Negativity?

So last night someone was questioning why DB and I want to lose weight. She seemed skeptical and I got the impression she doesn't think we need to. To be fair, this friend was not being overtly rude or anything like that, her question just got me thinking- certainly no hard feelings were felt and this post is not directed specifically at anyone. However, I wanted to share some of my thoughts around questions like these. I felt defensive- and confused. I didn't quite understand why anyone would poo-poo on someone trying to be healthier. I guess this was some of the first negativity I have encountered. I realize that some people look at us and think we "look fine." True. We know this. But the fact is, no matter how well I wear my clothes I have a floppy soft gut that hangs over my jeans. I am weak. I have asthma, varicose veins, and chronic sinus problems. Point being: I could stand to be healthier.

Losing weight IS part of being healthy, however in our diet-image-obsessed culture when one says they are "dieting" it is met with eye-rolls and proclamations of "how great you look already!" The thing is, I am happy with the way I look. I just want to look even better and feel awesome. That extra 8 lbs. I have already lost- what- do you think I should try to gain it back? Really? Do you think I would be healthier with it?

I know what we are doing here is pretty brave. I mean, we are opening up our personal habits to the world. With that will come some negativity. However, I feel confident that I am eating and exercising in a totally healthy and productive way. I don't think anyone would raise an eyebrow in skepticism over my diet posted on here. I am honest and open because it isn't so easy for everyone, including me.

I guess just because you think I look "fine" you will have to understand that I haven't always looked "fine" or eaten very healthfully. I can pack it on as easily as the next tubby bitch and I have. I used to weigh 25 lbs. more than I do right now and I guess I just want you to know, I work for it. I am working really hard for it right now. Why you would try to tell someone they don't need to be conscious of their health and exercise is dumb to me, and I think it is a problem in our culture. It is the reason I started this blog. It gives me a place to talk openly about what I am doing to lose weight and get healthier since it is hard to do that in public. There seems to be a weird culture of "don't ask don't tell" around health and fitness. That I should just do it and shut up and when I finally reach my goals and am looking "hot" just act like I'm born with it.

Well I wasn't born with it. Most people aren't. We're working for it so go ahead and tell me what YOU are doing. I want to hear about it, I truly do!

xoxox,

Robin