I have a story to tell. First I'll say I know I am not the goddess of healthy eating nor am I the pinnacle of exercising. I have tried off and on over the years to lose weight and it is a hard thing and I understand that. Lately, I've been very proud of myself for eating plenty of vegetables and lean meats and nothing any doctor would complain about. I am also exercising as best as I see fit right now and I have seen major changes in my body as well as my mind. It has taken me quite a long time to reach this point and I have a bit of work to do still!
Ok now for the story. I'm in the grocery store yesterday and I'm buying my veggies and meat and I was kind of amazed that nothing in my cart was processed/canned/etc. While in the store, I had passed another girl in the aisle and I always feel for big girls because I understand their struggle. This woman was about my height but bigger than me, I would guess at least 400 lbs. I didn't take much notice, nor did I try to check out her shopping cart. Anyway, I get into line and she gets in behind me and I couldn't help myself! I checked out what she was buying and I kind of felt bad for her because it didn't look like she was trying at all. She had cookies, ice cream, a cake from the bakery, hot pockets, frozen meals on the unhealthy side and nothing that looked remotely healthy. It was either all full of fat or full of sugar or both. Nothing from the produce aisle, deli/meat counter or dairy section.
Now I am sure you are thinking that I am pretty judgemental at this point but really I wasn't trying to be. I wanted to help. I have known those days where I bought a half-gallon of ice cream, fully intending to eat half of that when I got home or buying a loaf of bread, knowing I'd probably eat half. I am a binger and it may even start with the best of intentions, but if I eat a little of something, I'll usually eat the entire thing (or until I feel sick). Another thing that I am proud of is that I haven't binged in a long time. Anyway, back to the story.
What hit me in the grocery store is that this lady was eating herself to death and I felt for her. I wanted to tell her to not give up on herself and that if she worked on it, she could feel better about herself and the food she eats. Of course, I know if I did actually speak up and tell her something then I'd just be a nosey b*tch. At that point, I wished I could be her friend and help her. Then I realized that I can't save the world, I can only save myself.
Anyway, I just wanted to share because I was deeply affected by this woman for some reason and I wish we didn't have to go through all the things that being fat entails. Whether it be health problems, self esteem issues or being under appreciated in a world where thin is in.