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Skwigg Blog
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Quit Blogging?

From the comments:

If Evangeline Lilly has less muscle and more fat than your average *anything*, I'm in the wrong place.  She looks like a bobblehead, she's so thin.  And she's got shoulder muscles and obliques that I couldn't have ever.  Is she 'softer'?  Softer than what, a baseball?  

Until we quit blogging about our menus and workouts and photographing our food, all the while proclaiming we're carefree and happy about our eating and body, we're just not there yet.

Evangeline Lilly has less muscle and more fat than ME during hard training, for example.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or than the fitness competitors that many of my blog readers idolize and try to emulate.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've learned that training harder and dieting more isn't always the answer, and I like to share what I've learned. That's all. If you already know it or don't need to hear it, I'm happy for you. You're way ahead of the rest of us heavy lifting, insane dieting, macronutrient calculating, kookballs.

I've been on a crazy journey from anorexia, to overweight binge eater, to an athlete training hours per day through injury and exhaustion, and now to the happiest and most relaxed I've ever been with food and exercise. I like to share the journey. I guess you're right. I could just say, wow I'm done, and stop blogging, but how does that help anybody else make the connection? And is anybody ever really done learning and growing?

I find it helpful to talk about my nutrition and training philosophy as it evolves. Putting it all out there keeps me focused and honest, and hopefully helps someone else. Now "helping" may mean somebody says, "Wow, she's nuts. I don't want to go down that road."

Hey, if you can't be a role model, be a cautionary tale. ;-)


Posted by skwigg at 9:05 AM CDT

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 12:01 PM CDT

Name: "Kate"
Home Page: http://www.blueclearsky.com/wordpress

Your blog has defintely helped ME, and even if I'd rather barbecue my right arm than go vegetarian and I dislike the body type you're shooting for right now, your experience and perspective have always provided a much-needed sanity check.  If nothing else, it's a lesson in the idea that your ideals and goals should morph along with you, and that being healthy doesn't have to be about obsessing over food and making yourself miserable.  

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 12:12 PM CDT

Name: "Glynis"
Home Page: http://glynis-sweats.blogspot.com

Laughing hysterically over being a "cautionary tale."  I love it.  Yes, you *must* definitely continuing blogging if for no other reason. :)

 What I like about your blogs and others, is that it helps the rest of us feel less alone.  We *all* go off on our little tangents.  It's nice to see someone else doing it very publically

So keep it up - I like reading your reviews - sometimes they save me some money, sometimes oops...I've already spent it.   And I adore the pictures of food - especially when I don't know what the heck it is and I'm envisioning big juicy black olives in shredded wheat. 

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 12:47 PM CDT

Name: "Beth"

Skwigg, I love your blog -- I hope you keep doing it.   I've gone from heavy lifting (Cathe's STS program) to a total mix -- one day heavier, a couple of days light, one day kettlebell, one day barre.    We'll see what that does.   I think unless you really know me, you have no clue how hard I work from looking at me, and I find that somewhat discouraging, but whatever.... I do it for fun, right?

 

happy 4th! 

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 1:59 PM CDT

Name: "Susan"
Home Page: http://susanchanges.blogspot.com

I love the honesty of your blog ! You are exactly what I am aiming to be ....... balenced and relaxed ! I've recently reached my goal weight and now I am trying to balence maintaining that loss with living my life ! I love my new active lifestyle . Although I am far from perfect I accept my body finally and I am pretty happy to fit in a size 6 jeans ! I love that you try things , and that you always give your level headed spin to all of your topics ! I guess we are never really done  are we?

