VOILA, I DID IT! SHARE YOUR SUCCESS
MrsKoller
POSTED: Sun, 06/06/2010 - 9:54am
Is it working for you?
I think a lot of the program is starting to finally reflect on the outside. I have been attempting to internalize the lessons we are learning and some things are becoming automatic. I am drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning and before I go to bed - now I feel strange if I don't do it. I am eating breakfast instead of my coffee and cigarette in the car on my way to work (no more starving by 10:30). I pack my lunch and I stopped my 3 pm snack break. I have been shopping for fresh veggies on my way home from work - in fact I am enjoying it and learning so much more. I was already happy with myself but then it happened! A few people at work have asked for my secret - how am I losing weight? your clothes look awesome on you! you have really found your look! I was dancing in my head when they asked me that. Of course I am hooking them on FWDGF. It truly is life-changing. I have never been so happy and now I LOVE leeks! How's it going for the rest of you? I would love to hear your stories. I find them so inspiring. xxx GinaMIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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FRENCH WOMAN'S MANIFESTO
French women choose their own indulgences and compensations. They understand that little things count, both additions and subtractions, and that as an adult everyone is the keeper of her own equilibrium.
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Kat_G
POSTED: Wed, 02/22/2012 - 11:09am
Learning to savor food again
Being a medical student often means having to eat 'on the run', or worse, resort to stress-related eating habits such as too much coffee, bingeing or excessive fasting. Lately I've been going through a rough patch with my health, and I had to be encouraged to actually start eating and enjoying food again. And drink lots of water while I'm at it. It's been a month since I've tried some aspects of this program. It must be paying off; after the caffeine withdrawal symptoms eased up, I found myself having more energy and enjoying food again. I look forward to my fruit shakes as part of my meals, I enjoy my vegetable meals, and try to think of creative and savory ways to eat. It must be making a difference, since my friends have noticed that I look better.Ginatapia
POSTED: Fri, 02/18/2011 - 9:25pm
FWDGF has turned my life upside down.
This is my story... I used to be a ballet dancer and with that comes alot of pressure to be thin. I never got there. Which made me feel like a failure. I was really slim though, always have been a size 8 (Australian sizes) and always took care of myself. But food was a constant battle in my mind. I was taught as a dancer to only eat to fuel my body, just enought to survive on.. before you faint! Then because I was depriving yourself of pleasure, I would end up binging out every weekend, and starting over the dieting on Monday. This was my hate relationship with food. I thought that food was the enemy and it must not be enjoyed, because if you enjoy it, watch out, you'll get fat! I was thinking this way, so that's exactly what happened. I put on weight. This is my journey so far after reading FWDGF... I lost 2 kilos in the first week after adapting the French lifestyle. Without trying, without the gym and totally loving my food... but in small portions and with a glass of wine. And I focused on being a wonderful lover to my husband. (There's the exercise... ha ha) But this is what I believe to be true... Didn't God create life to be enjoyed? As human beings, at the very core, in our DNA, we are created to experience pleasure daily. In the simple things. Relationships, love, food, sex. Every part of life was created to be pleasing to our senses and our spirits. I think we can get carried away though if we don't have selfcontrol. This is the key. Listening to your body when eating, to stop when you are full. If you are truly happy and fullfilled in your relationships and your life, you will never have the desire to emotionally eat. As women we are much more than the physical... we have a strong intuition and spiritual connection with life and people. That's why we need to fill our lives with Family and loved ones, and pursue what we are called to be doing in our life. And food is just that added pleasurable bonus. This is what I feel, think and this has been my journey so far. And because of it, my body is looking better and better in my clothes! Yeah. Gina Tapia...Robbyn
POSTED: Tue, 02/21/2012 - 7:19pm
GINA!!!!
I'm soooo happy for you! your story is an inspiration to us all! You go girlfriend!!!! luv, robbyn, xo, :)Celtic Owl
POSTED: Mon, 02/20/2012 - 6:41pm
Bravo
Sounds like you embracing the french way, and could teach me a thing or two! Thank you for sharing your joy. DebaKimberly
POSTED: Fri, 02/18/2011 - 11:23pm
I agree......
