I’m probably not going to make any friends with this post. I’m going to say something that you all don’t want to hear and it will probably offend you. It’s time for those of you that are overweight and obese, to get up and change your life.
And I don’t say this because I take issue with the way people look. I believe that people of all shapes and sizes were hand-knit together by the Creator, and are beautiful! What I do take issue with, and what absolutely breaks my heart, is when I hear about people dying or living miserable lives because of obesity. People die of diabetes daily, and yet most of these deaths could have been prevented with a change of diet and exercise.
And before you start getting defensive and accuse me of being some skinny witch girl that doesn’t know what she is talking about, know that life hasn’t been all a box of chocolates for me either (unfortunately I’ve had several boxes of chocolate!).
Two years ago I was a size 16, overweight and miserable. Today I am a size 8. I haven’t done anything too extreme. All I started doing was eating healthier, and working at my fitness.
I’m saying this so that you can see where I am coming from. I want you to make a change in your life like I did so that you will not only have a better quality of life, but will hopefully live longer as well. With both heart disease and diabetes being among the top ten leading causes of death, why wouldn’t you want to make a change to help ensure a healthier, longer life?
Seven Simple Ways to Live Healthier and Get Fit
1. Get moving! Whether through a workout video, a game, a Zumba class or a local gym, get up and get moving! Even just walking for 17 minutes a day is a great way to start (and yes you can lose weight just doing this!).
2. Cut out processed foods. If it’s not a whole ingredient like fruit, grains, nuts, veggies, milk or meat, you should probably kick it to the curb. Eliminate these from your grocery shopping, and cut out the fast food stops. Low fat foods are not necessarily good for you, because they have fake fats and artificial sweeteners that are worse for your body.
3. Find good support. If you don’t have good support at home, find a friend or a trainer that you can talk with about your struggles. If you need to, consider starting a local group on MeetUp or at a local church.
4. Stay away from books, websites and TV shows that will tempt you. If you are visiting a site that is is frequently placing your biggest temptations right in your face, then stay away. And do the same with TV and books.
5. Find books, websites and TV that will encourage you. Two of my favorite shows to watch that help keep me motivated are The Biggest Loser and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. You can watch both online for free at Hulu.com. And if TV is not your thing, then read books, blogs and other websites that will encourage you on your journey.
6. Figure out what motivates you. I strongly believe in personal self-control, but I also know that we are weak and fall into temptation easily. There is something to be said for finding that one thing that will motivate you. Maybe you have a high school reunion coming up. Or maybe you want to be able to run a 5K by the time you reach a certain milestone. Whatever motivates you, find it, use it and change your life.
7. Cut yourself some slack. You didn’t get to where you are overnight. Everyone wants a quick fix these days, but it’s just not going to happen (not if you want to be healthy AND lose weight).
And don’t think that you have to have the perfect model body. It’s about health, and that is above all what matters. Though I’ve lost weight, I still have my muffin top and I’m proud of it! I earned it by bringing two amazing blessings into the world, and I will not be ashamed because mainstream media thinks a “normal” woman should have a flat belly.
I just want to point out that there is no judgment here. I am not perfect, have been overweight, fall off the wagon and occasionally splurge on unhealthy foods. So if you are looking for perfection, you won’t find it here. You are beautiful, now just get healthier so you can hopefully live longer and enjoy your life, family and friends.
Do you struggle daily with finding motivation to get healthy? What encourages you, and what are some of your tips for getting healthier? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Consult a professional before starting on any diet or exercise regimen. Likwid Media LLC. assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
I am getting ready to get my personal trainer education and certification. I love this post. Good tips!
I loved this post! Thank you for sharing!!
LOL! I love that you are being honest and helpful
I do need to get a routine going that involves my 2 & 4yr olds, I can’t do anything too crazy (I have a spleen issue). Great advice! So much disease is caused by how we eat! It’s crazy and people don’t seem to see that. I’m glad it’s getting attention!
Just had to comment b/c my 4 year old twins love doing EA Sports Active with me on the Wii (DS more than DD and they don’t really have the remote – just me – but my son does get out my old 2 lb wrist weights!). They get such a kick out of it and love when we earn new trophies. Plus they keep me more motivated b/c they will actually say, “Mommy, are we EVER going to exercise again? It has been so long!”
