Originally posted this as a page instead of as a post, now I have moved it:
Most of my life has been spent dieting and different exercise
programs, yet none of these have led me to being healthy or to staying
at a healthy weight. And I don’t think I am alone.
I
hate deprivation and I love food. So what’s a girl to do? Especially in
this world where there are 500 diets being promoted everywhere we look.
Eat this, don’t eat that, eat at this time but not at this time, I’ve
known many people who have even had forms of gastric bypass surgery to
lose weight.
I’m tired taking time out of my already
busy day to go to a gym and spend and hour or two every day working out
and taking classes. Even just a few hours a week spent concentrating on
“exercise” does not sound fun to me, and at my age I’m tired of not
having fun!
I am not an expert in any way shape or form
in the fields of nutrition or exercise, but I do know I want to change
my life--walking more, moving more, eating better--without stopping
living, or putting my life on pause.
Thank you for your openness, Lynn! All of these new diet techniques place such a great emphasis on deprivation, rather than incorporation. What I mean by that is, rather than focusing on incorporating more beneficial fruits/ veggies, there seems to be a larger focus on consuming food less frequently.
ReplyDeleteBeing a pastry chef, I receive criticism constantly on the ingredients I choose to incorporate in my recipes. Now although I do believe in substitutions (as long as the taste remains good), I also believe that everyone should remember to always incorporate a little treat/ fun in their lives.
Keep true to yourself!!
As I mentioned in the lecture, the key to the module one assignments is audience. How often do you consider yours when writing?
ReplyDeleteFor module two this week, I ask you to write an “about you” page for your blog. The module one assignments are first and second drafts for that “about you.”
The beat defense assignment is usually the better draft because it focuses your writing and story on the interests of your audience. It thinks of your audience.
Yet the autobiography is still helpful. It sets your mind in motion. It helps you consider possible beats. It helps you think about “you the author.” It introduces you to the class.
Your bio is much longer than your beat, which isn’t a great sign for your beat. I would usually say that isn’t a great sign for your audience too, but there is interesting writing in your bio. There is interesting storytelling.
I’m not convinced that healthy living is your subject. You could easily convince me otherwise, but you seem—based on this small sample—to want to write about your life.
It’s not interesting or engaging for the audience when you string a bunch of mentioned episodes together. It’s long-winded and unfocused and you lose most people after two paragraphs.
Individually, each of the stories you either rush by or tease and don’t tell is engaging.
Try one. Pick one. Just the first day in the aerobics class. Or the one act of rebellion. Or the coffee date. I’m partial to the aerobics class for a first try. I often recommend for a great “about you”—just tell a good story.
It’s important to use writing to deliver your ideas to an audience, but it’s also important to use writing to develop and discover your ideas—that’s they type of writing that will make an actual connection. That’s why I insist on drafts.
I think you need draft mode—discovery mode—for a while. It’s a hell of a cure for anxiety. I shouldn’t say that—it’s one hell of a use of anxiety.
Drafts think. They experiment. They make your thoughts concrete and let you consider whether they express your ideas well enough. Drafts sit in your mind for a few days and foster better expressions and better ideas. Drafts create new thoughts.
A first or early draft isn’t wrong; it’s a step. Good writing depends on our ability to attempt first drafts and remain dissatisfied with them. Good writers are never satisfied.
Good work this week, Lynn.
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI am with you 100% on this post! I have this love hate relationship with Pizza going on lately where I love to eat it, but hate how it makes me feel right after. There is also something special about eating a meal that someone has prepared for you either in a restaurant or at home.
I admire your intentions with your blog and fully support the effort! I’m also not sure I believe in many of these “500 diets” we do have going on, but I do think it’s important to be aware of what we eat.
There are so many negative critics out there especially with food, I think one of the hardest things we can do is eat what we like to eat.
I love the passion that pours out of your writing and I can’t wait to read more of your work.
- Fran FCC
Your writing here is also approachable and easy to sympathize with. We've all seen enough ads online promoting 'lose belly fat', and on, so taking a stance against those and working to build a healthy life is a great starting point. I agree with Prof. Kalm, your subject may be more about your life (and its transformation) than the healthy strategies you plan to incorporate. It would be interesting to learn more about the past experiences that will shape your approach moving forward. Excited to see where this goes!
ReplyDelete