If you are reading this blog expecting me to tell you there is plenty wrong with being fat and happy, then you’ll be disappointed. I don’t see anything wrong with being fat and happy. In fact, I’d opine that it’s
If you are reading this blog expecting me to tell you there is plenty wrong with being fat and happy, then you’ll be disappointed. I don’t see anything wrong with being fat and happy. In fact, I’d opine that it’s a great way to live your life.
If you’re worried about your health you should know that being happy is the single, most important thing you can do to protect your health. Yes, being happy means you have excellent coping skills. You know how to relieve stress. You don’t keep your mind, and therefore your body, in a constant state of agitation that can cause these negative chronic conditions:
- Impaired cognitive performance
- Dampened thyroid function
- Blood sugar imbalances, such as hyperglycemia
- Decreased bone density
- Sleep disruption
- Decreased muscle mass
- Elevated blood pressure
- Lowered immune function
- Slow wound healing
- Increased abdominal fat
If you’re fat, you’re happy, you’re physically active, you eat a high-quality diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole foods, healthy fats, and a few treats, you’re doing a fine job of looking after your health!
If your fat stops you from activities you enjoy or threatens your health by creating problems such as sleep apnea or chronic heartburn (associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer) or exacerbates pain in your joints, then you may want to weigh less to be happy again.
If weighing less is what you need to be happy, do it in a way that brings joy to your life, rather than stress and unhappiness. A flexible food plan with emphasis on eating well and not limiting your food choices promotes happiness.
People make the mistake of thinking nothing will make them happier than losing weight quickly. Being hungry, being forced to eat what doesn’t taste good, following a program that forbids certain foods or categories of foods is stressful. If you can’t stick to that kind of weight loss program it can make you unhappy with yourself because you feel as though you’re weak or lack discipline. Neither is true.
Getting support and learning how other stay happy while losing weight can make the difference. As Jack Johnson says, “It’s Always Better When We’re Together!” That certainly applies to something that can be so difficult and daunting when you try to go it alone.