Embrace Your Curves - Not Your Fat

Ok I know I'm going to get some hate mail for this but I'm going to be as gentle and nice about this as possible. I got into a pretty heated discussion with someone about how "all women, no matter how large or skinny, should embrace their curves." Somehow, this person felt that even the super obese women should be just happy with what they have and just accept that this is the body they have and live with it. I disagreed because I think there's a difference between being curvy and being fat; and I am getting tired of hearing women describe obesity as curvaceous! Curvy is beautiful. Obesity is dangerous.

When I was overweight... wait, actually I'm still officially in the "overweight" category according to the CDC, but details on that will be on another post. Let's just say when I was 205lbs heavy with height 5'3, I heard many people say to me that I look great and that I should "embrace my curves and keep it that way". I also thought to myself, yeah - I've been this size for over 20 years, so I'm sure this is who I really am and the size I'm supposed to be. I'm beautiful dammit! I dressed like a diva and acted like one... but realized I had so many limitations. I wasn't very active, I couldn't be- the most active I got was when I walked around the mall specially during the holidays. I guess that's really because I got tired too easily and didn't really have all the energy I needed to run around and be in the hustle and bustle of things. I didn't run because I couldn't. I didn't swim because it was too hard to breathe. I can only ride the bike in flat lands, and gave up soon as I saw inclines. I watched games, but never got to play in them. Slow strolls and sitting were my main activities. Oh, and eating of course - I couldn't do much of anything else.

Now, as I evaluate that phrase - I know there is a huge difference between "embracing your curves" and "embracing your fat". I'm not curvy. Matter of fact, when in class, I usually notice how my body is straight and pretty shapeless. I had some boobs when I was heavier but since I lost weight, the boobs are gone too. I just have "boo" left now. Hehee... Thankfully, I have a tiny bit of booty left - not bootaaay like most women want, but an unflat booty. I still have things jiggling around my waist which I would like to try and lessen this year, yes it's my 2013 goal - less jiggles. But I am very happy with my body, and I can honestly say I embrace whatever curves I have. It's not much, but it's mine and it's in pretty good shape.

All women are naturally shapely, some more than others, but being OBESE and SUPER OBESE is NOT considered CURVY. At 205lbs, I was OBESE. That's 70lbs over what I am supposed to weigh considering my height. (Ever play Wii Fit? Yeah, that little Avatar, after I weighed myself at the beginning of each session said "Uh-oh, you're OBESE!" A friggin cartoon pretty much called me SUPER FAT.)

But it was right and it's not pretty, and it's not healthy. Do you know how much 70lbs of fat looks like? Here, check it out:

Use your own imagination - multiply the bottom shelf of fat to make 70lbs, and I'm sure you will agree, that is not something to be proud of, let alone embrace. Curves are beautiful, and I definitely think it's sexy. Obesity is not and it is a problem, and it must be addressed. Weight can be controlled - it's not easy but you have to try. It's for you, and for all the people around you that you love and that love you. Okay, I guess women with a little extra fat here and there, cute; but lot of extra fat on your body smothers your organs, causes inflammation, will mess up your joints, your feet, your back, cause diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, colon and breast cancer... and the list goes on and on and on.

All I'm saying here is be honest with yourself. Love your body, and love your body right. It's a beautiful creation and gift from our God, and don't let it go to waste by not protecting it and taking care of it. Weight is controllable. You don't have to be unhealthy and sick. Let the real beauty of your curves out... don't let them hide behind the layers of fat (and then calling those curves.)

If after reading this you're still unclear about the difference between curvy and fat, how about this:
Some CURVY women have bigger boobs, more pronounced hips, wider in the bumper, or maybe have more muscle than others.

FAT is something you become from poor diet choices and exercise habits.

These women are curvy.

Need help getting healthier in the new year? If you're in the East Bay (Oakland/Alameda/Hayward) area, send me a message. There's a group of ladies and gentlemen that I know would be willing to help you out. And we'll all have a great time while doing it too. :) You don't have to go to classes with us - but that would definitely help jumpstart your weight loss. Sometimes, all you need is someone to talk to and exchange experiences with, and get feedback from about what works and what doesn't. Leave me a message if you're interested.