As an over weight person I took no hostility towards you. You said this in a very caring way.. Thank you for the tips! Im working on it.. Especially after baby-weight!
I’m with you – I keep telling my family (I’d like to see a couple of us healthier) that it’s about how fit and healthy you feel (physically and emotionally) inside and out.
I am with u girl. I have watched several documentaries on Netflix abt how ppl eat and where it really comes from. I’m
On the healthier me wagon. Continue to post and uplift ppl. It’s what ur called to do!
Excellent post! Sometimes we need someone to care enough to tell us things we don’t want to hear. Tough love!
Crystal, thank you for shedding light on this serious matter. My Mom is only 57, and had a liver biopsy done this past Thurs. They are checking for cirrhosis as she has a fatty liver. Very scary stuff!
This is exactly why my husband and I pledged to get healthier together – it’s just plain dumb to suffer and/or die because of something you CAN change. There are too many things you CAN’T control so why not do something about the things you can control? Since February I’ve lost 40 lbs and feel SO much better, more energetic, more motivated in so many ways. Anyway… This is a great list of things everyone can do starting today!
This post (as well as the “reasons to unlike my blog” post from the other day) give me the impression you’ve resolved to go out on a limb more and say what you feel, even if it’s a bit controversial. Am I right? I’ve also resolved to do this recently, but it’s scary. How’s it working out for you so far?
Rebecca – I must say that it is very freeing! Yes I’m putting myself at risk for criticism, but I’m determined that my life will count for something. I don’t want to just sit by, when I have the voice and a means to help people (whether they want my help or not).
Rebecca – I must say that it is very freeing! Yes I’m putting myself at risk for criticism, but I’m determined that my life will count for something. I don’t want to just sit by, when I have the voice and a means to help people (whether they want my help or not).
Good for you!! You inspire me. BTW, you did a nice job of speaking your mind – you were firm and honest without being rude or off-putting. You obviously had a clear and pure intention. In my opinion, that’s really what motivates people to change.
Thank you for this post! I’m like you… I just want everyone to live healthy lives. Being thin and pretty doesn’t mean you’re healthy, it’s all about what your insides look like… It’s a gross visualization but every time I eat something unhealthy, like bacon, I just imagine what my heart would look like cushioned with fat! Yuck.
Meredith @ Deals.com
I love this! I, too, have had my own battle with my weight — and while I’m not skinny, I am in the best shape of my life (thanks to P90X and running)!! And I just feel so much better.
Thanks for being courageous and honest!
I am not trying to be defensive, and I do agree with what you are saying, but what about the people who have health issues that make it very hard to lose weight? Being obese is not always about food or being inactive. I eat very healthy and try to walk( I have issues with my left leg, making it impossible to any type of intense workouts) and lift dumb bells every day. I have diabetes which I have had since I was a teen and I was only 105 lbs at the time. I gained weight from thyroid issues and from becoming very sick three years ago where I was in the hospital for a month and on different meds to get well again. I gained 82 lbs in three years and now since my thyroid had to come out, losing any weight is a constant up hill battle, and the only time I do lose weight is cutting out grains all together and that is like a pound every 2 months. I have learned to accept my body and I control my blood sugars with diet instead of meds. I understand that the opinion of most people when they see someone who is obese is that all they do is eat processed foods, to much food, and that they don’t move and that they will die sooner or are miserable, but I am just letting people know that it is not always the case. True I do miss being able to shop at any store for clothing and not having to wear control undergarments, but I get over it and I am happy that I am healthy for being my size. I did lose a couple pounds from drinking coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, but that’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. I am currently a size 16 and don’t think I will ever get to an acceptable weight, and the diabetes will be here regardless if I am a size 0 or 28. And my quality of life is not affected by my size nor my diet. My leg issues are from a surgery and I had non-repairable nerve damage. But in the end I agree with a healthy diet and to move to get the blood circulating and etc. I just want people to know being big and diabetes is not always about food and being lazy.
