How I lost nearly a stone in just a few weeks.
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I know Jennifer wrote a piece recently about using social media as a way to keep you focused and committed to your goal but I just wanted to share a recent revelation with you.
I love social media and recently came across Pinterest.com. If you haven’t yet seen it, basically it’s a place to “pin” or save your photos to folders called “boards”. You can find photos on the net and on other peoples Pinterts boards. One of my favourite categories to browse is the fashion section. It’s full of images of complete outfits which aren’t always designer or expensive. I love clothes (especially affordable high street brands) and looking at lots of “put together” outfits was right up my street. But after only a few days, of collecting and “pinning” photos I liked, I realised that I was watching my diet more closely. If I went shopping to recreate some of the looks I liked I knew I wouldn’t feel happy. I wanted to feel comfortable and happy buying or wearing a cute pair of skinny jeans and fitted top, but I knew I had to lose a few pounds to do that.
It was like an unconscious thing that happened, I found myself saying if you stray off your plan you won’t fit into those skinny jeans you pinned last night. Suddenly I had found a new motivator.
Clothes were always a motivating factor for me but this has really hit home in a positive way. Years ago a book called “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne sold millions of copies around the world , it suggested that you collect and save photos of how you wanted your life to look it in a scrapbook to pinboard. So Pinterest is the online version of that. And that’s exactly how I have been using it. Not only do I look at or Pin clothes and fashion ideas, there are lots of recipes, fitness ideas and general health links too.
So after just 4 weeks of pinning photos of clothes I’d like to wear, I’ve lost nearly a stone. I feel it is helping me because I can actually see what I want to look like and what I will wear when I get to my goal weight, I’m not just imagining it. Seeing actual images of where I want to be is really powerful. You too could create a board that relates to your weight loss goals. By using images of recipes, clothes, other people’s results or exercises you could create a board that is just for you. If you are feeling a little de-motivated (as we all do from time to time) you can pop in there and remind yourself why you want to lose weight, or get fit or improve your health. And for fun you could also have a reward board, where you could pin photos of things you ‘d like to reward yourself with. Whether it be an image of a tropical place or a pair of really expensive shoes, the sky's the limit.
Create the life you want with images and then go after it with the determination that one day you will get and achieve all the things you pinned. You can then change your board name to “look what I achieved". We’ve (Tesco Diets) have just joined Pinterest too, so pop in an have a look at some of the things we have started to pin.
Kind regards,
Julie Fitzgerald
My Page
I love fashion too and one of the things I have done is go shopping after work, trying on new styles in new sizes is very motivating and it keeps me off the settee and away from snacks!
Comment by JUSTDOIT64 -
I am gonna give it a go too as comfort food and wine seems to be my problem. If its not one thing its another, or is that just an excuse! I Think So!
Comment by FOZZIE99 -
I must look into this site. Have a white board so need some other type to be able to 'pin'
Comment by JILLHUGHES8 -
Blows the whole slow and steady I am always being told about if you have lost nearly 14 lbs in 4 weeks! Lucky you :-)
Comment by VILLAGEGIRL -
Hey NAYSHIFTIN, it isn't just for the fashion conscious. There are lots of healthy recipe ideas and fitness information on it too.
Julie
Comment by JULESDUB -
I absolutely love your article Julie. I've restarted the Gi Diet as I've 9 1/2 weeks to my holiday. I know I want to lose weight but struggle to keep myself motivated. I'm now off to create a board of my action plan and my reward will be my holiday. Thanks for great suggestions, keep them coming!!
Comment by NIAMH1978 -
Sounds a great idea for those fashion conscious.
Comment by NAYSHIFTIN -