whatever

Rene - Thanks for sharing…I know I just need to make the commitment, but so worried I won’t stick with it. Love the idea of listening to sermons while exercising! Pastor Zach Terry in Huntsville has some great podcasts…my sister attends his church & recommended him to me.

Breeanna - I think God’s timing is perfect in the fact that I read this post today. I’ve struggled with weight since high school and now that I’m getting older, I feel like I have wasted so much time being a slave to sugar like you said. I crave it and it makes me feel good. It makes me believe that by eating it, I will be happier. It really is evil. I’ve started “getting healthy” many times, but ended up giving up. A few weeks ago I decided to start again because I have to change, there’s no option. I would love to listen to a sermon while working out, I never thought about doing that before. Thanks for being so open and inspiring. You look great!

Jamie - Good work!! I enjoy Greg Boyd at Woodland Hills http://whchurch.org/sermons-media/sermons. He doesn’t mince words and at one point lost a large portion of his church attendance b/c he “offended”, so be advised for potential controversy or huge challenges :). He always had a way of keeping me engaged and challenged. Also, my pastor at Redemption Hill, Alex, is good at making the Word real and applicable. http://www.redemptionhillup.org/sermons-series/. But, I have a hard time listening while I do anything else because I always want to take notes. How do you handle that??

Kari - Last weekend my mom introduced me to cherry tomatoes, cut in half, salted with a little Italian dressing drizzled all over. My life will never be the same now. You’re welcome.

Larissa - Thanks so much for posting this. I have been waiting on this post since you mentioned it would be coming.
I started a pretty radical diet a month ago under doctor supervision. It’s pretty much protein shakes and then one real meal a day. I have a lot to lose and try to tell myself that this is just for a season and then I can go into a more balanced, healthy eating plan.
I am not a runner, but I have been walking and trying to do some strength training.
You look great and congrats for your accomplishments so far!

Jill R. - Thank you thank you thank you for sharing! This is exactly what I needed to read on this exact day! More please!

tara - love how hard you’re working…
i’m working hard over here, too.

you’re right…it’s not rocket science…
it’s eating right and exercising. period.

i’m a slave to sweets, too, but coming off of them has helped me so much!
i feel SO MUCH BETTER.

proud of you!

Also, you know my hubby is on staff with a strategic partner of north point, right?
i love that series that you mentioned!!
i cry in every sermon….
grateful!

Anna Marie - Meg, I actually like that you aren’t an expert on the topic. It gives me hope and you say it all from a point of view that is so similar to mine. Please, PLEASE keep sharing your tips. I am at a point in my life (I turn 30 in November) where I am ready to make some huge changes in the health department. I am overweight and I never exercise. I have had a treadmill for almost 9 months now and have only used it once. Ridiculous! I am done with excuses and I need change. Thank you for making the changes seem simple by giving easy tips. Water, veggies and exercise…YES…got it. Thank you!

I look forward to more tips.

Wendi - Thank you SO much for sharing!! This is a struggle for me too, many similarities. I love the way you share in such a real way. I can’t wait to hear more specifics on what you eat, what your workouts are, and if you cook separate meals for your family. When do u treat yourself? Also, I have a 3 year old who looks like she could be Annie’s sister 🙂

Jenn - I had struggled with being overweight, most of my life. I love saying “had.” I don’t struggle anymore because I decided that I wanted to be healthy and it was non-negotiable. You are so right, once you decide that…its a lot easier. I had to work hard to break old habits, but once they were broken and I changed the way I looked at food I was good to go. I have been able to keep the weight off for 3+ years. You are right on, water, water, water. We are usually thirsty, not hungry. And ya gotta move! Great post! You are doing fab! Way to go on loosing 10 lbs…AMAZING!

Lynette - Thanks so much for this post! I just wanted to let you know of a great preacher I am listening to on my way in to work – I listen to him on Bott Radio Network, but there are podcasts online – his name is Adrian Rogers. I have been listening to him for almost a year, and I can tell you he has changed my life! I actually look forward to driving in to work now.

cassie - allistair begg preaches in cleveland. all of his sermons are excellent … the scottish accent doesn’t hurt either.
http://www.truthforlife.org/

happygirl - It isn’t magic. It’s hard work. Expend more calories than you consume. No magic. Thanks for sharing you hope and experience.

