Hope you’re having a relaxing day off if you’re in the US, and if not.. I hope you’re just having a wonderful day.
And now for an opinion or 2 :p ..
Huge Mixed Messages
Have any of you seen the new TV Show on ABC Family, called ‘Huge’? I actually haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard and read a couple articles about it. The show “features seven male and female teens and their emotional journeys at the fictional weight-loss camp Victory.” And as FitSugar describes, “The main character, Willemina, isn’t ashamed by her weight at all and doesn’t see the need to drop pounds, a refreshing departure from how obese people, especially women, are usually portrayed on TV.”
I must admit, I’m torn. I think it’s great that television shows are starting to portray more accurate representations of reality.. though not as if it’s particular diverse with race or sexual orientation quite yet.. at least it’s moving in the right direction.. however slowly (sorry, digression). And of course it is always good to counter the ‘you must look like a Barbie or Ken doll’ message that has been sent all these years.. but, at the risk of being offensive.. I think it needs to be clear that there is a difference between acceptance of oneself and acceptance of obesity. In a recent IIN lecture, the speaker talked about how it is not all a person’s fault if they are overweight, because if 80% of Americans are experiencing the same problem, clearly it’s an American Public Health crisis and not just one person’s struggle.
But to me there’s a bit of a contradiction in all of this.. How do we say (and tell kids & teens), ‘love yourself just the way you are,’ then the next second tell them they need to loose weight.
We’re taught when we are children not to judge a book by it’s cover; fat, thin, stereotypical pretty or not.. it’s what’s inside that’s suppose to count. But running with the book metaphor.. if you don’t take care of a book, if you kick it around, bend the pages, drop it in the mud, who cares what it looks like, eventually it’s going to fall apart. I think acceptance comes from the inside, and with that needs to come respect for oneself, and with that, enough respect to take care of one’s body; not for the sake of appearance, but for the sake of health. Because if you don’t, it really won’t matter what’s on the outside anyway, it will fall apart.
Negative self-talk and body hatred are part of a self-fulfilling cycle. Negative talk → feelings of sadness/depression → feeling of emptiness → desire to fill emptiness / punish oneself → overeating → lack of physical activity → more physical side effects → more displeasure with how one looks → yadda yadda yadda (oh let Seinfeld live on!). And on top of all of that there are all these mix messages from society about ‘look this way’ or ‘feel that way’.. ‘eat healthy’ but have “fourth meal (in the form of greasy fried cheese) for only 99 cents!” (clarification necessary based on the fact that I eat a good 7x a day haha).
Yes, I think the blame can be placed far and wide, but in my opinion the answer, on a micro-level (not going all political on you quite yet.. but don’t you fear.. I’m sure my Berkeley Public Health degree will come busting out in print sooner than later), is EDUCATION & ACTIVITY!
.. and this is officially becoming a multi-part topic post because I’ve rambled long enough!
FITNESS
The countdowns are official on.. across the board!
As for my training.. Lately I’ve been doing well with lifting M-F (with 5 days of Cardio and 1-2 of Yoga), doing just Cardio & Yoga on Saturdays and resting on Sunday. I started Saturday with Boot Camp, which was awesome even in the AZ heat, then did an 80 min Power Yoga class. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever sweet so much in one day in my life.. yup.. love it!
The last couple weeks have only reiterated my belief in the fantastic combination, and potential for results, that comes with cross training; specifically when mixing traditional weightlifting, with dynamic Cardio and Yoga.
After taking 2.5 weeks off of Yoga to get refocused and into a pattern with Fitness training, I came back to class last week having never felt better. Most importantly, as if by magic (ok not magic at all but I’m still amazed), my hip flexor, which has been a mess for months (not sure how I pulled it), is suddenly almost 100%. If you follow my blog, you know quite a bit has changed in the last couple weeks:
I can’t imagine that I’ve lost my weight/mass yet, since I haven’t been dieting long, but it was amazing how much different I felt. In Yoga, I was moving better, felt stronger, and a couple stretches that have been difficult for me started to loosen up. Even if my tendency is to go to extremes with things (that ‘all or nothin’ issue), it seems my body really does love a little of this and a little of that when it comes to exercise.. and on top of that, it’s just more fun that way!
I did Shoulders & Back this morning and will be heading back to the gym for cardio in a few.. 10 min. Sprints then Spin!
NUTRITION
Sunday (Carb) Funday
Yesterday was my first high-carb day since I started carb-cycling. On “high” days I eat ~100g of carbs more than on my other days. I usually add in a serving or two of Oatmeal or Oatbran, a serving of Sweet Potatoes or Quinoa, a serving of Fruit, more Veggies and a serving of Greek Yogurt. When I get closer to competing I end up eliminating dairy and fruit. So for a few highlights..
I started the day with Oatmeal of course 
.. 1/2 c Steel Cut Oatmeal cooked stove-top with 1/2 c fresh Blueberries mixed in at the end, and topped with plain Greek Yogurt (that I sweetened with a little Vanilla Extract & Stevia)..
