Nancy Johnson
Hmmmm.
I'd like to say that I'd be willing to give up my addiction for caffeine, but I would be telling you a HUGE lie. I am addicted to one particular form in a green diet bottle to be specific and not even the dream of being thin could break that addiction.
I'd like to say that I'd give up TV. Aside from the walking tapes, I could probably last a solid month. But I know I'd soon find an excuse to click on CNN or the weather channel as an excuse to turn on the tube. So, I don't think I'd last an entire year.
There is one thing that I think I could give up and probably should give up for a year -- fried foods. As a southern Yankee, fried foods were a staple growing up. Fried fish, fried chicken, French fries --you know the slogan – Gotta wanna needa getta hava. You get the drift.
Almost 20 years ago I gave up fried foods for almost of a year and was quite successful at losing weight. I lost weight the old fashion way -- eat less and work out twice a day. I know I am much older and now have a whole lot less free time, but ah, the memory of how good I looked and felt during this period makes me want to relive this pledge.
So Mr. Harvey, I will make every conscious effort to avoid and eventually eliminate all things battered and fried through the rest of 2011.
That is what I plan to give up in my quest to be thinner. What will YOU give up for a year to be thin? Post your comments. I really want to know! Don't be shy; you can post anonymously.
Inquiring minds wanna know.
Posts
33 comments:
I don't understand the question. You give up so much more being fat than thin. If you think of all the things that being fat limits in your life it certainly is no sacrifice to be thin.
Yeah, the title that's the problem. Why do you want to make people feel they have to sacrifice to be healthy?
Should be the other way around.
More than 25 years ago I went to an AA meeting with a friend who needed to go. Alcohol was not an issue for me so I supportively gave up chocolate and continued, with my friend, to abstain from our respective vices, one day at a time. Although Charlie Sheen, poor thing, thinks AA is a cult - it works. For all of those AAers out there, I DO know that chocolate and booze are NOT the same kind of addiction and respect your struggles and successes beyond words. Don't give it up forever, a year, a month or even a week. Just today. When you wake up, openly pray for the strength to not eat fried anything TODAY. Then tell someone or a few people (one at work and one at home) that TODAY you will not, under any circumstances, eat fried food. Write it at the top of your daytimer or make an all day event (each day) that says, "NFFT". You'll be amazed at how one day will lead to one week which will lead to a month and then a year. I like the idea of saying, overall, that you'll only do it for a year as it has a goal/end date - something alcoholics can't do. My bet is you'll get to a year and say, "I cant go back now," and you will continue. Alcohol kills. So does being fat. Good luck TODAY!
It bothers me how people are equating obesity to alcoholism repeatedly on this blog. While I understand the minor parallels, they are grossly dissimilar.
Being overweight is due to a food addiction and it parallels alcoholism. I’ll give you that alcoholism is the worse of the two addictions. You see many people that claim to be on a diet. Dieting is not the solution. They need to have a lifestyle change much like an alcoholic.
This comment is categorically 100% untrue and not supported by addiction or legitimate medicine. Being obese is rarely due to a food addiction. Claiming all fat people are addicts is like claiming anyone who drinks is an alcoholic. It is unfair to both food addicts and the obese to tell them they are all addicts. Please do not spout on addiction unless you are qualified to do so.
There are hundreds of reasons for obesity, one being food addiction.
OKAY it looks like only those that are already thin are reading the blog today.
Is that why NO ONE has answered the question, "What would YOU give up for a year, to be thin?"
No one has answered the question because it isn't a valid question in regards to healthy living.
Here's a question for the obese crew. What is one more year of obesity worth to you?
Interesting comment from someone named ANONYMOUS.
Diabetes, heart disease, cancer ...
I think overweight/obese folks could give up those things to be thin.
And there are NO thin people with health issues: heart disease, cancer, depression, ... etc.
Think again ANONYMOUS #1
Anonymous said - "And there are NO thin people with health issues: heart disease, cancer, depression, ... etc."
While this is very true, being obese puts you at a much higher risk of all those items you listed. Wonder why you didn't mentions high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint issues, mobility issues?
If someone views being a healthy weight as being a sacrifice it simply means that person's priorities are way out of whack.
High cholesterol,
high blood pressure,
type 2 diabetes,
joint issues,
mobility issues
All associated with big and small people. Yes, obese people have more frequency in some but apparently they also have more:
tactfullness,
understanding and
compassion
and are NOT so d_ _ n NEGATIVE.
What you consider negativity I consider realistic and an accurate discussion on the topic of obesity. Dancing around the health and economic costs associated with the obesity epidemic in the USA ignores the severity of the situation.
Do I have tact, understanding and compassion for someone who has become morbidly obese and then whines about their health? Absolutely not, not in the least, at all.
Do I have compassion and understanding for someone who is taking the steps to turn around their life? Absolutely yes. This blogger is showing the resolve that is necessary to begin a life changing journey.
Obesity is the #1 public health problem in the USA. It far outstrips any other issue and is the prime reason our healthcare costs are skyrocketing. The hand holding and acceptance of obesity is horrifying.
