Do Feelings Make You Fat?

[blah0kin0blah]

this video has help me out alot feeling better about myself helps thanks (:

[tyler32488]

Hey jon..I just read Simply Eat. Sounds really legit. I will try it out for myself. But I feel like you have said. It is the feelings I get. I know I can work out someway anywhere anytime. I am just dont want to do all that work, and no results.

[Annettemartin1]

I feel tired of being tired, and tired of being fat!

So I now go to the gym 3-5 days a week and i really enjoy it. I feel better over all, when I am working out. Now I am working on adjusting my eating habits. Thanks Much, Annette

[TheRunner217]

i cant control my diet....or not as much as i should

(thats my answer to the question) lol

[jonbensonfitness]

There's a mantra I give in the first audio of M-Power (link in the sidebar) that has helped a lot of people:

"I control nothing. I manage everything."

Try that... in reality you cannot control anything, but you CAN manage. Manage your nutrition.

Think of it that way and your mind and body will sync up.

[rocnrobyn]

Hey Jon, liked the vid. As for my thoughts on your question I firmly believe my problem lies in doing shift work. The things I hear most often is consistancy wich is impossible when you work shifts. Though I can't get anyone to confirm those thoughts. It's my own conclusion.

Thanks for putting it out there though ;-)

Robin

[jonbensonfitness]

Shift work is difficult -- but look into the history of Bill Pearl. He has the most unusual schedule (or did) and managed to be Mr. Universe. You can do it -- you must decide, first, that it is possible. Role modeling really helps with this.

[7marte83]

Really liked your video. You say interesting stuff, and are fun to watch;)

[wwwestlake]

If you go from the Extreme plan back to Lifestyle, how do you make sure you don't put weight on due to the body getting "used" to the metabolic rates of the Extreme intake?

[jonbensonfitness]

Those questions are best asked on my support site W. Same name as this channel [ d o t ] com... thanks!

[notmycity]

Hey Jon,

Interesting...

I understand we both have a Christian background.

For my part, the evolutionary paradigm doesnt really work.

Having said that, Im reminded of this passage in Ecclesiastes: Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

A question I must ask myself, am I eating for strength or for drunkenness?

Thank you.

[jonbensonfitness]

Hi Notmycity,

That's an excellent question. Gluttony is a form of drunkenness for sure, and I can say that food has been 'my' alcohol of choice on more than one occasion.

As for the other comments: I'm a paleo nutritionist, so naturally I look at this from a scientific angle, but I understand Christians and others wincing at the word "evolution." I try to avoid the term and speak of our lives before sugar, which is well-documented and does not clash with most people's faith.

Many thanks!

[jonbensonfitness]

(Q&A cont...)

Q: Did you really write all those books?

A: Yes, believe it or not. No ghostwriters, although I could use some editing. I co-wrote "Low Pressure Sex" (actually I wrote very little of it) with Frank Mangano and co-authored "NaturaPause" with hormone expert Dr. Holly Lucille. Again, I was more of an interviewer in that process, although Holly disagrees.

Q: What's up with the hair?

A. The hair is up! Just goes that way with a bit of help. No coloring... not yet. : )

Thanks!

[jonbensonfitness]

Okay all -- a quick Q&A. Lots of emails to my YT box and my inbox, all of which are highly appreciated.

I'll do a real Q&A vid when I get popular enough to do so, but several questions were the same, so I thought I'd answer:

Q: Are you really 45?

A: I'm flattered, and yes.

Q: What skin care do you use?

A: Flattered again. I do take care of my skin. I use Seacrets, but honestly I have 'horrible' skin issues and just got lucky with the genes for wrinkles.

(cont...)

[JanetofNQ]

Thank you for your FIT365 and this video. I am currently close to my highest weight and caught myself in a reflection the other day. I was horrified to see a fat middle-aged woman looking stupid. Have I been blind? I was truly ashamed to be my physical self. We travel permanently on the road in a small van with no exercise and constant take away meals. Now I need to commit, plan and execute. You are right Jon, it is a mental attitude and now I will begin my life saving course - thanks to you!

