Fat Talk Free

on October 21, 2009
in All Posts

Morning! Today is my last day in California.  :(   This morning, I joined the group for another wonderful breakfast buffet.  I’m always so impressed by breakfast buffets that aren’t gross and feature healthy options:

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I had oatmeal with raisins, brown sugar, and granola:

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And a fruit bowl:

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And a fresh-squeezed OJ.  I feel like I’m coming down with someone and need all the Vitamin C that I can get!

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Don’t Worry, I’m Still Keeping Up on Twilight Gossip

 

There’s a new New Moon clip available!  It features Bella and the wolf pack.

 

Fat Talk Free Week

 

Remember that this week is Fat Talk Free Week!  I rarely Fat Talk anymore, but I definitely CAUGHT myself doing it this morning!  I was still so full from last night’s heavy meal and felt so bloated.  I was brushing my teeth when I realized that I was actually thinking, “Ugh, I feel so FAT!”

 

I immediately corrected myself.  I stood up straight, looked at myself in the mirror, and said out loud, “That is ridiculous.  One indulgent meal on a nice vacation does not mean ANYTHING.” 

 

I didn’t even believe my Fat Talk when I thought it, it was just a knee-jerk reaction to a really big meal.  But, that kind of thinking is so damaging, especially if you let yourself do it all the time.  It really does add up and hurt you mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

 

I just wanted to share that story to let everyone know that even the editor of Operation Beautiful falls into the Fat Talk trap. 🙂 It happens! That is why it is SO important to be AWARE of Fat Talk and stay conscious of your behaviors.

 

Delta Delta Delta, who is sponsoring Fat Talk Free Week, sent out a newsletter with this Fat Talk Free Tip:

 

Stand in front of a mirror alone wearing as revealing an outfit as you can without being overly uncomfortable. Write down only positive attributes about yourself, including emotional/personality (e.g. I like my sense of humor, I like that I care about others) AND physical (e.g. I like my legs, I like my hips). Write down everything that you like and make it as long as possible.

 

Do you have any other tips for stopping Fat Talk?  I think the immediate correction tip works really well for me, as well as remembering my past accomplishments.

{ 45 comments }

 

  • Sara October 21, 2009, 11:15 am

    I make sure my boyfriend knows what I am struggling with (or close friends) so that if he hears me slip he is sure to correct me and keeps me accountable. I also like to leave myself my own operation beautiful notes 🙂 I put one on my mirror and next to my computer as a constant reminder! 🙂

  • Chloe (Naturally Frugal) October 21, 2009, 11:29 am

    Yesterday a group of us girls at work were talking about what we thought our best body parts were, and while none of us could bring ourselves to say what we thought about our own bodies we each told each other what we liked about their bodies. It’s a start!
    I think giving others compliments helps me to be aware about my positive comments towards myself, and helps to brighten someone’s day in the process!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is October 21, 2009, 11:30 am

    That is a great tip. I always remember the most important things in life and how I strive to be healthy every day.

  • Erica October 21, 2009, 11:32 am

    ahhhhhhhhhhh that clip is awesome. oh my gosh can’ t wait can’t wait! That breakfast will all the fruit looks amazing.

  • brandi October 21, 2009, 11:34 am

    that is probably the best bfast buffet I’ve seen 🙂

    I think just catching yourself and CORRECTING it right then, like you did, is the best way to get the habit of our your life. Yes, the thoughts may come back every now and then, but the more you use positive reinforcement to combat those thoughts, the easier it will be to not do it anymore.

