[katyakat]

Emma

Kudos to your post! You are so very right! Everyone should learn to love themselves a little more, no matter what their size. I am all for being healthy and taking care of oneself, but you are right that one's true self is not defined by being thin or heavy. In that respect, I think we all need a reminder to be a little kinder and forgiving to ourselves! (me included!).

As for people posting their philosophies and recommendations about weight loss and fitness, well I am sure it is done so in the spirit of goodwill and encouragement. I don't know that anybody considers themselves the resident expert, but you are right that just because someone loses weight does not make them the guru on the subject. I am pretty sure everyone here realizes that no one here (to my knowledge) is a registered dietician or certified personal trainer. I myself have read posts that I did not agree with and thought were flat out wrong with regards to fitness, etc. , but I recognize that this is a forum for everyone to post at their own will. For the most part, I think people just want to share their excitement when they have lost, but perhaps it comes across a little pedantic to some.

Anyway, I think you had a lot of relevant things to say, and I am intrigued! So if you don’t mind, I am going to check out the challenge board you talked about!

-kat