This forum has hidden gems

[Kohinoor]

Funny how it goes - it seems people just GROW so much on here - and their posts reflect it !!! It's not that I'm looking for recent "gem" posters - not at all - I tend to "go with the gut" when selecting gems.

But, it seems when you are in the groove (or is it "zone"?) you are IN THE GROOVE !!!

It's Vee again - looky here:-

In the past when I dieted, I still found it incredibly difficult to accept that I would have to change my eating habits and my attitude towards food for the rest of my life. I've always resisted this and found it really difficult, but on this program I think I've had an epiphany, and I've been learning about the reasons that I turned to food previously, and have been able to recognise them and acknowledge them and therefore address them.

All I can say is that I think I've been incredibly lucky to have found this program and also this forum, cause it's all been part of this really important change in my life!

Now, HOW could I look past THAT one???

Onya Vee - again.....

I think you are another one to bet on - to WIN !!

Koh

PS Taken from Vee's Diary - here :-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=686

[Kohinoor]

Good news is always good news - but when the good news is SHARED, and others can benefit from it, it becomes GREAT news.

Even though this gem is more relevant for those nearing (or at) Maintenance, it's also important news for those considering starting, or perhaps on the Plan, and worrying "How will I be once I finish?"

This prior "gem" poster is at it again - and she has found her ANSWER re maintaining !!

Hi, Shell !!! (Hope you are enjoying your week away )

I have just hit 18 weeks on maintenance today, and it is just in the last week or two I have just started to feel that I won't have to struggle with what to eat for the rest of my life- I have found something that works for me.

She goes on to share how it was for her while "learning" on Maintenance - so click the link to read this gem - it is SUCH good news !!
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=553

In fact, her whole diary is full of gems - so, after you've clicked the link, go top right and open the thread (her Maintenance Diary) by clicking the link that says "Thread: Shell's Life after......" Then have a good read of it - you won't be sorry !!

And Shell, huge thanks for sharing your thoughts on what seems to be an almost universal concern - whether thinking of joining, starting on plan, nearing "the end", or actually "on maintenance".

You little gem you ....

Hugs

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Tonight, a newer poster was up to bat - and I reckon she hit a Home run !! The following was in answer to concerns re the "way low calories" of the Cohen way, and is it healthy, isn't it starving, etc.. - all fair enough questions too......

Originally Posted by Shanara

I have always resisted against plans and weights and someone telling me what to eat. Yet I now am finding an incredible freedom in knowing exactly what I can have and when, with just a very small amount of choice. I have actually surrendered to the process and know that all I have to do is be strong NOW in this moment. That's all. I am probably going to be on this plan for around a year and then really for the rest of my life a little less intensely. That's just the way it is unless my body says to me this doesn't work for me.

So for me I let go needing to know all the ins and outs and the reasons behind the programme for the time being and am just surrendering to the process. Sometimes our minds can sabotage our best efforts.

For me, I think this "surrendering" to the knowledge of someone who has been at the coal-face for over 20 years is probably a pretty smart move. Not always easy though. I guess we all have to "question" (we're wired that way). And how can we trust the process when new to it?

I've found over time that asking others for recommendations from friends is better than using the Yellow Pages. With the Yellow Pages, you get a few words on a page. With a recommendation, you know that "someone" has done a good job for someone else that you trust, or at least know...


In the end, then, if you can trust the heart-felt words of others who have posted on here of their successes (and failures) and can draw strength and inspiration from their paths, then maybe you too can "surrender" to a process that JUST WORKS, even if it seems to defy the "accepted norms".

Just like Shanara.....

Thank you for our newest "gem", Shanara - I hope your words can inspire others to just surrender to the way that works !!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Wow - that "calories way low" post from Ms Jiggles has brought so much "good stuff" to the fore....

This one is from a stalwart (the lady that first impressed me almost two years back - but on another forum...)
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...87&postcount=7

Kristine, even way back then, in another place, your posts were a pleasure to read - seems to me, nothing has changed. You have a gift that allows you to explain yourself (and educate others) so well.