I’m with you, Margarita. There are just too many variables out there to make such a blanket statement/assumption to why someone is overweight or obese; this is why HAES (health at every size… http://www.haescommunity.org/) has to exist. The mindset that thin = healthy and happy; fat= lazy and sickly has to be changed.
Good for you for being healthy at your size and confident enough not to let propaganda sway your mindset. I’m proud of you!
I wish my husband would get witht he picture. He has a high metabolism, so he does not look “fat” but he has high cholesterol and eats like a 13 year old, chocolate donuts, sugary cereals and fast food. I am a fitness instructor with hypothyroidism, which means I have to exercise a lot and eat a little. It is hard to keep a balance and I am trying to raise my kids to be healthy eaters. I do not buy his junk food and he over pays for it since he goes to 7-11 for breakfast. I would love to kick processed food to the curb, but I like being married and my husband. It is a balance between both food worlds. I do have the uper hand since I cook everything!!
Thinness does not equate health, and if you are trying to promote healthiness among your readers, you may want to address this post to those people who are not considered to be fat as well. Being overweight or obese does not make you any less healthy than a size 2 person who smokes,drinks, and eats crap. It’s all “garbage in,garbage out.” Additionally, people with glandular disorders may do all the right things and be healthy at their size while still being considered to be overweight. A strong, healthy body may consist of muscle mass that makes the person weigh more than the suggested weight and gets them classified as “obese”; a 250 lb boxer’s body is built differently than a 250 lb pound couch potato but they would both be classified as obese on the standard weight based scaling. Defining healthiness by body weight is a very narrow viewpoint and, even if you claim to be non-judgmental, makes you come off as such. As a former ballerina who lived through way too much “well meaning” pressure to “get healthy by losing weight” and was encouraged to eat cotton balls to ensure my weight would stay the same as my more petite peers (sizes 0-2), I am very disappointed that you chose to focus on overweight/obese people instead of ALL people who need to switch to healthier lifestyles. Your advice and suggestions were right on and wonderful, but will do little to change the (wrong) perception that you can judge a person’s health status by how much they weigh. People who could benefit from reading this (such as my tiny friends who stay small by smoking,using Adderall, and anorexia) will not read this entry because it is addressed to overweight and obese people instead of unhealthy people. It was *this* close to being an article that I could recommend to others but instead has me saddened that the mindset of thin=healthy is still alive and well.
I thought I had made it clear in my post that it isn’t about thinness….especially when I brought up my own muffin top. I’m sorry that did not come across.
Great post Crystal and very encouraging. I have to laugh at the people who found this “off base”. When I read your disclaimer at the begining I thought who could be offended by this common sense? Guess you can’t please everyone. Still, I think it was a great encouragement for you to share your story and what worked for you. I’m getting my fat butt moving more…starting tomorrow. Thanks to your encouragment!
I read the disclaimer in the beginning, I was not saying that it was off base, I agree with the part about becoming healthier and I understand where it is coming from. I know it is not just about being thin, but it was the few remarks like “is when I hear about people dying or living miserable lives because of obesity.”, that I was simply making a point. It did not really offend me, it was just the wording maybe could have been a bit different. I am obese and admit it, but my life is not miserable. I am sorry that you believed that this was about “pleasing” people, instead of making a comment, that I felt some other readers shared. Again I understand what the post was about and that it was not to offend anyone there were just little bits here and there that seemed to go back to being “miserable” and having a better quality of life that “seemed” to be associated with weight loss. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but it is offensive when someone says “I had to laugh” at someone else s’ comment , a comment that did not attack anyone in particular, just expressing an opinion not pointed to individuals, it seemed very condescending and I thought this blog was about helping everyone live happy healthy lives and to save money while doing it, not have other readers debate on if it is funny or not to give an opinion. I love this blog and would never leave a blatantly offensive comment like this to anyone.
Hey Margarita! While I can’t speak for anyone else, I do welcome varying opinions. It is my hope that this is a place where people can feel free to express themselves freely, and with no one bashing anyone else. I sincerely hope that you continue to feel welcome (and everyone else as well).
These are just basic things everyone should be doing – how could it invite criticism?