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 3:41 PM CDT

Name: "Tea"

I love your blog! Don't ever stop! Your blog has helped from the very beginning, its been entertaining, informative and made me laugh hysterically. Even though were I am heading is different from where you are heading, I love reading your reviews, and experiences with the new things you try. I have a folder in my email labeled "Skwigg" that is chock full of emails from the Body For life Womens group that were so good I had to save them. I am  STILL  saving them. If I ever  totally freak out and lose it, I go read the skwigg folder :)

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 4:16 PM CDT

Name: "Missy"

I hope you never quit blogging! They'll find me croaked at my computer reading your blog!! I heartily second all the comments here - except that you have never saved me money - it always COST me money simply because I feel compelled to buy the things your rave about :)!!!

You have helped me tremendously and I aspire to be where you are now: happy & in a comfortable state with food and your body. Plus, I have to hear about which Pilates video you like and how the TRX has changed you!! (TRX on my wishlist BTW)

Continue the cautionary tale!!!

Missy

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 4:35 PM CDT

Name: "Kelly Olexa"
Home Page: http://www.kellyolexa.com

Girl! Don't you ever stop blogging. You were the very first blogger I started following and I've followed your lead/suggestions on so many things...your sanity has guided mine and I owe you so much. Thank you for testing so much out and sharing your knowledge and logic with us.

You rock.

Seriously. 

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 5:20 PM CDT

Name: "Grrr Argh"

I'm with Kelly!  Yours was the first blog I ever followed, and I love your sense of humor, and your advice, and the fact that you have lead me to people like Craig and Alwyn, etc..  And the PICTURES <g>.  Cautionary tale, hell...you've been such an inspiration to so many people!  You've tried it all, and you've found a fabulous balance, and you live it *happily*.  I wanna be like you when I grow up (though you're younger than I am <lol>.  Never stop!

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 6:51 PM CDT

Name: "Kek"
Home Page: http://keksbflthing.blogspot.com

Until we quit blogging about our menus and workouts and photographing our food, all the while proclaiming we're carefree and happy about our eating and body, we're just not there yet

I wonder who is the collective "we" the commenter is referring to? There seems to be an assumption that there is something wrong with anybody for whom a regular blog topic is nutrition and exercise.

There are many reasons why people blog about food and training, and yes: some of those people obviously do have issues. But many more of us have made a massive journey from a bad place to a better place - or at least are on our way - and there's value in sharing what we've learned. Cautionary tale or not.

Then there are those who are working towards a competitive goal - bodybuilders and other athletes. Being a bit obsessed about what you eat and how you train is kind of essential if you're to succeed. You're not going to get to the top by accident. And if you're willing to share your food and exercise regime with others who may want to follow in your footsteps, then that's a good thing.

You don't have to have all the answers, but if something you write causes someone to stop and consider a different opinion or approach, then you're doing something worthwhile. Keep it up.

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 7:45 PM CDT

Name: "dragonmamma/naomi"

How does that over-used quote go? Something like "Obsession is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated."

 Why is it that when people obsessively watch and chat about tv programs, that's considered "normal", but if we devote half that time to our food/exercise habits, then we must be "compulsive" or "obsessed".

 I consider all this health and diet stuff to be a hobby. I enjoy it immensely.

 Sure beats the national #l hobby  (according to surveys) of SHOPPING.  

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 11:01 PM CDT

Name: "anastajia"

Skwigg- your blog has Definitely helped me!

I've probably read every article on your site too.

Had I never stumbled upon it, I might still be living a life of 1200 calories a day, having walking be my main for of exercise, and having close to zero muscle tone.

You have helped me start to repair my metabolism, and see that there are other ways to be fit and live life, other than "skinny and starving".

 

I also think in a day and age where we are bombarded with so much information about food, it's really important to have the forum to speak about what works one on one in reality. 

 

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 11:03 PM CDT

Name: "Hayley"

Like so many of your readers, I have come to really appreciate your blog.  Not just for the information you put out there, but also for your honesty and confidence to say exactly what you think and how you feel.  You've helped me tremendously and even though I don't often comment, I always keep up with your blog and value all that you say.  Please keep it going!

