My Family is Overweight & I Want to Break the Cycle
From Frugivore — For most of us it’s a normal sight. Mama got a little “meat on her bones,” grandma got a big ole booty, grandpa got that big beer-belly, and auntie so-and-so is just … big. We never really think much of it, it’s just our life. I had a family member nicknamed “Aunt Lottie with the big bump pon’ she batty,” but the reality is Aunt Lottie had that “bump” because she was a big woman. As much as we love these family members all the meat on the bones and beer bellies can be a sign that they are killing themselves slowly. With all the information we have now on how extra weight affects everything from our bones to our brains and hearts, simply accepting that our families are overweight is no longer okay.
But how do you break a cycle of obesity that goes back generations? The older members of the family are set in their ways and the younger members simply don’t know any better, getting everyone on the same healthy page can extremely difficult. As the saying goes “A family that prays together, stays together” and I believe the same concept applies in trying to get your entire family to lose weight … a family that eats in and works out together, stays healthy together.
My family isn’t overweight, so I don’t know that battle. But I don’t think that you necessarily involve the whole family in weight loss to the same degree. Tell people that the grocery list is going to be changing, and that new foods will be tried out, and then go relentless on YOUR goals. That way if everyone decides to not go along with fitness plans, you will have acess to healthier foods in the house, and by seeing you lose weight your family may be resentful at first (prepare for that) but will eventually go along with it after seeing your positive success. Good luck!
that family in the picture up there doesnt look overweight just a little heathful(is that a word lol)
But that family DOES look overweight. I think one of the main issues with black people and weight is realizing that “a little meat on the bones” is probably 20-30 lbs of extra fat. There are double chins and jiggly arms all over that picture. I see at least two protruding stomachs. People need to stop sugarcoating the weight issue in this country.
And that is why 3/4 of black Americans are obese or overweight. We don’t see ourselves or others as overweight. Fat is the new thick. They are all overweight although they are as cute as a button
that family is clearly overweight. im a former flight attendant…by visiting other countries it was made clear to me that americans are huge. and it’s mostly due to overeating
that’s a cute family look at the love-
None of the women in my family are overweight, even after being married and having children, except maybe two who blame weight gain on birth control. I think a lot of it is genetics but some of it is definitely lifestyle choices. They eat healthfully and cook at home a lot. Going out to eat and Mcdonalds is a treat. Growing up we didnt have a lot of cookies or doughnuts or other treats like that in the house. As a result I dont crave snacks an awful lot and if I do, 1 piece is enough to satisfy me. The only difference between the older generation and the new is the new generation exercises more but both generations are overall still slim and trim.
fruits, nuts, grains and vegetables……..
^5