‘Fat Talk’ probably helps no one

A bit of perspective might be useful when looking at body image

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

After a killer class at Kennett Cross Fit, my girlfriends and I hobbled over to the Produce Place for a smoothie and a chat. Inevitably, talk turned to body image and our own self-perceptions (as distorted as they may be). I was telling them about an article that I read in the New York Times by Jan Hoffman (read it here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/27/fat-talk-compels-but-carries-a-cost/) on the concept of “fat talk”….and how I saw myself in EVERY LINE.

I do it. I’ll admit it. On a daily basis, I engage in self-loathing to a point where I get on my OWN nerves.

Why?

Ugh. Good question. I can only reveal my own warped philosophy. I think that I am constantly looking for reassurance that I am doing enough: enough cardio, eating cleanly enough, lifting enough, pushing myself enough. It’s exhausting. Instead of focusing on the things that I AM accomplishing (like getting up to do an 8:00am workout on a Saturday morning that included 100 squats and 100 pull-ups…whattttt?), I dwell on the extra five pounds that I have been trying to lose for months.

Five pounds? Really? WHO CARES. Who would even notice? NO ONE.

Reality check.

“Fat talk” between women becomes a competition of who is fatter. I have found myself arguing with friends (and you know who you are) over who looks worse!

Really?

Reality check.

I sound like a moron. There are people in this world who are sick or injured or have REAL physical disabilities that limit their performance. I do not. I am lucky. I should be grateful. But, I’m not.

But, I WILL be.

How can we (see? I’m lumping all of you in there with me and my dysfunction) fix it?

• Stop comparing and competing
• No one is perfect
• Focus on the things that you LIKE about yourself
• Surround yourself with POSITIVE people/influences
• Do things that make you happy
• Look at yourself as a WHOLE person…not a collection of body parts that need to be “fixed”

See? Easy.

Next week’s project: world peace.

Happy Weekend!

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