// on my kitchen wall
About 3 months ago, I blogged about a bunch of clothes I have that no longer fit me. Fast forward to now, and they still don’t fit. In fact, they’ve been sitting in a box since that day, and that box has been transported from Texas to Louisiana. I briefly thought about throwing it away and forgetting those clothes ever existed, but I have several problems with that, and they all boil down to this: If I give up now, I will always give up.
Left: 2008; Right: Current
To the left, you see Fit Lauren. I was running 3-4 times per week, about 2-3 miles per run. Going to yoga maybe 2-3 times per week. Nothing excessive. If I felt like eating a piece of cake or having a non-light beer, I did. Now, I do realize I had time on my side. I was four years younger, after all. But to the right you see someone who is not exercising regularly and not eating well. I’ve gained about 20 pounds between these two photos.
Wait, 20 pounds?! How is that possible?! Well, I’m tall (5’10″) and I carry my weight in my midsection, which means I can hide it with blousy tops and the right camera angles. I realize that where I am right now, weight-wise, is nowhere near fat. I know that a lot of people’s “goal” is my “current.” I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad about themselves. I’m talking about what I know about my body. And I know that I simply can’t gain FIVE POUNDS per year from this point on. I can’t keep buying bigger pants. I can’t keep justifying poor lifestyle decisions.
I don’t have an excuse for this weight. I haven’t had kids or an illness that prevents me from losing weight. I could blame it on a million things. I’m getting older. I’ve moved six times in 4 years. I’m constantly stressed. My schedule doesn’t allow for exercise (except now it does). But the truth of the matter is that I’ve been lazy. And I don’t care if you’re a size 2, lazy is bad. I don’t want to be a lazy mom. I don’t want to be okay with gaining 5 pounds every year. I need to be healthy. I need to be active. I need to not eat fast food on a weekly basis. I want my kids to know that fruits and vegetables are delicious, and that pizza and ice cream are treats, not something we eat 4 times a week. I want them to see Family Time as going for a walk or playing a game in the backyard, not always vegging in front of the TV.
If I live a healthy lifestyle and, after a certain time, these clothes still don’t fit, fine. I’ll accept that as my body changing and getting older. I’ll buy new clothes and move on. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be healthy, and adapt healthy habits into my lifestyle. If I’m going to live another 70 years (give or take), I want them to be full of life, not constantly struggling with weight, health, and general sluggishness.
Most of us have a cardboard box. Whether it’s your wedding dress, your favorite pair of jeans, or, in my case, half your wardrobe, we all have something we wish we could squeeze into again. I’m not advocating trying to get into your high school cheerleader outfit (although I’m sure your husband would love that), but I am saying that if you have an attainable goal, why not use it as inspiration for a healthier lifestyle?
- I will not eat anything that tastes like cardboard. This diet is about healthier choices, portion control, and splurging on occasion. If I want to have a cupcake with a friend, I need to be able to do that. I also need to be able to have pizza for dinner sometimes. But the healthy meals/choices need to far outweigh (no pun intended) the “bad” ones. I also want to teach myself new ways to prepare food, and that a meal doesn’t have to be covered in cheese and gravy to be delicious.
- I will not set unattainable goals for myself. I will not force myself back down to my lowest weight. I will develop a healthy lifestyle, eat right and exercise, and let my body do the rest.
- I am doing this to be healthy, not to be skinny. Even though the skinny photo and the box of clothes is my inspiration, I’m doing this to FEEL good, not just to look good. I want to work out with my husband. I want to one day be able to chase my kids around the yard. I want to have more energy. If I don’t develop these habits now, that won’t happen, and I’ll keep gaining, slowly but surely.
- I will avoid anything on Pinterest labeled “Thinspiration” or involving a photo of Miley Cyrus’ recent weight loss. Guys. She’s 19 and a celebrity. She’s supposed to look like that. We’re real women; we’re not. Again, it goes back to unrealistic expectations of yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t count your ribs. Cherish a healthy body, one that enables you to do so many things, rather than a perfect body.
- Weigh-in: This can be your actual weight, or how many pounds up or down you are. I will not be posting my actual weight — for now, anyway — because I think people get too caught up into numbers and saying “You don’t need to lose weight! You’re only XXX pounds!” Every body is different. I know I’m carrying extra weight right now, regardless of what the charts say. So share whatever you’re comfortable with posting.
