Is Fat Funny?

I went to the gay capital of Ft. Lauderdale last night for their Halloween extravaganza. It was great fun sitting on a bench watching the people strolling by decked out in all sorts of wild and crazy costumes. Amazing looking women, slinky and sexy, dressed in their highest of heels and full makeup turned out to be men. Sailors, policemen, Mad Hatters, a penis, masters and their slaves and lots of people dressed in fat costumes. Men and women alike in padded suits, overabudant fake breasts, rolls of simulated fat, fake double chins - all in the name of Halloween and a good time. But is it in good taste?

Is it OK for us to single out a group and make fun of them? Is it alright to pretend to be someone else, such as a homeless person, a fat person, an old person, all in the name of fun? Here's an excerpt from Kataphatic. In her blog Katie says:

"My body is sold as a costume. People can dress up like me, pretending. Playing. Trying out what it’s like to be fat; getting a laugh out of it. How crazy and disgusting their body would be if they really looked like me. And then at the end of the evening they can take it off. Shed that extra weight of the costume with a sigh, and a “thank God I’m not really that fat.” Or, maybe not even think about it, the way I think about how my life would be different if I weren’t fat, every day. My body is treated as a costume by thin people.

My body isn’t the only body that’s objectified as a costume for privileged people. The bodies and cultures of many people of color are used as costumes by white people. The bodies of "illegal" immigrants are used as costumes by American (particularly white) citizens. The bodies of the mentally ill are used as costumes by the neurotypical. The bodies of the old are used as costumes by the young. The bodies of the poor and homeless are used as costumes by the wealthy.

The privileged use the bodies of the oppressed as costumes, but they don’t stop there. The costumes are not usually realistic at all. They don’t communicate any sense that the wearer (the appropriator, the rapist, the conqueror, the colonizer) has any sense of the humanity of the person whose body they are exploiting. These costumes are caricatures of us, designed to be shocking, ugly, “exotic” to highlight the “other-ness” and even the “not-human-ness” of our bodies. Not only are we othered by the fact that our bodies are used as a costume, we are dehumanized by them."

When you see that thin person decked out in some semblance of a fat person's body, how do you feel? Do you find it amusing? Or is it just pathetic that they think it is OK to make fun of overweight people?

No Thanks, Spanx!

As a teenaged girl, my mother encouraged me to squeeze into a panty girdle, which was somewhat de rigueur back in the 60's. This tight contraption. which went from the waist to the bottom of the thighs, was worn under everything - dresses, skirts and pants. It smoothed the figure and eliminated bulges. It also acted as a kind of chastity belt because it was almost impossible to be naughty while wearing one, which might be why so many mothers bought them for their daughters. From the 1920's through the 70's girdles were a part of every woman's wardrobe.

Sex & Nudity

I take my clothes off in the privacy of the bathroom where no one will be able to see my nakedness. I don't even like looking at my own nudity. I'm no prude, far from it, but when it comes to displaying my overabundant flesh I am shy. Well, maybe mortified is closer to the right feeling. My body looks nothing like the ones I see in magazines. I could be the "before" on a makeover show if they had a Ms. Nude Makeover series on TV - too much jiggle and wiggle and a whole lot of sag.

Starting Over

How many of us, with all our good intentions, go astray? We win battle after battle but occasionally our passion for food gets the better of us? I truly believe that for me it will always be a struggle. There I was, just three measly pounds from my goal and then I succumbed to temptation. How easy it would be to eat myself into oblivion, gaining back all of the forty plus pounds I've lost, and then some. I swore to myself that I would never, ever do that again and this is a promise I intend to keep.

Weight Watchers Follows You Everywhere!

Sorry, friends, for having taken some time off. I bought a new condo and have been so busy moving, cleaning, organizing, etc., that I haven't had a spare moment to write. Today, however, I have just returned from a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas, rested and ready to get back to business at hand.

