What I hate about being fat

I hate that people can look at me and automatically think that I am lazy and undisciplined.
I hate that they are right, that I can't hide my vices.
I hate the lethargy.
I hate wanting food when I've eaten enough.
I hate not being able to skip meals when it's convenient without stuffing my face from hunger later in the day.
I hate when people see me eating bad food, they must be thinking "figures".
I hate standing in line at the grocery store, looking at other peoples baskets, seeing loads of vegetables and then thinking "what would they think of my basket" when I buy chocolate or diet pop.
I hate that it doesn't matter what clothes I wear, I look fat in them all.
I hate that there is no point trying to look pretty because I can't.
I hate that the lack of pointless effort into my appearance only looks to others as more confirmation that I am a fat lazy slob.
I hate that my house isn't clean enough because I lack the energy.
I hate that I don't have a job and depend on my partner because I fit the stereotype of the fat dependent partner.
I hate that employers are less likely to hire me because I am fat.
I hate that the weight on my feet has damaged them and made exercise painful.
I hate that it will take me years more to lose all the rest of my weight, and it's already been half a year.
I hate that if I make it, get to a normal weight, I will have to keep counting calories for the rest of my life, but not get to see the numbers keep going down.
I hate that I thought I was fat when I was a teenager and wasted my youth feeling like I looked disgusting and assuming it didn't matter what I ate because I was already fat when I would kill to be that size again.
I hate knowing I will not ever be normal in my 20s.
I hate knowing I will be a fat bride because I will get married before 2 years are up.
I hate that I can't hide my vices even from myself, that I can't claim to be strong or intelligent or wise because if I was any of those things I wouldn't have let myself get this way.
I hate and am terrified that once I am normal I might forget, delude myself and let my guard down.
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Replies

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    You need a healthy shot of self esteem, as being this negative is not good for you.
  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    You need a healthy shot of self esteem, as being this negative is not good for you.

    I'd rather have self-compassion than self-esteem. Especially when I've not really done anything worthy of esteem in my life (but I have time I think, I am not giving up).
  • tjsoccermom
    tjsoccermom Posts: 500 Member
    I hate that you feel this way about yourself. But you can change, I promise. You're young, you have plenty of time. And some of these things that you hate about yourself, only YOU can change. Don't buy chocolate and diet soda then. Buy veggies. There are lots of overweight successful people, don't allow yourself to use your weight as an excuse as to why you can't work, can't keep a clean house, etc. And work hard to lose it. You CAN do it!
  • shartran
    shartran Posts: 304 Member
    Maybe this is your 'bottom'. I know with myself, there were certainly times when I've had to make huge life choices. When I ended up in my 'rock bottom' - smoking, drinking too much, eating 'crap'...I just couldn't handle living that way anymore and I initiate change.
  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    Don't buy chocolate and diet soda then. Buy veggies.
    I honestly don't see what is wrong with chocolate or diet soda in moderation as part of a broadly balanced diet. It just makes me ashamed because I think other people will think "typical fatty eating crap". If I was thin I'd not feel bad about buying those things.

    I've lost 35lbs in the last 6 months and it seems soooo slow, but I initially wanted to lose slowly because I thought it would minimise excess skin etc. But when I think I have 103lbs left to go, it's just depressing. I am going to be fat for years and I just have to keep plugging away while all my sins are visible on my body.

    I could go to confession and be clean in the eyes of the Lord, but in the eyes of the world my body will still scream lazy glutton for a while yet whatever I do. I know it's fair, I know I made my bed. But I don't think that means I can't complain about the bed I made now it's done.

  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    Set small goals to work towards instead of looking at the long road ahead. Don't look at the 103 pounds you have left to lose, set 10-20 pound increments. For instance, let's say you weigh 220 pounds now. Set your next goal to get to 199.8. That's only about 20 pounds, but getting under 200 would be a huge accomplishment. (I just used random numbers that I used for myself years ago. You can adjust them for yourself as needed.) When you reach that small goal, set a new one.
  • anovak1009
    anovak1009 Posts: 26 Member
    35lbs is a great success! Keep at it and you will eventually get to your goal. As hard as it is, try try try to not care what anyone else thinks about you. What you feel about yourself is all that matters, so try and focus on the success you have had and not how slow it's going. Slow or fast...it's still progress.
  • cincysweetheart
    cincysweetheart Posts: 892 Member
    What are you looking for by posting this?
    I hate those things too. But you can change! You have changed! 35 pounds is GREAT! Stop looking at how far you have to go and look at how far you've come!

