Awww parents, they raise us, love us, help us through difficult times, cheer us on through good times….and love to give unsolicited advice. When it comes to weigh some parents feel it’s their right to tell you where you have fallen off and lost your way. You’re either too big or too small, a little boney, a little chunky, needing more muscles or more muscle definition, better arms, tighter legs, and you always need to put that extra biscuit down. Ugh, mom, dad…can I have my carbs please!
Of course none of these criticisms are out of malice, they’re our parents and they want us to be the best we can be at all times. But sometimes there pressure to live up to their vision of a healthy us can be overwhelming, not to mention annoying. The constant talks about our weight can start to take a negative toll and have us wanting to rebel against the advice rather than listen to it. As children we want to please our parents and we understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, but how do we get them to understand that there is a difference between giving advice or encouraging and pressuring?
All my life, I’ve been struggling with my weight and several times my family had to put their two cents in. It was counter productive because their words messed with my head and made me want to eat more.
A couple weeks ago, My mother called to say that I should consider the lap-band surgery event though I’ve lost 15 lbs since being a vegan and exercising. Her comment had hurt me because I felt as if she didn’t think I could do it by myself. After talking to my close friends and family members, I realized that she was only trying to help. At the end of the day, that’s all family members are trying to do.
Now, I listen to what they have to say but I try not to take it so seriously. I finally realize that my body is my body and if I want to lose weight the old fashioned way, I will do it that way.
Family members can talk but at the end it’s up to you of how you want to take care of your body.