Zane_S's Journal, 28 Jul 22

Not my experience at all as both an obese and then a thin woman. 

Guess I’m specifically referring to those who have goals that exceed what is typically seen. Let’s say maybe below 10% body fat for males and 15% or so for females. I’ve noticed the general public doesn’t understand these goals and will quickly discourage you. It typically comes in comments like “you work out too much”, “run too much”, “you look skinny”, “you need to eat more”….etc. I just find it odd that I’ve never heard anyone publicly discourage obesity in the same manner. 

With over half of the American population fat now, are you really surprised? A thin, healthy person shames an obese person simply by existing. I see a fit individual as a goal model, not a threat. People are lazy in general, and telling you to quit exercising (criticizing your lifestyle) is easier for them than putting down their forks. Just ignore them. 

Sure Zane. I've had a few people say "Oh, you're a calorie counter?" or "You like getting all sweaty working out? ew!" I say "I sure am, and I do (with a smile and a wink and a little laugh)". Shuts them up, shows them up, and their little circle starts to shrink! I'm talking about normally respectable adults! To me behavior like that just shows their petty insecurities. Not worth my time :-)  

Yes, I get that. The usual 'oh, are you still on a diet' accompanied by the roll of the eyes. And the classic........'you are so lucky, you are always so slim' GGrrrrrr 

I have given up explaining that I am always aware of how much and what I eat..........nothing wrong with that? And that it has nothing to do with luck but hard work and dedication. 

Anne, just agree with them! A quick "oh, I know still on a diet, yup, really, huh!" a little shrug, then on to something else. They've got nowhere to go after that! As for the 'lucky you're always so slim'. Again, a quick "I know, I'm sooo lucky! Gotta go, see you at the gym (or pool) Bye for now" A little smile, wink and little laugh. Off you go feeling great! Of course, sometimes a good Grrrr feels good, too :-) 

😄😄😄the joys of living breezy. Gonna try that 🥳🥳🥳👍 

JustBananas - So true, I've been in the Army for 27 years now and one of the military's biggest challenges is with recruiting. A vast portion of the population, including our kids, are too out of shape to be considered for military service, it really is a sad situation and no one is being held accountable.  

Anne - Yeap, I get the you're lucky because your skinny statements a lot. Like hours in the gym and running over 100 miles per month has nothing to do with it. I just shrug it off and keep doing what I do.  

LivinBreezy - Always speaking the truth. I don't let their statements get to me, I just find it odd that people tend to criticize being fit verses trying to encourage others to do the same. They can keep doing what they do and I will keep doing me.  

Joel, I hadn't ever considered the recruitment angle. With over 1/3 of children being overweight/obese, it's highly likely that they're pre-diabetic and already having issues with high blood pressure. Not to mention that getting up before dawn to run several miles is not going to appeal to them. It pisses me off how parents start feeding their kids fast food from the moment they grow teeth.