[jonbensonfitness]

Thanks so much Janet! and to everyone -- great thoughts. Keep them coming.

More vids next week. A better camera too... ; )

[KarenC1967]

Jon, your last statement about fitness starting in the mind is 100% right on! About 8 years ago, I set my mind to lose weight and was in the best shape of my life after having my 4th child. I wore a bikini and felt great in it. Sad to say, I love food and am now at my highest weight (excluding pregnancy). I know what I have to do, but I just don't feel motivated at all to go for it again. I love the taste of good food, the ease of fast food, and not feeling like I can't have something.

[jeunemari]

Jon,

Good first video! Just keep the camera still, it was moving up and down too much, I was getting sea sick and it was distracting from watching and listening to you.

[jonbensonfitness]

Yeah, I noted that in my info section btw... I'm looking around today for a good camera/pod plus a warm light. Any suggestions? Has to be Mac-friendly.

[pzmoft]

Jon, nice and easy, and of course with humor, that's great, it's good to see you in person, not just heraing you, this is a great adition to your programs, congratulations

[gr8wuf]

Humor and "video weirdness" make me want to listen to what you have to say :)

[pantyderi]

Brilliant 'pep-talk' , I've been following your program for the last few months and the video is a good addition to the program. Thanks

Andy

[jonbensonfitness]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Queen -- keep us posted on that swelling. Interesting how impatience can lead us to a path of even slower progression, isn't it?

Slow and steady, with "surges" of rapid fat loss, is the strategy I preach. And it's working like crazy.

This new "Radical Fat Loss Blueprint" is based on that: 21 days, and up to 21 pounds. It's nuts. But after that you go back to faster-than-normal but much more moderate fat loss. Keep the body guessing, and do it in spurts.

[QueenOftheCeltic]

Thanks for responding.

I am sorry, I didn't make myself clear.

I was using a different program. It was slow proress.

My workouts being 30 mins or longer. I did see results as far as more energy and more flexibility.

The swelling is down, since I have been taking a break.

I have membership with your EOOD and will look into the Radical Fat Loss Blueprint.

Thanks again.

I like that you put into words things I am going through.

[Dwaglarob]

I will tell you why. I have always een the fat one in my family. I never thought God wanted it for me. My self esteem consequesntly was in the toilet. My best friend is a Model. I look at him and I see everything I am not. This adds to my negative belief.

[Dwaglarob]

The last 8 weeks I have been training with a trainer and have lost 25.2 lbs. I have 150 more pounds to loose. So far but so obtainable. My self esteem is still not what it should be but it is getting better. I see myself changing and believing that I deserve it.

[QueenOftheCeltic]

Hello, thanks for posting such a close to home topic, to discuss things like these.

To answer your question, I find myself feeling overwhelmed with the magnitude of changing my food habits, exercise habits, etc. I was exercising everyday, but had an old injury flare up on me, so I quit. I did not see results QUICK enough so it discouraged me. That is what I feel. However, recently, I purchased the EODD and like what is happening and am waiting for swelling to go down so I can exercise.

[uberspringer]

Great! The cinéma vérité style is a great change from the slick over-produced stuff. My experience: I have HOCM so I have to be careful working out (I work closely with my Drs). 7MM is too stressful on my heart, so I go lighter, more sets. About 2 months ago I went into VT (250+ bpm) while doing flies, but my AICD kicked in: defibbed at the gym! I am physically OK to work out, but mentally not. Intense mind game to get back on the horse. Your common-sense approach is a huge inspiration.

[merleigh223]

Feelings can make you FIT too. The better shape I get into the more I get people complimenting me which in turn makes me want to work even harder. It is all about reinforcement - are your thoughts, experiences, surroundings positive or negative? This will have a huge impact on your outcomes.

[Bodhitharta]

In order to be successful in life is to consistently do what we don't want to do in order to feel the way we want to feel.

This is the key to short term loss for long term gain.

