Losing The Extra Pounds | Teen Ink

Losing The Extra Pounds MAG

By Anonymous

   Let's face it, we love to eat. People no longer eat to live, they live to eat,but can you blame them? A traditional date always includes going out to eat,business meetings are usually organized in a form of a lunch or dinner. We go outfor burgers, pizza, ice-cream or "just" coffee, and how many of yourfriends don't get munchies at the movies?

There are those few lucky oneswho eat just like the rest of us, yet have flawless complexions and never gain apound. As for the rest (including myself), at one point or another, we startcaring about our physical appearance. Sometimes, however, it's taken toofar.

A few months ago, I decided I was an emotional overeater and I wasgetting fat. In reality, it wasn't true, but I didn't realize that until it wastoo late. Unfortunately, I didn't take the time out to analyze the situation, andI also didn't take the "one-step-at-a-time" approach in solving myproblems. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say I started looking forquick fixes and shortcuts. In the following months, I went through a lot, puttingmyself in physical danger, heading for an emotional breakdown. Thanks to mycaring and supportive friends, I was able to overcome whatever difficulties therewere. I can honestly say everything is back to normal now. If anything good cameout of my insane experience, it would have to be the research I've done on weightloss, diet and exercise.

There are at least two sides to every story,right? Weight loss also has its pros and cons, its supporters and opponents. Thepositives of losing weight are strongly supported by television, movies,magazines, the fashion industry and people in the fitness field (gym owners,equipment manufacturers, diet food and product makers, fitness experts,etc.).Their definition of weight loss means becoming strong (inside and out),looking good (acceptable, beautiful and sexy) and gaining confidence (which leadsto improving your social life, making new friends, getting hired for good jobsand simply becoming comfortable with yourself).

Well, others disagree.These include people who have bad experiences with weight loss, survivors ofserious sicknesses (from attempts to "get in shape"), many feministgroups and also not-so-perfect-looking people who have succeeded in life withexcellent self-esteem and confidence. What these people are saying is that if losingweight isn't approached in a rational, knowledgeable manner, there will be nastyside effects. For example, constantly feeling guilty for overeating can lead tomaking yourself throw up; eating too little or eating the wrong foods can cause adeficiency in nutrients or vitamins; overdoing it in the gym might result inphysical problems, injuries or over-exhaustion. Emotionally, people who setunrealistic goals for themselves, and then don't achieve them, end up in worsecondition.

Sometimes, weight isn't a problem at all, it's used as ascapegoat for other, deeper problems. Some people use the extra pounds as a"shield" from the outside world and from other people who might want toget close. In such cases, problems originate from within. People need to learnhow to love and appreciate themselves, stop trying to fit the fake norm and payless attention to the media.

My advice to you is try to be the best youcan be. If that means getting in better shape, by all means, go ahead, but pleasedo it with the right frame of mind! t



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This article has 4 comments.


i love this so much!

on Feb. 19 2011 at 11:06 am
This is great! You share a wonderful story and have an excellent writing style! Keep it up! =)

Claymonster said...
on Nov. 16 2010 at 5:49 pm
Claymonster, Champaign/ Urbana, Illinois
0 articles 0 photos 11 comments
i have a problem with weight. i'm just gonna admit that. in my family, you just aren't fat. you just aren't. there's no other option. both of my parents and my brother are great runners. my father is basically a health nut (not in a bad way, though). i am about 5'5" and weight, as of yesterday, 119 pounds. I weighed 130 pounds at the beginning of the school year. now, i have spent these past months eating extra healthy with smaller portions and a lot less sweets (no soda. NONE). I've realized that honestly, you can't lose weight really quick. it is a slow yet gratifying process. and, i've realized that americans eat in very large portions. really, we just don't need all of that food to survive. so i think that carefully controlled weight loss that is healthy is gratifying and can build self esteem. it's just bad to go too far with it.

on Feb. 2 2010 at 5:06 pm
that1random BRONZE, Auckland, Other
2 articles 0 photos 5 comments
whats wrong with your space bar?