    I agree with setting smaller more immediate goals for yourself. It breaks up that expanse of "I still have 103 pounds to go!" Personally, I still have 113 pounds to go. But my next most immediate goal is to lose those 13 pounds. That will be my halfway mark. And I believe I can hit that before the year is out.

    And please stop with the negativity! You are beautiful and worthy of love, respect, AND self-esteem. Start another thread (even if you just write it on a piece of paper for yourself) saying what you love about yourself. Or if you can't bring yourself to do that yet… write what you look forward to as you lose weight. But please focus on something positive! It can only help.
  • NoelFigart1
    NoelFigart1 Posts: 1,276 Member
    I think in general, it's a good idea not to talk to yourself in a way you'd scold your kid for talking to a sibling.
  • bb4886
    bb4886 Posts: 118 Member
    I downloaded an app called happy scale - i told it what i want to weigh and it gives me milestones to reach so instead of thinking ive got 40lb to go i have 10, once i reach that i have another 10 - its great :)
  • 50sFit
    50sFit Posts: 712 Member
    candistyx wrote: »
    I hate that people can look at me and automatically think that I am lazy and undisciplined.
    I hate that they are right, that I can't hide my vices.
    I hate the lethargy.
    I hate wanting food when I've eaten enough.
    I hate not being able to skip meals when it's convenient without stuffing my face from hunger later in the day.
    I hate when people see me eating bad food, they must be thinking "figures".
    I hate standing in line at the grocery store, looking at other peoples baskets, seeing loads of vegetables and then thinking "what would they think of my basket" when I buy chocolate or diet pop.
    I hate that it doesn't matter what clothes I wear, I look fat in them all.
    I hate that there is no point trying to look pretty because I can't.
    I hate that the lack of pointless effort into my appearance only looks to others as more confirmation that I am a fat lazy slob.
    I hate that my house isn't clean enough because I lack the energy.
    I hate that I don't have a job and depend on my partner because I fit the stereotype of the fat dependent partner.
    I hate that employers are less likely to hire me because I am fat.
    I hate that the weight on my feet has damaged them and made exercise painful.
    I hate that it will take me years more to lose all the rest of my weight, and it's already been half a year.
    I hate that if I make it, get to a normal weight, I will have to keep counting calories for the rest of my life, but not get to see the numbers keep going down.
    I hate that I thought I was fat when I was a teenager and wasted my youth feeling like I looked disgusting and assuming it didn't matter what I ate because I was already fat when I would kill to be that size again.
    I hate knowing I will not ever be normal in my 20s.
    I hate knowing I will be a fat bride because I will get married before 2 years are up.
    I hate that I can't hide my vices even from myself, that I can't claim to be strong or intelligent or wise because if I was any of those things I wouldn't have let myself get this way.
    I hate and am terrified that once I am normal I might forget, delude myself and let my guard down.
    ^^^^^^^^
    :\ NOT THIS :\
    I mean, you're right, and I hated looking bad, feeling horrible and ruining my health, but you can't focus on negative affirmations to stay motivated.
    Try writing out what you'll love about being healthy and fit, and what's great about the journey.
    Just a suggestion <3

  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    What are you looking for by posting this?
    To express how I feel. See if others feel the same.
  • NoelFigart1
    NoelFigart1 Posts: 1,276 Member
    I don't hate myself and don't feel like I'm a lazy slob. I'm fat and I don't want to be, so I'm doing something about it, but I refuse to get on some heavy moral breastbeating trip about it. It's an engineering problem based on consumption and damn'fI'll treat it like society wants me to.