Next meal was beautiful.. really.. the perfect combination: Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream Sundae with a side of Cinnamon Sweet Potato Bites..
A Reduced-Carb Grilled Club Quesadilla..
Dinner came in the form of a messy blob of Savory Oats (I just love these!).. This was 1/2 c organic Oats cooked in 1/2 c Vegetable Broth + 1/2 c H20. Then I stirred in 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (I just can’t call it ‘Nooch’ .. there are no o’s in there!), a couple piece of Sundried Tomato and chopped fresh Basil. Then all of that was topped with a Sundried Tomato & Feta Turkey Burger and a dallup (though it looks like a ton) of Artichokamole..
Monday
Pre-workout I made a basic protein pancake but substituted pureed Butternut Squash for Pumpkin, topped with Walden Farms 0-cal Maple Syrup..
Post-workout it was another PB Protein Ice Cream Sundae (yes, I’m obsessed right now)..
Lunch was sadly the last Turkey Burger, on top of ~3.5 oz sauteed Mushrooms, with a tablespoon of Salsa..
Posting early today because I’m heading off to Spin in a few and need to get some studying done tonight.
I envision Chicken Breast & a Diet Spinach Bar for Dinner, and a lovely dessert of Protein Almond Ice Milk and a Protein Coconut Cookie
OTHER
The first YNL Newsletter went out earlier today! I was oddly nervous to press the ‘send’ button, even though I blog here almost every day, go on complete rambles and make all sorts of spelling & grammatical errors, haha..
But if you’re interested in getting the July Edition.. sign-up in the box to the right or on the Contact page at the YNL site!
?s
1) How was your 4th?!
2) Would love to hear your thoughts on the tv show ‘Huge’ and the mix messages society sends!
Fun Links
Hey Alyson!
Thanks for commenting on the frustrating ways that media play into low self esteem and poor self care. As a fat person, I can't tell you how frustrating it is to see the only depictions of fat people in media as lazy, unsexy, unhealthy and self-loathing. I haven't seen "Huge," but to me it's exciting that there's a character on television who is actively challenging the narrative that I've seen for far too long.
I was most unhealthy when I believed that as a fat woman, I was unattractive and had to slim down to find happiness. I dieted from age 12 on- Atkins, South Beach, Slim Fast..Any fad diet that came my way. Most of the time I would lose weight, feel horrible (because I wasn't being nourished), then gain all the weight back shortly after (since NONE of those diets are sustainable or healthy!)
Moving to the Bay Area gave me an entirely new view on my body and health. I'm surrounded by body positive people and fat activists, and was given a new perspective on being a fat person in society: You can be fat and healthy! And you can be fat and SEXY, too!
Now that my self esteem has rebounded, I'm a whole new person. I don't diet. In fact, that word is strictly off limits for me. I eat beautiful fresh, local, organic produce, cook myself delicious vegetarian meals, don't eat fast food, and don't feel guilty when I indulge in a milkshake. I bike *EVERYWHERE* I go (on average 4-6 miles a day), and go to yoga pretty regularly. I'm currently starting to train for the Lifecycle ride (www.aidslifecycle.org), a 570 mile ride from San Francisco to LA, my blood pressure is delightfully low (on average 110/70), and my cholesterol is low. My doctor has given me a clean bill of health and has told me that the only danger my weight poses to me right now is possibly stressing my joints as I get older.
In fact, I know that I'm much healthier then many "skinny" people out there. I'm proof that fat people are active and capable and healthy. And guess what? There are a lot of people like me!
I guess what I'm trying to say is that obesity ISN'T the problem. The problem is telling fat people that they're not ok, that they can't be healthy or normal. When I was stuck in that mentality, I *was* caught in the self fulfilling loop you mentioned in your post. Now that I'm out of it, I'm healthier and happier then I've ever been.
Healthy looks different on every person. I'm a firm believer that if we stop telling our children that they're fat and need to lose weight and diet and fit into societal norms of beauty, and instead tell them that they're wonderful and show them good nutrition and how to be active, our nation *will* get healthier!
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Thank you so much for this wonderful comment Morgan! It's funny, I was reading it on my phone, then didn't realize who exactly wrote it until I got to the bottom. So well said. I agree with what you've said. I think really it's a problem with terminology. The word 'obese' suggests or assumes 'unhealthy' but the truth is the label is strictly based on dumb definitions & measurements. Like BMI is the biggest crap measurement out there! I think someone's actual physical size is a meaningless assessment, and it really comes down to the food they eat and their activity level.. just like you said. And.. damn.. so cool that you're doing Lifecycle! I've gotten really into Spin, and would love to get a road bike when I can afford it!
i saw the previews for "Huge" as well and while I think it's great that they are teaching people to accept themselves, i'm totally with you. Being obese is unhealthy and causes health problems. You can't just take an "i'm fine" approach to a serious health risk like that. Nobody needs to be perfect, but striving for good health should be everyone's goal!
