You’re Too Fat

Wow!  I thought that title might get your attention!

You would never tell someone that they were too fat or that they don’t need to gain any more weight right?  It would be rude and hurtful to say the least.  Then why do some find it so easy to say “you’re too thin” or “you don’t need to lose any more weight” or “you look like you are going to blow away.”  This has not only been said to me but also to some of my challengers who have become very discouraged over comments just like these though.

I should tell you that I have been interested in health and fitness for all of my adult life.  I exercise 30 minutes a day and on average 5 days a week.  I eat well and I eat often.  I love pizza and tacos and when I have them, I enjoy them.  I drink mostly water and enjoy the occasional glass of wine- okay maybe two when the kids go bonkers on any given day 😀  If I had to guess, I eat close to 2000 calories a day.  I don’t really know though because I don’t count and never really have.  My point is, I take care of my body and it naturally goes where it should be.  Even after having each of my 4 babies, I can’t say I was “trying” to lose the baby weight.  It just happens based on my good habits of eating good nutrition, exercising on a regular basis and breastfeeding works like a charm for me!

These women who are being reprimanded for their “too skinny bodies” have had babies, gained weight, lived busy lives and never made time to take care of their own health and fitness.  These are women who just a few months ago loathed the idea of working out or eating well balanced meals.  These are women who didn’t think twice about going through a drive thru and ordering a double cheese burger with fries.

And now, they are women with a purpose and a drive.

They have made the decision to be the example for their families.  They eat!  They eat often and they eat well- perhaps they eat more often now than they did when they were miserable in their own skin.  These women have committed to getting fit by following a fitness program from start to finish.  They are leaner, stronger, healthier, more energetic and more confident.  They have accomplished big goals and they are proud of what they have achieved- until…

They encounter an old friend or family member who scrunches their nose and tells them they are too thin.  The friend wonders why they are eating “that diet food” aka veggies, lean meats, whole grains and smaller portions.  It is a life style.  You should eat well and exercise because it is good for you not because you are trying to reach a number on the scale or a pants size.  You want to be strong and healthy.  If you have weight to lose, then exercise and balanced eating will naturally do that for you.  But you don’t stop once you hit a goal weight.  You press on!

I have a family to care for!  I am nicer when I workout.  I am less stressed when I eat well and include fitness in my day.  Any fit mama will tell you the same.

So though you may mean well and think it is a compliment to tell someone they are too skinny or suggest they may blow away- it is not.  It is offensive and it makes people second guess all of their efforts.  Be kind and encouraging always!