Nope, not surprised even a little bit.

Erm...

I gained 20 pounds when I started my second masters degree. I feel ya. I try to avoid my work clothes. I don’t know how to lose it either because I don’t feel very comfortable where I live which makes me not want to work out.

Can you get your thyroid checked? I finally got diagnosed in my 40's but had low level symptoms starting in college.

Do you have any major grad school hurdles coming up (qualifying exams, etc)? Maybe wait until after that and then really focus on weight loss. I lost about 20 lbs without even realizing it after my 2nd year oral exams, just because I was more relaxed/it was spring/one of my lab mates got me to go running with her a…

sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. Truly best of luck!

I’d recommend reading some Lindy West - especially Shrill - when you need some outside support for body positivity. She’s fabulous!

I’ll just echo the recommendation to keep a fitness journal. It really is a massive help a lot of times to stay on track with goals, fitness or otherwise. Have you looked into bullet journaling? That might be a way to make it fun.

1. Buy an interview outfit that fits your body right now. Nobody will see the tag except for you, and an outfit that fits will make you look a million times better than an outfit you have to squeeze yourself into.

No advice other than just try to make as many good decisions in regards to diet and exercise as you can. Each decision point is a new chance to do something good. And if you make a decision that is not ideal, don’t beat yourself up. Just try to make a good decision the next time you have a chance. Good luck!

I went to Banana Republic once and was super nervous to ask the salesperson for help. But when they saw me wandering around staring at suits with a really confused look on my face, someone took it upon themselves to help me. I just said “I need to look like an adult!” and they made it happen. It ended up being a great…

If you’re in school, you probably have access to counseling services. If you’re feeling anxiety and depression that is keeping you from pursuing opportunities, you should get some help. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

One of my friends who is plus-sized and hates shopping did a personal shopper appointment at Macys. There is no cost or obligation and you typically do a quick email or phone consultation in advance so they know your size and needs and can pull a lot of stuff in advance for you to try on. That might be a good option…

I’m not sure where you’re at with your weight, but I’ve been having this issue for years. Shopping is torturous for me and I always end feeling horrible about myself. Earlier this year I decided to do all the things you’re doing as far as eating healthy, going to the gym, etc and still struggled until I started buying…

1) do something every day. Walking, cycling, going up the staircase of your building or library - do something physical every day.

Yes, it’s they’re job, and they do want the sale. If I’m feeling really bad, I’ll be up front about it with them, that I’m feeling bad about my body and really need something that fits well with my current weight. I think a lot of people aren’t conscious of how judgemental they can seem about people’s weight, and…

I would say that if you’re consistent, then you’ll get fit. But that may not lead to being a size or weight that you’re imaging for yourself.

Something that (semi) works for me is to pretend everything is fine and people don’t notice me, so it doesn’t really matter what I look like at the moment. It gives me just that little bit more of confidence in my day. I know it sucks but hopefully things will just start getting better?

I’m in the same boat. I’m trying to set small goals and to focus just on doing something without thinking about the results. Like deciding that I’m just going to, say, walk 20 to 30 minutes a day or stop drinking sodas, regardless of whether I see any results. I don’t know if that makes any sense, but it’s helping me…

One thing I will recommend—buy a kickass interview outfit that fits the body you have now. Interviews are stressful enough without feeling like your suit is slightly too tight or worrying you’re going to pop a button into the Executive Director’s eye.