I loved your analogy in the link above - makes SO much sense, for all. That post is a gem for sure !!!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

It's that girl again - Kristine - and delivering a very important lesson in a paragraph.

Kristine, your economy of words, combined with the power of same, leads to a quote that should become a mantra for many (should be posted on fridges everywhere)

Originally Posted by Kristine

I am quite shocked at the reaction my body had to the cheddar cheese. Who would have thought? But my experience (of extreme hunger) serves to underline that the foods on the program are there for a reason, and more importantly, the foods which are not there are not there for a stronger reason.

For the whole post, check out Kristine's diary, here:-

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=109

Koh

[Kohinoor]

This girl is nearing the end of the Plan, and was sharing some (I think) VERY important words re her journey so far, and her future..... enjoy this soliloquy from KatieFrank70

I will maintain my weight because I can't put on weight if I don't eat rubbish. I will find out what works for me and what I should avoid with a barge pole. With that in mind I feel better. That is my mantra. Good food can't make me fat. It is just as easy to prepare as the rubbish available. I love the good feeling this diet has created inside me. And I want to keep it.

...and this:-

With my hormones working properly I felt younger and happier within. I will take that with me when I start to slip up. I know I will. I need to find the boundries and to learn where it is ok and where it isn't. Good times aren't about food or alcohol, they are about being with those you love.

This is GOLD !! She could be talking to you, eh?

This year has had extreme ups and downs. And you made it GF. You did it. You gained everything you set out to achieve and more. Pat yourself on the back and acknowledge your achievements. You and only you did it (with the help from a lot of wonderful people on here and in life) but you stuck it out through thick and thin and made it. Love you for yourself, you are worth it.

I hope Katie's words ring your bells too - I can see her words relating to SO many - how could it NOT be a gem ??

Good words are for sharing - and hey, I've "cut'n'pasted" a bunch, so to see the whole post for yourself, check out her diary here:-

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=200633#post200633

And, Katie, sometimes we see THE BEST words when emotions are in play.
Thank you for sharing yours - I'm sure your words will help MANY !!!!

Go, you little gem - go get (and enjoy) that refeed

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

I'm almost embarrassed to post - it has been SO LONG since I shared a "gem" with you all And, over the past few weeks, I've let some really great posts go by - I KNOW that ( again).

Tonight, I couldn't let this one go, as it sang to ME !!! Thank you Chris !!

I had a really good day yesterday when I travelled about 2.5 hours up to Sydney to catch up with a group of people I used to do Gangshows with for the Scouts. Saw people I had not seen in about 25 years in some instances. It was a very very nice afternoon.

I have previously avoided such reunions like the plague, due to embarrassment over my size. I now feel , though I am still bloody big, that I am in control and doing something positive about my weight. With that comes a certain calmness which is hard to explain.

Guess what? The years hadn't been real kind to all the others either, and IT DIDN'T BLOODY MATTER!!! We all just shared great memories and a wonderful afternoon. God we can miss out on so much by being scared/embarrassed/shallow.
Never again for me!!!

Chris, that is SO true !! And, mea culpa - 'cos I DIDN'T join a bunch of old friends over the weekend - and I should have (here we go again .... )

For the rest of you, check out "Zambuck's Diary" for some more good stuff,

Koh

[hope_ful]

"you are already a skinny new person."

ahhh my favourite one!!! YAY IM A SKINNY NEW PERSON!!! (even though its from 2007) haha

hahah thanks koh and everyone else for your happy thoughts... you've brightened my day (i woke up too early- now i have to go for my 2nd blood test because im awake and bored haha)

xxx happy losing fellow cohenites xxx

[Kohinoor]

I couldn't go past THIS one tonight !!! Talk about success.... and the realisation of a dream (which started with Cohens.... but, even at the end, it wasn't the end - there was more yet to come).

