Fat Shaming, or caring?
I have had people comment time and time again to me on how I am (in their eyes) 'FAT SHAMING' every time that I tell a client that they need to eat less and move more. These people have forgotten that my clients come to me for help because they feel they need it and want to improve their health, and telling people this, is MY JOB!
People were never obese, the current lifestyle lead by the majority I believe involves sitting down for work, social media, television and processed convenience foods, this has lead to overweight, tired and apathetic individuals who spiral in these behaviours.
Growing up in the 1970's and 80's there was an 'occasional' or some may say, 'token fat person!' I am going to hell for that comment I am sure, but it's true and that's how we spoke about it back then, no messing about, straight to the point and something was done about it.
In the 'good old days' people cooked from scratch, a lot growing their own vegetables too. We walked most places, took part in sports, exercised in the fresh air, we sat less and moved more. This is what our bodies are designed to do and they love it.
I am really worried about the health and mentality of people today (hence my business) they don't seem bothered about their bodies, filling them with junk food, sugar, alcohol and processed carbs, all of them poisoning the thing we are meant to be looking after, so that we can live longer. I know I am having a rant today, but the NHS has it's work cut out as it is, without having to deal with avoidable illness such as diabetes, liver failure and heart disease. If we all did what we are meant to do, look after this carcass that carries us about for our lifetime, then there would be so much less injury and illness.
SO.......to the FAT SHAMING!
When I tell someone they need to lose weight, I am telling them this because they are already worried about their health. I am telling them they need to follow my plans so that they can live proper, fulfilled, healthy and happy lives. The criteria I follow, how to achieve this is very simple, it doesn't involve fad diets, just more body movement, less calories of the correct food groups in the correct proportions. Here it is.......
MOBILITY - Can you move comfortably, easily and without the help of others, or does your excess weight impede these movements?
Can you sit and stand without putting your hands down on the chair or your legs to aid pushing you up?
Can you walk your kids to school? Can you cycle with them? Climb or trampoline with them?
When you walk, do you waddle side to side because you are carrying excess fat?
Our body is designed for us to do all of these movements with ease, and in particular if you are young, and can't, then you need to seek help.
ENERGY - Are you tired all the time? Do you make excuses to not do activities like those above because you haven't got the energy to do it? Is this because you are putting in too much of the wrong food and drink into your body?
The more you do, the more you can do, the more energy you have, so start small and workout gently, gradually increasing time and intensity and eventually you will gain more energy, but you have to eat right to even half achieve this.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENDURANCE - In my video I put these as separate items, but they do amount to the same thing really. Can you carry out a full physical day, maybe a day out walking around a park or estate, or climbing around rockpools on the beach, walking the coastal path? Can you be out doing physical activity for a whole day and not be ruined?
Do you make excuses about the choice of a day out on holiday because you know something may involve walking, climbing steps or having to stand for long periods of time? If you can't do these things, then you need to think to yourself, 'What can I do to improve my health?'
WE are only here once, we only have one body, and to get the best of our lives and our time here, we have to look after it. You wouldn't put diesel in a petrol car, you know it wouldn't function properly, it would eventually ruin the car, so why fill your body with sugar, fast food and alcohol? It's exactly the same, except you can buy a new car, when you've ruined your body, it's game-over!
FLEXIBILITY - Can you reach up high? Or to the side without falling over?
Do you have to sit down to put on your socks or shoes?
These are basic movements that we are designed to do.
Are you able to do yoga and stretching movements?
Are you unable to do some of these things because your body is too big to be able to accomplish it? Is your belly in the way? Then you really have to think about doing something about your weight for your future health.
THIS IS NOT FAT SHAMING! This is making sure people become healthy and can lead longer, happier lives.
FIT FOR LIFE - Are YOU?
Do you know someone who isn't? Do you feel you can't say anything in case you get accused of fat shaming? If you care enough about a person, you will say something.
If you know that the excuses to go out for adventures are based on the inability for that person to take part because of their weight, you owe it to them to help. Point them in the right direction, maybe a weightloss group or someone like me? If you care, you will say something.
If you saw blood leaking out of someone, you'd tell them, you'd point out the health implications, you'd offer help, it's really no different in terms of health. You are just trying to help them be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Being fit for life involves you taking full part in all of life's activities, easily. You should be able to walk, jog, sit, stand, reach. jump, skip, carry, all the things this wondrous machine called our bodies can do for us.
If excess weight is stopping this, then please seek help. I have seen families destroyed because no one helped, no one spoke up and said, 'You have a problem, I want to help you.'
It's NOT fat shaming, it's caring about the welfare and wellbeing of someone, and their longevity.
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