I'm all for this blogger and think she is doing an awesome job. I simply don't think you give up one single thing by being a healthy weight.
So, do this.
To your left, place 1095 insulin syringes and 365 food items that you consume daily that are bad (soda, sweet tea, cookies, etc). The syringes represent the three insulin shots you will take daily for a year as you develop Type 2 diabetes due to your obesity. You might also want to put a large pile of money on that side since diabetes is a really expensive disease.
On the other side, draw a picture of your grandkids at age 22 when they graduate from college.
This is the choice you are making. Are you choosing obesity for the sake of soda and diabetes and a reduced lifespan? Or, are you choosing your life and a life with your family? Seems like a real simple choice to me.
Umm...I'd give up sex for a year to be skinny for life. I'm just sayin - 1 year vs. a lifetime of skinny? Yeah, I'd abstain and have fun makin' up time.
Ironically, obesity (and related complications/medications) is the leading cause of ED in men. Another reason not to be fat.
Thank you Charlotte for your interesting posts from today's blog.
Interesting that only one person actually answered the question. Oh well, I guess only thin people read and type.
Until next week. Nancy J
What would I give up for a year to be thin? Oh boy ... here goes. I'd give up ranch dressing. OUCH. That hurts. For anyone who knows me, I put ranch on almost ANYTHING edible that will stand still long enough to be drenched. I've tried the low fat/fat free versions of my dearly beloved Hidden Valley Ranch. It's a no go. I absolutely MUST have the real deal.
So, are you challenging me to give it up for a year?
Ranch dressing? Seriously? Absurd.
Dear Anonymous,
It's easy to hide behind that name and make snide comments on people's real life struggles. I could've said I would give up running, or cycling or swimming (because I do all of those). Truth is, you don't have to be obese to have a vice. So, Anonymous, what's your vice? Are YOU willing to give it up or are you content to just hide under the shadow of anonymity??
Anonymous back saying the things the fatties don't want to hear, get used to it.
My vices - I'd say beer, which I have given up all but one night a week (Saturday) and biking gear.
I still contend there is absolutely nothing you give up to be a healthy weight. I don't like the use of the word skinny or thin as that implies some sort of deficiency. The fact is nothing is lost by being healthy. OK, I will admit from time to time I would like a soda. But, it's been 4 years now without one and I'm adjusted just fine.
Cayce - which triathlons have you done since you SBR?
I am going to start posting as me because I am horrified at the anonymous folks out there. Sorry I told the story about giving up chocolate. I was answering your question - just past tense. I don't know many people who could/would do that. I started people freaking out alcohol and food debate - I made it clear it is different with some similarities and that one day at a time works for both. Sad that it got distorted. Sorry to have hijacked your blog without intending to. Whoever calls people fatties should be ashamed.
I now know where to go when i need a laugh. Anonymous world. It appears they are really string up tight and periodically must try to deflate others to inflate themselves.
Sorry, the dog dont hunt that way. It will take alot more than someone named ANONYMOUS to rain on my parade OR to make me feel inferior. Been there. Done that.
Good for you. I'll be ticked off for you!
I don't understand the need for warm fuzzies. Major weight loss is excruciating and painful and rough. I would opine that the people around you all these years patting you on the back as you got bigger and bigger did you much more harm that those of us who are telling you like it is and encouraging you to do more than you think you can. You are capable of changing your life!
Just remember, it takes a lot more time, money and energy to get fat than get fit.
There are more of us struggling with body image, weight and other issues out there than there are of people like ANONYMOUS.
We must UNITE against people who feel that they have been given the power and authority to make US feel less than a person.
This blog is about encouragement and positive progression. Those who dont wish to encourage or be positive should troll somewhere else of be prepared to feel the bite!
Apparently you can't take the bite. You made the decision to take your weight loss public. If you were unprepared for people being blunt about weight loss and it's consequence you should not have done this.
I am supportive of you and think you are doing great. However, that doesn't mean I am going to let up, sorry.
Anonymous. Have no fear. I was WELL aware of the public repercussions that could occur with the blog. Remember I was the one who was blasted in the January 2nd newspaper article.
I came into the blog fully prepared for the good and bad comments. My purpose for sharing my journey is educate, motivate and hopefully encourage others to not be so judgemental to those who share this struggle. There are many reasons for obesity. I hope you continue to read the blogs and are receptive to learning a little about the whys and hows.
I look forward to our weekly "discussions" and thank you very much for your support.
I don't recall the Jan. 2 article. Can you post the link please?
Because I know you like challenges, I am going to give you a little work. Google charlotte observer childhood obesity and look for January 2nd.
P.S. Don't believe everything you read.
Nancy - I remember reading this article and actually wrote to the author. It was incredibly poorly written and left out many of the important medical info that the other articles in the series included. The writer was very flip to me and said I should write a letter to the editor.
I do concur that childhood obesity is a scourge beyond anything I can imagine, save direct child abuse. Children are getting type 2 diabetes as pre teens now. It's absolutely inexcusable.
Lots of angry people out there. Obesity will kill you, so quit your antagonism toward the AA analogy, get off your high horse and do something about your weight. Maybe we need to give up our pride?
Post a Comment