Those that know me, have Facebook-stalked me (there’s gotta be someone…please?) or at least have an idea of what I look like are probably wondering why I of all people am writing a health and fitness column. I’m fat, right? And what in the hell do fat people know about being fit and healthy?
If you’re a fat person who’s lost nearly 30 pounds, I’d say plenty.
I was once like many of you — acting complacent about my appearance, getting dessert at every meal in the dining hall, counting a trip up to the third floor of my dorm as exercise, and basically being a passive player when it came to my health. But in mid-October 2006, something in me changed. I think watching Celebrity Fit Club 4 on VH1 had everything to do with it.
I have been inspired by Carnie Wilson for a long time, at least in theory. I’d seen and heard plenty about her struggles with her weight via E! True Hollywood Story and other such shows. Celebrity Fit Club, however, was the first time I’d seen her in action, and I mean that very literally. She was huffing and puffing around a track and being yelled at by Harvey the drill sergeant to do more push-ups. My god, I thought. This woman had gastric bypass surgery but even that wasn’t forever. Losing weight and then maintaining it really is a life-long commitment. I was intrigued as to what kind of diet they were following on that show.
I decided to buy a copy of The Fat Smash Diet by the show’s diet consultant, Dr. Ian Smith (He signed my copy when he visited Northwestern. Don’t pretend you’re not jealous). Browsing through the clearance rack at Barnes and Noble that day I also noticed Dr. Phil’s book The Ultimate Weight Solution. For only seven bucks, why not? I bought both books, and while I appreciate the idea behind the Fat Smash Diet, it is difficult to accomplish when you eat out of a dining hall as I do.
Dr. Phil’s book, as much as I hate to admit it, really became my motivator and coach throughout my weight loss process, at least in the beginning. Nowadays I try to work in some sort of physical activity at least five days a week, I shy away from desserts (other than fruit) and processed carbohydrates at Hinman, and I give myself leeway for special occasions like the Super Bowl or eating at a rabbi’s house.
My hope is that by telling you about my own weight loss journey and sharing some insight about health and well-being, it will be easier to make taking care of yourself a priority in your life at Northwestern. Ok, that sounded really cheesy but it’s true. Each week I’ll be discussing how my weight loss is progressing and any specific hang-ups that I and others on similar paths may encounter.
I bet you’re wondering about my lunch at a rabbi’s house. That, my friends, is a story for another day.