#mythoughtsonfatshaming

Fat shaming. There's been a lot of discussion surrounding this topic -some good and some bad, some positively evil- thanks to one Canadian comedian publicly stating her not-so-PC opinion on the very touchy subject. According to Macmillan Dictionary, "fat shaming" is defined as: unkind and usually public cristicism of someone for being overweight. I like to play the Devil's advocate to avoid personally clouding my conclusions with my own emotional state, attempting see where both sides of the argument are coming from. As such, I have found that very few people acknowledge the real problem: it is not "fat shaming" but rather "body shaming" that is the issue we should be addressing.

Maria Kang, the ex-professional cheerleader that was shamed for her "No Excuses" campaign just a few short years ago, made a comment on Facebook recently with her view on the subject:

"No One can make you feel shame unless you harbor guilt for something you know you shouldn't be doing - and 75% of overweight or obese Americans are simply not doing. I think we've overdone ourselves with the overwhelming ‪#‎fatacceptance‬ , ‪#‎bodypositivity‬ , ‪#‎effyourbeautystandards‬ movements...what about standing up and saying ‪#‎nomoreexcuses‬ to blaming companies, media and even your mom for your poor health. Get up and move instead of using your fingers to hashtag words that make you feel more comfortable with being sedentary and complacent."

I know I have had this type of discussion, before. I've been on both sides of the spectrum and found that I have no one to blame for my shape and size, but myself. I have looked at pictures of the beautiful fitness models that grace the front cover of magazines in the grocery store check out, praying that God will answer my prayers and I will wake up with a six-pack. I have been the girl, shoving my face full of pizza and oreos that runs to the bathroom to throw it all up. I have gone from 119 lbs, to 188 lbs, to a healthy 130-140 lbs. I have blamed my mother for not breastfeeding me longer so I might be skinnier; I have blamed genetics for my large rear-end; I have blamed the companies that genetically modify my food for my inability to lose weight. Do you know what I have learned from the years of trying to decipher how to lose weight and keep it off? Moderation, clean eating, and exercise is 100% more likely to help you lose weight than sitting on the couch and moping about it.

I don't agree with this "Fat Shaming" video that is in current circulation. I, also, don't agree with the movement for accepting obesity. My childhood friend just recently graduated from medical school -I know, I run with the "cool" kids- and I asked for her opinion, professionally speaking. She agreed that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed, as many are abusing the "new norm" for demanding a PC society by applauding those that accept their unhealthy lifestyles and, in turn, shame those that are proud to exercise, eat healthy, and stay fit. Fit comes in many sizes and shapes, and what works for one does not work for another. As my friend said " Eating too much is dangerous. Eating too little, even more so...the important thing is to know the facts...the emphasis should be on health, not appearance." I, wholeheartedly agree.

As a mother, I hope to teach my children that they are beautiful just as they are. I hope to show them that if they try hard, keep their bodies healthy by fueling them properly, and stay active that their bodies will continue to carry them throughout their lives. I try to teach them healthy habits by having veggie platters available for snack time; staying active as a family by going for group runs or playing at the park; and teaching them that it is ok to have a treat while ensuring food is not treated as a reward. Our society has built a culture around indulgence, particularly in the decadent food industry, which has led to the over abundance of culinary rewards while lacking any emphasis on restraint. Meeting friends for dinner; chatting over coffee; Saturday Cheat Meal blog posts! Our culture revolves around the consumption of edibles, and the industry knows it! This is not due to any patriarchy or government conspiracy: it is the capitalist society knowing that culinary confections will sell -and no, communism is NOT the answer.

Those in the entertainment industry will say whatever they think will get them more views, more likes, more followers, and more exposure. Fat shaming is a hot topic, and one that hits close to home for over one-third of the North American population. With that many people, of course it has become a movement! And a strong movement is likely to get bombarded by critics from every angle. I don't agree with the video or its message, but I do like that it has started some discussion regarding the underlying issue of the obesity pandemic. I applaud a large person who is at the gym walking on the treadmill. I applaud a skinny person who is lifting weights. I applaud the 60+ man joining a step class. I applaud you for choosing veggies and lean protein over KD. I, really, applaud anyone who is consciously making the decision to better themselves by being active, eating healthy, and practicing moderation. Hopefully, you choosing to make healthier choices for your well being isn't sparked by some hashtagged body movement or body-shaming campaign, but by your own desire to live a better life.

I don't like the idea of "fat shaming" or "body shaming". I live by and teach my children the golden rule to practice ethic reciprocity. Little Thumper's mother had it right all those years ago. You body is yours, and mine is mine. I can't force anyone to choose a healthier lifestyle. I won't judge you for what you choose to do with your life, how you choose to eat, or how much/little you choose to exercise. All I can offer up is my sincere hope that you will choose to live in a balance of health and self acceptance, no matter your shape or size. No matter which "side" you are on, remember that your opposition has feelings and emotions, and if we continue to cast our judgement on eachother neither side will win. All we can do is offer up our support and love. *mic drop*