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Read other letters about this article
Is it possible to point out the negative aspects of fat - from aesthetic to health - and not be accused of attacking people who are fat?
I hate smoking. It stinks, it's a health hazard. I don't hate smokers though. I wish they'd stop for their own good and the good of people around them, people who love them, and the pressure they put on the insurance and health care industries - but I don't hate them. I see they are just people, with a problem. I want them to stop being self-destructive in the name of pleasure and habit.
I hate hearing fat people complain about how it's impossible to lose weight. It's not impossible. It can be difficult, yes - but it's not impossible. In fact, if you surround yourself with healthy choices, make up your mind to stay away from fast food, processed food, high fat food and sugar, you'll probably find that losing weight isn't that difficult. Add 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day and it might even be pleasant.
What's difficult is changing negative thought patterns that lead to bad habits. "If I eat that I'll feel better" "If I try to exercise I"ll just feel tired." "I can start my diet tomorrow" "No one understands how hard it is to be fat so I might as well just eat some more".
I am so tired of hearing women bleat angrily that they've 'tried everything'. You are not trying the one thing that works - take in fewer calories than you expend. Do not eat processed food, junk food, fast food, sugary food. Eat 3 squares and 2 snacks a day. Get the RDA for fruits and veggies. Exercise - just walk, that's all. You WILL lose weight.
It's time fat people who are unhappy with being fat got honest. You didn't get that way by magic. Bad habits and bad thinking got you there - change the habits, change the thinking, lose the weight. Stop blaming your metabolism, society, celebrities. Your weight is your responsibility.
You have one life. ONE. Do you really want to waste it hating the way you look and attacking other people for not liking what you yourself loathe?
Stop wasting time. Your life is a gift. Lose the weight - stop making a big deal of it and lose the weight. IF YOU MAKE IT SIMPLE IT WILL BE SIMPLE. You just have to decide to do it, then do it.
