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Summary

The website content discusses personal reflections on weight gain and body image, emphasizing the author's journey towards self-acceptance and the societal pressures surrounding body weight.

Abstract

The author shares a deeply personal narrative about grappling with weight gain following the loss of their mother, acknowledging the 61% of US adults who also experienced weight fluctuations during the pandemic. The piece delves into the complexities of body image, the struggle with societal standards, and the importance of mental and physical well-being. It emphasizes the need for self-love and body positivity, encouraging readers to feel comfortable in their own skin and to embrace their unique body types. The author also provides practical advice on dressing for one's body type and using visualization techniques to improve body image. The essay series aims to challenge societal norms and promote the idea that individuals are enough just as they are, regardless of their size or shape.

Opinions

  • The author takes full responsibility for their weight gain and does not make excuses, viewing it as a personal challenge to overcome.
  • The author believes in the importance of consulting a doctor before starting any diet or exercise regimen and does not endorse society's obsession with weight loss.
  • There is an emphasis on the mental aspect of feeling comfortable in one's body, suggesting that a positive body image is more important than striving for the "perfect" body.
  • The author advocates for size diversity and the belief that everyone should see themselves as beautiful, regardless of societal standards or how they look in clothing.
  • The author encourages the use of visualization to help with body image issues, suggesting it can lead to a more positive self-perception and reduce discomfort or pain related to body image.
  • The author promotes the idea that rigorous exercise is not the only path to feeling good about one's body, and that there are many ways to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Weight, is it a choice?

I Feel Fat and Uncomfortable and Why like Taylor Swift I Can’t Say Fat Anymore

A Harris Poll survey in 2021 found that 61% of US adults’ weight fluctuated during the pandemic.

Photo by Gustavo Fring: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plus-size-woman-burning-fat-6285246/

Updated in November 2022. When I wrote this story in June 2021, it was how I felt about myself. And I have been through this road before. I never had any issue if I look fat to people, but as a 53 year old man mostly sedentary (full time work from home writer) especially after Mom died, the extra weight does make a difference both physically and mentally. It isnt body dysmorphia or fat phobia, but taking stock of my health in my 50s. I’m again trying to lose at least 15 pounds this November 2022. And while this is my story, I don’t want anyone who may be trigerred by the word ‘fat’ or ‘weight’ to see my story as an endorsement of society’s obsession with weight loss. And again as a disclaimer, if you wish to do any exercise or diet, it is best to consult your doctor. My story is not a medical advice. Thank you.

I am fat, and I have no excuse.

Before Mom passed away, I took it upon myself to have my weight under control. But after Mom died, I started to gain weight, and I don’t make excuses. I take full responsibility. It is my body.

I was eating my grief away. My grief has turned into a “kummerspeck.”

It took me weeks to get back to writing. I moved to a new place to be closer to my Dad, who celebrates his 82nd birthday. My promise to Mom was, I will do right by Dad.

As I started writing every day, I haven’t watched what I have been eating, and I can’t tell anybody what to eat and what not to eat. Carbohydrates and my body, aren’t a good match, and my love for sweets is now 22 pounds of belly fat, which I seriously need to work on.

A February poll conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association, 61% of US adults experienced undesired weight fluctuations during the pandemic, with 42% reporting they gained more weight than they’d anticipated.

I am not alone — 61% say they have “gained weight” too.

Be Kind. Society is obsessed with body image, and many women (and men) feel uncomfortable in their own skin. Luckily, there are many things you can do to feel better about your body — like physically nourishing yourself with healthy food or working out consistently.

But how do you get mentally comfortable in your body? How do you live a life that makes you feel beautiful inside and out?

Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/reflection-of-a-woman-looking-at-a-blue-fabric-7761832/

Do you know how to dress well for your body type?

Everyone has a different body type, and you should dress for your body type, not someone else’s.

“Body positive” doesn’t always have to mean that you have to accept your proportion. Instead, embrace your unique body and let the compliments roll in.

“Having a positive and empowering body image is more important than having the perfect body,” “This is because a body shapes our experience of our world.”

Many women also struggle with body image due to a lack of self-love or the belief that they are not “supported” by their own bodies.

Let’s challenge the idea — you are enough just the way you are.

Keep the compliments rolling in and focus on the fact that you feel good in your own body.

Size diversity means you see yourself as beautiful regardless of how you look in a pair of jeans.

Are you comfortable with your body?

Women are often told to be body positive and to love their bodies. But what if you don’t like your body? What if you’re not comfortable with your body? You’re not alone.

It’s normal to have insecurities about your body, especially if you have a body type that isn’t socially accepted.

One thing you can focus on is visualizing your ideal body in your mind.

This can be done regularly, especially if you want to feel better about your body image. It can help you see what you would feel like naked or changing clothes if the clothes distract you from your thoughts. It can also help get rid of any discomfort or pains you’re having related to your body.

Images of idealized images of women surround us, but unfortunately, models portray an unrealistic model of what a modern woman should look like. You shouldn’t have to look like them to feel better about your body.

If using visualizations helps, you can do it during physical activity or in your mind while meditating, praying, or even thinking about something positive, like positive stories about women.

One key area to address and eliminate discomforts is sticking to a rigid exercise routine. What if you can’t find a way to stick to a rigid exercise schedule? There are many different exercise routines out there, and most of them will provide you with the thought patterns to use them.

Thank you for reading. This is Part I of an essay series. Read Part II here.

Disclaimer: I’m not a health professional and what you are reading is my opinion only the information is from the Internet that is readily verifiable. Thank you.

Here are some of my stories, all complimentary.

Can You Lose Weight Without Exercise Like Tim Ferriss — Free Reading.

What Does Losing 100 Pounds Do for Your Body, Ask Adele — Free Reading.

What Does Losing 20 Pounds Do for Your Body, Ask Drew Barrymore — Free Reading.

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Health
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Taylor Swift
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