- Exercise completed: This is a place to journal all the exercise you completed this week. I know that, personally, if I have to log something, I’m more likely to do it. Hopefully the thought of having to type “completed NO EXERCISE THIS WEEK” will be a swift kick in the butt to go for a run or to the gym.
- Splurge/Guilty Pleasure: Let’s face it. We’re going to screw up. Let’s get it off our chests, shall we? Plus, the Cardboard Box Diet is all about the occasional treat. Just don’t wind up in your closet, licking the bottom of a half-gallon of Rocky Road, mmkay? Not that that’s ever happened to me. Ahem.
- Success story: Did you lose a pound? Fit into a dress? Chose a big yummy salad instead of the greasy cheeseburger that was calling your name? Hooray!
- Recipe(s): What were some of your favorite meals/recipes this week? Share with us so we can make/eat them too!
- Photo: This can be a photo of anything. Something inspirational, a self-portrait, a meal. I will probably be doing lots of instagram photos. You’ve been warned.
I’m not trying to make a big deal out of this, but if there are like, five of us who can bond together and keep each other on track, how awesome would that be? More people would be awesome too. I want us to have fun and use this as an opportunity to encourage each other! We’ve built these great communities online, why not put them to use for becoming healthier versions of ourselves?
The apps I’ll be using to track my calories and exercise are MyFitnessPal and MapMyRUN. My MFP profile is here, and you can read my food diary here. I won’t be using MapMyRUN for the social networking aspect, because I log all my fitness in MFP and honestly, sharing maps my routes kind of freaks me out. Sorry, crazy stalker people. You’re going to have to work a little harder to find me. Here are links to my Instagram and Twitter, where I’ll post daily updates. If someone wants to come up with a hashtag so we can all stick together, that would be awesome! #cardboardboxdiet seems too long (maybe)…any ideas?
I’ll also be utilizing a linking tool (I think Mr. Linky, but suggestions are welcome!) and a button so anyone who wants to can link up. If you don’t have a blog, leave your answers in the comments!
Let’s do this. Cardboard box, I’m coming for you.
What’s in your cardboard box?
julie @ the semi-reformed nerd says:
I just sent you a MFP request. I just started the trek back to my old clothes last week… and started blogging about it. Count me in!
Ali says:
Im in Lauren!!! I’m totally in!
Katie says:
I think this is a great, realistic, and healthy way to be looking at a “diet”, LfT!
The hardest part for me is always the mental aspect, and I’ve read that when we eat unhealthy things, eat when we aren’t hungry, or binge that we are trying to fill a void of something else that is missing from our lives. I feel like I’ve been doing that a lot lately, especially eating great all day and then “ruining it” later at night – like I have no control over myself or something. So I am focusing on figuring that out right now, but might join you down the road. I’m re-reading “Reshaping it All” and ordering “Made to Crave” soon to get me started.
Looking forward to reading more from you!
Sara says:
I honestly don’t see a difference between the two photos which I’m sure is great! You look lovely as ever.
However! I’m on the same page as you. Like you, I have never been fat, but I did get thicker for a few years after started college. Now I’m done, working full time, and more aware of my well being. I too am all about having a healthy lifestyle, working out 2-3 times a week at minimum, and so on. I finally lost some of the pounds I gained (which didn’t happen until after a change in birth control actually)
I’m on your side! I hope you find some delicious recipes to share that any Texans (any anyone else) would love but with less guilt. =)
Kelly O says:
I’m in, too. (Sent you a MFP request.) I actually signed up for MFP last week so it’s quite cool you’re doing this now. A little group motivation doesn’t hurt.
Chrissy (The New Me) says:
Good luck Lauren! This sounds like a really balanced and healthy way to approach weight loss and fitness. Fun, too!
Carly says:
This sounds like a great idea!