Katie G - These teachings are great-http://www.xenos.org/ministry/care-group. Very helpful for parenting!

Tere - What do I think? I think you are amazing. And I think I want those chocolate chip oreo bars that I can see below this comment box, as I type.
I struggle with grazing. All.day.long. Then I think, I haven’t eaten today. And honestly, your sentence “but then i saw all the pictures & i couldn’t get over that the person i saw in the photos did not match how i felt.” Hit me hard. real hard. tears hard. Because, I am shocked every time I see myself in the mirror. I still see myself as thin (well, at least smaller) and younger. But the reality…well, you’ve seen me, you know.
I want to change….my health, my endurance and the longevity of my life. I read your post, and Rachel’s too, and cried. I’m crying now.
Today’s a new day. Thanks for your continued inspiration. Thanks for sharing (and keep it up). Thanks, friend, I needed this. xoxo tere

paige - girl. i did the same thing. ran two 1/2’s in 2 years & for crying out loud, i gained weight. like what?
so i realized that at age 47 ( 46 at the time) that it was not ever going to be easy & i really wanted to feel good about myself. SO i got back into mixing it up with cardio. 3-4 times a week i drive my tail 20 minutes GAG each way, to the gym. i am well aware each time i make that commute ( to a little hole in the wall cheap womens gym) how much quicker & easier it would be for me to go for a quick run. appears that my body plateaud with running. i’ve lost 22 pounds since january by doing this AND eating wiser breakfast & lunch. and whatever everyone else is eating for dinner.
hoping to maintain this plan. and yes, trying to drink more water. apparently i need to crank that up!

cindy - Thank you for the encouraging post….please take the time to write more on this. It really helps!

Talysa - Meg, could you tell more details about what you are eating? Such as foods you cut out, foods you added, are you “low carb” or “paleo” etc.?

Danielle - Thanks. I needed to hear this again. I do not make a lot of healthy snack choices. Wish I had read this before I had those fish sticks an curly fries for lunch… 🙂

Sara - LOVE your blog and you look great! Check out Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church. He is awesome and has many great sermon series to listen to online! There is a great nutritional center in our area (Mpls/St. Paul) that hosts a radio show. You can listen to any of their previous radio shows via podcast. They have great topics and talk a lot about eating real food to lose weight and heal our bodies! http://www.weightandwellness.com/

melissa rice - Thank you for this. i don’t like fad diets or something that is “revolutionary” at the time ie…. south beach atkins hcg grapefruit diet not eating after 7 or 3 or noon!!! i totally agree with your trainer eat less move more and eat what is good and pure whenever you can! i think it is alllll about moderation in food and moving everyday! it is a lifestyle but you can have your cake and eat it too. just a small piece and then go for a walk or jump on the tramp with your kids. You are REAL meg and thats what everyone wants.

Library Momma - My husband and I started following Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat to Live guidelines and we both have lost substantial weight in a very short period of time. It is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change and waking up to what you really are doing. Thanks for sharing all your thoughts I totally agree with the water, drink, drink, drink! I have to make a request personally from your blog, the running advertisement at the bottom many times expands making it tricky to move on the page or read anything. It can be extremely distracting from the great content. I just thought I would share, maybe it is not an issue for other readers.

Mhairi - Hi Meg! I’ve read your blog for a long time, but I thought today’s post really prompted me to leave you a comment. YOU are the reason I got off my butt this year and decided to run. I have never run- ever. And I ran my very first race a 5k this June. Here’s a little side-blog I wrote about getting ready for this race.
http://runmidwife.blogspot.ca/

So, you’ve already got one person behind you (literally- I can’t run a half marathon yet!) and it’s awesome! 🙂 xo

Thanks for being an inspiration!

