One of my biggest pet peeves is the assumption that something has to be sad for it to be tragic.
I've always been a big believer of the 'Apollo has an awful love life'/'Apollo is plain unlucky with love' line of thinking but it does bother me that the general reasoning for that statement is given to the concept of 'Apollo is somehow undesireable and thus rejected' (Cassandra/Daphne/Marpessa) or 'his lovers die young and thus their love is unfulfilled' (Cyparissus/Hyacinthus/Coronis). I personally think that's a very unfortunate way of looking at things - not only because it neglects the many perfectly cordial entanglements and affairs Apollo has had, both mortal and divine - but because it presents a very shallow interpretation of the concepts of love and loss and how loss affects people.
Apollo can still grieve lovers that have a long, healthy life. The inherent tragedy of an immortal who knows his lovers and children will die and cannot stop it does not stop being tragic simply because those lovers and children live long, fulfilled lives. The inherent tragedy of loss does not stop being tragic simply because someone knows better than to mourn something that was always going to end.
What is tragic is not that Apollo loves and loses but that loss itself follows him. Apollo does not love with the distance of an immortal, he does not have affairs and then leaves never to listen to their prayers again. He does not have offspring and then abandon them to their trials only to appear when it is time to lead them to their destinies. He raises his young, he protects the mothers of his children, he blesses the households that have his favour and multiplies their flocks that they may never go hungry. He educates his sons, he adorns his daughters and even in wrath he is quick to come to his senses and regret the punishments he doles out.
Apollo loves. And like mortals, there will always be some part of him that wishes to protect the objects of his affections. Apollo, however, is also an emissary of Fate. He knows that the fate of all mortal things is death. He knows that to love a mortal is to accept that eventually he will have to bury them. There is no illusion of forever, there is no fantasy where he fights against the nature of living things and shields his beloveds from death. Apollo loves and because of that love, he also accepts.
And that, while beautiful, is also tragic.
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The Best Workout that Changed My Body (Model Workout)
Growing up, I was a chubby kid. As a teenager, I was “skinny-fat” - I had a tummy but lean arms and legs. I have tried everything to burn that belly fat off; right from detox teas, waist clinchers, sports, Pilates, limiting my calorie intake, weight lifting, strength training, eating only health food for months, lemon water, even K-Pop stars’ diets… you name it and I’ve probably done it.
Then I finally found something that worked out for me. I stumbled across it on Reddit, and I shared it with my friends, not thinking that it would actually work.
Except that it did.
A friend who had gained 10 kgs because of her thyroid lost nearly 8 kgs in a matter of a couple of months. Another friend - who’s quite skinny and petite and struggled with weight gain - saw her body get more toned in just a couple of weeks.
So I decided to try it out as well - and I could actually see a difference in just a week’s time (as crazy as this sounds). A few pants I had that I always felt a little insecure about wearing actually felt LOOSE at the waist! I couldn’t believe it!
Now, for a little disclaimer. The person who created these workouts happens to train models. They are specialised in model training- reducing waist cm, hips is their specialty. HOWEVER. They were accused of filming their clients in their gym bathroom. Their spouse eventually took over the company. But that still doesn’t sit right with me. So that means that I will not be buying any of the company’s products, even though the work outs are really effective and require minimum equipment.
So I did a little bit of sleuthing - and found 5 out of 6 of their workouts for free on Reddit.
I’m going to share the link that I found on Reddit. I am NOT responsible for uploading the files. I have no role to play in it. These have been available on Reddit for literally years. I have no idea who the original distributor is, either. Also, these videos are quite old. I’m sure that the new ones are different from these.
The workouts range from 20-60 minutes (most of them are at 40 minutes though). The best part is that you can do these anywhere.
The only equipment you really need:
- yoga mat
- Slide discs/ wash cloths
- Ankle weights
- 3 pound dumbbells
Here it is (the link)
The nutrition guide:
(I have not come up with this. Do not hold me responsible if you do not agree with what the trainer says).
1. Calorie intake: 1600 calories
2. No juice, rice, pasta, potatoes, bread 2-3 hours before you workout. If you must eat, it has to be low calorie protein or lean (eggs, protein shake, lean protein, salad, vegetables).
3. No carbs after 3 pm.
4. Dinner should be protein and vegetable based.
5. No protein for 1-2 hours after workout. Fruit juice, fruits, vegetables and starchy carbs are fine.
6. Only treadmill for cardio. Slow jogs. No weights for lower body, outside of the program. No lunges, squats or deadlifts. Yoga and Pilates are fine. I personally do 12-3-30.
How I use this routine:
Monday: workout 1
Tuesday: 12-3-30
Wednesday: workout 2
Thursday: 12-3-30
Friday: workout 3
Saturday: workout 4 +12-3-30
Sunday: 12-3-30 / yoga/ rest day
I take 5 days off in a month during my period. These workouts are also not crazy intense (I’m used to playing sports and being active in general) so I’m fine doing it everyday.
What is 12-3-30?
Treadmill workout where:
12- incline
3 - speed
30 - minutes
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Ok so normally I eat a whole pint of whatever ice cream I get.
I love halotop more, but I love artic zero's calories count better.
1/2 halo top choc brownie, 1/2 artic zero salted caramel. Topped by skinny syrup Double fudge ... which was at Walmart. If only Walmart would sell my real skinny syrups.
So... halotop 180, artic zero, 53.
Same volume but shaved a couple calories. About 120 saved? Not perfect but I will take it.
Everything has been going so slow and my healthy ice creams are really not available much anymore. I am trying to talk myself into getting a ninja creami so I can make my own.
