Sunday, June 19, 2011

Fat talk!

I have been keeping up with that laughing it off attitude, but sometimes, it just really eats into me. After all, there's only so much one can take, right?

So far, I have my mom placing her hands on my belly, on my back, and tapping my arms to gauge how much fat there is. I'm thinking this, let me flex my biceps and triceps, and you touch my thighs and calves and you'll know how much muscles I have.

People ask me what I wanted to eat since I haven't had the local foods in a while. I tell them what I like and they will take me there, but, check this out! I'm told this: "Don't eat too much. You are plump." Ha! Imagine this: Asian portion sizes are already small, very very small, and I'm having to take it down a notch or two. Why take me to my favorite restaurants when you are going to restrict me anyway? Take me to the gym, people!

Mom asked me, "Have you had (insert meal)?"
I said yes and with (insert name).
She said, "wow! You are still eating? You're already fat."
I still haven't came up with a kind counter statement.

Mom also informed me that I have to lose weight by my brother's wedding next year.

Someone had a cake to celebrate an occasion. I was handed a slice and another person said, "Christina, you better don't eat it cos' you are already plump."
I didnt have a counter statement either because it will not be correct and respectful. My parents and my boyfriend's family taught me better.

It is a thoughtless statement. I'm not holding it against them. But, it really eats into me. People don't realize that it's not pragmatically correct to blurt out things like that.
People don't realize that I'll slim down in the middle of marathon training season.
People don't realize that I have been hungry quite a lot since I got here on Wednesday. I'm eating, don't worry, I have told y'all good running bloggers in that confession post many weeks ago that I will eat. I'm eating.
People don't realize that this is why I'm stressed when I'm planning a trip here.

My strategy remains laughing it off, keeping an unaffected visage, and killing people with kindness and respect. Not that they will affected anyway, since they are rather insensitive to start with. And lastly to share it with y'all. Thank you for recognizing and applauding every step I take/walk/run. Thank you for looking beyond shapes and sizes. Thank you for seeing me as a strong, dedicated runner. Thank you for seeing me as a whole person. It's sad to say, you virtual running friends probably know me more than real life folks.

All I can think of is: Singapore is one freaking, perpetual summer fat camp! You sweat your hiney off cos' it's hot and humid. You walk everywhere. And there are plenty of Jillian Michaels telling you to quit eating!

9 comments:

  1. I think I literally cringed over the conversation with your mom. You sound like your head is in the right place, though. Stay strong!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ugh I'm so sorry you have to endure this especially from your mom of all people. Please try not to take any of it to heart. You know yourself best. The rest of them are completely out of line. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I cringed, too... I wouldn't want anyone touching me like that, telling me I'm plump. Ugh! Stay strong, stay healthy. We know you can do it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep, I can totally see why you stress over trips home. That is a LOT to take. I am so glad to hear that you are still eating and fueling that awesome and capable body. Just curious: Is everyone who says things to you an elder? You seem so worried about being polite and respectful, and as you pointed out, the people around you seem to be insensitive. I wish I could help you think of some polite counter-statements. Would 'that's hurtful' have any effect? You are amazing, strong, and healthy!!! Keep being your wonderful self, and don't feel weak because you feel hurt. Keep being awesome. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow. It's unbelievable what people think is okay to say. I'm sorry that you have to endure this. :-(

    ReplyDelete
  6. stupid ppl! i dont like that. i am sorry this is happening u to.

    and just bc someone is super skinny, does not mean they are healthy!u should challenge ALL those ppl that say something to u to a 10k! that will shut them up.

    u, my friend, are healthy and u r not plump. their vision is all skewed!

    this is making me angry!

    aneta

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are stronger than I could be.

    Keep your chin up, girl! You are doing great!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so impressed how you handle the "fat" talk. You are such a strong person and doing much better than I could ever do. I'm glad we can support you :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well more power to you! I don't know that I could keep my cool. I'd probably either just snap and say something I shouldn't, or I'd refuse to eat all together .... but then of course grab food when nobody was around to see me eat it. You're definitely taking the high road - so we'll say you are the grown up twin between the two of us! ;)

    I really just want to send you pizza and French fries now!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading! Do leave me a comment or two. They keep me motivated.