Love your blog! You always promote being healthy, and I love reading the healthier deals you post. You encourage me to eat healthier and to carry this over for my family, too. Thanks for all you do!!
While there will always be those that are in denial-it is a medical fact that being overweight is NOT healthy and is associated with MANY medical conditions lol.
Thanks for your post. I am recently recovering from a leg injury playing tennis and during the down time, gained weight. I feel so yucky and my weight is such a up and down battle. I’ve just made a goal with my husband to try our very best to eat at home and leave out the fast food and too big of servings at restaurants. I turn 40 in Jan and would so like to be healthier for this time in my life!
Great post! There are so many people with health issues that can either be used as an excuse or as motivation to work even harder to be fit. Not thin, but fit and healthy.
I just have to point out that basically there are 2 types of diabetes and there really needs to be a distinction between them. Type 1 diabetes does not develop because of weight issues or how much a person exercises or how healthy their lifestyle. Also, it cannot be treated with diet and exercise. It has to be treated with insulin. It’s inaccurate when people generalize both types together and blame unhealthy lifestyles as the cause.
Having said that, I agree that eating healthy and exercise is good.
I’m a registered dietitian and I thought your post was excellent. Those who had negative comments were not wrong in saying that thin does not equal healthy, but with the obesity epidemic skyrocketing in this country..especially in children..it’s a very timely post. Yes, there are medical conditions that can cause people to be overweight no matter what they do, and yes, there are most definitely unhealthy thin people out there. But the biggest problem with obesity is too much junk food/processed food and too little exercise. Kids today don’t get out and play like we used to (sometimes it’s not safe for them to) and with the introduction of the internet and much more intense video games they have no desire to get out and ride a bike or chase each other around. Your advice was just as someone else stated..common sense. And I would hope that the exceptions out there would understand that you’re speaking to the majority of overweight people..those that are choosing unhealthy habits over a lifestyle that will help them live longer, happier lives. Excellent post..and keep up the good work!
I apologize for my posting, as I see it has caused much ruckus! I was not “making excuses”, I have worked very hard at keeping myself healthy, even with my size. I am the only one in my family and out of all my friends that advocates buying from farmer’s markets when they cannot grow their own, eating organic, and having free range eggs, chickens and grass feed beef. I am even against cane sugar and flour (organic or not) and all types of generic sweeteners. I learned a long time ago about proper diet, I am 30 and still look like I am 19, I have never had cavities and if I get hurt like a cut I heal rather quickly and I owe this to my diet. It is not genetics, my brothers all look older than they are and have baldness(even still will not accept my advice about proper diet,lol) I was thin up until 3 years ago, being diabetic and everything, and the problem with my diabetes is that I had high blood sugar my whole life and was not diagnosed diabetic till I was 17. I come from a home where we were not allowed junk food or McDonald’s and I am the only one who has stuck to this. I only became really sick because I was pregnant and that is all I am saying for that. My children are not allowed to even have graham crackers and sweets are a once in awhile thing. I rarely let them have bread unless it is “Sprouted” or “Eziekel”. My thyroid was removed and I was told before I agreed to surgery that my “weight would start to drop off” with proper amounts of the thyroid hormone, I found out to late that this is not always the case, and even though I was informed that my thyroid removal was for the benefit for me because it was so enlarged, I wish I would have known the truth. I apologize again, but wanted to make it clear, that I do not make excuses, I had to learn to accept myself which was very hard going from a 5 to 16 in 3 years is a lot to handle and I was not making any negative comments, I was agreeing mostly with Thrifty Mama and only wanted to share my opinion on the comments I did not agree with, only because of my experience. And it is true we need to really start paying attention to what we are doing, either to lose weight or not, our children will thank us.
oops I saw that I put 5 to 16 I meant 6 to 16
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My post was not meant to make those with medical conditions feel bad at all. I do realize that there are those rare situations, and kudos to you for doing what you can with what you have. It certainly sounds like you are constantly working at your health and the health of your family.