Lee Ann - Thank you sooo much for sharing this! September is my month! 🙂 I have been working out SO hard. I have gained SO MUCH muscle this year. And….I’ve eaten like crap and gained fat as well. I KNOW it’s my diet, I just haven’t been willing to do anything about it. But now! NOW is the time!

Stephanie - One of the best books I’ve read on nutrition is ‘Deep Nutrition’ by Dr. Shanahan. Just in case you were interested. It’s pretty fascinating.

Amber Willis - Thank you thank you thank you!!!! This is just what I needed at this time. I just signed up for a 90 day challenge to help get this baby weight off (ummm she just turned one) Wow it was so much easier with baby #1. Anyway, I have been praying for God to help give me strength and encouragement. This is what I needed right now 🙂

Fay - This was great Meg. Thank you!

Christine Ishmael - I’m laughing because as soon as you finish your post on eating healthy/exercise the post below is “cravings” which I have, all the time, which I need to get over and get in shape, thanks for the kick in the pants/reminder kind of post! 🙂

Felicity - Meg I just wanted to say how timely this post was. I have been inspired by your running story previously and have signed up to do my first race ever, a half marathon. In Febuary. Mostly I feel like I’ve made a ridiculous choice and what the heck was I thinking I like chocolate and I like to sit on the couch and who cares if my tummy is really wobbly I’ve had 2 babies in the last 2.5 years. And then I think that really, I want to live freely, and I want to be gentle and kind with my body, and I want my whole being to be submitted to The Lord. So I run, and sweat and then walk a bit, and then run a bit more. I’m pretty tired, but that could just be the baby who won’t sleep 😉 and I know that I shouldn’t put sugar all over my cereal and eat chocolate for lunch, and I know I need to change that too.
So talk as much as you can about exercise and being healthy, because I need all the help I can get! Do you want to be my personal trainer? You can email me and tell me that. I’m doing a good job.

Felicity x

Alicia @ La Famille - Thank you for this post. Honestly, I just feel gross about myself right now. I AM four months post pardum and I know it takes time to lose that baby weight, but I think its just that I WANT so bad to work out and sweat and there’s just not time! I’m just so tired all the time. In july my hubby and I did a big food overhaul and that has helped a lot I’ve lost a ton of inches and about fifteen pounds since july 1st, but eating that well is hard too. I am just frustrated. I feel like other people seem to lose it so fast and I’m just scared I’ll be stuck here at this weight. I just realized this is a really personal comment…more like an email. Hmmmm…must be feeling share-y today. Anyway, GREAT JOB on your venture! Keep it up! I find for eating healthy, the only way I can do it is to plan. Keep us posted on your results! Also, what’s your health goals?

Debbie - Thank you! Please keep posting on this, and specifics! You are awesome!

Jen - One quick question: clicked through to Rachel’s blog! Love her story and would love to follow her on IG but can’t seem to find her at IAMRACHELREEVES. Can you help? What am I doing wrong? HAHA

Couldn’t manage to leave a comment on her blog either! Can you say “Tech challenged?” 🙂 Thanks!

Jen - I’m so glad you shared! I have noticed that you are thinner and wondered what you are doing! I have been through much the same journey-I’ve lost 50 pounds since January (doing Take Shape for Life) but I’ve slacked off a bit since I reached my goal so this is a great incentive for me. I appreciate you being vulnerable and honest!

Great sermons: Mark Driscoll, Mars HIll Church in Seattle. His Peasant Princess series on Song of Solomon is PHE. NOM. E. NAL. Now, he takes some getting used to-he swears occasionally and he’s a little crass at times but if you can get past that, I believe God is really using him. (I know he’s controversial and I’m not here to debate that! So please don’t anyone jump all over me!) 🙂

Happy exercising! You are inspiring! 🙂

Jen

Kristin S - Meg, thank you for being so vulnerable. I know that was big ol step of faith and your honesty flowed through it all.

It is hard.

You didn’t even have to say anything. I never thought you looked overweight. Ever. But in recent posts, I can tell that you had lost some weight and the long hair is sassy too!

For me from age 33-37, I worked out all the time and lost no weight. It was the food. I know it was. So, I started running and started eating smaller portions and salads for dinner. Slowly, slowly 50 lbs came off. And I felt better.