[silver13demon]

Hi Jon

like the way you're doing the video :-)

It's nice seeing someone "real" and not polished-to-death where you wonder whether they actually believe (and live) what they're saying or just reading it off.

My feelings re food and exercise.... hmmm

Well, I've always been a comfort eater, though part of that probably was because of the addictive aspect of sugar. I grew up internationally and when we came back to Switzerland, I gained 30 kgs in about 8-10 years. Part of it was feeling lonely

[silver13demon]

and food was easy to get (and keep around the house). Also being different and dealing with rejection because I didn't correspond to what was "expected" didn't help - ie food didn't care about that. Then later I was ticked off when acquaintences when tell me more or less nicely that I should lose weight (never liked anyone telling me what to do). So I didn't lose to spite them. Real smart... after that I was in an area where it was simple self-sabotage: I didn't feel I deserved to be fit/hot.

[silver13demon]

Thankfully, through several things coming together, I had a major attitude shift with regards to myself last December :-) And from there a lot of things in my life and attitudes have been falling over/getting dropped and changed. Including this. It's still quite a battle changing the habits - especially on days where I'm feeling miserable and all I want to do is go hide in my bed with some chips or a brownie and milk. But I have several different things motivating me now and keeping me at it.

[silver13demon]

And the things I'm learning from you are a very helpful part :-)

[Pgawlas]

Jon--great video! And I love your voice. One thing hit home to me. I was explaining RFLB to a friend who thought I looked great he asked why would I do what you recommend. I told him every time I follow your advice, Jon, I get the results I want! My whole issue is worthiness and fear--not of failure, but of success! I've achieved peak fitness, but never sustained it, and I'm hoping to figure that out as my path unwinds...

[jonbensonfitness]

Okay, apologies to another poster -- why the hell doesn't YT put a WARNING up since they have "Reply" and "Remove" about a centimeter away from each other??

I'm such a newb... ; )

Apologies -- someone said that they started weight training and then fell into overtraining, then gave up and ended up heading toward obesity.

I HAVE BEEN THERE. Yep. A lot before I got a hold of density training.

Check out the link in the "more info" box on the right for "7 Minute Muscle." The title is no joke.

[broalicia]

Nice UTube debut! Listen, I'm a big believer in thoughts become things. The body you want comes more from what you THINK than what you do! What you do falls into place much easier if you believe in the end result. I took me a long time and alot of frustration to come to this conclusion. So, cheers to you! Very few fitness/nutrition professionals recognize this.

[jonbensonfitness]

Thanks broalicia!

[collinsmarte]

Hey Jon. I have been receiving your e-mails for some time and enjoy them a lot. However, for me I think I don't have the body I want because I don't know where to begin. I am 61 and at times am not sure if certain exercise are too much or if i am not doing enough. Personal trainers are just too expensive. I am persistent in my power walking and am losing weight slowly but am getting flabby in places.

[jonbensonfitness]

Great answer collinsmarte.

Most people just need a push of the high board. After that they seem to get a hold of exactly what to do. Amazing how that works. My YT video here is a perfect example. I've done TV, radio and video a long time... but no YT. Rather than wait for the perfect equipment, perfect day, etc... Just took a jump off the high board. Glad I did. Got a good shove from a friend.

tinyurl [ d o t ] com/free-month-coaching

Happy to help with the push. ; )

[msjay160]

Hi Jon. You're a goofy guy and entertaining too. I wanted to cry when I listened to your video. I've been exercising for more than three months with no weight loss but I have gained muscle. I feel frustrated.

The reason I'm not getting the results is due to how I feel about unwanted attention regarding my body. Ok, this is all a deeper issue. I just think I sabotage unconsciously because I don't want the attention that comes with being in great shape. Thanks again.

Sonja

[jonbensonfitness]

// Hi Jon. You're a goofy guy and entertaining too. //

I was hoping for "really hot", but goofy works... heh... ; )

// The reason I'm not getting the results is due to how I feel about unwanted attention regarding my body. //

A fascinating answer msjay160. Do you believe that by looking better you would receive unwanted attention?

