YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Reclaiming health and fitness "grit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:10:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php unfrumped on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1924727 Sat, 02 Jun 2018 11:59:27 +0000 unfrumped 1924727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Angie! Most of the things I am doing so far would fall under “ lifestyle changes”, I think, working on small habits that are sustainable, and “ talking to myself “ about choices. Do I really want to do this, or that. Angie on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923934 Wed, 30 May 2018 13:39:27 +0000 Angie 1923934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WELL DONE. Congrats, and I'm impressed, unfrumped. It's always good to try and lead a healthier life - which means different things to different people. I believe it's about what you can maintain with ease and happiness so that it becomes a way of life rather than a chore. Keep on going and enjoy the progress and journey.  SW Ann on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923794 Tue, 29 May 2018 21:46:13 +0000 SW Ann 1923794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you!  Small changes over time = big results.  Why now? you asked....when the student is ready the teacher will come.  Also, with age comes wisdom.  I had to lose and gain hundreds of pounds over time before I was ready.  When I became ready, while it was NOT effortless, I did keep saying "I can't believe this is working!".... Again, good for you. Style Fan on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923792 Tue, 29 May 2018 21:24:58 +0000 Style Fan 1923792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations!  I am impressed.  Portion size is so important.  I agree with Carla about setting long-term and short-term goals.  Lately, I have been trying to increase my walking and working up to 10,000 steps.  I do feel a lot better since I have added that to my routine. Carla on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923762 Tue, 29 May 2018 19:37:34 +0000 Carla 1923762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Too bad humans don't come with a 'how-to' manual the way our machines do! I've spent nearly 60 years learning about the care and maintenance of mine, and I'm still learning! -portion sizes (what Racheylou and others have said - much smaller than most folks 'estimate') -our bodies are much more efficient than we think, and metabolism is a crazy thing (one really needs way less food (calories) then one thinks -no matter how hard you work out or how heavy the weights you lift, it is VERY hard to 'build' muscle (you WILL get stronger, but you will not end up looking like Arnold in 'Terminator') -it is never too late to start -give any fitness practice 6 weeks/18 classes/workouts before assessing for results -set a long term goal, and several short term goals -beauty and fitness comes in many sizes ( and colours) -never give up Anonymous on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923745 Tue, 29 May 2018 17:40:10 +0000 Anonymous 1923745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I applaud you! It is never easy to start an exercise and/or diet regime and be able to stick with it. I had exercised all my life, but found that as I got older it was not easy and no matter how much I exercised I did not see much of a difference,  except that my flexibility was very good. Then I developed TMJ and spent a year clearing it up utilizing massage therapy. In the meantime, I tried exercise to help  me through everything, but this time found that I could not figure this out by myself so I signed up with a personal trainer (group sessions - much cheaper). Within 6 weeks was completely pain free, but a wonderful side effect was that I saw muscle tone. I never could have accomplished this on my own. It has been a year since I started with the personal trainer and find that it easier to keep on a twice a week schedule than if I had to do it on my own. I am stronger than I have ever been in my life and what is even more amazing is my mental well being. I have been more relaxed and can handle stress better than I had in the past. So stay strong and keep moving. This is something you are doing for YOU! and you are important!  texstyle on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923674 Tue, 29 May 2018 14:51:54 +0000 texstyle 1923674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I think  it sounds great that you are taking charge of your health and fitness in this way. It's SO important to eat right, get good exercise and of course good sleep and plenty of fun and laughter too. If the FitBit is helping you to this end, I think it's wonderful. </div><div> </div><div>We had several people over for the weekend for dinner and I have to admit I was surprised at how much everyone ate!  I basically never have seconds when I'm eating a meal but I think everyone else at the table went back to refill their plates (and they were in charge of filling them the first time too). I think I've trained myself to stop when I'm 80% full instead of when I feel 100% full.  This is one "tip" that I read years ago and it has worked well for me. Also, not eating/drinking except water after 7 pm and then not eating again until at least 8 am to have a good 13 hour "fast."  