Are You Eating?

It is pretty obvious that I have dropped a significant amount of weight in the past year.  I have been “big” for the majority of my life, so I am sure that seeing less weight on me can be a bit jarring.  The less weight on me, the more prominent other features become.  Not just to me, but to others.  For me, I can see the slight outline of my hip bones; for others, they see the slimmer figure and the definition in my face.

While it is nice – and a bit flattering – to have others notice, the noticing from others can be a hassle for me.  I feel that the negative comments or concerns outweigh the positive ones.  I understand and even appreciate the concerns, but sometimes I wish that I would get praise more often.

The following is a list of things of what I wish people would know right away upon seeing me for the first time after a while:

1) Yes, I have lost weight in the past year.
2) No, I am not starving myself.
3) Please do not tell me to “eat” as if I’m don’t do so.
4) No, I am not as thin as you are trying to make me out to be.
5) Yes, I am counting calories – but I am also exercising to be healthy.
6) No, I am not doing this for anyone BUT myself.
7) YES, I AM EATING.  Just because you don’t see me doing it doesn’t mean I’m NOT eating.
8) No, I am not “too skinny”.  There is meat on my bones, but it’s just not as much as you’ve seen.
9) Yes, I am at a healthy weight, because I know what my range should be.
10) Just because I am concerned about my calories does not mean I am starving.
11) What I did to lose the weight was eat healthier and exercise more.  I pushed myself.  It’s really not that difficult.
12) 1200 calories is NOT “too little” if you eat and exercise right.
13) Just because I may pass on the sweets or the extra helping of food does not mean that I am doing that to “stay skinny”.  I’m doing it because I most likely don’t need it nor do I want to eat it.
14) And please, for the love of all that is holy, do not tell me that I “need to eat more” if I tell you that I am full.
15) I indulge once in a while but I do not go overboard.
16) If I express concern or even disappointment in how I’ve eaten/how I haven’t exercised/how I’ve overeaten, please do not tell me that I don’t need to worry about it.  This is important to me and saying that to me tells me that you think what I’m doing isn’t necessary.  While it may not be necessary for you, it is to me.
17) I’m not “dieting”.  Dieting is a short-lived solution. This is my life; I chose it.  I’m happy with it.