Nightmares of the pleasantly plump (Blog Introduction)
Have you ever seen those television news reports on obesity?
You know, the ones where some evil cameraperson pans in on some unsuspecting, chubby person, or a group of fat people walking on a sunny day?
In them, the camera is unforgiving, honing in on the rounded tummies, full hips and dimpled buns.
In my nightmares, they get me. No, not the fat people (I'm one of them) - the cameraperson.
I'm sitting at my desk in the newsroom, and I look up at one of the televisions, only to see my wide backside waddling out of West Manchester Mall with a bag of Chick-fila food larger than my purse, sucking down a large drink (and it is not diet soda).
On the "Me" broadcast, the cable reporter discusses the obesity epidemic, and how experts say fat people should be flogged with bacon, forced to watch hours of Richard Simmons videos and put on an endless "Biggest Loser" show.
To boot, I look around the newsroom, and notice the report is on every screen. The worst part - my co-workers know it's me.
It gives me the chills just to write about it. . .
In order to get closer to a healthy weight, my doctor has said I need to lose about 65 to 70 pounds - roughly the equivalent of a small child.
This is me, with my niece and diva in-training, Aisha, who represents in the flesh the amount of weight I need to lose.
So, I'm trying to lose my inner child.
Actually, I'm trying to lose the extra pounds that moved into compartments I affectionately call the saddle bags, the back fat and my favorite, the juicy jelly rolls.
I looked to my doctor for clues on how to accomplish this, only to find out he's got some good suggestions, but he is as baffled as the rest of us about the right formula.
So, I'm open to suggestions. What diets have worked for you?
Sister in the same skin · May 24, 2007 9:10 AM
my sister and I can top your imaginary story with a real one...recently we vacationed together in the Grand Canyon, white water rafting and camping over 190 miles. At the close of the trip, the only way out is by helicopter.
As we stood together grouped with our fellow passengers, 3 men of course, we were informed we had to tell the old-timer who ran the heli-pad our weight individually (and he could hardly hear so we had to yell) which he then busily wrote down on a post-it note.
There was no quiet whispering, no chance that the others wouldn't see it in writing if they somehow missed hearing it and especially no faking that number unless you wanted to risk crashing the 'copter on lift off.
In closing, I can safely speak for both of us when I say it was even more humiliating that only one of the men weighed more than us....and he was over six feet tall.....
What really works? two words: Weight Watchers
Becca · May 22, 2007 8:24 PM
You are so brave Michele, to be writing about your weight loss so publicly( I know you probably didn't want that realization, did ya?)
I am proud of you!
I have been trying myself to stay away from all the "crap" food and trying to stay away from situations that can put me anywhere near it. At least, until I can get a handle on my behavior around it. I know you can do it!!
Just remember, nothing tastes as good as thin feels!!
Rachele Penn · May 22, 2007 5:06 PM
Okay girl I do understand. I may not be plus size, but I struggle to stay fit and stay in my jeans.
I not trying to be skinny just the size that allows me to move freely. Because I am short and every part of me is short I see and feel every inch of extra on me.
I feel heavy sluggish and can't exercise to my level. I know people will think this sounds crazy but at 5ft anything over 117 for me does not work.
I can tell you what works for me exercising in the morning and keeping a food journal. Allure magazine has a way to keep track off meals and workouts on there website.
You can do there 6 week challenge. Also there are other online weight loss tips. Try Weight Watchers online for food ideas.
Good Luck girl