As someone living in the US, that is all you hear is what is the new fitness program and who has a gym membership and what diet plan are you following. I hate that we think about that all the time. I want to savor every moment of my life and enjoy it, not think about every calorie in every single bite I take. I love eating anything I want within a reasonable serving. (There is nothing worse than eating a food you love but eating an excessive serving and feeling overstuffed. ) Thank you for sharing your post.Kelly11
POSTED: Sun, 03/11/2012 - 9:06pm
Kimberly So Right!
I also live in the US and we are assaulted with a new diet every few minutes. As someone who has tried them all including the Dukan I can say its all craziness!MrsKoller
POSTED: Thu, 02/17/2011 - 10:50am
Some good news!
Some of you may not know, but I am living with Parkinson's Disease. It is "inconvenient" particularly when it comes to exercise but I keep on moving. Anyway, I see my doctor about every two weeks. Usually, I get various tests - blood work and the like, but she hasn't weighed me since November. In fact, I haven't weighed myself, preferring to judge by how my clothes are fitting. Well, I was happy to find out that according to her scale, I have lost 10 kg since November! You can't believe how happy I am to know this. I feel this lifestyle change has truly been vindicated!Robbyn
POSTED: Tue, 02/21/2012 - 7:23pm
HEY THERE!!!!
This is wonderful news! WOW! I'm soooo happy for you! Keep up the good work honey! You are an inspiration to us all! Rock on girlfriend! luv, robbyn, xo, :)Celtic Owl
POSTED: Mon, 02/20/2012 - 6:39pm
good news indeed
Bravo Mrs. Koller! Living well is the best revenge from a disorder that would keep you from living life to the fullest, however that is for you. Exercise is imperative, with this challenge. I'm proud of you. Wonder how much 10kg translates to american, I'll look it up later. DebaMarilyn
POSTED: Thu, 02/17/2011 - 4:59pm
Gina
That is wonderful. I am so glad you are keeping moving, OH has been to his PD physio today and has been told that after a month of doing the set excercises his flexibility has improved and he has to continue as suggested and only contact her if he senses any deterioration in his movement. He has been very good in doing his excercises daily. His medication (Neupro patches) is due to be increased from 2mg to 4mg with the next prescription as he has not had any adverse reactions. He has an appointment with his consultant in March and it will be interesting to see what he has to say.Have you heard of MOXXOR a powerful Omega3 and Antioxidant? I was given a leaflet about this today when I mentioned PD. The lady was from the USA and I just wondered if you had come across this? Take care and well done.
Kimberly
POSTED: Thu, 02/17/2011 - 12:12pm
Wonderful.....
I am so glad to hear of your success. I like that you used the word "inconvenient". It shows that you are not letting this circumstance become the center of your life. Just a little bump in the road. This lifestyle is good for more than one thing, which is why I love it. Well done!JSB
POSTED: Thu, 02/17/2011 - 11:57am
Dear Gina
You are someone special.What bravery and determination you show.Congrats. on the weight loss.Take care of yourself.OXO Jeanjas
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 12:33pm
mixed for me
I was reading a lot of the comments this morning and decided to share mine. I've had mixed results with FWDGF. The diet itself didn't work for me, but the principles did and do. From a diet point of view detoxing and the Body Ecology diet has most worked for me, however I have gained and continue to gain alot of from the balance of pleasure and discipline. I also get a lot from this community and support around feminity.Elizabeth G
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 2:18pm
Same for me, Jas
I'm still working through the "food as comfort" mentality. I'm currently living through the rebellion of the second of two difficult teenagers, so I try to remind myself that I'm doing well not to weigh 300 lbs. and drink myself into a stupor every night!I agree with your comments about enjoying the benefits offered by FWDGF: the pleasure in simple, quality food and experiences; discipline in portions and resisting quick fixes; and most certainly the community here. Issues regarding food and body image are life-long, deep and difficult.
