A Glow Up
From about the age of seven or eight to fifteen I was almost one hundred pounds overweight. My diet consisted of chips, soda, candy and whatever my mom prepared for meals excluding any vegetables, especially green ones. I want to make it clear that I have great parents, none of my extremely unhealthy diet was their fault. Food became a touchy subject once hormones started to kick in. I got excessively annoyed and angry with my mom, specifically, for attempting to feed me anything then what my taste buds desired. It hurts just thinking I was ever that entitled person.
With immense dedication and hard-work I managed to loose the weight and become the best version of myself physically. Yes, societal pressure was one of my major motivators which is very unhealthy, but it worked...for me. Please, if anyone reading this is trying to loose a lot of weight, do not use society to force yourself into a diet or workout routine. I got unreasonably lucky to have reached my body goals utilizing such a dangerous mindset.
I do however take a lot of pride in my accomplishment and had other motivators like the health benefits and all the opportunities that would open for me. Those opportunities being specific parts in shows and musicals, the physique I need to become any type of athlete, that is if I liked sports, and the list goes on and on.
Finally to get to my point I've recently found myself in a sticky situation. The weight is lost, but now I need to stop loosing. I stopped eating at a caloric deficit about two months ago now and my body is still loosing weight. My family have watched me transform over the last year. My grandmother and mother are frightened by the loss to a degree, I'm sure because of the surplus of eating disorders at my age, but also my apparent health. They see my new body as extremely "too thin" and "too bony." My new life style and body has initiated many arguments and unproductive conversations. I always try my best to communicate thoughtfully, but my first instinct is always to defend instead of listen. It was a lot of not listening I think on all our ends. I felt very confident in myself when it came to those discussions because of the hours of videos I watched on the topic, I felt more qualified than my older, "wiser" family members, they disagreed.
Thankfully now after my second doctor's appointment about my weight, the doctor made it clear that I am in great health. They're going to check my nutrient level if I end up reaching the average weight for my size and age, which is actually less than I weigh now, to confirm I'm eating right.
Although this journey has been difficult physically and mentally, for my family as well, I am so glad to be on the other end of it. Looking back I'm so proud of myself and thankful for the friends and family that supported me and even those that didn't completely support me. My best friend from elementary school has been in rehab for the past year for a type of Anorexia. Her journey is also another reason I made it through, so I thank her as well. I feel like I'm giving a speech, here's to another great year for our health!
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| My Elementary School Friend and I at Franklin Institute |
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| "A Glow Up" |
Congratulations on your journey! I know that losing weight requires a whole lot of hard work and discipline. It is not fun trying to lose weight, I give you so much credit for being able to do that. That is so amazing of what you were able accomplish. You should be very proud of yourself! There are so many benefits of losing weight. This will help you live a much happier and healthy life.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that you could meet your goals and loose the weight at such a young age. I've always had to watch my weight a bit and have just recently started exercising a lot more and getting a bit healthier. It's so great that you can talk about it and share your journey and struggles. Weight is always such a touchy subject and many are too scared to share their experience and frustrations. I think your story is very inspiring and I hope that you continue to stay at a healthy weight.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing, that you were able to stay motivated by your health, and reach your goal through healthy methods. Weight becomes a tricky issue as you get older and I think your goal of feeling healthier and being able to have more opportunities because of your weight loss is very admirable. As an athlete I know how important your weight is, and keeping your weight and muscle mass up, to be able to compete at that higher level. I really admire your dedication and ability to go on that journey, and still remain healthy and happy with yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are so sweet thankyou!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you, Henry! I know weight loss is an incredibly hard journey, and although I am very sorry it was societal pressure that led you to make this change, I am glad it resulted in an improvement in your health. I'm also glad that you're very self aware of negative behaviors you may have had in the past, and am impressed with your maturity when facing these tough conversations. It's wonderful you're in such great health, and happier with your self image. Thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI relate to this post more than most. The unrealistic expectations placed upon us by today's society are something I wish we could escape. I have been struggling with body image/eating for years now, and it is so good to read how you took the negativity and made it positive. I know the feeling, I know the work, and I am so incredibly proud of you. I am so lucky to know you through this wonderful time of growth! Remember to maintain eating/workout habits for the right reasons (as you are)! We are here for you! <3
ReplyDeleteWow, Henry, this blog post is so thoughtful. Thank you for trusting us enough to share your personal journey and challenge. (From Jam)
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