Pastaqueen & Roni Answer Away

If you travel in any weight loss blog circles, I’m sure you’ve heard of the fabulous Jennette, AKA Pastaqueen and her blog Half of Me. Well her new book, Half-Assed is now available in stores and she’s doing a book tour. Not just a regular old (boring) book tour but a blog book tour (how cool is that) and today she is visiting us!

Instead of a traditional blog interview I decided to put Jennette to work! She has such an awesome prospective and you guys have got to be getting bored with me, no? So I asked Jennette to offer insight on a few ‘Ask Roni’ questions.

Here goes!

Roni, I’m 20lbs overweight and having a very hard time getting motivated to go to the gym. I’ve never been this bad before. I’m an emotional eater and eat when I’m stressed out and bored. How can I snap out of being lazy?
-Reena

Pastaqueen: I’ve been having a rather tough time hauling my ass to the gym lately too. The YMCA has been happy to keep taking my money even though I haven’t been using their treadmills. My problem stems partly from the fact that I got out of my routine. The force of habit is a very powerful force. I do best when I’m always exercising at the same time, be it when I come home or if I get up early for a run before work. If I always set that time aside for exercise I’m more likely to stick with it. I recommend that you try to set up some routines for exercising and eating. The hardest part is sticking to them for the first couple weeks, but after that it will seem more normal to use that time for exercise than it will to NOT be exercising. Good luck to both of us!

Roni: I totally agree with Jennette, it’s a matter of habit but starting (or restarting) that habit is tough when you fall off track. For me, I tell myself that the gym is MY TIME and I’m TAKING IT! I deserve to do something for myself and if I don’t no one else will.

Hi Roni,

I find you very inspirational and encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and recipes! My question has to do with purchasing clothes while slimming down. I’m in a very slow process of slightly changing habits in hopes of making permanent changes. And it’s working, but only a few pounds at a time. I carry most of my weight in my hips, thighs, and butt and I’ve noticed that my pants just don’t fit anymore. I’m finally accepting that it’s working and I need new clothes. However, I’m hesitant to buy new bottoms because I can’t quite believe I’m no longer the 14 I’ve been for years. I’m also hesitant to buy a whole new wardrobe because my goal is to be a size 10, not 12. So what did you do as you lost weight? Did you just buy it as you needed it?

Thanks!
Liz

Pastaqueen: Liz, I think Roni is very inspirational and encouraging too! I lost about 200 pounds over 2 years, so I totally relate to your wardrobe issues. I ended up buying three winter coats three years in a row. I bought clothes as I needed them in the sizes that fit me. It was sad having to let go of many items after only 4-5 months, but it felt good to wear cute clothes that flattered my awesome new body. I believe in shopping for clothes that fit your body today, not your future body or past body. If you’re worried about costs, try hitting the local Goodwill or thrift stores for bargains. I’ve also heard that some people arrange clothing swaps with friends where they exchange clothes that don’t fit anymore or they don’t want. This can sometimes be hard to arrange, but may be worth a try. I keep a pair of jeans one size larger than I currently am in case of an emergency, so you might not even want to throw out all your old clothes.

Roni: For me I had everything from maternity and 16’s down to 12’s in my closet and I kept everything from my old diet attempts so I had a few 10’s. When I started to lose I would wear clothes that were too big. I’d buy a new piece here and there but overall I didn’t replace my wardrobe. Then I hit 8, a size I was NEVER in, not even as a preteen. I bought a few pants and shorts, even a dress for a wedding I had in a few months. Then I went down to a 6. Never in a million years did I think I’d be a 6, I wasn’t even trying to be a 6. You really don’t know how your body is going to adjust to new sizes. I’d buy pieces as you go on and take Jennette’s advice of looking for bargains.

My friend is obese and uses the excuse that she just isn’t "meant" to be thin. She says she’s "big boned" and could "never be a twig" but I think that’s just an excuse for her to pig out and not exercise, both of which she does daily. I am concerned for her health and I’ve also used that excuse myself "I have a large frame, I’m just a big girl, etc" but I know that’s not true. Did you find you used to feel that way? What made you believe change *was* possible? Thanks so much!!
-Christine

Pastaqueen: Christine, the only way I was able to make changes in my body was by making changes in my mind. There is a quote from Henry Ford that says, "Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." It’s only by believing in ourselves that we are able to accomplish anything. Weight loss is a personal decision, but if your friend is ever going to lose weight, it’ll have to be because she decides she wants to and because she believes it’s possible. You can’t do much about the former, but the best way to achieve the latter is to expose her to other people’s successful experiences, either in blogs like this one, on TV shows like "The Biggest Loser" or just by having her observe people in her own life. Try to set a good example for your friend and let her know you are concerned for her, not out of vanity or shallow reasons, but because you care for her and are honestly worried about her health. Let her know if she wants help, you are there for her, but ultimately it’s up to her whether she wants your help or not.

Roni: And of course, I totally agree with Jennette! I am struggling with this exact issue on more then one of the husband’s bad habits. It’s not weight per say but really, what’s the difference? A bad habit is a bad habit. I’ve tried everything, being supportive, staying away, getting mad, offering support, thinking up rewards, nothing has worked. He has to do these things on his own. I’ve decided that all I can offer is to lead by example. I’m happy to say, I think FINALLY it’s starting to work. After 3 years he is really making some effort to change his unhealthy ways!

As for me, I also used all those excuses. I remember saying once that I was at my ideal weight because my rib cage was “just that wide” and it’s “just the way I’m shaped”. I can’t say this enough… When I made getting healthy a priority and stopped focussing on my body shape I reached my goals. I think most people who have been on both sides know that she is going to have to change her priorities and learn for herself. It is really out of your hands.

Ok, so a blog book tour guest and 3 Ask Roni questions (out of 66 I have backlogged) answered. I LOVE killing two birds with one stone. :~)

I want to say a BIG thank you to Pastaqueen for stopping by and for thinking of me on her blog tour. I feel very honored.