Thank you for this post! I’m trying to eat better and I’ve eaten more veggies in the past 6months than I have the past 4 decades. I try to remember that nothing tastes as good as feeling thin!
i’ve never been overweight but after i finished chemo i gained almost 30 pounds (the doctor had told me to gain 10) because when i was on chemo i could eat anything and everything (and puke once an hour) and i stopped the puking but i didn’t stop the eating. so that whole cancer ordeal put me in a place in my life where good health has become one of my number one priorities. for the first time ever i’m eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day and i’m working out 5 days a week for the first time since i did sports in high school.
my aunt put it really nicely when she came to visit recently. by the time you make eating all the nutrients you need for the day (fruits and veggies, milk, and protein) you’re not even going to feel like you have room for “recreational” foods.
You go girl, I loveeee M*O*T*I*V*A*T*I*O*N !!!!! Yeahawwww
This post has grated on me all day and I kept thinking why. I think your goal is REALLY great but I think the tone is too in your faceish and combative. I think you can motivate people by sharing your own walk and by sharing what has worked for you but don’t think it had to be done in such a negative, controlling tone. You can help people change without being on the offense. Statement such a: ” I want you to make a change in your life” and “I’m probably not going to make any friends with this post. I’m going to say something that you all don’t want to hear and it will probably offend you. It’s time for those of you that are overweight and obese, to get up and change your life.” come off as quite controlling to me. I don’t think that is your intent but thought maybe seeing it from another perspective might be helpful. You were once overweight as I once was, how would this post have made you feel . . .
Thank you for your feedback!
It’s a good post, Crystal! And a timely one for me. I’ve been off my feet literally since a car accident on Missouri ice caused a broken leg, etc. And I’m just now walking again and ready to get into the gym and try to ward off another blood clot (one of the etc’s). I’ll be asking for prayer from you prayin’ folks. Got plenty to lose. Thanks!
Love this post. I have been working on my fitness and weight loss for the past year. I’ve lost and maintained large weight loss before, but this time, post baby, I am trying to change my lifestyle and just be more active. Changing your lifestyle is what it’s about, and that is not easy at all. But you are right, it is necessary! I find no fault with your post at all. Even if your obesity is from meds or whatever, STILL get active and find a way to do something you LIKE and your body can HANDLE! Even if it’s just walking a block a day.
9 years ago I weighed 215 was a size 20 and extremely unhappy. The weight was actually a sign of how unhappy I was. I decided to change my life. Now I weigh 156 and wear a size 10. During this time I also had 3 more kids and got the weight off every time. Most people have excuses because it is hard to change your life. For me I had to admit that I was a compulsive over eater, sugar addict. This means I cannot eat sugar. If I eat sugar I gain a lb a week on average. Most people are not willing to face what is causing them to eat. Or to make hard choices. Yes, having your thyroid not work will make it harder to lose weight. But it won’t make it impossible. I am now watching my MIL and my mother who are both obese having a lot of problems with mobility. I am so not going there. Frankly if you want to be thin, you will do what it takes to be thin. If you are having to post how you are the exception you probably know you could be doing better. You are probably looking for justification as to why you shouldn’t have to change your life style. If you are truly comfortable with where you are at, her post would not have bothered you.
Thanks for this post, Crystal. I have to say that my biggest motivator for staying fit is my husband. We spend time before bed each evening exercising. We also have learned to love walking together. If it wouldn’t be for him, I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with it.
When we got married a little less than a year ago, I was 116 pounds. This wasn’t a very healthy weight for me. I was underweight because my muscles weren’t being toned. I started taking a birth control that made me gain around 30 pounds. Now my clothes are all tight and I don’t feel good about myself.
I decided that not only do I want to raise my self-esteem and be healthy, but I also don’t want to spend the money on a new wardrobe. I stopped taking the birth control and we’ve started making small changes in our diet. One thing I told my husband was that while I want to eat healthy, I’m not going to go on a restrictive diet. I love cooking and I love food. I’m not going to sacrifice the joys of life so that I can be skinny again. Exercise is going to be the main cause for me losing weight. I want to turn that fat into muscle!
Thanks again for the motivation! It’s good knowing there are others out there who are also striving to stay fit. Even if I don’t go back to being able to fit into a size 4, at least I will be healthy and fit!