There are always a few exceptions of course, but this is a general guideline I try to follow. </div> Anonymous on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923672 Tue, 29 May 2018 14:47:38 +0000 Anonymous 1923672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read this last night but was headed to bed and not able to string a thought together .  You're wrong about something : it DID and DOES make you a better person .  You are taking care of your health, both mental and physical (the benefits of movement and healthy eating are two-fold) and with each little change , you are doing wonderful things for yourself.  How can that not make you a better person?  Keeping healthy and active keeps you out of the health care system for longer, lets you contribute to your community and your family in meaningful ways , and helps maintain relationships with others - so important as we age.   I agree that using the Fitbit is valuable - I tend to get cocky and think the habits are ingrained and stop using tools like this, but then slide back into my old ways faaaaaaar too easily. I have been wearing my Fitbit religiously for a few weeks now, and being aware of my general movement patterns has been important.   You've approached this project in a great way - stayed motivated and interested, and achieved a few noticeable markers.  Way to go! And continue on thinking of it as a lifelong commitment now, not as some means to an end.   Anonymous on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923664 Tue, 29 May 2018 14:27:37 +0000 Anonymous 1923664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a wonderful, wonderful post.  I hope you will continue to include us in your progress going forward.   gradfashionista on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923631 Tue, 29 May 2018 12:35:29 +0000 gradfashionista 1923631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on the outcome, Unfrumped. These sound like such positive and achievable changes in habit that can be maintained in the long-term. Depending on what your primary goals are, you may not need to track as many variables as you’ve been doing now, but tracking (barring no history of ED) has shown to prevent regain in subjects, whether that tracking is weight, food, measurements, carbs, etc. Toban on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923621 Tue, 29 May 2018 11:34:10 +0000 Toban 1923621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like your focus on grit. In all the reading I’m doing about triathlon training, the most important training philosophy is consistency. Making a plan that you can’t regularly execute is worse than a modest plan with great compliance rates. unfrumped on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923619 Tue, 29 May 2018 11:11:41 +0000 unfrumped 1923619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachylou, I know! My husband and I will look at a prepackaged frozen “ family sized” casserole or something and it will say , “ serves 6” or something, and we’ll just look at each other — are you kidding? 6 what? Mosquitos? Jane, thank you. I chose “ grit” because of its relevance to small, repeated actions and choices rather than some kind of innate genes or talent or single or radical moves. Overall kinder and gentler! Jane on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923602 Tue, 29 May 2018 09:56:51 +0000 Jane 1923602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Unfrumped. Small changes do make a difference. I like your reference to Squidge! These experiences do resonate with me, and I am grateful for reading of your experiences. In my mind, grit can, I think  go a long long way if eeked out in careful kind portions. Kindness to self is important too.  rachylou on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923576 Tue, 29 May 2018 06:53:15 +0000 rachylou 1923576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Portion size is eye opening. I remember when I started paying attention and learned what nutritionists mean when they say a ‘serving.’ Lol, it’s microscopic. When you see ‘one apple’, they don’t mean at all the gargantuan things they sell in the grocery today. I always wondered how a person could do something like eat 8 servings of vegetables a day. That’s cuz a serving is like four green beans chopped up! Ha! Suz on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923538 Tue, 29 May 2018 02:29:49 +0000 Suz 1923538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Unfrumped. Good for you for making incremental changes and setting yourself reasonable goals. I have a Fitbit too, and I like it. I really only use it to track steps but it does keep me focused on a daily minimum non-exercise activity level (in addition to any workouts.)  My experience with weight loss in terms of wardrobe was rather like yours -- in some ways it felt easier/ more fun to buy clothes and get dressed, and in other ways, it felt suddenly harder or disappointing. Silhouettes I could fill out at my highest weight (e.g. a wrap dress) suddenly looked horrid on me. At a lower weight I need to be much more careful about fit around that neck/shoulder point Angie is always talking about. On the other hand, pants and jeans are now a lot easier to fit.  