Comments on: Rant Part 1: YES – If You’re Fat, You Need to Lose Weight

By: Tony Wheeler

Tony Wheeler — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:02 +0000

I agree with your post. This overweight acceptance “fever”, that has swept the nation proves again just how self-centered and perverted our culture is, fueling our addiction to quick fixes, and laziness. We live in a society where we are tied to the rest of the world via an umbilical cord of 24hr cable and internet, hell-bent on making our lives easier, without the guilt or accountability for our irresponsible actions. Sure it’s easier super-size your Big Mac, Fries, and Coke, and go home to watch “More to Love on Fox” without the guilt, however it actually takes work and discipline to be normal and healthy, imagine that!
I’m not surprised about the cable diarrhea produced on FOX as this the trend our culture has turned towards.

By: npoet.ru

npoet.ru — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:06:02 +0000

I am so impressed I had to save it so I continously go back and read things I may have skimmed

By: Kristen King

Kristen King — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:02:43 +0000

@Michele – Good for you! What you accomplished and the journey you took both physically and psychologically is admirable for so many reasons. Thanks for sharing! And thank you for the excellent tips you offered. Those are great ideas.

@tss – Well said as always: “i think this issue is much more complex than your post lets on and involves factors such as income, the cultural acceptability of relying on fast & processed foods as a regular part of a diet, and the cost – both in money and in time – of making exercise a regular part of the routine in a primarily vehicle-dependent population.”

You raise excellent points about income, processed foods, and a vehicle-dependent society. That being said, whether to eat processed foods (or whether to eat them in excess or to the exclusion of non-processed foods) or lead a sedentary lifestyle remain choices. Income is another issue that often is outside our control, and it’s a documented fact that low-socioeconomic status populations tend to eat more foods that are high in calories and low in nutritional value while also consuming few fruits and vegetables. Nonetheless, healthy — or healthier — choices are possible at every price point, and you don’t need a gym membership to take a 20-minute walk every day or choose the stairs over the elevator.

That being said, I may simply be sheltered, but I don’t know of a lot of obese poverty-stricken Americans who complain about being victims of a society that doesn’t accept them just they way they are and insist that fat is phat; they’re too busy trying to survive. Maybe that’s the problem with our industrialized society. Now that the majority of the population doesn’t have to work our fingers to the bone in manual labor all day every day, we have time to sit around and whine while eating far more than we need to subsist, activities that seem to support and reinforce one another.

I kind of lost my point somewhere in my response, but I know you’re used to that by now. ;] Hopefully you’ll find some sense in there somewhere!

By: Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:16:19 +0000

You are right, tss, about the cost. A lot of healthier foods and organic produce is really expensive to those who have very limited income. A few solutions/tips for those who don’t have the option to buy a lot of healthier foods is that they can grow a garden, participate in a community garden, visit the local farmer’s market, or perhaps trade off talents they may have in exchange for a gardener’s fresh produce.

Although these tips aren’t an entire fix, they could possibly help those who hadn’t thought of them.

I wish everyone had access to 100% organic, wholesome foods!!!

By: tss

tss — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:41:52 +0000

i don’t disagree with you that being overweight can be problematic and that a degree of self-responsibility should be recognized and achieved by those wishing to change their weights. but i think this issue is much more complex than your post lets on and involves factors such as income, the cultural acceptability of relying on fast & processed foods as a regular part of a diet, and the cost – both in money and in time – of making exercise a regular part of the routine in a primarily vehicle-dependent population.

By: Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:40:10 +0000

Wow, I’m out of breath just reading this!!

I can tell you’re truly passionate about this, Kristen. Your heartbeat and feelings are in every single word of this post.

I’ve lost over 100 pounds. I’m also a survivor of domestic violence, which resulted in physical (as well as emotional) injuries and it wasn’t easy finding the place where I knew I had to lose weight for ME, my health, and those who loved me. Although I wasn’t living a high-raw lifestyle like I am now, I most certainly wasn’t eating the side out of the barn like people thought. I had several health issues, including hormonal/female troubles (which resulted in a complete hysterectomy), which resulted in an even higher mountain to climb in order to lose the weight. (And, no, I’m not making excuses for getting that big. I DID eat wrong foods–I just DID NOT eat as much as people thought I did, honestly.)

But with family support, I eventually realized that my life is precious, that I am a valuable resource to this world, and that I must DO something about it all and take charge. I did just that, lost over 100 pounds (even though many people said I’d never be able to because of the hysterectomy/hormonal issues) and, well, now I’m Raw Juice Girl spreading message of hope and healing all across the Web!!!

Thanks for sharing your heart on this matter, Kristen. I know it’ll help a lot of people!!!

*smiles*
Michele