I have to catch you up on what's been going on. Many of you have written asking how my hula hooping was going. I do have to tell you that my first day, being in hooper's heaven, I overdid it and happily hooped for over an hour and a half. I wound up with enormous bruises around my midsection! So my advice to those of you who want to have some fun while exercising -start slow. Maybe 15 minutes at a time. Don't whirl like a dervish the way I did!

A Cheesy Dilemma

Ah, cheese. So many varieties, so many flavors and from so many countries. While Gorgonzola can be wonderfully piquant, a nice creamy brie can be paired with some ripe pear slices. And a sharp Canadian cheddar is always welcome as a topping on your burger or with a glass of red wine. Whatever your choice, cheese is a delicious addition to any meal or hors d'oeuvres selection.

But cheese has fat, salt, lots of calories and that dreaded cholesterol. So what would be a good choice for us folks who are trying to lose weight? And how much can we eat before it does too much damage?

An ounce of cheese is considered one serving and provides 200 - 300 mg. of calcium. Most adults need 1,000 mg of calcium per day and people 50 and older need 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Since milk is the main ingredient, cheese provides a good source of protein and vitamin B₂. (Information from American Dietetic Association).

Hooping and Hollering

My hula hoop finally arrived and I am on my way to becoming a full fledged hooper! Unlike the toy hula hoop, the weighted hoop is easy to spin and I was successful on my second attempt. I can easily keep it going for almost as long as I like. In fact, I am still hot and sweaty as I write after an hour of whirling, twirling, spinning and grinning. it's the most fun I've had exercising ever! With some of my favorite tunes programed on Pandora I was good to go.

A Whole Lot of Hoopla!

I just ordered a weighted hoop, like the old fashioned hula hoop only heavier. About six months ago I bought a kid's hoop but couldn't swing it around my body without it immediately falling to the ground. It wasn't like riding a bicycle because I used to be pretty good at swiveling my hips but now it seems I'm a total disaster!

So after studying up I learned that the children's toy is not what we want anyway. A larger hoop with some heft is easier to spin and more effective. The idea was so appealing that I found out what to look for in a hoop and wound up ordering a beginner's hoop. If I'm not a total disaster, I'll spring for the next level. I even found a hooping event just a couple of miles away which I hope to attend in August, if I get the knack, that is.

Dim the Lights, Honey...

Making Peace With Imperfections

Hurrah, we've lost weight! We're on our way to getting slim but if you are anything like me, your body is just a smaller version of the old one. Same imperfections only to a lesser degree. With me it's the arms. After all the exercise, one would think they'd be well-toned and yet the flab still hangs. Darn! On the other hand, my biceps are looking great, I just love feeling my muscles and I am sure, hidden under that flab there are some great triceps too.

Dressed, I look damn good. People wonder why I'm still on a diet. But they don't see what I see before I put my clothes on in the morning. I guess it is time to accept that fact that I will never look good buck naked. Dim the lights, honey...

Slave to Food

There's no denying it, I'm a slave to food. In my weaker moments thoughts often turn to cravings, a morsel of cake can lead to several pieces or, if no one's watching, even more.

It's a fight to maintain self-control and I'm, afraid there will be no end to this battle. I've lost weight, yes, but it would be so easy to slide back into old habits. It would be easy to allow food to take control, after all, I am it's slave. I eat for pleasure, not simply to fuel my body.

100% Guilt Free Ice Cream!

 I don't usually post about food or nutritional products although I love finding new tasty treats which are low in calories and fat and still fit into my healthy eating lifestyle. There are a number of great blogs out there that have convinced me to try some new product or another and sometimes they are keepers. This one is definitely a keeper so I thought I'd share with you!

Self Sabotage

I am so close to goal I can almost touch it! It should be a breeze to take off the last three pounds but, to the contrary, it's shaping up to be the most difficult three pounds of all. I am not sure if it is my body fighting to hold onto those last ounces of fat or my unconscious self refusing to accept the fact that I deserve to be thin. In any event, I am finding it more and more difficult to fight those urges to eat. Oh, I am not into the cookie jar or stopping at the donut shop on the way to work like I used to, but it has become a struggle not to munch on an energy bar when I really don't need it (they sure are packed with calories) or slip in an extra carb-filled snack at night.