    Society wants me to be a scared consumer who desperately needs to know my place (especially as a middle-aged woman who is no longer an appropriate object for consumption herself). Copulate that! I'm smart, I can achieve goals even if I haven't achieved everything I want to. (And why should I have? I'm only 45 and have many years to live yet)

    I refuse to let my personhood tied up into my pants size. If I don't like something, I fix it, but that's as far as I am prepared to go. Otherwise, I'd be close to a suicide case, and I don't want to go there. It doesn't sound like much fun.
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    Is there anything about yourself that you don't hate? Are you engaged? Clearly there is something pretty great about you to find a person who wants to spend the rest of their life with you. Do you have a great sense of humor? Do you have any special skills that distinguish you from others?

    Focus on the positive. If you focus on the negative, it will be all that much easier to give up because your negatives are so big. What I mean is that you look at your weight and think, it will take forever. As others have said, set small goals to achieve instead of the larger picture. Smaller goals can be easier to attain and you will be less likely to give up.

    What do you mean by normal? Do you mean skinny? There is no such thing as being normal. TV, movies, media and other means of communication show people as how they would like to be, not as how most people are. I don't know what normal is and I don't think my friends do either. Be who you are and don't try to fit some mold that society thinks you should be.

    As for you thinking people are always looking at you. Trust me, I doubt that. I know you will say that you see them looking but you know what, they are probably looking and thinking of something else. If they are looking at you, smile at them. Show that you are a warm person. Don't think that they are thinking bad of you. When you think like that, you are really only hurting yourself.
  • jkal1979
    jkal1979 Posts: 1,896 Member
    I would rather focus on the positive. I challenge you to do the same and post five things that you love about yourself.

    I tend to be hard on myself enough as it is. Whenever I get into one of my self-loathing moods I eventually catch it and remind myself what I love about me and what makes me awesome.
  • TheSatinPumpkin
    TheSatinPumpkin Posts: 948 Member
    Congrats on your progress so far.
  • EmeraldRain
    EmeraldRain Posts: 22 Member
    edited October 2014
    Aw hon, I feel the same way. Try to focus more on the things that you can change, and not worry so much about the the things you can't, and a lot of those things you can change, its possible. At least that's how I try to look at it. Try to turn all those negatives into a positive, as much as you can. No one deserves to be that down.
  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    lawkat wrote: »
    Is there anything about yourself that you don't hate?
    Yeah, lots of things.
    Are you engaged? Clearly there is something pretty great about you to find a person who wants to spend the rest of their life with you.
    He would probably say so.
    Do you have a great sense of humor? Do you have any special skills that distinguish you from others?
    I have a mean sense of humour, I enjoy it as do others but it isn't exactly "good". As for special skills. Not really, but I have interests that are rare and I feel that things that interest me are worth preserving and being involved in that is worthwhile.

    I don't think I am totally pointless or anything, obviously there is much I can do on this earth that is worth sticking around for (although sometimes I worry in balance it's not when I think about global energy consumption and my contribution to habitat destruction and global warming).
    Focus on the positive. If you focus on the negative, it will be all that much easier to give up because your negatives are so big. What I mean is that you look at your weight and think, it will take forever. As others have said, set small goals to achieve instead of the larger picture. Smaller goals can be easier to attain and you will be less likely to give up.
    Last time I gave up it was because I thought I was ok how I am and then I ended up gaining twice what I lost.
    What do you mean by normal?
    in this context I mean a normal, healthy, bodyweight, BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
    As for you thinking people are always looking at you. Trust me, I doubt that. I know you will say that you see them looking but you know what, they are probably looking and thinking of something else. If they are looking at you, smile at them. Show that you are a warm person. Don't think that they are thinking bad of you. When you think like that, you are really only hurting yourself.
    Yeah I generally don't think everyone is staring at me, but when I think of what they could be thinking it reminds me of my own weaknesses. Even if they're not thinking it, now *I* am.

  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    It sounds like you suffer from depression. Have you sought out counseling and/or medication to help? You have to let go of the pity party going on in your head. What I found that helps is that every time I have a negative thought or the pity party starts, to stop it right then and there. I tell myself that that isn't true because it isn't true. I also don't ruminate over things. The more I allow my mind to wander into the pity party mode, the easier it is to slide further into my depression.