Elizabeth G
POSTED: Mon, 09/27/2010 - 2:00pm
Persistence - not perfection
The "Persistence, not perfection" comment comes from a weight loss blog I enjoy, and it really resonates with me. After a million starts-and-stops and feeling like a big fat diet failure for years, something inside me clicked. I found myself taking a deep breath and slowing down. I'm taking the time to cook a little better, enjoy more seasonal fruits and vegetables, listen to my body when it says, "Thanks, that's enough, I'm satisfied now." I'm exercising more than I have before, but that's something I really enjoy so it doesn't feel like a punishment.My formerly snug pencil skirt is feeling too loose today and will be taken in at the seams before I wear it again. My favorite black jacket doesn't feel tight across the shoulders and bust. I've lost 13 lbs.; I've got a ways to go, but am feeling really rather amazing today!!
Kelly11
POSTED: Sun, 01/23/2011 - 10:05pm
Sucess Stories
Is there any place here or someplace else that has the success rate? How many of us have actually made life long changes and made it to our goal weight? I read today that Weight Watchers is has the highest success rate at 6% for 5-10 pounds lost....that is the best with a 94% failure rate? I know we all enjoy the concepts ...but has anyone really felt like they got to their goals and stayed? I wish the face book page or the site would have some inspirational storeis other than the 3 from the book.....I wonder how those women are doing now?Viva la Diva
POSTED: Sun, 08/28/2011 - 10:59am
I have been successful and
I have been successful and stayed at my equillibrium weight for three years now. In fact I ended up 3 sizes smaller and 24lbs less than when I lost baby weight with Weight Watchers. I actually gained most of it back when I stopped attending meetings and the cattle call weigh ins. I found the support dropped away when I reached maintenance. There focus was on making money on people who gained it bacl or needed to lose. The last time I attended WW I actually gained weight, because the foods they suggested were filled with chemicals. I always struggled with 15 plus lbs. fluctuating. WW has the highest success rate for weight lost and longest time off before regain. FWDGF is a lifestyle, for me, and I have not had any weight gain. Even when I was inable to check in for months at a time, I did not gain weight. I only lost my sense of being in the moment for a bit. This path has been the best for me, because it is about being more self sufficient. I lost most of my weight before ever logging onto the blog! I will have an occassional blip, but regroup thanks to the principals. I believe the fact that I am still pursuing the lifestyle and staying in touch with others on here IS the success story. I discovered this 7 years ago and have not gained back any of the 42 pounds I released. All of the weight I lost with WW I found again. Let me note, that when I was at WW I was not injured and able to exercise everyday. I discovered FWDGF after illness and a back injury, all i can do for exercise is walk occassionally, and I have released more than ever! I hope this helps, and that you can see that everyone on here is the success story.Kelly11
POSTED: Sat, 09/03/2011 - 4:07pm
Thank you so much Viva
Your story is inspiring. I too have done the WW thing and didnt fare to well. The most I lost was 5 lbs. I found the number of points allowed way to low and made the hunger pains go away by eating FF popcorn. I feel and broke my foot in three places 2 weeks agao so not exersizing at all for me and a warning to stop jumping around from the doctor and the husband! Thanks again for posting your story it means more to me than you could know.kit
POSTED: Tue, 08/30/2011 - 11:52pm
Woo-Hoo Viva!