Divas & Champions Top Blog Award

A number of people have asked me what my favorite blogs are. A difficult task since there are so many wonderful ones out there and so many talented people sharing their thoughts, dreams and trepidations when it comes to the goal of being the best we can be, healthy and fit. I want to present my four top blogs with the Divas & Champions Award.

Four blogs immediately come to mind as being unique and uplifting so, in no particular order, here they are:

A Can of Worms

I opened a can of worms two weeks ago when I posted about Victor, the Russian who gained weight during his 5 month stay in the U.S., and mentioned genetically altered foods. Since then I have been doing a lot of reading, became a member of Greenpeace and have dramatically altered my food choices. I guess you could call me a tree hugger now, if you like. I don't want to be an alarmist but what I learned is frightening.

In Loving Memory

As we enjoy the weekend and pay our respects to all the brave heroes who served in the military and fought for our country, let's also give a little respect to the courageous dieters out there. Here's my Memorial Day tribute to all of you, in remembrance of the things we've put behind us and the behaviors we have changed.

In memory of:

• all the pounds we have lost throughout the years.
• the poor eating habits we have managed to change.
• having to hold our breath to zip up those favorite jeans.

Me No Smile :(

I had a conversation the other day with one of my Russian students. After five months he remains at the elementary level and his is English is still rudimentary. In spite of that, he expressed dismay about gaining 17 pounds during his stay in the United States. He claims to be eating the same kinds of food - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. and stays away from processed foods and fast food restaurants. He goes to the gym every day for two to three hours. In other words he has not changed his habits at all since leaving Russian last January and yet he has gained weight. He blames it on the food he buys in the local supermarket.

David to be Returned to Italy

After a two year loan to the United States, the statue of David is being returned to Italy, or so the not-so-funny email that is circulating goes. Sad but not without some truth.

America ranks #1 in obesity according to major studies which compare obesity statistics in different countries. It's no wonder that Michelangelo's David has become so rotund. Huge portions, an overabundance of fatty foods, high sugar and sodium contents combined with a sedentary lifestyle contributes to American's obesity epidemic.

Just in Queso, or not all cheese is created equal

Ah, cheese. So many varieties, so many flavors and from so many countries. While Gorgonzola can be wonderfully piquant, a nice creamy brie can be paired with some ripe pear slices. And a sharp Canadian cheddar is always welcome as a topping on your burger or with a glass of red wine. Whatever your choice, cheese is a delicious addition to any meal or hors d'oeuvres selection.

But cheese has fat, salt, lots of calories and that dreaded cholesterol. So what would be a good choice for us folks who are trying to lose weight? And how much can we eat before it does too much damage?

An ounce of cheese is considered one serving and provides 200 - 300 mg. of calcium. Most adults need 1,000 mg of calcium per day and people 50 and older need 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Since milk is the main ingredient, cheese provides a good source of protein and vitamin B₂. (Information from American Dietetic Association).

There is no reason to avoid eating cheese but it is important to pay attention to the type and amount you eat.

• If you like to eat hard cheeses, like cheddar, look for "fat free, "reduced fat" or "low fat" on the label.
• If you're looking for a soft cheese, "low fat" (1%), part-skim or light might be a good choice.

• You will even find low fat, low cholesterol cheese selections in your grocery store. They generally have 50 - 75 percent of the fat in whole milk cheeses. Experiment with some of these to find a brand you like.

