Comments on: Cognitive Dissonance

By: Rhi

Rhi — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 05:47:38 +0000

It’s actually normal to gain a little when you stop restricting calories. You’re not doing anything wrong. Just stick it out and throw in some exercise that you know you’ll stick to, and make sure you measure body fat and not weight. Get your TDEE measured (google it and you’ll find a calculator) to get an estimate of calories your body needs.

I’m sure Go has mentioned this in a post or perhaps in her book. I haven’t read it yet.

By: HK

HK — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:24:35 +0000

Amber you are an amazing inspirational person. Finding you has been an eye-opener for sure. I am completely on your wavelength with your outlook on eating, health and fitness. I completely reject fad diets. At my heaviest I was approx 20kg overweight. I started to lose weight five years ago but I wasn’t that consistent so weight loss has been a very slow progress. Only recently I fully committed to strength training. I use kettlebells, barbells and dumbbells. I find that high intensity exercise coupled with strength training is having the best impact, much more effective that hours of running on the treadmill, which is what I used to do. It’s such a revelation!! I eat very well I would say my diet is pretty balanced. I certainly avoid packaged foods and processed foods. Keep up the good work, I think you look awesome and I admire your muscles and look forward for mine to develop in time…. thank you xx

By: HK

HK — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:05:00 +0000

This is an awesome post!

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 01:11:15 +0000

I believe you, because I lost 35kg almost 5 years ago while also eating plenty of carbs, fats, as well as *gasp* gluten, ice cream, chocolate, etc. And I have maintained it perfectly fine. The only thing that has changed within those five years is my exercise regime. Having pretty much never moved from the couch in the many years prior to my weight loss, I’m constantly changing it up and trying new things I was too scared to try before. I was severely overweight as a teenager and constantly yo-yo dieting, and if someone had told me back then that I would lose weight while eating all the things I ate when I did lose it, I would have laughed at them. So I do have some sympathy for those in denial, or in cognitive dissonance as it were I know when you’re desperate any lifeline will do!

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:56:42 +0000

I have followed you for awhile and I agree with what you say.For sure you don’t look like a man or any of the others things you said you’ve heard.Some people are just strange and are probably are just jealous. I read your Facebook page, not everyday but every once in awhile and every time you speak of eating what you want, I know it is in moderation. Eating good but not fanatical. I look forward to reading your book soon and just wanted you to hear what a guy has to say about you. New to your blog but will follow you more. My page is Health Wealth Life 101 and my goal is to inspire and motivate. I am disabled and can’t really exercise but try to eat right. Keep up the great work!! Jim

By: Kendra

Kendra — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 00:09:03 +0000

I’ve been reading your site/FB for a while and I like pretty much everything you say. Long story short, I’ve been focusing on losing some fat and gaining muscle for a couple years now but only recently have I really put a serious focus on it. I still put far more weight (ha ha) on what my scale reads, but I’m getting there. I am a solidly built 5’5 woman who is getting excited about seeing my new stronger body emerging.

I’d like to thank you for your story and for continually emphasizing that this is a journey; that this kind of stuff takes time to do right. It’s a simple process, but it takes some attention.

By: Anneli

Anneli — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:40:36 +0000

I’ve been reading your blog for a few months and am quite intrigued:) I have struggled with my weight since the birth of my 1st(of four) baby… I’ve lost 35 + pounds and then gained back and then some! I’m 5’8″ and weigh about 180lbs… I don’t really care so much what the scale says and have gotten over needing to be at my wedding weight of 120, but I do need to lose weight. How do I correctly calculate what my body needs for calories?

By: Casie

Casie — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:14:11 +0000

Thank you for sharing your insights; it was a really enjoyable read. I believe in what you have said 100%. Not every body type is the same and reacts to things the same. Diets are not a solution, they are a temporary action, but they don’t get to the root of the problem. I’ve tried diets myself and have had no luck. Last year I tried out Weight Watchers and found that it was the only “diet” that actually resonated with me. Their philosophy is that you can eat whatever you like. It doesn’t cut out wheat or dairy or sugars. However, they do practice control. Control of how much you eat and, in watching your calories/points, the things you eat. I found that I was working toward solving the problem. Not making bad food decisions and, instead, opting for a healthier choice so I would stay within my calories/points for the day. I since have gone off weight watchers, but I still practice what it taught me: make better decisions about what I put in my body.

By: Go Kaleo

Go Kaleo — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 20:04:56 +0000

Awesome!!! Welcome to the bay area!!!

By: Melinda

Melinda — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:57:44 +0000

I just moved to the bay area a month ago, and stumbled upon your blog while I was looking for local trainers etc. It was complete serendipity, because I have never read any story more inspiring. And when I say “inspiring,” I don’t mean it just gives me the feels…I mean, your story has had a direct impact on my attitude and my behavior.
I’ve been so much more active and, perhaps more importantly, accepting of my body since I discovered you. I don’t feel like my body is the enemy any more. It’s part of who I am, and I am responsible for caring for it and treating it with dignity and respect. And, of course, pushing it to be better than it was yesterday!
So, thank you, Amber, for sharing your story and braving the criticism and shutting down the nay-sayers. You’re an inspiration.
And now I’m going to go hike the hills of SF.