Thanks for visiting my blog! My name is Erin.
I’m a Big Girl. Always have been, always will be. My family comes from a long line of tall, loud, hearty people. I’m 5’9, size 10 feet, big…everything. I hated being the “big” girl as a kid; the one who stuck out when all you really want to do is blend in. I can remember family, friends and well-meaning strangers saying “Wow! You’re a BIG girl!!” Not really a compliment there, hoss.
It took me until my junior year in college to realize that eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch from a soup bowl, Dunkin Donuts coffees with “extra extra”, and chicken wings every other night was not the best way to deal with blending in. I had the same realization that many people have at some point – I had to do something to change my health. I started the South Beach Diet and would spend 2 hours at the gym. I lost 20 pounds in a summer. I also went from doing too little to being too strict because I hadn’t dealt with bad body image and nasty self-talk; things that stemmed from being a little big girl. 
You can read more of my journey here, here and here.
My mentality started to change when I moved back to New England. I started to find a balance that swings towards a much, much happier place. I began to run, something I had watched my parents do for years. I started practicing yoga at the encouragement of a friend. I learned how to cook for myself – what foods and way of eating are best for me and my body. I let go of “excess baggage” in the last five years – both physically (40+ pounds) and emotionally/mentally (disordered eating). Best of all, I continue to embrace the fact that I AM a big girl – and proud of it.
Big girls are brave. They are smart. Big girls take risks and chances. They try new things. Sometimes, they do things they didn’t think possible yesterday or a year ago or 10 years ago. But they ARE possible. We think BIG. I’ve learned all of this by being a big girl.
I started this blog in 2009 as a way to document life experiences and recipes, share my stories through writing and have some fun. In 2010, I took a blogging hiatus in early spring to make a few changes and add more balance to my life. In the fall, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and this blog became a way to connect with others and share my experiences.
What an awesome story! I can’t wait to see what you do next
Congrats on the maintenance and all the runs.
I agree. An awesome story. I totally agree with you about the whole South Beach Diet thing. Or any diet for that matter. I’ve tried it, but it feels wrong somehow to label any food as bad or good or whatnot. I love food too much to do that. So I’m learning moderation and exercising more.
I love to cook as well, so I try to make recipes that are healthy, but wonderfully delicious. I’d appreciate it very much if you’d check out my website and see if there’s any recipes you like.
Thanks Sarah!
Grace – I love your website!! I’m already set to try the Lemon Basil Penne with tomatoes. Thanks for the comment and stopping by my blog!
Ooops! My website is http://www.nowthatsgood.net
Thanks for coming by my blog! You have a great story..congrats on your accomplishments!
B, I’m so proud of you and these awesome goals you have. You’re totally inspiring. Keep posting as many recipes as you can! I’m really trying to learn to cook more things and it would be mucho appreciated.
I do have to say that I’ve never, ever looked at you as a “big” girl. You’ve always been Erin, the bestest friend ever, to me!
I love you! And yes, more recipes for sure. I’m getting them up, I swear!
This is so awesome! I love your motto..and your about me page. It is so inspiring. I love your story and am so thankful for your honesty! You’re awesome!
Thanks Natalie!!
Hey lady!
Thank you so much for your comment on my blog – you made my day
I ventured over here to check out yours, and I’m liking it! I love your “mantra.”
Keep it up!
Emma
Thanks Emma! Love the veggiebooty name!
Great Story!!! Love the pictures too!!! I love your postive attitude & the “smile” you always have………..both are extremely important on our journey’s in weight loss & LIFE for that matter!
=) Laura @ Finding A Healthy Balance (after a “100 Pound” weight loss)
Thanks Laura!
You’re so cute.
Thanks HEAB!! Love your blog!
Girl, you are doing awesome! And such a happy smile. Keep that always.
awww, I love this idea!! what a good concept. great blog!! :O)
- Beth @ http://www.DiningAndDishing.com
Thanks Beth!! I’m mosying over to check your blog out now!
Hi there! I just found your blog. What a great story and great attitude! I will look forward to reading more!
Thanks Shannon!!
Erin! I just found your blog through comments on healthy tipping point! I love your mantra! As a girl who is 5’10 (ok, if I’m honest…5’11″) and I’ve struggled forever with the fact that no matter what i do (unless i cut off my legs) I’m never going to be a “small girl.” it took me nearly a decade, and I’ve finally come to embrace my tall-girl-i-can’t-hide-in-a-crowd build.
anyway, you are doing great and you have a great attitude! big girls rule
Heck Yes Pen!! Be honest with that height – that is awesome!! I agree, I used to want to chop some part of my body off to just fit into the crowd, but now I’m celebrating the fact that I generally stand out. And that’s a good thing. Love your blog too!
DID I KNOW YOU ARE FROM RHODE ISLAND? I grew up in Cranston!
