albertan so I am fully aware of the challenges the weather can bring but it may not even need to be outdoors. Are there stairs at work that you could climb once or twice during a break? I wish you all the best Alana. Please know that you look great and your new glasses just look amazing on you. Your perseverance paid off big time!