It has to be a personal choice and seeing a picture of myself did it for me too. Sigh.

Press on!

Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis - It’s so funny that you shared this in the way you did! Last year I started doing the C25K training (and I am so not a runner) all b/c of a post you did similar to this about feeling the need to be healthy. That post compelled me!
So I did it along with another friend and we ran a 5K. I have never felt better physically…until about 8 months ago when we moved… again! And I can count on both hands the number of times I’ve ran. I’m back to feeling, well, yucky. I feel the extra inch that’s been added back to my back side and my side sides.
So again Megan, your post has compelled me. It’s hard to love God with ALL your heart, mind, soul and strength when you ain’t feelin’ too strong. It all works together. Thanks for sharing even though you didn’t feel qualified:)
~Melissa

Jonathan - Meg-

You should be VERY proud. Not just in the numbers. Remember- a scale means nothing in comparison to a happy life and slimmer pant size.

Looking forward to hearing more from you. KEEP ROCKING! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!

Heather S. - Sister – I am with ya! You DID look great in those Craft Weekend posts, so I knew you were up to something! I am currently int he role of *supporter* for a friend who is working hard to get in shape. She, too, is a runner and all that running was NOT adding up to weight loss at all. So, we took it up a notch. We joined a gym together. We go to a 6:00 am class three days a week (we force each other out of bed at 5:15 to make it on time) and two other days we run on our own. Her journey is making me work harder on my health. I would be considered to be in perfectly *fine* shape – in that wonderful area of *normal.* The problem is, I don’t want to just be normal. I want to be strong and lean and this summer I have only lost 4 pounds, but I have seriously toned up and it is a beautiful thing to see one’s legs in shorts or a skirt and not cringe, KWIM? So – you keep going and you keep encouraging us! Great job, Meg!!!!

jamie - thank you so much for this post! i am so proud of you! this summer i have found that buying already prepared fruits and veggies is the way to go for me! if the fruits and veggies are already cut up i will gobble them. my new obsession is orange cherry tomatoes from our local farmer’s market! i went yesterday and they didn’t have any {boo}. my daughter goes to an amazing church and i listen to the podcasts. i’ve cried during each and every one because my heart is so overwhelmed with truth.
sometimes i lay in bed at night and listen to several in a row and before i know it what felt like 15 minutes was actually three hours!

paradoxchurch.com/messages/

Val - Hey Meg, love your blog, love what you have to say, LOVE Craft Weekend! but alas, as I live in Australia I can’t see myself attending anytime soon. But seeing your pictures makes me feel like I’m there (almost), so thank you!

I heard a quote a few months ago, “you can’t out exercise a bad diet,” how true! I’ve been on a daily walking regime (30-45 mins p/day) and did NOT lose an ounce!!! You’re right, it is hard word and takes dedication. I so want to lose 10kgs to feel better in my clothes!!!

Keep writing Meg, you inspire me – thanks!

PS – love the tip about the sermons,

Robyn - Check out Craig Groeshell at Lifechurch.tv. The church is based in Oklahoma and is fabulous! Podcasts are available for free on iTunes.

Jennifer - This post is so timely for me – thank you! Just this morn I was writing my best friend in WI (I live in Australia) and telling her how I currently have no commitment, no motivation and no plan; but I hate how I look and feel. The perspective that my health is a non-negotiable, and more importantly the fact that Gos gave me one body and I have an obligation to take of it, are fantastic. Can’t wait to see the recipes and read more posts. Keep up the awesome work!

Kelley - Thanks for the encouragement! I needed the reminder of “my health is non-negotiable.”
Great speaker- Robert jeffress, his podcast is called “pathway to victory”- I learn a lot from him
What do I want to change- I am 7 months post baby- and although the weight is technically gone, the body is NOT the same. I am learning this mom thing- but I still want to be healthy and be strong. Need to find time to workout with baby. Want to get back to running, but afraid of compromising my milk supply (TMI?) so not sure where that all puts me. Just know I am feeling motivated for something! Now I need an action plan