Saturday, 4 July 2009 - 11:20 PM CDT

Name: "Amanda"
Home Page: http://www.mandami.com

First of all, your blog is great. I have been reading forever and it's smart, honest, funny, completely educational, and thoroughly enjoyable.

I for one really enjoy taking pictures of food. And cooking. If that makes me a freak, so be it. There are worse things. I also enjoy being active. Both food and exercise -- be it sports, bodybuilding, running, gym time, long-distance hiking, or just using your body to the best of its ability -- are some of life's greatest gifts. Cooking is art. Food is art. Conditioning your body to work the way it was meant to is a beautiful thing.

I think it is also important to put things in perspective and remember that we as Americans enjoy the privelage of having an overabundance of food at our fingertips and the leisure time to even consider such things as fitness, and that many, many people around the world are not so fortunate.

The only time focusing on food or fitness is a bad thing, in my opinion, is when these things make you miserable. If you do it because you enjoy it, or at least because you can enjoy your life more because of it and because it enables you to contribute more to the world around you, I think you're ahead of the vast majority of the people in our society. If you are making yourself miserable, you're doing something wrong.

And the anti-misery theme is one that I see in your blog frequently. Keep it up :-)

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 2:07 AM CDT

Name: "Tea"
Home Page: http://teascrazy.blogspot.com

I just have to add I LOVE reading foodie blogs!! I love the pics! I see I am not alone here. I am fascinated by what people eat lol, and I don't care what oters may think about it .:P

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 7:43 AM CDT

Name: "Tracey"

I have to chime in on this one. Your blog is like no other. It is real, trueful and amazingly insightful. I can't even begin to put into words how much you have helped me. Seriously if you wrote a book,it would become a best seller and you could retire quite weathly. You're blog expresses so much of what many women are going through in their quest to health and fitness. 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 9:30 AM CDT

Name: "Allie"

 Skwigg,

I love your blog. Who else could be so smart and funny at the same time? :) I especially love when you experiment with diets or workout programs. I am glad to see I am not the only one who bought most of the stuff you like (TRX included!). ;)

Like you, in the past I have been an anorexic, then a binge eater and obsessive exerciser. Eventually, I made peace with my own body. Strength training helped me a lot in my recovery. Reading your blog helped me realize I was not the only one on a quest to a balanced and healthy approach to exercise and nutrition. 

Please keep blogging. And don't forget to post about your latest vegan adventures and TRX workouts.

P.S. Lovely arms!

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 9:32 AM CDT

Name: skwigg
Home Page: http://skwigg.tripod.com

I thought the commenter made a valid point and it gave me pause. If I'm so happy with my body and my food, why am I still talking about it?

Thanks to all of you for answering that for me, because I was sitting here like... uuuuhhhh... LOL

Guess I'm not going anywhere. I'll caffeine up and write my next post about vegan cavemen and barbecue ninjas. You don't want to miss that! :-P

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 9:50 AM CDT

Name: "Abby"
Home Page: http://imnotneurotic.blogspot.com

I love your blog and like many others here, yours was first blog I ever really followed.  I have enjoyed reading about the evolution of your diet and exercise program and it's given me a lot of ideas on what I'd like to try (and not try).  :)   Thank you!

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:01 AM CDT

Name: "PamK"

Skwigg: You answered your own question! That you are so happy with your body and the food you are eating is EXACTLY why you are still talking about it. It's your passion, and your hobby. Please don't quit blogging. In fact, combine all that you have learned with your witty personality and great writing skills and write a book. It's time. You have a following and could definitely get an agent and a publisher.

 Thanks for everything you do!