  • Carolyn October 21, 2009, 11:34 am

    I just made an OB post on my blog and I think I’m going to follow Roni’s lead (http://ronisweigh.com/2009/10/why-do-you-love-your-body-ronis-exposed-post.html) and do an exposed post. Love the Twilight clip BTW, hope this one is better than the last. 🙂

  • Anne P October 21, 2009, 11:42 am

    gahhhhhhhhhhh NEW MOON!!!!!! although i have to say the acting in that clip was somewhat sub par.. haha. whatever.. i’m still super excited.

    why didn’t jake have his shirt off though? i’m confused. 🙂

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite October 21, 2009, 11:48 am

    When I’m tempted by fat-talk I look at my baby girl. She reminds me of all things important in life… and most importantly, how I want to raise her! I do not want to raise her in “Fat Talking” environment… having a child changes views of everything…

    Okay, enough “deep” talk 🙂

    Enjoy your last day in CA!!!

  • Diana October 21, 2009, 11:49 am

    Yay for healthy breakfasts.
    Well, I usually do exactly the same thing you did. Correct myself and say “That’s ridiculous!” and remember how hard I’ve worked to be where I am and how far I’ve come. 🙂

  • Katherine October 21, 2009, 11:52 am

    When I am feeling really good about myself mentally and emotionally I never feel “FAT”. So, I try to question why I feel “FAT” and work on the underlying issues in my life. I take it as a cue to work on myself at a deeper level.

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) October 21, 2009, 11:55 am

    I love breakfast buffets at hotels! My office building is in a touristy part of Manhattan and on my walk to work I like to peek in at the hotel dining rooms. Today I was so jealous of all their yummy goodies (mini jams, croissants, fresh OJ, hard boiled eggs)! I didn’t want to be at work, blah. Anywayy, love the Fat Talk Free week. Such a positive message!

  • Julie October 21, 2009, 11:57 am

    Immediate corredction works for me as well. I had a similar thought the other day and quickly remembered it was fat talk free week and shut myself up. I have a healthy body, take care of myself eery day and that’s all that should matter.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels October 21, 2009, 12:10 pm

    Oh Caitlin, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. Yes your blog is motivating and full of healthy tips, but what sets you apart from other bloggers is your devotion to twilight news . . . may I thank you a thousand times!

  • Evan Thomas October 21, 2009, 12:11 pm

    I used to think my legs were so big and that’s odd considering how much I run and how much healthier I am than people who go about wearing super skinny jeans. but I love my legs and I know if they weren’t the way they are I couldn’t run so well

    • ubigb October 22, 2009, 9:24 am

      i actually worry about the opposite; i think my legs are too skinny and would do anything to change them or add muscle to them, that just shows you everyone is different and if you didn’t worry about your legs being too big, you would be worrying about something else, probably worse!

  • Gabriela October 21, 2009, 12:22 pm

    I like your correction tip…I think it happens to all women that some days, for whatever reason, we’re not as comfortable in our own skin. When that happens, I like to look at pictures of myself (creepy, I know!) and find some where I think I look absolutely great. Knowing you’re the same beautiful person as in that picture is definitely a confidence booster, no matter how bad your hair looks/big your zit is/bloated you are from PMS.

    Enjoy the rest of your trip!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 21, 2009, 12:25 pm

    I just don’t look in the mirror – no I am kidding. I try and think of one thing that I really like about my body, instead of focusing on the negative. If I think negatively, it ruins my whole day/ night.

  • alyssa October 21, 2009, 12:31 pm

    This may have already been said, but the best tip for ending fat talk is NOT ENGAGING IN IT YOURSELF. If you talk badly about your body, someone else might think it’s normal to talk badly about theirs. NO. DON’T DO IT!!!!

  • Stacey October 21, 2009, 12:34 pm

    This is gonna sound crazy, but putting a name to negative talk makes it more easy to shrug off my shoulder. If one day I am thinking : Ugh, I am so bloated! I immediately think, oh that’s just steve…go away steve, cos I’m looking good 🙂

  • Laura @ FindingAHealthyBalance...after a 100+ POUND weight loss! October 21, 2009, 12:36 pm

    I love breakfast buffet’s……that one looks amazing & so healthy! =)

    As for “tips” to stop FAT TALK, I always think that just thinking Postive is always a good idea for anything in life…..so even if you have a few pounds or more to lose, don’t talk about how fat you are just talk about how you need to get “healthier”…….put a postive spin on it!