Have you asked yourself "why" that attention is unwanted? We define our wants. What is your thought there?

Thanks!

[gdallyn1]

Thank you for the casual approach to the video. Yes you're HOT. After 22 yrs of not exercising, i started last year with bootcamp 2 times wk, and just started kettle bells twice a week, i'm starting to have curves where they belong, at 48. Its hard and rewarding. I weigh more, but gained muscle... Stomach and abs is challenging.. I am a chocoholic and love the salt on potato chips. I used to find every excuse why i couldn't, now, i find reasons why i should workout.

[jonbensonfitness]

Way to go gdallyn1... 22 years of nothing then you change your body and (I bet) your life. That's awesome. When I did "Fit Over 40" (link to the book is in the "more info" section) I was blown away by the 52 people we interviewed. Some started in their 60s and looked incredible!

Oh, and thanks for the 'hot' comment... ; ) But, I'm pretty goofy as well... heh...

[gdallyn1]

my life has definitely changed, from a mental and physical standpoint. After a failed marriage of 21 yrs, I had to find me again -- i chose to workout instead of self manipulation and food. It helped clear my mind, and allows me to look at things from a different perspective. I can be anyone i want to be, the secret is to "believe in yourself". Healthy thoughts leads to healthy mind for a Healthy lifestyle.

[ZalkindLincoln]

Hi Jon,

I read your emails and blogs and sites for more than a year and i love the content you give us, but i have to be honest with you, i didn't like your debut at youtube.

The camera was bouncing, you took more than one minute to go to the point, the video is so long, and, i don't know, it din't look good. at least not good enough for me.

It's not the content, but the form and i am telling this because i really like your stuff.

Sorry for my opinion and frankness.

With love,

Zalkind

[jonbensonfitness]

First video = needed introduction. Most videos will be like my second (done with creepy lighting on purpose.) But yeah, I hear your re: the camera. I'm very picky about things being top-flight, so I'm off to the camera store today.

Thanks for the feedback. It's well-received.

[Fudoshin67]

Hey Jon,

Great start with the video! I think you hit a very important point with the caveman analogy:

How much food do I really need on a daily basis?

[jonbensonfitness]

// How much food do I really need on a daily basis? //

Less AND more than you think. My entire eating principle (now copied by at least three books I know of) centers around macronutrient AND caloric staggering. Caloric staggering is nothing new, but I was the first guy to toss out macronutrient staggering as that's how our bodies evolved (meaning caveman to modern man) food-wise.

Link to "Every Other Day Diet" on the right under "more info" tells the story. Thanks.

[inDK4now]

Hi Jon, I think that I don't have the body I want because I just like to eat too much. Portion control is THE hardest for me. And I'm an all or nothing kind of girl. If I eat one cookie, I might as well have a few more. If I eat a few more, my diet for the day is ruined, I might as well eat fries at this point....and on and on. Also, I find it very hard to stick with any program. If I can't see instant results, I assume it isn't working and move on. WOW, I sound incredibly selfish! Maybe..

[salyris]

Finally! I was wondering when you would make the YT leap! ;-)

Yes, we agree on pretty much everything so I am commending you on taking this route and healing the mind before working the body. The two are one and they need to agree before you can see long-term results. I began working out very early on to it is a habit; however, I did get heavy for awhile and unhealthy, so I have seen both sides. Stress is a killer and you should talk about it and how most of us cope.

Thanks Jon!

Sean Cook

[jonbensonfitness]

Yep... me too... now I'm about to become a junkie... heh.

Thanks Sean!

[nonatin]

Jon-

I'm well on my way, bud, and it has a lot to do with you. Because your philosophy is not only physical, it's also spiritual and psychological. You're even more real to me, now. I hope you keep doing these videos. You're going to help so many people. You're a rock star!!!

[jonbensonfitness]

Don't know about 'rock star' but I always wanted to be one, so cool man! Thanks. For me it is mind/body -- in that order. Body goes where mind directs. That simple. Spiritual (higher reasoning for some, supernatural for others) empowers our conscious minds with the most important reason of all:

Why.