Originally Posted by Hexi2

It has been a VERY long 9 months and I have never given up on myself...I have searched to find the problems of my underlying fears, anxiety and low self esteem. Finally I understand what was going on for too long I was TERRIFIED and the key is to keep working at it. I feel like I have found the answer no longer am I trapped in the binge/plan mode. I know from the deepest place in my subconscious and my heart that I will get to 58kg and easily maintain 58 - 62kg for life. I have no self doubt and am moving forward every day...

Now, if THAT rings your bells, then click below to read the journey - certainly, Hexi has faced a lot of challenges since completing refeed.


This link takes you to the "gem" post - to read more about HOW she got to this, go to Top Right, and click on "Thread: Hexi's and Penny's Shared Tuneup Diary"..... That opens up the whole thread, so you can follow Hexi's path to her newfound FREEDOM !!!

Onya, Hexi - you are sounding SO good - and, as I hear, looking and feeling fantastic too. Good on you !! And thanks for the pointers that you liberally sprinkled throughout that Tune-Up..... Girl, you're a bloody GEM !!

Hugs,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Jen sang to me tonight - here you go:-

I am learning a new respect for my body. I dont pour cordial into the fuel tank of my car- as my car is worth alot to me and I respect that it needs quality fuel to run efficiently- so now I need to treat my body the same way. I have some slim friends and I dont believe that they display any of the prevous behaviours (listed above) as a part of their every day life.
I want to be "slim Jen" , so I need to start learning the behaviours of a slim girl, cos if I start to put on weight, I can only blame myself. THE BUCK STOPS HERE!

Yep, I'm a revhead - so the car analogy hit me. Jen's words are so true whether you're a revhead or not.... To read her whole post, go here:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...7&postcount=16

Well done, Jen (Princess Sunbeam) - another gem in the making methinks

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

I thought these words were SO important - they expand on the usual acceptance of "what constitutes a deviation".

Originally Posted by Sissa

On Thursday I talked to my consultant who gave me a big lecture about sleep and water - she also talked me through the negative feelings I was having about cohens "not working". I got off the phone with a plan and I put it in to play.

Thursday night I had my 8 hours sleep and all my water and the same again for friday - and lo and behold this morning I weigh= 1.6kgs less than I did on thursday morning.

I often marvel at the "turnarounds" that can and do happen on here. This is one of those turnarounds. Sickness hadn't helped at all.... but, in the end, the results were there for Sissa.

Originally Posted by Sissa

So I just wanted to tell anyone who was interested...deviations arent just food. Its the water, its the sleep and probably most important its attitude. I think not deviating from the food is probably the easiest...not deviating from a positive attitude...now thats the tricky bit.

Probably more than the earlier quote, THIS one sang to me !!! Great thoughts, Sissa. You were the initial beneficiary - but, thanks to your words, many more can learn from your success.

Thanks for sharing this gem, champ



Koh

PS To read ALL of Sissa's post, click here :-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...9&postcount=69

[Kohinoor]

OMG, the "gems" thread on page FIVE???? Has one of us been slack, or what ?? Ah well, I've been busy, just like the rest of you (um, NO, I'm not shedding Kgs - just $$$ - but that's another story).

But tonight, I had to scramble for "gems" - to acknowledge one who has been a gem from her first day here !! Her effort (a few days back, but I've been away) HAD to be acknowledged, if only to help those who might come by here in years yet unlived. And tonight, I stumbled over this gem:-

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=235205&postcount=318

Namaste just seems to come up with the words that others want to hear - (and, aren't they therefore "gems" by definition?). But don't stop there - go to top right, and click on "Thread: Namaste's Diary" to read the beautiful words of one beautiful soul.

Methinks Namaste is one of those "balcony people" who is gifted with the ability to reach down to help lift others up to where she is at - and that is so good to see in this world today !!