  • Jessica October 21, 2009, 12:48 pm

    OMG i got tears in my eyes of happiness watching that clip!!! I’m all giddy now!!! OMG I CANT WAIT!!! I have seen teh end of the before but that was just RIDICULOUS!!!
    *crazed fan screaming*
    -muffy

  • Trish (girlatgym) October 21, 2009, 12:53 pm

    Mmmm . . love breakfast. It’s got to be my fave meal! 🙂

    And love the idea of loving ourselves just as we are. YAY to that!

  • Runeatrepeat October 21, 2009, 1:06 pm

    I actually didn’t realize I still fat talk until my husband started stopping me recently. When I say something that is negative about myself he will point out that it’s all in my head or that I am being mean to myself. He actually has said, “Hey, stop being mean to my wife. She is beautiful.” to me.

    So, I think if you have someone around you that you feel comfortable with you can ask them to stop you from “fat talking” if they catch it.

  • Jenna October 21, 2009, 1:35 pm

    have a great day! i also always love when hotels have great healthy breakfast options 🙂
    jenna

  • Kat (kats daily plate) October 21, 2009, 1:41 pm

    I like to say 2 main things when I feet this way:
    1) Life is too short to eat celery all day. I want to enjoy life to the fullest, and that means eating what I want sometimes and just indulging. I could be 10 pounds lighter if I ate steamed fish and veggies at every meal, but I would also hate food and eating if I did that!
    2) I look great FOR ME. I dont have anyone else’s body but my own, so I only have to focus on how i am doing in comparison to MYSELF.

    Love this post- thanks!

  • Kristen @ frostingandfroth.com October 21, 2009, 1:43 pm

    I lost a lot of weight after college and have managed to maintain a healthy weight for over six years now. Every time I catch myself engaging in fat talk, I think about how far I’ve come and how amazing my body is for having carried me through a marathon, multiple half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, bike rides, hikes, and simple evening walks with my husband. My mantra is, “Skinny does not equal strong.” My goal in life is to be the strongest (not skinniest) person I can be, inside and out.

  • Meg C. October 21, 2009, 1:58 pm

    I don’t necessarily think that thinking “I ate too much and feel fat” is bad fat talk. I think of fat talk as more of “I AM so fat.” It’s true that a better way to say it would be “I feel too full” instead of fat, but I don’t think we should try to stomp out our emotions that come as a result of eating habits. Feeling too full after an indulgent meal is important – it means that we realize that overeating on occasion is not something we want to make a habit.

  • chandra h October 21, 2009, 2:20 pm

    thanks for sharing your experience this morning caitlin 🙂

  • Leanne October 21, 2009, 2:49 pm

    I’m loving these POM posts…everything looks so delicious! I finally had the chance to taste the stuff at an expo this weekend and it was so good!!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) October 21, 2009, 3:29 pm

    I just referenced your Fat Talk posts in my post this morning!

    http://www.thedailybalance.com/2009/10/21/work-it-its-all-about-your-focus/

    Couldn’t agree with you more.

    Love that new clip of New Moon, I hear that one with Edward and the Volturi is being released tonight. Since I am ‘Team Edward,’ I am super excited about that one!

  • Christy October 21, 2009, 3:43 pm

    Omg love the New Moon clip!!! Jacob is soo good lookin’ 😉

  • megan October 21, 2009, 3:52 pm

    Have you ever read “What to say when you talk to yourself”? It’s not my favorite book, but it did give me a lot to think about. I now check myself anytime I say anything negative about myself like “I am always late” or “I am so bad at this.” It talks about how your subconscious takes that in without you even knowing it. Instead you should say positive things to yourself. It takes the idea of fat talk one step further – thought you might be interested!

    p.s. love the twilight clip!

  • vanessa October 21, 2009, 4:10 pm

    the new moon soundtrack was released last friday and it’s amazing. it’s even better than the twiight soundtrack.

    have you listened to it yet?