I'm doing a video on that this week. Stay tuned...

[wwwestlake]

Transition? Next phase? I didn't track what you meant there - sounds like that's what I need to know.

[wwwestlake]

Heh heh, ta Jon. Slap him again for me ;-)

I'll go back and read the extreme section - may have answer for me?

g

[jonbensonfitness]

It was a metaphorical slap as he's in Boston visiting family... and he knows my books really well, so he thought, "Hey, I'll show Jon what replies look like from a user's end..." and... actually I just think he was messing with my head.

Extreme Plan -- my personal favorite by far. Works great for me. You have Primer, Lifestyle, and Extreme (as you know.)

The link to "Every Other Day Diet" is in the info box to the right if anyone wants to check it out.

[wwwestlake]

I did 15 kgs on EODD in 2 months, but I have a question.

I broke the EODD for a few weeks because of a camp and basically not being as in control of my meals as usual - and put on a few kgs. Is that because my metabolism had slowed to the mean between burn and feed days?

And so if i need to be careful about how I come "off" the EODD diet, how should I do that?

[wwwestlake]

Hey Jon - this is almost like "meeting" you. Great!

[bevmaxwell]

I've been reading your stuff for ages Jon - it's a real pleasure to see you branching out and using the new medium of video like this - love your honest down to earth approach. Hope it works out well for you and you get to help lots more people!

[ttramone]

Hi Jon - I believe it's too hard to be fit and have the body I want. I can't do that - I'm too fat, too unfit, I never stick with anything. Even though I know that I say this, I'm still having trouble overcoming the negative.

As always, thanks for taking the time to post the video - I always look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[jonbensonfitness]

Try this: Whatever you say to your self, say to the person you love the most.

This will BREAK negative self-talk. You love your self. Well, what's the difference? Are you saying that you would never say, "You never stick to anything" to your child? Your lover?

Then why YOU?

Think about it... P: )

[Sheri4411]

Hi Jon, I've been on EODD since January & just completed RFLB. I'm 25 lbs lighter and my fitness goals are within reach.

I began by deciding I would appreciate myself exactly where I was and would be grateful for every bite of food I took, regardless of taste. Just that one decision made starting easier. Yep, it's all about mind set and how we feel. Then your material found me and I was off and running. Great job on the video. Your writing style cracks me up & so did your first video!

[jonbensonfitness]

Cool Sheri! Thanks for sharing that. Kudos on the success!

In case others don't know: EODD = "EveryOtherDayDiet" [ d o t ] com and you get RFLB free (Radical Fat Loss Blueprint) if you own EODD or if you go through my free Personal Fat Loss Certification Course at Fit365Online [ d o t ] com.

[rodeohog]

I'm doing your M-Power course, so it's cool to see the words coming out of your mouth. You're 45, right? In a newsletter you mentioned Sea something as your favourite cosmetic line. Where can I find that online? I searched but to no avail.

As for your question, I was like you: I collected untold info but never took action. So, the first step was to switch to an action mindset. Once I took that first tiny step, I've been like a rock rolling down hill, gathering mass and speed.

[jonbensonfitness]

Thanks rodeohog! Funny -- I got asked the same exact question from someone else today re: my skin care. Small world.

Yes, I'm 45. No surgery, botox, etc. Not that I wouldn't mind some botox, but I'm ah-natural.

The line is Seacrets. You can Google the stuff... great. I don't make a penny from the endorsement either.

[kemarianking101]

Fitness starts in the mind, you are right.

For me it is a lack of self worth and a past where I got into trouble and was assaulted for being pretty'. Yet, although I've done therapy - and know I have a right to feel good, look attractive just as anyone else has, it is not so easy to change . Another complicating factor is that I gained a lot of weight after an operation, in retrospect, I'd say that my body/mind must have experienced that as another assault, another 'rape'.

[jonbensonfitness]

"Rape" -- wow... powerful comment K... and very 'accurate'. Our thoughts can rape our lives of joy, of power, and definitely of fitness.