  Cheese (1oz. Serving) Mozzarella** Cheddar Monterey Jack American Swiss Colby-Jack Calcium content (% DV*) 20% 20% 20% 15% 25% 20% Calories (kcal) 80 110 100 110 100 110 Cholesterol 15 mg 30 mg 30 mg 25 mg 25 mg 25 mg Fat 5 g 9 g 8 g 9 g 8 g 9 g Saturated Fat 3 g 5 g 5 g 6 g 8 g 7 g Protein 8 g 7 g 7 g 6 g 8 g 7 g Sodium 170 mg 180 mg 170 mg 400 mg 60 mg 190 mg

  * Percent Daily Value (DV) is based on a 2,000-calorie diet ** Mozzarella is part-skim.

Feta contains 20g of fat per 100g, 20%, as does mozzarella, Camembert 24%t, Brie has 29% , Parmesan 30%, Stilton 31%, Gruyère 33& and cheddar 35%.

Edam contains 26% fat, cottage cheese, has about 4g of fat per 100g, although you can get even lower-fat versions.


Moderation is the key.  Use more flavorful cheese, like feta, and a little goes a long way.

Weight Watchers Follows You Everywhere!

Sorry, friends, for having taken some time off. I bought a new condo and have been so busy moving, cleaning, organizing, etc., that I haven't had a spare moment to write. Today, however, I have just returned from a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas, rested and ready to get back to business at hand.

I have to catch you up on what's been going on. Many of you have written asking how my hula hooping was going. I do have to tell you that my first day, being in hooper's heaven, I overdid it and happily hooped for over an hour and a half. I wound up with enormous bruises around my midsection! So my advice to those of you who want to have some fun while exercising -start slow. Maybe 15 minutes at a time. Don't whirl like a dervish the way I did!

Let me tell you about the cruise... an opportunity to sit back, relax and eat to my heart's content. I was tempted to blow the diet and just enjoy but as fate would have it, after sitting down for my first meal and happily nibbling on a Caesar's piled high with tons Parmesan cheese and way too much dressing, introductions were made at our table. Mike and George, two married men curiously escaping together from their wives for a long weekend were charming. And Ruth and her sister (who prefers to remain nameless) lived far from one another were having a sister's weekend. My mother and I were traveling by ourselves, enjoying some mother-daughter quality time.

So this is how it went, I ordered my meal and except for the salad, I did pretty well. The grilled salmon and veggies were off the Vitality Menu and well within my points range. The salad, however, raised by point consumption through the roof. Of course I drooled over everyone else's food at the table, lots of carbs, fat and oodles of calories, except for the second sister who ate like a model of healthy dining.

We learned a lot about each other over the course of dinner and I found out - and you are not going to believe this - that the second sis was none other than a Weight Watcher group leader on vacation! Oh no, I thought, now I have no choice but to be good! Weight Watcher's had followed me on vacation.

I was actually glad to have her there. If not I might not have been content with the two spoonfuls of tiramisu or several bites of the warm chocolate souffle. But as fate would have it, I admitted to having lost 40 pounds and to being just 3 pounds away from my goal. I felt obliged to be on my best behavior.

Sis was great, passing along her knowledgeable dining tips and being a perfect WW role model. She was careful with what was on her plate, usually left something over and was not afraid to order special foods, which the crew was more than happy to prepare. No sauce, steamed vegetables, plenty of cocktail sauce for her shrimp, etc. But I was happy to see she left room for something she enjoyed - wine. There was a seemingly unending supply of wine for the sisters and she wasn't afraid to imbibe. I figured she was using her extra 35 points in wine, while I sneaked an extra spoonful or two of dessert.

So like an alter-ego, Weight Watchers was right there with me on Her Majesty of the Seas. We all had a really good time but I am not in a hurry to step on the scale.

How do you handle your vacations? Have you ever had someone you didn't want to cheat in front of?

Our Eating Habits Started With Mom

I have a truly wonderful mother. She is up there in years but proudly boasts she can do anything her niece, who is 30 years younger, can do. And better, she likes to add. And she can.

One thing my mother did, was get me started in the wonderful world of food, both in the eating and the cooking department. My first food was chocolate. Mom couldn't resist my big brown eyes pleading with her for a taste of the 5¢ Hershey bar she was eating. She caved, and I still have a difficult time resisting sweets.