This forum has hidden gems

[sundaymorningstaple]

Thanks Koh,

It took me the better part of a month to write it (with my wife's help - not the writing but some of the 10 "truths" and the spiritual perspective (which is not me). It turned out a lot better than I had ever hoped it would and when the local paper gave it the entire page I almost fell out of my seat. I'm not the literary sort by nature.

It's always been my hope that if it helps one person or one teenager out there then it was worth all the efforts I put into it.

[Kohinoor]

A little bit of ruminating from Lily (Garden Goddess) brought a few home truths out of the woodwork in posts that followed. This is how Lily started it all off (let's call this a "catalyst gem" ) :-

Speaking of comfort zones .....the maintainance thing.....YOU are in charge now (you always were actually) and you are now re - learning how to use your initiative with food. I have been reading a few diaries and I'm seeing a few common themes about this...it's almost like establishing an adult relationship with food....and that is the challenge . Maybe our big prob is that at some stage we missed that linkage....look dunno...just thinking out aloud ....so to speak...but there is something about us and our lack of control in relation to food which is child-like....and it's that 'growing up ' thing which , in my humble opinion , is the possible cure.....

Well it STARTED with that, but now go here to read that post, then all the "Oh, yeah!!" replies that added to the theme !!

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=153684#post153684

We learn SO MUCH as children - not all of it beneficial to us later in life.......

Lily, keep on ruminating, girl - some lovely gems spring forth from time to time when the mind is pondering eh? And some beauties followed in the replies to your "catalyst gem". Onya girl !!!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

I discovered last night (to my horror ) that any and all links sprinkled throughout this "gems" thread DON'T work since the forum shift !!

I've fixed one or two of the more recent ones already, but it'll take some time to "fix" the rest. So, apologies if you find the link you click on doesn't take you to where it should (it usually ends up at the new forum's Home page).

Over time, I'll get to fix them all - please be patient.

BTW, this probably ensures that any links you may have posted in the old forum (to elsewhere in that old forum) will also now be "broken"... Any external links should still be OK though (i.e. going to other websites).

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Welcome aboard, macresco - I read your words tonight, and was astounded at the power within them (as well as the truth, wisdom, humility - it's all there) - but I like "power" !!! What a powerful message for all :-

Originally Posted by macresco

I think it's all about ego, resistance and submission. Didn't Carl Jung say "What we resist, persists" ? What if I admitted that I haven't exactly been a pro at taking care of my body and let someone else have a crack at it for a change? What if I didn't resist? What if I just gave in, submitted to the plan and went with it without stamping my little feet every now and then? I mean, when you think about it, why would I resist? I know this plan works. I want to lose weight. I should get out of the way and let it work, right?

So that's it. I surrender. I'm going to let The Good Doctor take the reins on this one and not pretend that I know better than 20 or whatever years of research and thousands of now-thin and fit people.

You've obviously gained a lot by lurking - and you sound so READY to go. So all the best wishes for your journey (which is starting any day now - today even?) and I look forward to watching as you skip down toward goal (all the while inspiring others, as you have already !!)

Thank you posting such a gem - I'm sure MANY others will be the beneficiaries of your words....

Koh

PS Check macresco's diary for the rest....

[Kohinoor]

OMG - I could FEEL the thrill from here when I read this:-

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...0&postcount=46

SMS is all done with the weight-loss program, almost completed refeed - and ALL DONE with pills and potions now too !!! Once more, it astounds me just how much good this lifestyle brings to so many.

When simply "eating right" can kick excess weight to the kerb, AND add all of those side benefits, who WOULDN'T be shouting it from the rooftops ??

SMS, you ENJOY that new-found freedom !!! And thanks for the good news - it's not just yours, though - it points the way for SO MANY MORE yet to follow. Cheers, mate,

Koh

PS Speaking of side benefits, do check the following for some input of "other problems fixed" (besides weightloss) while doing Cohens :-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5249

[Kohinoor]

How did I miss this earlier? (Well, I know, actually - there are gems here pretty much DAILY - but trying to pick some ahead of others is always a bit hard). I know, I know, I have a tough job....