The drawback is I live in a hoarder house and I don't know where I would put it.
Everything has gotten real slow which means despite the exercise I must be eating at maintenance.
Oh bother.
**But I am 130 pounds down and I am not regaining so I am counting that as a win.*
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It's nice to finally have myself be happy with my hair again. Like, geez.. you never realize how good you had it till it's actually gone. And I do mean that.. lol
I was suffering through extreme hair loss all my life, but I was always told it was many things; the main two being the fact my curly hair was so thick that large chunks had to fall out all the way to a possible thyroid issue.
Spoiler alert: none of that was true.. lol What it was was severe anemia.
And boi did that stuff nearly lay me flat. It started to go after my hair because it was better than going after my organs. But that doesn't mean I don't suffer from slight brain damage now no thanks to the lack of oxygen my body was getting for many years.
Nearly losing all my hair to nerve damage and what not--it took me having to self-diagnose just to find the issue.
After 4 years of taking iron pills, I finally have my hair back to normal. My motor functions are still a bit weak but I'll blame the C virus for exacerbating that.
Normally, I wouldn't care what my hair looked like, but sadly, I have a narcissist for an adopted guardian who nearly caused me to die from an eating disorder years ago. So yeah. I couldn't afford to ever have her see me looking less than perfect.
But it sure is nice to have my hair coming back in thick again.
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The Power of Refeeds to Boost Weight Loss
In the quest for weight loss, many of us embark on diets that often involve strict calorie restrictions. While calorie deficits are essential for shedding pounds, prolonged dieting can have its drawbacks, such as metabolic slowdown and decreased motivation. However, there's a strategy gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and experts alike: refeeds. Let's explore what refeeds are, why they're beneficial, and how you can incorporate them into your weight loss journey for optimal results.
What Are Refeeds?
Refeeds, also known as "diet breaks" or "refeeding days," are periods where you temporarily increase your calorie intake, usually by consuming more carbohydrates. These short-term increases in calories provide a break from prolonged calorie restriction and can have numerous benefits for both your body and mind.
Benefits of Refeeds for Weight Loss:
1. Metabolic Boost: Refeeds help prevent metabolic slowdown by signaling to your body that it's not in a prolonged state of deprivation. By temporarily increasing your calorie intake, particularly from carbohydrates, you can kickstart your metabolism and keep it functioning optimally.
2. Hormonal Balance: Calorie restriction can disrupt hormone levels related to hunger, satiety, and metabolism. Refeeds, especially those rich in carbohydrates, help normalize hormones like leptin, ghrelin, and thyroid hormones, promoting a healthier hormonal balance.
3. Muscle Glycogen Replenishment: Depleted glycogen stores in the muscles can lead to decreased energy levels and workout performance. Refeeds, with their higher carbohydrate content, help replenish muscle glycogen, improving energy levels and enhancing physical performance during exercise.
4. Psychological Relief: Dieting can take a toll on your mental well-being, leading to feelings of deprivation and frustration. Refeeds provide a psychological break from strict calorie counting and allow you to enjoy foods you love, reducing the risk of binge eating and increasing adherence to your weight loss plan.
5. Prevention of Lean Muscle Loss: In a calorie deficit, your body may break down muscle tissue for energy. Refeeds, particularly those rich in protein, help preserve lean muscle mass by providing a temporary increase in calories and protein, signaling to your body that it's not in a state of starvation.
Incorporating Refeeds Into Your Weight Loss Plan:
Now that we understand the benefits of refeeds, click on the link below to find out how you can incorporate them into your weight loss journey:
How to Incorporate Refeeds into your Journey!
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me having gone to bed at 6 am every day for the past week and generally spiraling mentally while rotting in bed waking up this morning: a 4 mile hike in the heat is a really good idea right now, and while we're at it let's start like 3 art projects
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When it's raining outside but you're determined to get your steps!
Spoiler: Not absolutely beginner friendly, IMO
This reminded me a lot of my old gym Step Cardio workouts! LOTS of coordination needed. I mean it! I spent a good chunk of time trying to figure out how to do the moves lol. It also requires a fairly good amount of stamina.
All in all, a really good workout but a bit too tough if you're just getting started or easing back into things.
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my sister cannot bear the fact i'm succeeding in my career and making new friends and learning how to drive so she'll sure as hell diminish those achievements and remind me i'm not thin.
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2023.12.05
Busy day today with lots of meetings. Managed to get my walk in today though! Macros were a little off. Need to get more protein into my morning meal if I’m going to hit my goal. Didn’t eat enough calories today either. After dinner my stomach felt off. Hoping it’s nothing. Can’t be sick tomorrow.
Breakfast: Kodiak protein waffle topped with peanut butter, strawberries, and blueberries. Coffee with creamer.
Lunch: Triscuits, roast beef, baby bell cheese, veggies, and grapes.
Dinner: Half of a Chipotle bowl with rice, sofritas, black beans, pico, corn salsa, and light cheese.
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what are some good (easy) protein sources for wl?
my intake is almost entirely carbs and it's sooo bad.
I'm very restricted as to what I can eat, I only have a choice of cereal and toast most mornings and I have very little choice in my dinners (boarding school) lunch is often the same.
pls recommend me good, easy, tasty sources of protein 🩷🩷🩷
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At-Home Veggie Burger
Ingredients:
any veggie patty
roll / bread
avocado
salad: lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion
cheese (skip for plant-based🌱)
Prep: 5 mins
Cooking: 5 mins
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