The formula for weight loss is simple, really. You eat well and exercise on a consistent basis and you will lose weight. Everyone knows that, even fat people. And thus comes the next burning question in the minds of those of you who’ve never had a weight problem: “Why don’t they just do what it takes to lose the weight they need to be healthy?” You want my answer? I ask myself the same question every freaking day.
Some days, I’m making the choices I need to lead a healthy life, and other days I’m ignoring it completely (“Yes, I’ll take the sweet potato fries instead of the salad, thanks!”). I can’t really tell you why or how I became overweight, but here I am. And telling me what I need to do can be likened to telling a smoker to stop smoking. I know it’s not good for me, but there’s a reason unbeknown to me causing me to continue. I will add, this doesn’t make it right. By not taking care of my body, I’m making a conscious decision to not look after myself. But just like a smoker might not know why they need to keep smoking, I don’t know why I feel the need to keep eating the way I do, either.
And for people who’ve never had a weight issue, it’s hard to understand the plight of those in the overweight and obese world. To them it’s as simple as me not being willing to make the hard choices. Let’s face it, fries are easier to chose than a salad. From an external viewpoint, it’s easy to look at an overweight person and assume all kinds of things. We’re lazy, we lack drive and ambition, we can’t commit to things … the list goes on. And this is a stereotype, it’s not the norm. Just because I overeat doesn’t mean I don’t work hard. But hey, everyone’s entitled to their opinions. I can’t live my life proving myself to others because of how I look 
.
If weight loss were as simple for everyone, then why would anyone choose to be fat? Because I truly don’t feel like I choose to be fat, even though I obviously do (yes, that sentence makes sense to me, hehe). Which is why I sought the help of my health counselor, Neeshan, who’s been very instrumental to my self discovery in the last few months. I want to learn why I choose to do what I do.
Neeshan has taken the time to help me dissect and analyze the many reasons I eat. I now know we eat to nourish not only our bodies, but also other areas of our lives in which we feel something is lacking. Here is the food pyramid she gave me:
Every significant weight gain in my life can be tied to significant change. Whenever I’ve lost my bearings, I’ve lacked some nourishment in other parts of my life … my secondary food (outer circle). When we feel fulfilled nutritionally, emotionally and physically … it is assumed we make better choices.
As soon as I hit college, I stopped physical activity and gained about 20 lbs (lacking physical activity); As soon as I got married and moved overseas, I gained 35 lbs (lacking relationship with family and friends); and after having a child I gained 15 lbs (a bit of all the secondary foods took a hit ).
I know it’s not the be all, but this pyramid has helped me understand there’s more to life than what I eat. And being healthy is more than the physical components of my life. So, wish me luck. I’m learning , and I hope you’re all learning something from this too.
Westside YMCA
5 Comments
I don’t understand people other people who’ve never had a weight issue. Because it actually isn’t as simple as eating right and exercising. That’s how to be healthy. Weight loss doesn’t always come after doing so. If it was as simple as eating right and exercising, I’d be grossly overweight.
So insightful and honest, Suban! I appreciate you sharing what you’ve learned. I’m right there with you and wishing you repeated victories in the days ahead!!
Thanks for this, Suban. I think there’s a lot of misunderstanding and judgment on all ends of this issue — and on my part, too. As a former smoker, I agree that the “you should quit” isn’t effective or helpful. What is? Concern for your health. It can be the same when it comes to weight loss / health issues.
On the other hand, just because someone is currently thin doesn’t mean they haven’t struggled with their weight. Actually, every thin, fit person I know (myself included) has lost weight — significant amounts — to get to that point. We all work very diligently and overtly to maintain that.
Of course it isn’t just as simple as eat better, move more. There are very real numbers that come into play.
There are real choices and sacrifices we all make to be healthier, whether it’s less social time or not having our favorite foods, etc. But that’s the choice. We either make those sacrifices, or we don’t.
It’s not easy to make them, or to maintain them. (It does get easier, thought). I don’t think anyone’s ever suggested that. It’s a struggle every day to make the right choices. But it’s worth it, and it works. Eating the right foods, in the right amounts, and getting the amount of exercise you need — it does lead to weight loss. I’m proof. Does it mean I don’t go out to dinner or lunch very often? Absolutely. A lot of habits and patterns have changed. But I’m ok with that, because I feel the best I have ever felt.
It took me a good decade to figure it out. It was hard. But I did it. I really admire you for documenting your journey, because it is so challenging and there are so many obstacle.
I just want to say that you can do it, and it does work. Like quitting smoking, you have to keep at it. Because in the end, your health is worth it.
Big ups, per usual.
Very insightful post. I like the food pyramid+ and am printing it out to hang on my fridge.
um…. I am thin… and did not lose a lot of weight to get here. and. I still know it’s not as simple as people try and say it is. any more than it was simple for me, all those years I was younger to put on the 10-15 people seemed to think I need (and still think I do, even though I’ve gained 20)