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Posts from the ‘Quotes & Fun’ Category

Jan 29

What losing 200+ lbs has taught me

LoriSchaefer-IntheEquation-TheBiggestLoser-Jan2015What if you knew in the deepest part of your gut that you could do ANYTHING you set your mind to? That you have within you the power and the potential to make your biggest, hairiest, most audacious goal come true?!

One year ago today, I had the distinct privilege to share my at-home transformation story on NBC TV’s The Biggest Loser Season 16 live finale. It was an incredible experience — thrilling, scary, enlightening, empowering, totally awesome! I’ve blogged about it here, and you can watch the video clip here.

Today, as I reflect on that amazing night one year ago, I am struck by what I have learned throughout this personal transformation journey that continues to serve me today. What I share with the contestants on The Biggest Loser — and likely with anyone who has achieved great things that are really, really, really hard. I’m reflecting on the greatest lesson/gift: I will  continue to grow and win in my life every day because I now know that deep inside of me is an unstoppable force. I can do anything I set my mind to.

Peeps, that is the secret! Read more

Jan 18

Life’s moments of impact #2

Life’s moments of impact define us & make us better — if we let them

life'smomentsofimpactGood Monday morning, peeps! Today I am republishing a blog post I wrote in March of 2013 — something I almost never do. But this one continues to be the #1 most read blog post on this site. I am amazed at how many visits it gets and that must mean it has had an impact for some of you.

As I re-read this post this morning, I realized that even for me — right now at this time in my life — there are lessons and opportunities in the moments of impact. We don’t always want to open ourselves up to them but when we do, when we are fully present and alive in those moments — wow — it can be incredible.

So today, as we embark on the third week of a new year, this is for you. It’s also for my dear friends who have recently lost love ones in their lives (a huge moment of impact). I am thinking of you today and holding you in my heart.

Without further adieu or comment, I give you the entire blog post Learning from life’s moment’s of impact. If this one speaks to you or stirs something for you, let me know. Read more

Jan 11

Want to lose weight? Get smart first.

weight-scale-helpA fun quiz on weight loss dos & don’ts & a few tips from me

It’s the New Year, so lots of people have embarked on a goal to lose weight and eat healthier. I don’t know about you, but my email is inundated with diet gurus providing tips on how to lose weight and much of the information is confusing, conflicting, and/or soliciting me to sign up for their particular program.

After losing and keeping off 200+ lbs, people also ask me for weight loss tips: How did I lose my weight — what nutritional plan did I follow? Did I track my food, why is that important and what tracker did I use? Did I weigh every day, and do I believe in that? How often did I exercise and how much? And more.

So, I’ve decided to get back to basics and write a series of blogs on nutrition and where to start. I’ll be sharing some of my personal stories, tips, favorite recipes and answering some of your questions. I urge anyone who has a question or topic for me related to nutrition or diet tips, to reach out.

Please know that I am not a nutritionist or an expert. But I did have success at losing and keeping off a lot of weight and I know what worked for me. I believe that when it comes to nutrition for weight loss (and healthy eating in general), you have to get smart first. You have to stop making excuses, take charge of your health, and know the basics on nutrition. This will probably include educating yourself and learning what resources to trust. Hopefully, I can help.

Read more

Dec 22

1 Comment

Wishing you love, joy and sparkle…

…and a Happy, Healthy New Year with YOU in the equation!

ITE_Holiday_Quote2_sqI love this time of year for many reasons. My favorite is that I get to tell everyone I care about how much they mean to me. Today, it’s your turn!

It’s been quite a year at In the Equation. Last January, I had the opportunity to share my transformation story on NBC TV’s The Biggest Loser, and our community instantly grew. Many of you reached out for help and each one of your stories has touched me.

Throughout the year, I met many more of you at speeches in Minnesota and in Maine, and conversed online with others from across the country — from Nantucket, to Tennessee, to Texas, to California. We all share the goal of putting ourselves in the equation — ensuring our health, happiness, and well-being. We are learning that by taking care of ourselves, we are also better for others in our lives.

Today, I want you to know that you have touched me. I am grateful for you. YOU matter! This is my personal wish for you this season… Read more

Nov 16

2 Comments

All I have to do is drop the banana

movewithchange-simpleDo you ever think about how hard it is to accept change in our lives? How desperately we cling to what we know?

Sometimes we cling out of habit because we feel safe and comfortable where we are. Often we cling to the dream we thought we wanted, even when we know it’s time to let go. And sometimes we cling for dear life, not wanting to see what’s on the other side of change even if we know that change is needed, that it’s good for us, and there is likely something even better on the other side.

Five years ago this month, I was brave enough to leap despite my fear. To let go of the norm and embrace big change in my life. I did so with the hope that prioritizing myself and my health — putting my oxygen mask on before assisting others — would propel me forward. But honestly, I was terrified.

And it was/is awesome! Everything is better on the other side of that fear. It’s where I truly blossomed and continue to blossom five years later. It was the very best decision of my life.

It’s ironic then that sometimes I still find myself struggling to let go of that which no longer serves me. Or at least giving it a good fight. Human nature and years of conditioning, I guess. Which brings me to the monkeys. Read more

Nov 9

You are enough!

you are enoughHappy Monday morning, peeps. New day. New week. New start. I’m sharing this one with you in hopes you have a fabulous in-your-equation week.

What if we believed we were good enough, smart enough, beautiful enough, strong enough, courageous enough, sexy enough…? Wouldn’t that change everything?

YES!

Read more

Nov 2

1 Comment

Gratitude works! #Grateful.

Join the In the Equation Gratitude Challenge

gratitude-joy-brenebrownAbout two weeks ago I wrote a blog titled, “An epiphany on my mountain,” where I shared a personal story of how shifting my focus from worry to gratitude was the key to a successful and healthy restart.

Well, it worked…it’s working! And not just that day on the mountain. I’m on Day 13 of #OperationReboot, which includes rebooting my mental game via a daily gratitude practice. And I’m on a roll. I feel better both inside and out, and I credit much of this success to changing my mindset and my focus from worry to gratitude.

It just so happens that the month of November is “National Gratitude Month.” In honor of that, I’m kicking it up a notch and inviting you to join me in the 2015 In the Equation Gratitude Challenge. Read more

Oct 16

A funny for this Friday

losingweight-funnyHappy Friday peeps!

Here’s a fun one to brighten your day and let you know I’m thinking about you. If you are reading this, I hope you get a chuckle and have a great day.

Forgive the tardiness of this week’s blog. I’ve been on the road in Downeast Maine on an “In the Equation” tour. I had a great time at some of Maine’s most exciting and innovative companies exploring employee wellness efforts and speaking at the Bangor YMCA to a group of peeps just starting a Biggest Mover Challenge. (A BIG shout out to each and every one of you. You’ve got this! And, I welcome you to our In the Equation community.)

My recent trip has inspired blogs about the very topic of this funny — how to keep your weight off and stay healthy for life, fall hiking, and more.

Yep, I’m back in the saddle so stay tuned in the coming weeks and if you’ve got a topic to suggest, let me know. For now, be well and be in your equation.

XXOOOOO

Lori

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