I'm just finishing up a movie on W Network and well, it's got my goat! The premise of the movie is a skinny gorgeous chick dresses up in a fat suit to do an undercover documentary about obesity. Even before I've finished the movie I have a beef. (And yes, pun intended).
There is way too many stereotypes in this movie, all the cliches.
Not all fat people eat a chocolate bar(s) every day.
Not all of us binge on a regular basis. Not ofof us make horrible food choices.
Some of us eat well, healthy even. Some of us struggle with any kind of weightloss due to hormonal imbalances. Some of us are honestly "big boned" (and tall!!) with a little extra weight. Some of us can't just instantly lose weight with a diet change (or lifestyle change, same shit, different name).
For me? It took me working out 6-7 hrs a week to lose any weight. I had no life, it was work, workout and sleep. I had to pay a lot of money to get that fit (gym membership, personal training fees and a lot of time). I changed a bit of my eating habits which mostly involved switching from mini wheats to oatmeal. And also cutting back on lattes. In that time of 6 months I lost 27 pounds, that's all. I gained muscle and dropped some fat BUT, get this. I was labelled athletic when I finished my training. At still over 220lbs I was actually at a cardio level of an athlete.
(Side note: I am sorry to say but sometimes financials play a huge part in weight loss. It's really hard to eat well on not a lot of money. I crave working out but I can't afford a gym and free weights are not enough. The only thing I can control right now is my diet and I am! Don't even get me started on how shift work makes it very difficult because I work around that with slow cooker meals, lean proteins and packing a good dinner.)
It took me a long time to believe in myself thanks to a lot of mean children around me growing up. I never felt like I fit in to my group of "friends" in high school either especially the normal sized girls who would throw around words like "sexy" and "goddess". How at 16 does someone feel that way? 12 years later I finally understand that after years of building my own confidence and also having someone in my life who loves me inside and out. But that's a whole other story! :PI believe that genes to play a bit of a part in the weight thing too. I have the shape of a linebacker. I see pics of my late grandma and I see a lot of physical similarities. Broad shouldered with a lack of a defined waist. Tnankfully my hips have finally filled out so I look less like a box now. (Can you say really late bloomer?!)
Anyways, what I want to say is that people need to be more open minded and less judgemental about some of us who do struggle with our weight. For some of us it isn't a simple fix. We are also not ignorant. Kevin & I know that we need to lose weight and we're working on it and finding out what works for us. Some days it has to take a backburner due to work schedules, lack of funds for healthier meals or just being socially busy. Everything takes time and energy, there is no magical answer.
I'm hoping in the new year that with a better job I can have the revenue to start taking cardio classes again and hit the gym with my honey. I have no desire to grow old and fat! :P
I'll never be skinny, I know that but I can be healthy and I'm working on that. Wish me luck!
Keep in mind everyone struggles with their own image no matter what the # on the scale says.
I love your take on life Mishy!!! You look great and we all love you ---- keep the posts coming!!!!
Michelle this is amazing thanks for your insight, I feel the same way a lot of the time. thank you do much .
Stephanie
You are very right Am! Thanks for the encouragement and likewise to you, I'm reading your blog as soon as you post it on Facebook!
And you also very welcome Stephanie! :)
I am equally addicted to your blog!!!!