Yay Sabrina! I’m technically not “from” Rhodey, I grew up in CT. But I’ve lived here for 4 years and consider it my home now
I had the best lobster ravioli of my life in Cranston!
Love your positive attitude! Just awesome!
Thanks Steph!!
Hi! Just saw your blog via healthy tipping point. Big girls unite!! (I’m 5’9 and a 1/2). Isn’t it sad how long it can take to accept the fact that if you’re tall, you’re never going to be “small”…and that’s just fine!!!
Anywho…I just started a brand new blog called Newlywed, Newly Veg. I’d like to add you to my blog roll if that’s okay? (www.newlywednewlyveg.wordpress.com)
Hey!! Thanks for stopping over at my blog! I’m glad you did since now I found yours. I will look forward to reading along.
BTW..I was VERY scairt about the whole swimming part in the triathlon and only trained in a pool. But I ended up rocking out the swim part and actually enjoyed it the most of any of the legs! So don’t let that hold you back!!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Hey I just came across your blog! You’re lovely!
I love your positive attitude!
I’m looking forward to reading more!
Just found your blog, I can’t wait to read more!!
I almost have the EXACT same story. I’m 6 feet tall too!
It is truly amazing that you’re embracing yourself. Wow, you are clearly an inspiration for me and I cannot WAIT to keep reading.
I just ran across your blog and I found myself smiling the whole time! You rock girl!!
Can’t wait to follow along! Yay for the 1/2 marathon in May…woot woot!!
Erin, Thanks for the follow on Twitter, which led me to you here. I’m a big girl too {5’10″ and always growing in one direction or another} and can totally relate to the college stuff ; You may be a WIP as we all are, but from the looks of it, you’re just darling! Happy to be in touch. ~Sarah P.S. I adore R.I. My alter ego owns a little corner bakery in Tiverton.
Hey — I saw your comment over on Greens and Jeans that said you lived in Rhode Island, which made me super excited, because that’s where I am!! Are you still living in our tiny state??
Ok…now I’m going to go explore your blog more.
Thanks Lauren! Yes! I am in Rhodey and I visited your blog yesterday to say thanks for commenting!
Hey! loving your blog so far! Just thought I would stop and finally say hello!
Thank you Erin! Your site is great too! There are so many Erin’s that visit my blog – I think we need to have a club!
Hi Barrett – Way to be honest, girl! My sister is 6’1 and she always wished she was shorter, but now she embraces the fact that she has a stand up and be noticed attitude about it. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Love your story and congrats on the weight loss and self-acceptance. The latter is the hardest to achieve! Continued success to you!
Thanks Deb!
i know this is a little belated, but I’m so glad to see you are back, erin!
You are awesome. Wishing you luck with your feats!
…from a fellow big girl
You.are.a.rockstar. Love the blog! I didn’t realize what you were going through but I’m so glad you are making the best of a bad situation and helping others in the process. Not surprised, of course, but glad. Can’t wait to try out some of these recipes!
Thanks Katie Smith! I love that you left a comment and checked it out. Thanks for the love
Um…I absolutely love this. And while I’ve only really read your about page…I might just love you too.
Welp, hope I didn’t make this too awkward….
I love YOU! Never too awkward – I love the awkward so much.
you blog is reallly very amusing! and your so pretty too! nice to meet you blogger!! keep writing
Thanks Eva! And thanks for the super sweet comments
I have to ask… is the Dude a Big Lebowski reference?
Hey Jen! Thanks for visiting my blog. At first it was not a Lebowski reference – I was just trying to figure out what to call my boyfriend on here, but I shortly realized it relates to the movie. Even better since it makes me laugh to call him The Dude
That description sounds so much like what runs in my head all the time! Being big and not blending in with the normal people has always been my biggest issue. Glad to have found your blog. Will surely be a follower..
Thanks Shruti! Love to have you here
I’m so glad you found my site and commented, Erin, if only because I’ve found YOUR blog now, as well! It seems that we have quite a bit in common (except I’m the opposite of big—at 5’1, I’d be happy to take a few of your inches–haha!).
I look forward to reading what you’re up to!
Just discovered your blog. Love your story! I’ll def be back to read more!
Thanks Chelsey!
I had to pop over after you commented about having thyroid cancer. What I really wanted to say though is – I have the same scar on my throat now!!! Is it from a scope? I had a scope out down my throat and into my chest on Monday. My doctor was first concerned I had thyroid cancer when they found the lump in my throat – but it was actually a blood clot in my jugular, caused by the cancer around the major vein that goes into my heart.
Anyways, nice to “meet” you. You sound great and look really well after such a crappy year!
Big girls ROCK. Massage therapy has made me appreciate my grand stature more than anything in my life… I have big, warm hands, and a lot of body to put behind those awesome hands… you want pressure? I’ve got pressure.
Christin@purplebirdblog recently posted..Cheers and Jeers