Jackie s says:
Im in! Although im a size 0, i need to build up muscle and get leaner. Im at probably 123-125 now, but i lost about 35lbs after i had my baby 2.5 years ago. I know weight loss can be a struggle, and eating right is whats hard for me. I think this time im going to focus on being more physically active and try to tone up that way. If i get down to 118 or so, with more mass, ill be psyched :)
Jackie s says:
Oh and i too didnt notice a difference in your 2 photos :)
Rhona says:
Count me in!! Just sent you a request on MFP. I’ve been using it for a month or so now to help me lose weight for my wedding in October. I think this is a fantastic plan!
Miemo says:
That’s exactly how I feel. i am lazy. and I wear my weight in the midsection. and I have all the same excuses. Your post is inspiring, yet, I know I have to try harder. I also use mfp but I i fell off. *sigh. BACK TO IT.
Stephany says:
Yes, yes, yes! Count me in on this. I think this is a great idea and a fun way of keeping us accountable. :)
I’m not on MFP (I’ll be doing Weight Watchers), but I fully intend on participating. Yay!
Also, I really love your attitude about all this. Sure, to a lot of US, we may think you look skinny & gorgeous but being healthy is about more than “being skinny” and being a size 2. It’s about how we feel about ourselves.
Nicole says:
I’m in! Cio and I are joining a gym Friday!
Sonal says:
I’m in too! I want to look/feel my best for my upcoming engagement photos and wedding! I’m starting school again in 2 weeks so I’m a little concerned about keeping up, but I’m willing to try.
Sonal says:
I’m tehsonz on MFP!
Brittney says:
WAIT. You know I’ll be in, but I have “The Questions” (I know, oo big surprise, Brittney can’t do anything without asking nine hundred things first).
Will everyone who participates promise to lose weight in a healthy, realistic, and sustainable way? Meaning no fasting, no juicing, etc? Can we all agree there are no “bad” or “off-limit” foods? I’m super anal about that diet mentality – folks that plan to lose weight cursing donuts and swearing to eat only boiled chicken and broccoli and brown rice… because then they’ll hit goal, eat sixteen cakes and gain it back. I like your focus on journey toward “healthy” – not skinny.
Rant, rant… rant. =D So how do I join? Do we need a banner? I don’t/won’t be using any online calorie tracker so please don’t make it MFP only! *needy*
Brittney says:
Me too! I joined earlier this year because it is what works for me and allows me to eat properly and realistically, and am down 15 lbs! I’ll annoy you to keep you accountable, too! ;)
Heahther says:
I love this post!! I know you can do it!! I like how you write that you’re not doing this to count ribs or be skinny but to feel good. Amen sister!
Jen says:
A) I know you weren’t searching for compliments, but you’re gorgeous, then & now (although the difference is ridiculously minimal!).
B) I’m in. My cardboard box is one entire side of my closet of dresses I can no longer wear but are too gorgeous (& were way too expensive) to toss out. It. Will. Happen.
Lindsey says:
I’m In! :)
Victoria says:
I’m in! I just weighed in this morning and I am down 3 lbs!!! :) My goal for right now is to get back down to my wedding day weight, which I’m only 6 lbs away from, but still, it’s bugging me because I have hovered at the same weight for 6 years now, and it needs to change!
I have a black pair of capri slacks that I would LOVE for my child bearing hips to fit in. So I guess that is my ultimate goal. :)
Marlena says:
You should look up some information on “The Zone” aka zoning. You can still have whatever you wish…it really just re-trains your brain to get the right amount of nutrients in with each meal. It helps you eat enough food per day (which contrary to what most think….few eat ENOUGH) which in turn helps kickstart your metabolism and also trains you to actually learn portion control. And I don’t just mean the standard “eat meat the size of a deck of cards”…I mean eating the right balance of protein, carbs, and fat with your meals / snacks. I know, I know…run-on sentences for days. But seriously……….I think it could help you or I wouldn’t be wasting my time by commenting.
skye @ neathering our fest says:
oh oh oh I’M SO IN!!!
I just added MFP to my iphone but I have no idea how to work it. How do I add you as a friend on there? I am skyemclain! Now I’m off to add Map my Run but I will mostly be walking I’d imagine. I’m not a very good runner (yet). This is awesome. A healthy lifestyle is what I want. Whatever my body does as a result of that is fine with me! I need the accountability and community to keep me motivated. Love this Lauren!!! Let’s tackle that cardboard box!!