But, probably for good reason, I reread Jenniwren's diary tonight - and found this:-

I finally feel alive, and look forward to watching the new
confident me, emerge out of this fat cocoon, that has
controlled a big part of my life and made me, in private,
a very sad, lonely and depressed person, I am so
happy to be finally ridding myself of her and it feels great.

I find all of this amazing journey so surreal, to think by
eating good foods in a limited amount, could change me
let alone the way I think. I love it.

Hey, isn't this exactly the way it is?? And we've probably read it 100 times over in 100 different ways, in many diaries - but I wanted to highlight that positive message from one who has only been here for a few short weeks.

Jenni has already gained SO MUCH in such a short time - I believe it is worth highlighting those positive thoughts in here (saves the newcomers from trying to find those diamond needles in the forum haystack )

Onya, Jennie - and thanks for those very special thoughts - you're a gem !!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

I loved the passion in this gem from Kannadew while welcoming a new member. :-

WELCOME! You have truly made one of BEST decisions of your life! If you focus and keep your goal in sight you will achieve what you thought you would never be able to achieve (maybe?... I know that's what its felt like for me!).

This program has changed my life and I have a sense of freedom about myself and my future that I HAVE NEVER HAD before. I so want you to have that!

You said it all, Kannadew. And I'm sure SkinnyAnn will feel the love too - how could she not?

Love your work, K,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Well, it's been a while eh? This one seems worth the wait though:-

the 'real' success for me lies in less rather than more focus on what I"m doing with food. If I remain fixated in the struggle, if I constantly see each day as a battle with the fridge, if I continually weigh myself and center on these activities, I lose sight of the fact that what I'm really doing is just following a healthy lifestyle plan. I'm just taking care of me better.

and then.....

Food is a necessity. It's not a reward. It's certainly not the way to develop self esteem and self worth. Why did I think it was my friend for so long?

I've chosen a couple of "teasers" (above) that just said so much to me - but the REST of the post is equally inspiring - go here to read the whole thing (and, yep, it IS worth clicking on - bigtime!! )

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=381

And Trips, you legend, you continue to say things so well !!! I am SO sure you are going to succeed with this - you affirm it with every post you make......

Go girl

Hugs,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

THIS one is primarily for new readers (but I'm sure a lot of "old hands" will be nodding their heads too )

Cocopop (a newer chum - what is it, Coco, 6 - 7 weeks?) was helping a new reader along:-

You won't believe how quickly the weight drops off you and you will feel fantastic (most of the time ) ............
I have been on a gazillion diets and this one is so superior to any of the others there is just no comparison.

Since I was about 18 years old I have done ................ and here I am at 42 finally on Cohens and experiencing success like I never have before.

To read Coco's answer in full, go here:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...8&postcount=20
Yep, as usual, wherever I edit things with "............" it means there's a lot more out there. So, if Coco's words ring your bells, go click on the link above and check out the WHOLE post.

Coco, YOU are a gem !!! GREAT POST !!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Wow !! Here's a warning from a gem !!

The introspection is SO valid - and could save so many from facing up to this same issue - in short, "Watch what you say" as you approach refeed:-

For anyone out there who is getting close to refeed I advise you not to tell people when you reach goal.................
The problem is that they don't understand refeed, no matter how you explain it to them. Like everyone else, they think that you diet, you reach your goal weight, you celebrate (with food and alcohol, of course!), then you try to keep it off. That's what happens on any other diet... so it's natural, I guess.

Hmm, makes SO much sense to me !!! Others (not on this journey) do struggle to understand. I'd be betting these friends WEREN'T trying to undermine anybody - they just don't understand !!!

So, that means WE just need to be aware of how much pressure can be brought to bear once you "let the cat out of the bag" !!!

Onya, Sassy, for sharing this SO important gem with others - who knows how many your words may "save" from stumbling while in refeed?

To read Sassy's post in it's entirety, click here:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...0&postcount=30

You go girl !!!

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Here's a gem from one who I know has been sprinkling gems around for some time - tonight, THIS one hit me right between the eyes !!!

