Discussion-Weight

Isn't it funny how watching The Bachelor brings out the cattiness in us all? I noticed this in myself as Hubs and I curled up on the couch Monday night to watch this ridiculous, yet addicting reality show. (Come on, admit it, I know you watch it too!) I caught myself criticising these girls every move, even down to analyzing their appearances. Who am I to judge others? I feel awful about it. This brings me to my topic of discussion. I am a little hesitant to address this subject because it might be considered controversial. I want to discuss weight. Yes, I am going there. I hope I do not offend anyone.

Let me preface this by saying that I believe a women has much more to offer than just her looks. I am grateful that I have the health and physical well-being to do what I need to do throughout the day. Family, health, and happiness are more important to me than dress size.

When I was younger, I was a lot chubbier. I remember a hurtful experience that happened in 9th grade. A boy that had a crush on me pointed me out to his brother, who then exclaimed, "How can you like her? She has a huge butt!". When I started high school, I decided to stop feeling bad about my body and start doing something about it. I began to work out religiously and lost some weight. By the time I entered college, I had lost a significant amount of weight and I was much more comfortable in my skin. My weight loss journey helped me realize that my size is less about the numbers on the scale, and more about being healthy and feeling good about myself.

After pregnancy and gaining a lot of weight, (thank you French fries) I was determined to lose the weight healthily. I had done it before and that gave me the willpower to do it again. But I have been surprised by some of the comments people make. If offered a cookie, and I reply "No thank you, I am watching what I eat," Often I get eyes rolled and responses such as, "That is so ridiculous," or, "It doesn't matter if you eat that. You're too concerned!." Why is trying to be healthy considered too concerned? If I ate whatever I wanted, I could never reach or maintain my weight goals. I have also heard these same statements said to Dan over the past 4 years that he has been eating healthier. I understand that no harm is meant. I am not offended. I just find it an interesting comeback to healthy desires.

Don't get me wrong, I do occasionally indulge by having some of my favorite foods. What would life be without hamburgers or chocolate? Most skinny people do not starve themselves or eat salads all day. No normal person can do that for long.

Another comment that is far from the truth is, "You are so lucky, the weight has just fallen off!" For me, luck has nothing to do with it. I have worked my bum off (literally). I am not naturally skinny. There are surely some who are more genetically gifted to stay thin without having to bother with calorie counting and sweaty workouts. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.

Why do you think eyebrows are raised when one refuses sweets but nothing is said when one says no to broccoli? I really hope this isn't coming off the wrong way, it's just been on my mind lately. Let me know how you feel about this issue, even if you disagree. ;)