Namaste, you little gem, don't EVER change hey? You are perfect, just as you are,



Koh

[Namaste]

*Snort
Methinks Koh has been renovating the B 'n B and inhaled the paint fumes by accident. But Thank you very, very much for saying such sweet and lovely things about me.

*Blushes....giggles...and runs off to hide.

Big Loves Koh, clearly you're the gem around here.

Mwah

Nam

[Faithy]

WOW Namaste that was awesome.. & now I have to go wash my face as I have tears streaming down my face.. I have no doubt that that quote will have an impact on quite a few of us..

Thanks so much for sharing it & thanks Koh for pointing it out

[hope_ful]

oh nam u are so special

i wish u lived in my house so u could pull me up from the balcony! x

[Kohinoor]

It's really good to welcome one of this forums "originals" back here. And what an impact THIS post by Lessfatty has had !!

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=237007&postcount=2

That last sentence carries SO much force !! Worth consideration by all.
In fact, I want to repeat it right here (just so that anyone who DOESN'T click on links will get to read it anyway - it's THAT important).

Originally Posted by Lessfatty

Deviating with additional Cohen meal foods metaphorically is taking your foot off the fat burning accelerator, but deviating with carbs is jamming on the handbrake and putting the gears in reverse.

Welcome back, Lessfatty - the picture you painted with that quote is so sage, and hugely appreciated

Koh

[Kohinoor]

The universe steps in now and then - just tonight, I read a post from a week or six back - dunno why I went there, but I can only say I'd watched this girl grow in my estimation (it's intriguing how people "grow" while doing this journey) so, tonight, I re-read her diary.... And this gem (more of a soliloquy - but WHAT a soliloquy!!) hit me between the eyes !!

Thanks to the hand imprint on the back of my head (Carrie_C, you rock!!) I'm giggling a bit at myself. The progression is hilarious.....I'm not an emotional eater, how dare you think that??
.........
.........
.........
So, pretty much I've decided to think about it and understand why and I've overthought it and missed the simple lesson,cos it really is simple. And I really do have the choice. And yes, I need to break the whole pattern of looking for the bad in the good, because that is destructive and (come close, it's a secwet.....psssttt......) there just may not be any bad in the good
........
........

But wait, there's more - so much more !!! I don't want to repeat the whole post - it's all there (just click on the link).

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=235526&postcount=97

Wherever I put "......." there is a wealth of REALLY INSPIRING thoughts that just ADD to the gem.

I'll let AuMe tell you (click the link) - and, it wouldn't hurt to check out her Diary from front to back. I'm always a push-over for people with a delicious sense of humour - AuMe is one of them without doubt

And AuMe, thanks for the gem !! You rock, girl - just keep on rocking,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Hehe, I initially had a chuckle at this - but then the truth of it hit me...

If I need outside assurance to feel good about myself then my happiness is going to be constantly at the whim of others, but I can give that to myself all the time, for free, guaranteed unlimited supply. Why wouldn't I want to do that and stop placing so much on the opinions and comments on others?

Not a bad milestone moment on a Sunday afternoon,

Gotta give you a guernsey for that one, Sean - and yeah, great work for a Sunday.... For sure, it's a common problem - great when we can overcome it finally....

Personally, I'm in love with Whitney Houston and her song "The greatest love of all" - helluva girl, with a helluva voice, and a helluva lesson wrapped up in it... Learning to love ourselves is a biggie, for sure

Sean's words came from here :-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=241784&postcount=144

Good work mate, and thanks for sharing,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Following on with the same theme, here's Gabey ....

I have fallen in love with my body. This is quite a revelation after years of neglect and contempt. I want to take care of it as best I can. There is no returning to "real life" as I am in it now. This is my life with my new cherished best friend, my body.

Helluva post, Gabey - great news, and this must be such a lift for you.... and a good thought for others on the journey.

Talk about a "New You" - how good can it get?

Rock on, Gabey, you little gem

Koh

PS To see Gabey's post in its entirety, click here:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=243756&postcount=41

[Shanara]

*bump*