I have an early morning meeting today so I am going to keep this short and throw out some questions to you guys. For various reasons I won't detail right now, I am probably going to start dieting again -- it's time -- and I am very strongly considering doing Medifast again.
I have had strong opinions about blogging about my weight loss in the past, but time has softened that stance; I am just so used to blogging my thoughts on issues like this, and about my life in general, I'm not sure I want to stay quiet about it as I go through the journey again. Conversely, I am also not sure I want to lose weight in a public space again, either. I'm used to doing it that way, but it's not easy.
I am not sure about anything quite yet. :)
So...I toss the questions out to you:
1. Do you want to read about my dieting exploits?
2. Would you rather I stuck to the clothes?
3. What do you think the role of a reader is when a blogger talks about weight-loss: cheerleader, adviser, someone looking for inspiration from the blogger, something else entirely different? All of the above?
4. Is that role different when the blog is strictly about clothes?
5. As long as I am asking, are there any topics you wish I would cover?
Thanks for the input! (Now I am late for work. Eep!)
1. Do you want to read about my dieting exploits? I think it would be interesting to read how you overcome hurdles that might try to put up roadblocks to your weight loss journey. I know I am about to start dieting as well, and it would probably serve as encouragement if I read someone else's progress or how they deal with the occasional setbacks (we all have them).
ReplyDelete2. Would you rather I stuck to the clothes? I think you have a lovely sense of style. I always enjoy seeing how you put an outfit together, and I would like to see you continue with, hopefully, a daily picture. You have inspired some of my occasional outfits.
3. What do you think the role of a reader is when a blogger talks about weight-loss: cheerleader, adviser, someone looking for inspiration from the blogger, something else entirely different? All of the above? I think the role of the reader would be all of the above if that is what you seek from your readers. I don't think it's the role of the reader to be harsh or critical.
4. Is that role different when the blog is strictly about clothes? I wouldn't think so.
5. As long as I am asking, are there any topics you wish I would cover?
I would love to see your process of picking accessories and how you style an outfit multiple ways . . . do you wear an outfit for work then rework it for evenings, etc.
As someone who actually blogs about weight loss... I'll give you my opinions.
ReplyDelete1. Do you want to read about my dieting exploits? Yes... I love readinga about not other other people's success, but also their struggles. It makes me feel real, validated and not alone. It will do the same for you too.
2. Would you rather I stuck to the clothes? nope. See #1.
3. What do you think the role of a reader is when a blogger talks about weight-loss: Definitely cheerleader, definitely inspiration. People are looking for stories to validate that losing weight is possible. They want to be inspired, but just as much they want to be encouraged that what they feel, and when they struggle it is not alone.
4. Is that role different when the blog is strictly about clothes? I think so... but I don't blog about clothes :-)
5. As long as I am asking, are there any topics you wish I would cover?
If you do decide to lose weight something that would be fabulous would be to blog about dealing with changing sizes (but still needing to dress yourself) on the way down. This is something I struggled big time with... I didn't want to buy a ton of clothes @ each size.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck in whatever you decide... I'll be here reading.
Kristed, I say DO IT if it will help you!! I will always read your blog no matter what you write about!
ReplyDeleteI don't any problem with bloggers who write about their diet efforts, as long as they do it in a healthy way. Not bashing their body and harping on their imperfections. I don't see you as doing any of these things. The truth is nearly every women at least in America, if not most of the world, wants to improve their health and shape. We all struggle with weight whether it be too much, too little, or trying to maintain. So it's a topic nearly every women can relate to. I personally read a bunch of blogs written by girls who train for and run marathons. I enjoy following their food choices, and get lots of great healthy cooking and snacking ideas.
All that is to say... do it is you wanna, girl!!! I will enjoy reading your blog as long as you are YOU!
Kristin, I have enjoyed your blog and seeing your clothes...I think the questions you have posed are best answered by you...What do you want and what will contribute to your success?...I cheer your efforts to change your body size as long as it is healthy...I have found that slowly loosing is most successful...Your body has time to adjust and you are put in situations where you have to develop long time good eating habits...I wish you well in whatever you decide to do...
ReplyDeleteI want to echo what the previous posters said. But when it comes down to it, it depends what you want the blog to be for you. If it's like a personal journal, then let it all out there. If you find that makes you feel vulnerable, then maybe keep some struggles private. If having a readership "keeps you accountable" in a good way, then by all means, take advantage.