I couldn't NOT post it here. (Don't you LURVE double negatives?? )

Originally Posted by Shell

I have just had a light bulb moment and realised I am NOT taking my own advise about the numbers on the scales!
How is it, that when you are giving someone else advice it seems clear as day, but when it comes to yourself, it just doesn't "click"??

Shell just seems to say things that "relate" - no matter where you come from, or what journey you are on. Certainly, I see myself in her words (and I ain't doing Cohens!! )

I can only think that those words espouse an oft-known (yet maybe not) human failing. Can I say, it is SO WORTH a read of her whole post (probably ALL of her posts.....).

Anyway, this is the current gem in its entirety:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=447

How human is that? I see me in her words - how do YOU fare?

Onya Shell - keep on giving, girl - your insights are hugely appreciated,

Hugs,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

I loved reading this one:-

I am so happy that i'm in such a different place right now, a lot of the layers i have shed have taken so many of the negative things about me with them and i dont think you can put a $ amount on whats thats worth....

I had a pretty rough childhood.....................................(edited out - but go read the rest via the link below if you wish - Koh)

I'm gonna add the pic of me but please dont judge this girl.... cos the reality is that there IS a thin girl inside, its just taken a long time for her to find the courage to come out.... and its such an amazing feeling to be free....

Once more, the JOY that Cohens brings to so many is such a good thing - and Sum is yet another recipient who has found how much this journey is worth !! Priceless sounds close....

Go read it all - here:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showpos...&postcount=664

Sum, I HAD to share that with all the new readers - may they also know the results you are achieving. Onya, girl, you are another gem,

Hugs,

Koh

[Cocopop]

Originally Posted by Kohinoor

Coco, YOU are a gem !!! GREAT POST !!

Koh

Hey, I just found this! Thanks for thinking I'm a gem spreader Koh

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Well, if this lady doesn't blow away the limits on her journey, I'll go "he" !!! She has been posting around 4 weeks now - and there are gems in most every one of her posts.

With this diet I don't feel like I am starving and because its real food I really don't feel restricted or deprived and when I first weighed in it was a far greater loss. I felt it was more worth the effort.
It is only for a season, a time to strip life and body back to bare bones so we can all start again. I feel blessed to be able to have a second chance at life, love and living.

Katrina, you are living and loving this program - you have sounded this way from Day One !!! For those who don't know "Katrina" yet, click here and all shall be revealed:-
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5838

Katrina is smart, and she knows that her own problems used to be addressed by eating (common problem?) - but she is learning, and facing up to that. Along the way, though, her girls had picked up some bad habits....

but then, along came Penny (Ropemaha)....

Originally Posted by Ropemaha

as far as the girls go, they have learnt a dysfunctional relationship with food. its happened. what they need is to now see you solve this problem so they can learn how to solve it as well. this is what matters here. this is what you can do to be a good role model for those girls. they'll get it katrina, but it will take time. this is the second most important reason for you doing this (the first is obvious) so stay on task and have faith.

And, dear reader, the above example highlights HOW IMPORTANT this forum is to so many !! The support, wisdom, and friendship that is displayed within it is probably THE GEM of most value !!!

....not forgetting these two above though - onya, Katrina and Penny - you are two true-blue gems in your own right, and thanks....

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Whoops, it's a double !!

Once more, Katrina has something to say, in answering another poster, and her words are just SO valid for so many:-

We need to feel, a lot of us have not felt for a long time. Go with the feeling - feel the feelings cry, laugh, scream, yell.
However don't eat to numb the feelings it is like being on drugs, you are ultimately the only person who can stop you from putting food in your mouth.
You go girl and stay strong. I am feeling love and joy and having a great time being in control. Someone asked me tonight why I am on this diet and I just said I want to be in control of my life and want to live a longer life.
Stay strong people embrace how you feel and stay true to the eating plan.

Onya Katrina, another gem for all to share - keep on kicking those K's and loving the journey - it's all good, and you continue to share the goodness,

Koh

[Jooz]

Thank you Koh!