Your story is so inspiring!! I have never tried Weight Watchers, and this is probably the ONLY plan I never tried. The idea of public weigh-ins never appealed. Besides, I never saw the benefit of paying someone to tell you what to eat, when we already have the knowledge within us. I have kept my weight off with a three pound fluctuation (when I do step on the scales), for several years.There is a school of thought that says if you remove the taboo element from foods, they lose their "magic". Must admit I can't keep big bags of potato chips around, too hard to stop eating them. But really, though have found that when I stop obsessing about eating the "right" things, I naturally make healthier choices. And when I give myself "permission" to eat donuts, I grow weary of them pretty quick. I've likened the occasion lapse/binge to a kind of trance, usually stress-induced. Cesar Milan, the "dog whisperer" stops bad dog behavior by stopping the trance, usually with a nudge to the ribs. Since I can't kick my own butt when I want cookies instead of a cookie, I find success by breaking the trance with a different activity--usually I go for a walk or try dancing. You have a great story of success, thank you for sharing! XO TinaLila
POSTED: Thu, 01/27/2011 - 8:11pm
My Success
is similar to Vicki's story. After three babies I was about 30 lbs. over my 'normal' weight. I found the book and just fell in love with the concepts and lifestyle. I had been exposed to many of the concepts as my family has lived and traveled a lot in Europe as a child but as an adult I had forgotten about them. I dove in head first with a successful leak soup weekend. Totally committed, it took me about 6 weeks or so to lose 20 pounds and then another month or so I lost 10 more. I have wavered, gained 5-10 pounds (during a stressful year with the mourning of family and friends) but as Mireille says they are only u-turns. This is always on my mind so I know I can have a treat now and then. I walk 30-60 min per day and drink plenty of water. Compensation is key and I make a variety of soups and keep them on hand (and in the freezer) as they have been my number one 'crime fighter' (even more so than yogurt) on compensation days. Soup works like a charm. My biggest challenge is portion control at dinner. I am working on not serving family style but it is hard not to. It is what I am used to and has been a hard habit to break. I do notice that we all eat more bread (or meat or whatever) if the whole loaf is cut and placed on the table then if we leave it on the counter. Out of sight out of mind I guess.. I feel that I have been successful with this lifestyle and that I have made real and permanent life changes like shopping more often for fresh produce, cooking more seasonally and having a basic routine (which translates to a relationship) with food that I can manage and not stray too far from. After living this way for three years now it has become natural and EASY :)Patoui
POSTED: Thu, 01/27/2011 - 2:16pm
That is a good question.....
I too would like to see some additional success stories. I find that motivating. I have done so many "diets"...you name it I did it. Cabbage soup diet, Body for Life diet, clean eating. I have done WW in the past. It did not work for me. It was too much math, logging of points, figuring out points...it was all just too much! I did Atkins for a while. I admit I lost quite a bit of weight but toward the end I was just eating cheese and pork rinds. Naturally the weight came back on. I tried the Biggest Loser diet. Again, daily journal, calculating calories, percentages etc. Making sure I ate very few hours. That didn't work for me either. So one day when I was in the cook book section of a bookstore I found FWDGF. I was intrigued. So I started reading it. I admit I didn't do the leek soup weekend. But I did figure out my offenders and learned to enjoy eating. I feel there are too many reduced fat foods, low carb foods, etc... and what are you left with... zero taste or satisfaction. I respect the idea of 3 meals a day. At first I was like "no way can I not have snacks!!" Guess what? I don't really anymore. Okay I admit I will have some yogurt in the afternoon or fruit or cheese but this is really working for me. I am cooking more, eating out less, drinking less and while I don't weight myself constantly I have had more people tell me I looked like I lost weight. My jeans I am wearing today are seriously baggy. I have not been like that in a long time. I'm also walking more and I just feel better. One last thing, I met Bob Harper (from the Biggest Loesr). He said there is never a "finish line". You can get to your goal but you need to keep working to stay there. Work? I don't see Mirielle's concept as work at all....rather enjoyment! I have never had so much fun trying to lose weight! Wow! Did I ramble on or what? Maybe this was a success story in the making? Either way I'd love to hear how other women are doing it.....kit
POSTED: Wed, 08/10/2011 - 12:23am
Finally!!