ReplyDeleteUltimately your blog is for you. What do YOU want to get out of it?
I don't read strictly diet blogs, but I do read a few that are clothes and diet blogs. I'd still read your blog for sure!
ReplyDeleteI think the role of the readers is to be a friend. Encourage, share ideas, be there as a place for the blogger to vent. A good blogger makes every reader feel like a close friend. Even if you don't really know us, we feel like we know you.
I just love your writing and your level-headed view of the world. I vote yes to blogging about weight loss and yes to everyday outfits. Keep on keeping on. Tina
ReplyDelete1. Do you want to read about my dieting exploits?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I enjoy reading about your food and your struggles and successes with your weight - it reminds me how important it is for me to stick with my own journey.
2. Would you rather I stuck to the clothes?
I think you should blog about whatever YOU want to blog about - it's your blog, make it what you want it to be!
3. What do you think the role of a reader is when a blogger talks about weight-loss: cheerleader, adviser, someone looking for inspiration from the blogger, something else entirely different? All of the above?
A bit of everything. I know that I cheer when a blogger loses, empathize when she struggles, try to encourage or suggest options. I like feeling helpful. That's the sort of thing I expect to get (and give) at my WW meetings.
4. Is that role different when the blog is strictly about clothes?
Yeah, I think it is. Clothing blogs are really more about "you look great" and "I love that X". But they are also way fun and I love that.
5. As long as I am asking, are there any topics you wish I would cover?
I really loved seeing your photography. :) More kitty pictures! :-P
Honestly, I am torn here. I want to tell you yes, to go for it, because I enjoy reading your weight loss posts. They feel authentic. I consider them some of your best posts. On the other hand, it can be painful to go on a diet in public and dieting is hard enough without adding another layer of challenge. From your post today, I think you want to do it, so I am here to encourage you. xx L.
ReplyDeleteI remember periods of time when you mixed up the dieting posts into the fashion posts and I thought it was fine. The problem lies in feedback, I think. You have to be ready for anything. I've gotten some very strong opinions and pieces of "advice" I would have liked to wipe right out of my comments - lol. So, if you're ready for that, and if blogging about it helps, I say go for it! (And my confirmation word is wingit, so there!)
ReplyDeleteIf you want to blog about your food and exercise and diet, please do! I miss those posts, actually. I am going through similar struggles, so I value all of it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI like reading about weight loss (haha, go figure!) and would love to watch you as you journey your way back to your smaller-sized clothes!
ReplyDeleteI'm not keen on packaged food diets.
ReplyDeleteSo I'd probably vote for a diet where you have to cope with regular food. I've known too people who've done such and then regained, and that's not so good.
But I like reading about dieting. I watch my weight relgiously and reading about other people's issues keeps me motivated.
I've been known to blog about exercising so that's a good topic too.
I agree that you should blog about whatever you want to. Woman does not live by clothing alone!
The only thing you haven't covered that I wish you would is that hair blow-dry trick you mentioned, but that was just last week so it's OK.
Alrighty K, the only person who you need to worry about is you....not us. Do what you need to do be comfortable in whatever it is you choose. With that said....
ReplyDeleteI think that you inspire everyone here with your stories, struggles, successes. The honesty that comes thru in your written word is amazing. I, for one, would never be able to put such a private matter in a public forum. However, that is just me.
In the past, you have posted recipes; little tidbits of information that you've come across while doing your research that you thought might be useful to the rest of us; surprised us with outfits that some of us (probably most) wouldn't have thought to mix and match, and challenged us to expand our usual go-to stores when shopping. This? Is what keeps me coming back to read what you have to say. So, to me, it is not about the dieting successes & challenges or the tips, it is you & who you are & who you've become since we first met a few years ago.
You know that I'll support you no matter what you decide and will be your biggest cheerleader (ok, maybe 2nd cause R will be the first) or a shoulder to lean on when you need it (plus, the Yardhouse cosmos.....on me). Or, that person you call when you need a shopping friend who will give you a no holds barred opinion and make you laugh at the same time.
Do what you need to do, I'll still luv ya no matter what you decide!
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ReplyDeleteOops! I left out a word so re-did my comment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with just about everything everybody else says (and that's rare for me)!
Since I find myself in about the same "pickle", I was interested in what the answers to these questions would be....
Much success to you (and all of us who need to take the bull by the horns and return to healthier habits).