    I take medication, workout and made a mindful effort to push those negative thoughts out of my head. It has taken me years but I am a much happier and healthier person.

    You can achieve anything you want to. Feel good about the weight you have lost. Feel good that you have someone who wants to spend the rest of their life with you. Feel good that you are alive and that you can take control of your life and make the necessary changes.

    One last thing, when you lose all of the weight, things won't suddenly be all rainbows and unicorns. You will still be the same person, but in a thinner body. You have to work on your inside as much as you work on your outside.

    Best of luck and focus on the positive!
  • cstevenson86
    cstevenson86 Posts: 158 Member
    I agree with everyone. Especially with the point, don't look to far ahead and set small goals. I have 94 pounds left to go. You have to realize you didn't put the weight on overnight, so it will not come off overnight. I know it is hard to accept. I looked in the mirror this morning and sighed. How did I get this big? How did I let this happen? BUT, you have to let go and move on. You're at where you're at. No sense in beating yourself up about it. Definitely don't give a s*** what others think about you either! NO ONE is perfect. You can do this. Trust me. Good luck on your journey sweetie!
  • liznotyet
    liznotyet Posts: 402 Member
    I have been there too. Acknowledgement is a major step towards change. Sometimes rage can fuel ambition to keep you going, as long as it is not your only motivation. Could you write a page of all your loves?
  • astrose00
    astrose00 Posts: 754 Member
    edited October 2014
    There are a few options: Do nothing and be miserable. Do something and be miserable. Do something and embrace and enjoy the journey. Which one sounds more appealing to you? As with all things in life, we have no control over what others think and do. But we can control how we act and react to challenges life throws our way. Why care what people in the supermarket think? They don't know or care about you. And chances are, they aren't even thinking about you at all. Yes, it is true that overweight people probably suffer discrimination. So do people of different races and sexual preferences. Nothing you can do about that except be the best person you can be for yourself and your family and friends.

    I'm not one for a pity-party. It serves no purpose. If you are fat and hate it then do what it takes to lose the weight. You have already lost 35lbs which is amazing! Think about something that happened 18 months ago. Does it seem like a long time? Probably not. Just think, in 18 months you will probably be at your goal. And you won't be fat for the whole time. Every day will get better and better. Clothes will get looser. Walking will get easier. You will have more energy. You will look in the mirror and love what you are seeing. Losing weight is a good thing and it is NECESSSARILY hard and long.

    All the things I have said to you I would say and have said to myself. I just came from the ladies room and looked in the mirror and acknowledged that my formerly tight pants are pretty loose. Small victory. I still have 80lbs to reach my ultimate goal and I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it. Why not do the same?

    I don't know your life but I do know there are a lot of people in this world struggling to live and facing adversity that makes my problems seems very trivial. I am grateful to be able to recognize I need to lose weight and to be able to do something about it. You lost weight while being able to eat chocolate. Sounds pretty good to me...
  • independant2406
    independant2406 Posts: 447 Member
    I hate these things too. I try not to focus on them though.

    How about writing a list of things you love about yourself now, and a list of things you'll love even more about yourself when you reach your goals?

    How about channeling the hate of the things you dislike by making plans for the setbacks that will occur in the future. Envision the things that might get you off track and make plans and think through what you'll do in response to those unavoidable things.
  • farmers_daughter
    farmers_daughter Posts: 1,632 Member
    candistyx wrote: »
    I've lost 35lbs in the last 6 months and it seems soooo slow,

    I hate to sound like an *kitten*, but I've lost 5lbs in the last 8 months. Don't even talk about slow. One you have limited your success to a number, which is dangerous, and two you have underestimated your success and when you do that you are saying you are ok with being depressed about it.
    Um celebrate what you've accomplished, don't look at anyone else but yourself. You can't compare to anyone else, and that I can tell you is HARD.
    I haven't even beaten the comparison/envy monster....it's evil and it will keep you on your knees if you let it.