[mdolls68dcw]

Fitness is not beyond my grasp, neither is eating healthy. I do those things already.

I do feel out of control in other areas of my life, which causes me to overwork & not sleep. Honestly, I don't know how to reach my physique goals.

I love exercise. Fitness makes me feel great. Spent a few yrs w/a therapist to nix my exercise addiction. I also don't eat emotionally, nor do I keep junk in my house.

Regular exercise, eating right will not allow me to lose. Messed up hormones.

[jonbensonfitness]

One thing that leaps out is the addiction to exercise... a lot of people would like that addiction, or so they may think. : ) In reality it's an unhealthy relationship with the self and the reason 'why'.

Some comments from others on my main support site may be interesting for you to check out at jonbensonfitness [ dot ] com... let me know what you think. Thanks for the feedback!

[mdolls68dcw]

I first started exercising @ 18 yrs old as a means of control & proving it to myself. Then, it was to alleviate stress. Got into that cycle of control & that endorphin rush thing & couldn't stop. It made me feel good that I could exercise intensely for hrs. People admired that.

Didn't realize I was harming my body. That combined with yrs of sleep deprivation, high stress, inadequate eating for how I exercised has led to adrenal fatigue & insulin resistance, & my heart condition.

[mdolls68dcw]

I had a very unhealthy relationship with self - needed constant validation & exercise gave it to me, along w/people's comments. So, this is going to take some yrs to undo the damage. Paid lots for psycho therapy to learn all this.

Now I can just exercise because it's good, and stop when I'm supposed to. :)

Oh, where on the main support site are you talking about?

[jonbensonfitness]

jonbensonfitness [ d o t ] com... and you can get a free month of coaching if you want:  tinyurl [ d o t ] com/free-month-coaching

We'd love to help you!

[voltaire66]

Cant wait for more videos. Im checking your 7MM program, now I really dont have any excuses

[wwwestlake]

Do it! The 7MM really helps me. You can feel the difference.

[jonbensonfitness]

Ah crap... hit remove instead of reply on one post... ; )

Trent is a friend of mine, but nope -- had nothing to do with EODD. He was just screwing around with my YT account as he's helping me set this all up. Don't know much about it.

I read his reply -- after I slapped him... ; ) Transitions: nope. But there are different plans, as you know. You can move from lifestyle to extreme, for example.

[mdolls68dcw]

Feelings anchor our thoughts - positive or negative. A lot of people focus on the wrong thoughts.

I personally love working out, and eat relatively healthy. However, I'm not anywhere where I want to be in terms of physique. It's not workouts or eating, at least not the things most are challenged with.

For me, it's not getting regular sleep, very high stress most of the time. That's contributed to adrenal fatigue for me.

I'm learning to better manage the interferences in life.

[Mavrik6258]

Hey Jon,

I like the idea of you approaching the fitness topic from a mindset perspective. We all need to "think better". As people, we need to replace habits.....re-script our mental "tape loop". To your request: I feel I am "safer" being overweight. It's part of my "big guy's don't get messed with" . I do select foods based more on a very vague feeling that is triggering me to seek a "deserved" treat (usually the worst choice). Keep educating!

[nyc88s]

I know for sure that "fatness" is a result of feelings: loneliness, low self-esteem, feelings it will take forever and I won't end up looking half as good as those people I preceive are "born" that way . I told myself I didn't have time for good nutrition or exercise . I have recently dropped almost 50 lbs, I work with a trainer twice a week . Now I feel I don't have time NOT to persue fitness . I feel that it is not an destination, it is a process and it is all about the present.

[jonbensonfitness]

Great point nyc88s -- "Now I feel I don't have time NOT to pursue fitness."

[TheFitBastard]

Great to see you doing video Jon!

I always train with exercises and workouts that make me happy. I love going for bike rides because it helps me get in-tune with my thoughts and connects me to nature.

I love working with dumbbells where Pilates and Yoga I can't stand even though I know other love them.

Happiness is the feeling that I strive for with what I do and how I do it.