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans October 21, 2009, 4:43 pm

    I used to do a lot of work with middle schoolers and I would banish negative self talk. They all thought I was ridiculous (because that’s what you do when you are in middle school), but you know what, they would always tell me later how much it meant to them to have such a positive environment.

  • clay October 21, 2009, 6:02 pm

    I wish i knew more people like you when i was in high school. Honetly… this is one of the best things ive read in so long and helps me soooo much with everything im going through right now. Add a preview to new moon and you have the formula for a ‘squee!’

    Truly… you are gorgeous inside and out. So Rare.

  • Lauren October 21, 2009, 6:41 pm

    I think it really helps to surround myself with friends and family who are positive about themselves and others. I have some close fam members and friends who never talk like that and they do rub off on me. Also, if you or your friends are criticizing a celebrity for their body image, STOP! I get pretty annoyed when friends pick apart celebrities thinking they’re not real people (I’ve been guilty of it too!) It just spreads negativity. Also, on a spiritual level, I do believe that God created me just the way He wanted me to be, and I am so thankful to be healthy and happy-whether the scale is up or down some pounds!

  • maria October 21, 2009, 7:39 pm

    For me, the best thing to do is think about how strong and healthy my body really is. It puts everything into perspective.

    And you are right, one indulgent meal does NOT make you fat!

  • Annabananabomb October 21, 2009, 7:40 pm

    This is wonderful Caitlin, my fat talk free FOREVER started about a week or so ago and it is the best, most freeing experience. My beautiful talk is really starting to grow now it has some space from the nasty fat talk.

    My tips for stopping fat talk are:

    1) don’t let others fat talk themselves around you! I caught my brother saying he felt fat after a big meal and needed to just eat salad the next day (he’s suffered with an ED in the past). I told him one meal wont make him fat, that everyone deserves a little indulgence from time to time, and that the guilt trip he was giving himself was 100 times more damaging than the meal he just ate.

    The more we don’t allow others to fat talk themselves in our lives, the easier it is to not accept that for ourselves also.

    2) I’ve caught myself a couple of times thinking “I’m fat”, I correct my thoughts but also correct my posture – like you said! It does wonders to make you feel better, holding your head high is a physical act!

    A

  • Anna @ annarunsmadison October 21, 2009, 8:58 pm

    This fat talk free week is truly a beautiful thing. Awareness is key. Sometimes I literally have to say things out loud to myself ” I am beautiful” “I look great in these jeans”…and repeat three times. I know it sounds corny, but If you say something out loud enough times, you begin to convince yourself 🙂

  • Tay October 21, 2009, 10:43 pm

    I love that idea! I also love Angela’s idea of writing down all the negative talk you’re thinking and then crossing them out with positive thoughts. Whenever I think of a fat comment, I try and counteract it with a positive one!

  • Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, On a mission to run a marathon to fundraise for The Breast Cancer Foundation October 22, 2009, 4:16 am

    Yummmm! That buffet looks delicious! I’m actually really impressed, I’ve never seen a buffet looking that good and healthy before. I welcome the change! More buffets should offer healthy options.

    I love that you immediately corrected yourself. That’s what I do when I find myself subconsciously fat talking. I do the same thing when I feel bloated, I tell myself that one overindulgent meal will NOT make me fat. I live a very healthy and active lifestyle and deserve to have a treat once in a while.
    It works every time 🙂

  • Tina October 22, 2009, 10:23 am

    I definitely find myself thinking fat talk. It’s the same thing, when I feel bloated I think as if I’ve gained 5 lbs. I just need to remember that NO! it’s nothing serious.

    I think saying it out loud is actually very powerful. I love your strategies!

  • Sam October 22, 2009, 2:43 pm

    It’s really great when skinny people who have never been fat talk about how difficult thinking about being fat is for them.

    • Caitlin October 22, 2009, 2:49 pm

      fat talk has nothing to do with how much you weigh or what size you are.

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