Kids tell it like it is. Here’s How The Big Fat Truth Changed My Life for the better. Be sure to check out The Big Fat Truth on Z Living Sundays at 8pm ET.
“Mama, you’re fat,” my little brown-eyed princess told me as she stood looking at my more than 35- less than 36-year old body getting dressed in the morning.
As she said it, my reflex was to whip my head around so fast to blurt out a few choices expletives I’m often known to use. That’s what I had done the last 30 years of my life, so why would I change now?
But this was my daughter, my baby girl that in many ways is a mirror image of my younger self.
I couldn’t just yell at her and be bitter and mad and all that other stuff. Not just because as a mom and it’s my job to explain things, but also because I knew everything that was about to happen between she and I was going to be mentally recorded FOREVER for us both.
And she was right. No more pretending or excuses.
“Yes, baby, I am,” I uttered. And in that millisecond, all the times I had dieted, lost weight, gained weight, and all the yo-yoing in between flashed before my eyes. So then, with all conviction and more promise that I had ever felt in my life, I responded accordingly, “but don’t worry baby, I’m working on being as healthy as possible.”
See it was looking at her, looking at me, and thinking one day I hoped to be around to look at my granddaughter just as my daughter was looking at me, that I knew that now was the beginning of the next chapter of my life. But not to go on a diet because I was getting married, or because I had a big event I wanted to look good for, or because I was going on vacation and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. But for real, forever change.
Nothing Good Ever Comes Easy
So instead of heading to work out or a diet plan, I went straight to the doctor. I had several friends that had the sleeve surgery and had AMAZING results. They looked amazing. They felt amazing and they couldn’t say better things about how amazing the sleeve had been for them. I did my research and spoke with people relentlessly. This time it seemed I had a choice that would make sense and make a lasting difference. I signed up, got my appointment and begin my pre-op diet of protein, broth and water. However, as I approached my surgery date something happened. Some would say anxiety but for me, it was much more than that. This was a sign that this wasn’t my path. So, I canceled the surgery. And began to make a new path.
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
That was February and it’s now June. Has anything changed?
Oh yes – it’s changed. Have I lost 50 lbs? Not yet, but I will. So far I’ve lost over 15 inches and 2 dress sizes. But I don’t have a goal weight; I have a goal for life. I didn’t go on a diet; I changed what I ate and how I ate. I didn’t go workout everyday all day.
But I did get help from a trainer to start a lifestyle that was realistic for me.
I didn’t let those same voices get to me and make me feel bad about myself for not being “good enough.”
I am good enough.
Not just to be a mom, but to take care of both my family’s future and myself.
The Big Fat Truth
But I did go looking (and found) encouragement and support to keep me moving, even when I want to stop and eat something that takes me backwards. One of those places I love to find motivation is through others’ journeys, not towards weight loss but a healthier lifestyle. Z Living’s newest show, The Big Fat Truth, deals with the real reasons people struggle with weight, and gives them the tools and the optimism they need to transform their lives. Using problem-solving and motivational skills, award-winning producer JD Roth (author and reality-TV pioneer, championing “transformation television”) takes on the challenge to help save the lives of our greatest unsung heroes.
Watch The Big Fat Truth on Z Living, Sundays at 8 pm EST.
Through their journey, I’m able to navigate mine as well with the encouragement I need in a real way that works for me. The show even has its own FREE Big Fat 30 Day Challenge to help get watchers motivated just like the participants on the show. I plan to keep you updated on my progress and how my journey isn’t as much about “losing weight” (which is nice) but about making the real changes that will make a bigger difference in the rest of my life.
Good For You for listening to your inner voice and not going through with the surgery. The surgery sounds amazing but what you’re doing is amazing too!
Have you read any of Geneen Roth’s books? “When Food is Love” is a classic and is very insightful. I read it years ago and it helped me a lot.
Good luck with your journey!
You can do it Autumn!
You are rocking it. I need to lose 30 pounds and am trying to eat better, but so many setbacks. KEEP doing what you are doing and seriously kudos!
It’s amazing how our children can change our lives just by a few words. They bring to light the things we don’t notice or just don’t want to look at. This was me with my daughter.
I think what you’re doing is awesome. It’s easy to do it the “easy way” and get surgery. I am trying to get into shape myself and I know how hard it is to lose weight. You go girl!
I think it’s awesome that you’re working on this new, healthy lifestyle. Making some changes should be fun and it’s always nice to see progress as you go.
My son has called me BIG before innocently. He was right though so I could not get mad or upset. I just need to keep working to achieve the next goal.
Kids can help us be honest with ourselves in ways nobody else can. It sounds like she’s a blessing and you go girl! It will all pay off!
Such a great story and one that I can really identify with. It is hard to hear the truth from children…..I have been there too! Great work on your healthy lifestyle changes!
It’s always an admirable thing when you work on making your life healthier. I think your daughter pointing it out was the “big push” that you needed to head in the right direction. You are a beautiful person, readers can tell that from what you write, that beautiful person is on the inside and the outside.
Girl, I can not even begin to tell you how much I love this. I love that you are so brutal honest. I love that you are so true to yourself. AND I just love YOU!! Championing you from the sideline and wherever your journey takes you.
Kids always tell it like it is. I will have to check out The Big Fat Truth. I have been working on eating healthier and working out more.
Keep up the great work and progress. Life changing is hard but rewarding.
Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far. It all comes down to a change in lifestyle.
Fabulous job Mama! I’m so glad all that hard work is paying off for you. Being healthier is the best goal of all!
You go girl!!! Our children are little truth bombs. You’re being such a good role model. Keep it up!
It can be hard to make changes, but it sounds like you’re on a good path to maintain your health and make it even better. Congrats on your progress so far!
You got this mama!! I find it hard to hear the truth about ourselves from kids, they tell it like it is. Glad you found that push from those dagger of words that are so hard to hear.
I’m so looking forward to watching this show. I am so trying to get healthier!