    Key words.... if you let it.
    Again, I cannot express that it's HARD!!!!! to not compare. HARD, HARD, ALMOST impossible....almost....to not compare...but don't do it.

    As far as vices in moderation...some vices you have to let go of. Or at least keep them out of your house...make it so you must make effort to get them. I do not buy chips. I eat chips when I'm out if that's what they have as a side with my meal....otherwise I no longer care to eat them.
    You can always change your vices.
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    candistyx wrote: »
    Liftng4Lis wrote: »
    You need a healthy shot of self esteem, as being this negative is not good for you.

    I'd rather have self-compassion than self-esteem. Especially when I've not really done anything worthy of esteem in my life (but I have time I think, I am not giving up).

    Whatever you want to call it, you need it. Half the list of things you hate is based on the actions of others (that frankly might not even actually happen - you just expect them to).

    You might consider therapy. I started recently (to deal with past trauma) and it's done wonders for my self worth. Being fat does not make you unworthy - and being thin does not make you worthy. Nothing about your appearance impacts any of that.

    Start taking better care of yourself, right now. Physically, mentally, emotionally. Take it one day at a time. You can do it - you are worth it.
  • gopgirl425
    gopgirl425 Posts: 140 Member
    I will admit I felt like you. I weighed 295 lbs. I was ashamed of myself, felt lazy, and disgusting. I lost 108 pounds with my goal of 22 more.

    I will tell you what I did...I put all that negative energy into losing weight...until I got to a point that I didn't feel ashamed of myself so much. That was about 80 pounds lost in about 7 months. After that I was able to feel more confident....slow down and even just maintain a while before starting to lose again.

    I reached my bottom and became obsessed with losing instead of obsessed with guilt and shame. It worked for me...you can do it and in the end you will be happier for it.

  • TossaBeanBag
    TossaBeanBag Posts: 458 Member
    edited October 2014
    I was okay being heavier, until I stuggled to tie my shoe. Now, as I am losing weight and getting in shape, I just feel better. People who have a problem with heavy people have a problem with themselves, and it does not have to be the heavy person's problem. I never made those issue my own.
  • DevilsNegu
    DevilsNegu Posts: 60 Member
    I can relate to this. but I have found in my struggle with weight loss that until u love the person u are then u can't become what u are meant to be.
  • arrrrjt
    arrrrjt Posts: 245 Member
    I've been there, and I (still) have terrible self esteem, but it's getting better. But you got heavier for a reason. Own that - and feel better knowing that you are taking steps in the right direction. Who cares if other people think you are lazy, or think you should/shouldn't eat things? Take that and turn into empowerment; you know you aren't lazy, you know that chocolate will fit your macros, etc.
  • Basilin
    Basilin Posts: 360 Member
    edited October 2014
    gopgirl425 wrote: »
    I will admit I felt like you. I weighed 295 lbs. I was ashamed of myself, felt lazy, and disgusting. I lost 108 pounds with my goal of 22 more.

    I will tell you what I did...I put all that negative energy into losing weight...until I got to a point that I didn't feel ashamed of myself so much. That was about 80 pounds lost in about 7 months. After that I was able to feel more confident....slow down and even just maintain a while before starting to lose again.

    I reached my bottom and became obsessed with losing instead of obsessed with guilt and shame. It worked for me...you can do it and in the end you will be happier for it.

    ^^^ This is an interesting perspective!

    Anger can be a great motivator. If being "nice" to yourself didn't keep you on track, then get angry -- productive anger works just fine for some folks. Just don't let it be self-destructive anger. Channel it and make it work for you instead of against you. I believe you can do it; just reading your posts you sound really smart and capable. And *kitten* everyone else.

    I remember as a kid, I'd get mad when I had to brush my teeth and didn't want to. I thought "I'LL SHOW YOU MOM" by brushing my teeth aggressively and loudly. My five year old logic was that this was somehow getting back at her. Except I just ended up brushing my teeth, and she didn't care. I think that was my first taste of "productive anger" except now I'm my own mom and responsible for myself.

    Yeah, none of us are normal.