Tabaitha says:
I’m in as well. Last week I started training to run the Chosen Half Marathon in New Braunfels, Tx in October. I chose the race because I wanted to run for a cause and it raises money for adoptions and orphans, and I always do better with a plan. Having a training schedule and deadline help me. The cardboard diet is a great way to bring all of us together and encourage each other towards a healthy lifestyle.
abby says:
I love this!!! I need to do this but can’t start just yet since I still have 6 weeks left of my pregnancy. But I know how hard the lbs were to come off after my last pregnancy so this time I want to be prepared with a support group! If you all are still going strong in August, I’m in!! On a different note, I have to tell you that I recently had to clean out my guest room closet to make it into a nursery. They were all of my work pants from when I was fit (before my first child) and when I was running and eating healthy. Before my second pregnancy I didn’t even come close to fitting back into them. But I seriously still have a tag on an Express Editor pair of trouser jeans and all the other pants are name brand too and I just couldn’t pull the plug on them. My mom tried to force me to donate them, but getting rid of them felt like I was giving up on myself ever being healthy again. So I boxed them up and put them in the attic. I know they are there and I haven’t given up on myself. I don’t know if I’ll ever fit back into them or even if they’ll be my style at that point, but I just had to hold on…
Michelle says:
This is a great idea! I’m totally in too! Especially because I am getting married in a little over 2 months and I’ve been telling myself for over a year that I need to get my act together… and I seriously need to now! I’m like you… very tall… managed to pack on 25 pounds over the last couple of years, and also carry it in my midsection so I don’t look bad at all from certain camera angles but I’m sick of all of my clothes fitting tight and sick of seeing pictures with my midsection. Also, I am really trying to get back into blogging so hopefully this will help :-)
april says:
I’m in! I have about 15lbs for realistic, and 25lbs for ideal. I lost 42 lbs last year and gave away all my fat clothes. I have gained about 10lbs back, but I have to stay in the size because I don’t have any more larger clothes! (They’re a bit tight right now).
I’m also with Michelle – I’m having a hard time keeping myself blogging so maybe this will help that too! :) Good luck!
Amanda says:
I’m in! I’m not quite comfortable using MFP for networking and just keep it privately to track weighing in/measurements (I’m not really a calorie counter), but otherwise I’m all over this. I actually don’t have a box at this moment, because I recently hit a milestone where none of my clothes fit. Not one single item is the right size, they’re all too big. That said, I’m not anywhere near my ultimate “healthy” goal so maybe I should buy something to put in a box as tangible motivation :) I love this.
Chels says:
Glad I’m not the only one that wants to drop a few lbs because I feel like a blob. And like you to most people I may not look bad BUT I feel bad, and I hate feeling bad about something that I know I can fix! I’ve gained 10 lbs since I got married and that was 8 months ago! I blame it on being home without a car while my husband went to school and worked full time. Anyways, I am getting back on track with my exercise routine and that’s exactly what I need to start feeling better, I know that 10 lbs will come off if I stay consistent with my eating and exercise. Did I mention that I’m going to be in a wedding September 1st and was measured for my dress MONTHS AGO?! Yikes!! I’ve found that if I’m active it boosts my confidence so much. Have we figured out a hashtag for IG? What about #boxdiet or #cbdiet? I honestly don’t mind the #cardboardboxdiet :)
Julia says:
I did the Zone years ago and lost 20 pounds. It was fairly easy and I wasn’t hungry. A great blog is http://www.zone-ish.com.
Julia says:
Good luck! You are truly leading by example! Positive thinking and a great attitude make all the difference. Also, allowing treats is awesome and makes it obtainable
PS Do you still *like* the clothes from five years ago?! Some things I wore five years ago I hang my head in shame…
LRH in SD says:
I don’t have a blog, but count me in!!
Thank you for the realistic questions. The honesty from you and everyone else I think will help me feel more committed to sticking to this!
Meg says:
I don’t have a blog, but I’m in! I’m excited!
laura says:
I love this idea!! I think I will be a casual joiner, if that’s allowed.
Nichole says:
Hi…I’d love to join but see I’m a week late…am I ok to jump in this week? If so, how long will you keep the linky open? I weigh-in on Friday mornings so I’d like to put my posts up on Fridays if that works.
Thanks!