 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 11:04 AM CDT

Name: "Liza"

I hope you never stop.  I enjoy reading it.  I love your sense of humor!  I do believe you're fit, happy and relaxed about food and it benefits me that you choose to write about it.  So many things have clicked for me just by looking at the pics of your food - in addition to getting a laugh out of something you wrote or cute pics of your dogs. :o)

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 12:55 PM CDT

Name: "marie"

Never stop.  You've helped me and I'm sure others more that you know, it just takes a while to sink in and then be put into practice.  You are an excellent role model for anyone who feels societal pressure to look a certain way, but knows that there's something wrong with that "perfect" image.  Thanks for encouraging health, athleticism, and craziness :D

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 1:20 PM CDT

Name: "Mary"

I wrote that comment.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to sound so pissy.  I love your blog and would never want to discourange you.  

I don't think Lilly has more fat than the average gym rat, but I guess it's how you define it.  If you at your peak leanness and that fitness competitor are average gym rats, I guess she does.  I don't want my daughter growing up in a world where the smart women find Lilly's look 'soft'.  It's bad enough that in the TV world that's the normal look.  That thinking gets me angry. 

By 'we' I meant 'we', as in you and me.  I like some fitness sites but I don't like that my size/body/eating is one of my hobbies, so I feel a little guilty when I peek in here.  I'm trying to replace that particular hobby and I was kind of thinking aloud there with the 'we're not there yet' remark.  It wasn't very kind to you but I also felt like it was a valid remark.  I'm sorry if it hurt.  You're doing great things here and I totally understand your motivation.  But sometimes I wish your blog was more about other stuff, too, just selfishly!  Because you're funny and insightful and we like the same books and dogs and cars and other things!  So, again, sorry for the snippiness. 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 4:47 PM CDT

Name: "fran"
Home Page: http://simplekneadsofmilford.com

Renee, please don't stop blogging. I've followed you for a while now, when I first started BFL, and now onto PN.

It's your ability to" Tweak "that makes me realize that's it not all or nothing. Adn the few times I've e-mailed you, I was astonished and grateful for such quick responses to my questions.

Keep up the excellent work. 

Peace,

fran

 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 5:30 PM CDT

Name: "April"
Home Page: http://redhead75.com

I'm glad you decided against quitting!

You may be at YOUR happy place and don't really need to blog about it but think of all of us that aren't there yet.  YOU are where we want to be!

We may never look like Monica but to have peace of mind like Skwigg is just as good! 

 

 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 6:56 PM CDT

Name: "C. Walberg"

Skwigg,

Please don't EVER stop blogging! I've been reading your blog for years and it was the first blog I ever started to follow. I love seeing what "new" post you will have/new article/new pics/something funny to make me laugh/plus you're always incredibly insightful and realistic.

 

I've been down the anorexic/bulimic/compulsive exerciser road before and got to the point where I was miserable and ruled by my workouts and chicken breasts. I am a vegetarian and have found I am much happier with less "food rules" and I will eat cereal for dinner sometimes....GASP! Something I never thought was possible.

Keep it up!!! :)

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 7:15 PM CDT

Name: "wrekehavoc"
Home Page: http://wrekehavoc.wordpress.com

oh renee, it's an oldie but a goodie word for that commenter: pshaw.

keep blogging. i have been enjoying your words of wisdom for a few years now; and in between all the injuries i incur because i am queen of the spazzes, i love to attempt these things you suggest at home. (as in, kids, do try these things at home, lol.

you're a hoot. don't ever stop.

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 8:24 PM CDT

Name: "patty"
Home Page: http://blog.wingdangdoo.com

Interesting quote from Mary:

 By 'we' I meant 'we', as in you and me.  I like some fitness sites but I don't like that my size/body/eating is one of my hobbies, so I feel a little guilty when I peek in here.

Here's my observation: Mary, it sounds like you don't mean 'we' as in you and skwigg. It sounds like you mean 'we' as in you and yourself. Why drag skwigg into it?!?

 

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 8:33 PM CDT

Name: "Betty"

Skwigg, I have been following your blog for a year now; it's the first blog i have ever followed.  Have eating/exercising issues, I'll share another time.  Thank you for being so honest and informative; you have introduced me to new ideas and experts in the fitness field.  Loved your reviews of Pilates, who would have thought?