Toban on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923531 Tue, 29 May 2018 01:35:42 +0000 Toban 1923531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, unfrumped, at finding your health and fitness grit! You’ve hit the head on the nail in your description. No magic bullet and it doesn’t solve all problems. I’ve found that having both intrinsic (better health an$ attitude) and extrinsic goals (do a pull up) helps keep me motivated. It was important to me to have progressive goals to strive towards. I asked myself what do I want to do with my stronger and lighter body? Sal on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923530 Tue, 29 May 2018 01:35:21 +0000 Sal 1923530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You sound very similar to me Unfrumped!  Well done on the activity increase and the portion control.   What resonates: - Small changes help ie walking rather than driving, forgoing the daily supper, having one piece of bread with dinner rather than two - weight loss does not make you a better or different person - nobody does judge us for trying and it is not too late I am active but portion control and social activities that revolve around food cause me issues.  I am in the process of resetting my new moderate!!  With success I feel - I am not an all or nothing person - tell me I can't have or do something and my inner rebel takes over.  But I do feel better for making better choices - about my running, about my clothes fit and about myself. unfrumped on "Reclaiming health and fitness "grit"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reclaiming-health-and-fitness-grit#post-1923517 Mon, 28 May 2018 23:44:20 +0000 unfrumped 1923517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  Very long post, so be warned. A  few  months ago I started a modest program of increased activity and decreased calories. I had been knocking the idea around and finally got started after spring had peeked in. I have had a Fitbit One for awhile but had never revved it up, and decided to put it to use to see if that, if even the novelty, would help.  I had a lot of different thoughts going on about this so I thought I might share, FWIW. I have thought of myself as an active person but in fact, I really had become very inactive except for weekend warrior yard work, which isn’t even possible every weekend.  I love weight-lifting ( on a pretty minor scale compared to some of y’all) and resistance exercises but didn’t keep up a consistent program and progress. Work-work had expanded over the years, sedentary habits, and then more recently some painful musculoskeletal injuries and issues played into all this. Regarding diet, I am a good omnivore, and I love, grow and prepare all sorts of veggies,  but also am a “ hearty eater”. My downfall is second helpings, portion size, and any kind of all-you-can eat restaurant. I know this is not on the scale (pun intended) of very serious health problems, but in looking ahead, it did not seem like it would be good for another few decades.  I wanted to start doing more and also wanted to see if I could lose some “fluff and muff” that had crept in, or on, over a decade or 2.  The thing was, I had all these what-if thoughts that seemed to have kept me from getting started . What if “it” doesn’t work. What if I start but quit. What if I’m too—lazy, tired, hurts.  I know I have some “grit” because I had to use that to do many things in my life, but I seemed to have misplaced my “health and fitness grit “. What if the math of more activity and less food doesn’t apply to me, what if my metabolism is messed up. What if , what if.  So, what- if mess that I was, I got started. I added several 10 min walk breaks during the work day, took stairs, worked on being more consistent with a small morning exercise routine, and used the season—daylight savings time—to do small chunks of gardening after work some days.  I picked a kind of calorie intake target less than expenditure and worked on portion sizes, careful snacking, all the usual. Got an inexpensive digital scale to help keep me honest and get certain targets fixed in my brain.  I use the Fitbit tracking mostly for “active minutes” and for food calorie tracking and the overall  +/- calorie estimates.  So far I have found this both easier and harder than I thought, if that makes any sense! I have lost some weight and lost some squidge. I can tell a difference in some of my endurance and some strength. It all seems so obvious and I have NO IDEA why now and not before. I do credit the Fitbit .As Angie said, though, I can foresee a time, maybe, where I can just use the concepts and not have to have a digital track record of everything—but I think my habits are still not fully ingrained and I am still enjoying using it. Or, later might use it intermittently for a “booster shot” .  For the style side of things, in losing some fluff and muff, now some of my clothes fit better and some fit worse, and it’s funny, some are predictable, and some  other items and outfits just don’t look right. I may post some of that stuff on the regular style forum.  So I am still not sure about many of my what-if’s, further goals and “maintenance”.    Also, this did not and does not make me a “better person”. Surprise! So in addition to “what if”, there is  “so, big deal, NOW what?”  Thanks for reading! Not sure if any of my experiences resonate,  but would be happy if it encourages someone else in fitness goals.