I’m so over ‘fat talk’.  I work in the fitness industry, and for 30+ years, I have been listening to women berate themselves for what they perceive to be too much fat.  Seriously.  It doesn’t matter if she is a size 18 or a size 2.  It’s the norm for a woman to “feel fat”.  Well, I want to address this issue head on with a few key points.  Hold on, this might piss you off if this has been your mode of conversation lately, or always.

Point 1: Fat is NOT a feeling.

Instead of calling your feeling FAT, call it what it really is.  Uncomfortable?  Unhealthy?  Unmotivated?  Lethargic?  Not your best?  Because when you can get at the root at what you’re really feeling, you might be closer to finding a way to NOT feel that way!

Point 2: You’re not fat, you HAVE fat.

Fat is more correctly known as adipose tissue.  It’s a substance, stored by the body when activity levels are not adequate to burn calories ingested.  Our bodies have favorite hiding spots…abdomen, thighs, back of arms to name a few.  It’s helpful to see ourselves as a whole, living, loving being and see our fat storage spots as just that.  Then we can get real about what we want to do with them.

Point 3: It’s true; too much body fat weighs you down.

It’s like carrying around a heavy backpack.  Or, wearing winter clothing in the summer.  So lose it – in a healthy way.  Move your body more.  Consume more fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats (or other proteins).  You know it’s true.  When you’re eating the good stuff and moving more, you feel energized, hopeful and happy.

Point 4:  What is on your body doesn’t make you who you are.

Think of your best friend.  Take a second and write down the top ten things you love about them.  I bet you a dollar not one of those things has anything to do with their body fat, or lack of it.  In fact, their looks are probably insignificant to you.  You love them for who they are, and for how you feel when you’re with them.  Guess what…the people who know you feel the same way about you!

Point 5: You are what you THINK

If you go through life calling yourself fat, do not be one bit surprised if you keep seeing yourself that way.  And don’t be surprised by your inability to change your patterns.  Start thinking the thoughts a healthy person would think.  “I am strong.  I might have more body fat than I would like, but I also have muscle.  I work out every day to gain more muscle, which in turn burns more fat.  I’m on my way to being my healthiest self!”

Now…how do you feel???