Hello Patoui, I enjoyed reading your post about success stories. I am completely fascinated just reading what everyone on this site has to say about so many things that touch our lives despite being different ages, weights, nationalities, etc. Like you and so many others here, have tried EVERY diet ever written. FWDGF appealed immediately, actually working it, takes some doing. Low carb worked, but if all I was doing was stuffing myself with cheese and salami(because it was "allowed"), to fill whatever void existed, then what was I accomplishing? Now at a good weight, I want to spend the rest of my life, LIVING! Not thinking about calories, points, carbs, etc. I know two lovely women who have been life-long Weight Watchers members. They still need to lose 20# or so. They don't ask for advice, I give none. Restaurants are required here in California (elsewhere?)to list calories, sodium, carbs, fat etc. Yes eye-opening, but I'd rather have a quarter of a wonderful but high fat, high calorie Rueben sandwich, if that's what I feel like that day.And take the rest for leftovers. My friends check the menu ingredients with their WW calculators, find out how many points the meal translates into,then dig into their yummy scrambled egg whites,dry wheat toast, tomatoes, decaf coffee. C'est la vie! I think we were meant to savor and enjoy food. I am eternally grateful that I have choices in life, including freedom to eat enjoyably and wisely! Be well, continued success. TinaAlicia
POSTED: Mon, 02/20/2012 - 3:34pm
You say it well Tina
I so love the scenario you describe while dining with your friends who are on WW. I couldn't agree with you more about indulging in what you're truly craving and just managing the portion of it...much better than the typical bland egg white meal you describe. And who doesn't love a good Reuben!! My latest challenge is that my husband is back at the gym and being extremely strict with his diet. To an extent I understand why, but I wish he could see that the French way can be healthy, help to manage weight, and still be delicious! Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories, they are so inspiring. For me the walking has been the key; two 25 minutes walks with my ever excited dog and of course trying to do better with my portions. I would say in 2 months I am down 5-7lbs...I could definitely follow the concepts more closely and see continued results. Bonne Chance! Aliciasnorklee
POSTED: Sun, 01/30/2011 - 11:02am
Patty...
That is wonderful! You really inspired me today. I have been floundering... and gaining weight... this winter. It was nice to read about your journey and your success.Cheers!
Deb
JSB
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 8:58pm
Hi Deb
Be kind to you.Look and see what a lovely person you are in every way.OXO JeanPatoui
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 10:30am
Hang in there Deb
Deb, I am so happy to hear I inspired you. Winter is always tough for me. Maybe because it's cold and dreary? But hang in there. You can do it! Pattysnorklee
POSTED: Tue, 08/30/2011 - 8:43am
Oh my goodness!
I was reading through these old posts today, and came across this thread. I'm so embarrassed right now! It is 8 months later and I still haven't gone any nearer to losing the winter weight. It's almost winter again! Ack! This makes me realize how long I can put something off, and how little I must care for myself. This has been an eye-opening morning, and was just the right shake to get me back on track. I'm so grateful for this website, because the inspiration is always there, I just need to embrace it.miamoki
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 12:50am
Me too Deb!
I am really floundering the past few weeks and I really need to get back on track. I just put down my 15 year old lab last week and am in the throws of menopause and I just cannot seem to get a handle on anything. I do good for a few days and then I go way out of control. DH is out of town this week so I hope to be able to get back in balance with some compensations. I have managed to get some of my offenders out of the house so we will see how it goes. I know it is a process, but I have that American mentality of all or nothing! On another note, my shoulder is improving so I hope to be able to up my workouts soon. I have to get on more of a schedule though and see if I can get back in control.Patoui
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 11:14am
Miamoki
I feel your pain with regard to your lab. When we put Yogi down I just ballooned out of control. I didn't have menopause to deal with so I do not blame you one bit for floundering. Take one day at a time and you'll be back on schedule in no time. If you are still having shoulder issues just take some extra steps each day. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Hang in there. I will be checking back with you each day to see how you are doing. Pattymiamoki
POSTED: Mon, 01/31/2011 - 12:42pm
Yes one day at a time it is!
Thank you Patty. I did get out and walk last week because I missed my usual spinning class on Tuesday due to the dog. Slowly I am feeling better, and my daughter is adjusting, which is the most important part. The other dogs are settling in as well. I plan to go for a nice walk again today because the weather is beautiful and I don't want to waste one minute of it because I know in a few months it will be blistering hot and I will be back to hiding inside the house with the air conditioning! I used to have a schedule where I went to the gym Tuesday through Friday but since I only can spin now, I only go on Tuesday and Thursday. They had another class on Friday I was going to try but the poor instructor (a 35 year old male) had a STROKE! Wow kind of gives you a wake up call. I will ask the girls tomorrow how the new instructor is for Friday and maybe I can add that class. In the meantime I am going to walk today and Wednesday and spin on Tuesday and Thursday. Baby steps. Thank you again.