 I thought Mary was very gracious in her explanation/apology.  Sometimes a person can have difficulties expressing her thoughts in print.  Things just don't come out right, and now the words are here forever.  

 I appreciate you Renee.

Sunday, 5 July 2009 - 10:52 PM CDT

Name: "kim"

I heart you.

 

For what it's worth.

Monday, 6 July 2009 - 12:19 AM CDT

Name: skwigg
Home Page: http://skwigg.tripod.com

I thank Mary for the honest opinion and gracious apology. It is definitely completely 100% accepted. In fact, an apology wasn't even necessary. Her comment flustered me for a second but it made me think, and that's never a bad thing.

Talking about fitness geekery makes me happy. I find nutrition fun. I enjoy all kinds of training and admire all kinds of body types. I talk too much, get excited easily, and tend to post pictures of whatever I'm thinking (or eating).

If the endless stream of nutrition/fitness/body image stuff makes someone uncomfortable, I understand why they might want to avoid me and my little food photos. Clearly I'm a total menace in that regard. LOL

But know that I'm having fun, and that my deepest desire is for everybody else to have fun too.

Monday, 6 July 2009 - 11:42 AM CDT

Name: "Jennifer P"

Renee, I have followed you for years and you are still my favourite blog to follow.  I have lost count of the posts that I have copied into a "Skwigg file" to re-read over and over again for inspiration.  You are a great writer, real, open to new ideas, full of great ones of your own, and just funny as all hell.  

 Keep doing what you're doing, Sista. 

Monday, 6 July 2009 - 10:07 PM CDT

Name: "Valerie Waters"
Home Page: http://www.valeriewaters.com

Dear Renee,

  Thank goodness you will continue to blog!  You are inspiring and funny and insightful.  I love your book reviews, your commentary and the peek inside your journey.  I hope that everyone is searching and experimenting and finding what works best for their body, their life and their soul.  Thank you for sharing.  You have inspired me greatly.

Valerie

 

 

Tuesday, 7 July 2009 - 7:44 AM CDT

Name: "RG"

I'm laughing out loud at this post.  I saw the issues in the “fitness bliss” post, but I didn't get around to commenting.  According to Leigh, the EL picture is 17% bodyfat, where the other picture of Jessica Biel is 20%. Neither of them are fat, but JB is fatter than the average gym rat. EL is not fatter than Skwigg (except at her very leanest, which is not now) but she has smaller thighs, arms, shoulders because she has less muscle. It's worth going to avidiity fitness and finding the podcast Leigh does and seeing the pictures of gym rat Sally to compare, where Sally starts at a before of 20% and an after of 17% and both times she says “how come I don't look as good as the celebrities I'm aiming for” and Leigh says “well, you don't have their rack, and you have more muscle”. There are definitely people who need this message. I spent my 20's trying to diet down, complaining about my fat thighs and non-flat abs. In retrospect, based on pictures and measurements, I suspect I was between 21% and 18% bf most of that time. My thighs weren't fat so much as muscular. My stomach was/is fat, but that's the luck of the genetic draw. I'm apple-shaped, not pear, and I know plenty of women who hate their large hips. I probably would have to get to 15% bf to get EL's ripped abs, but they're there underneath my fat.

Wednesday, 8 July 2009 - 4:21 PM CDT

Name: "Janie"
Home Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/janie.glover?ref=prof

Skwigg- THANK YOU for sharing all you've learned and are learning!  You've been a tremendous help to me. 

Thursday, 23 July 2009 - 10:26 AM CDT

Name: "Lola"
Home Page: http://www.lolafierce.wordpress.com

Skwigg -  I can't even tell you how much your blog has helped me.  It helped me get "excited" about working out.  It helped me find this whole other community that actually loved being active (via your blogroll).  Your blog introduced me to the kettlebell!  And the beauty of interval training. 

Don't stop blogging!  Cause you rock.  :o) 

 

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