What a real delight to come to this section of the forum and read just everything that has "suddenly dawned on me after losing almost 50 kilos" from the very beginning of my Cohen's journey.

I started out at 110 kilos back in October of 2006 and lost 26 kilos and then emotional eating took over and I gained it all back to 105 kilos. January 1, 2008 I started the journey again and now I am around 62 - 63 kilos ......

* I have saved my own life by losing the weight and added years to my life!

* I no longer require surgery or have severe pain for surgical hernia's from botched surgeries or was it my own fault because I ate all the time, now I am able to manage them 100% and I was in alot of horrific pain evidently from the fat & twisted guts & now I'm not, just a hiccup every now and then but nothing that I can't live with.

* I feel so much better about myself and I am at peace with me and for once in my life I love myself which is the most important thing!

* People actually take double takes when they see me now because they try to figure out if they know me or not!

* No More blood pressure medication that I took for bloody 10 years, I don't need it!

* My cholesterol medication has been reduced in half & my doctor is pleased with my health which has improved 100%. (family history of high cholesterol & father had stroke @ 60yrs., all contributing factors to her precautions with keeping me on it, otherwise I would be off it now)

* I feel better than I have in over 20+ years physically and mentally, I feel that I have a whole new lease on life!

******& best of all I finally have learned HOW TO EAT HEALTHY for the first time in my life, after the initial shock of reduced amts. of food, better food choices I eat to live, not live to eat!

Thank you everyone for being here so that I could share this!

Have a Happy Cohen's Day!

Jooz

[Kohinoor]

Hi Jooz,

Thank you for your comment - I'm glad it has been a help to you.

But WOW, I love YOUR "Gem" too - what a change hey. In case not all get into "gems", how about posting that in the thread below too (as many go there looking for "what people can gain out of doing Cohens").

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5249

I must pop over and take another look at your diary - you're nearly done now - good on you, and well done

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Tonight, a simple gem, but so heart-felt !! One for new readers to ponder (though I'd bet it has some Cohens graduates nodding too):-

To think, before I started this program I thought there was no way to lose the weight and I would have to resign myself to being that huge for the rest of my life, or have lapbanding done! It was downright depressing!

I reckon this program has saved my life, as I'm sure it has done for many!

Vee has fought her way to well over halfway, and is looking better by the day !! But the best is yet to come, eh, Vee?

And that gem came from her Photo diary if you want to check it out.
http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5144


Funny thing, this post had me wondering why SO MANY say "they've tried everything else" then they end up here and succeed.... It put me in mind of an old joke that went "Why is it that, if we are looking to find something, it is always in the last place we think of looking?" The answer is that We don't KEEP looking once we have found it !!!

So it seems to be with Cohens - once you've found "the way", you don't need to keep looking any more. Could that be yet another gem ??



Koh

[thenewvee]

Awww, thanks Koh!
If you find the answer to your problem, you don't need to keep looking, and Cohens proves to be the answer for so many! Gotta love it that it works for so many! I've even had a friend, who lives in Holland join the program, purely from the results she has seen my brother and his wife, and now me, achieve!
So thanks to Dr Cohen for supplying us with the Answer!!

Vee

[Kohinoor]

Hi all,

Some weeks ago, I subscribed to this lady's diary - something in my head just went "Ding!!! One to watch" And sure enough, Lulabelle produced an entry that had me scrambling for this thread....

I've been worried about the vanity thing too a lil ... given that the weight I need to lose isn't probably enough right now to be classified as a huge health issue. BUT I was reflecting a lot over the weekend, trying to get my mind positive rather than dwelling on things. And you know what? The dietary habits that have added these extra kgs to me would be doing my body more damage than I can measure on the scales.

And you know what? When I looked at my fridge and around my kitchen last night and saw all of these MASSES of vegies and fresh fruit etc... I realised that this change is going to make me feel better NOT just because of the number of kg's I may lose... but because of the good health I stand to gain

The amount of weight to be shed is certainly not the "be all and end all" eh? and Lulabelle says that so well. Good work for looking past the "small amount of Kgs to be lost" and onto the big picture....

Onya Lulabelle - thanks for the gem,

Koh