And on another note…i'm so excited that you're competing!! I love when friends are prepping for a show!!! We should get together for some cardio one of these days. Boxing, running, whatever. Vegas is almost here woohoo!!!
I have not seen the show or read anything about it. I do have to agree with you though – it's one thing to say love yourself for who you are, but another thing entirely when we say it's ok to love the fact that you're obese. I'm sorry, but I think I might have to disagree with the speaker saying it's more than just the person b/c most Americans are fat. It's still an individual choice. I get so annoyed that we just blame it all on other things: too expensive to heat healthy, to costly to join a gym, it's just genetics, it's just society…. I think we allow too many cop out excuses. Anyway, this was a great post.
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Thanks Heather! I half-way agree with the speaker. I think the over-arching problem is a national public health crisis based on politics of food companies, the lack of availability/affordability of quality natural food for many socio-economic groups, and the lack of good education.. but it always, in the end, comes down to personal choice. I think pretty much everyone knows what is basically bad for them..
This is so exciting. I can understand your neverousness. I've been there.
Gotta try those sweet potato bites. YUMMY
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
yes for sure.. I need all the cardio inspiration I can get! I'll email you
I cringe at the “accept your fat” messages. I do think women should feel confident regardless of weight and size. I don’t think weight should determine self-worth. But, the focus here should be health. Yes, a clinically obese teen should lose weight for her health and well-being. But she should also be made aware that her weight does not define her as a person
1) to answer your question-my 4th has been amazing! i've been in upstate NY for the last couple of weeks and we host a big 4th party for friends and family. it's old school-with a lot of kids, pinata, water balloons, swimming and yes-eating. eating not so healthy, but it only happens once in a while so it's OKAY!
I haven't seen that show so don't have an opinion but would be interested in checking it out. Your workout schedule sounds awesome and so balanced – I need to start doing yoga again, it has been way too long. Your PB protein smoothies look great, I will have to try out your recipe.
ya know I always wondered why NOOCH was a short name for nutritional yeast, when there really isnt any “O’s” in the word! you just made me realize this!
that show sounds so interesting. I totally agree with you and your outlook that we try and try to show children positive self esteem but what does this mean when you are trying to get fat kids to lose weight? its a slippery slope, I think some will have many issues with this TV show. In no way should someones weight determine how they fee about themselves. We should be impowering children to LOVE themselves no matter how big, small, short or tall they are. with this said, I do think there is a huge obesity epidemic with kids, so it is crucial to show the importance of physical activity starting at a young age!
sounds ilke you are CRUISIN with your workouts, alyson..I have been doing some yoga too and really enjoy it! I think its just what my muscles need!
xoxo
I think it's important that the character is depicted as healthy — balance of exercising and indulging. If the character is depicted as a lazy couch potato who loves her body then it is sending the wrong message.
I totally agree about “Huge”. Lots of mixed messages.
I have a question, how dose a higher carb day help in muscle building vs just eating a balance throughout the week? I dont mena to sound stupid but just have no idea about these sort of carb cycles
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Not "stupid" at all! Basically high-carb days are just to keep your metabolism going strong. It's a combination of things. First, your body burns carbs first for energy, so the idea is that if you limit carbs, it turns next to fat stores (and then to muscle, which you're trying to avoid). But if you are on a low-carb diet for too long, your body starts to adjust to both the lower calories and lack of carbs, and your metabolism slows. So a high-carb day is suppose to help diminish that problem.
I recorded Huge to watch later this week. I am very curious to see exactly how it messages the idea of loving your body with being healthy
mmmmmmm. i need a protein sundae in my life right now. i dont watch TV but this show sounds like something i'd like to weigh in on!
Thanks for answering my question, its a relief to hear cause I though all fitness competitors did was go on strict no carb diets all the time.
PS got an ice cream maker thanks to you! made a new recipe! check it out, ill post it later today!
This is my first visit to your site and I have to say, I love it. I will definitely be back. Cinnamon sweet potatoes? Delicious! As for Huge, I haven't watched it. I was intrigued by the commercials, but clearly not enough, as I sort of forgot about it until reading your post. I do think you make a good point though. There's definitely a thin line between telling girls that they need to love themselves for who they are and telling them to lose weight. I think it's because our culture doesn't seem to value health as much as looks. I have no idea how that one will ever be changed.
so it about 70 g on non higher days, and 170 on higher carb days, or? …i know in the past you used to cycle like as low as 35 etc but I am curious where you are now?
and you do a LOT of exercise…but clearly you feel good about it? I feel like I WANT to exercise like a fiend, but feel like it's "bad"…thoughts?
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Right now I'm around 35-50 low, 150-175 high. I think there's a "healthy" line that can be crossed. I certainly differentiate between contest-prep and the rest of the year, because I know that the low level of calories and amount of exercise I do when prepping certainly isn't healthy for a long period of time. Even then, I sometimes hit a wall, and when I do, I take a day off. I think it's "bad" when it gets to the point of injury, if you're not eating enough to support it, or if the drive to do so much isn't for enjoyment purposes.