Unsafe at Any Size

Cute fat chick, 1999

I have for most of my life been a fat person who hasn’t let her size get in the way of her life. When Iturned 40, I realized that although I was healthy and active, my joints were beginning to cause me problems, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my twin boys as they grew older.  Although I was concerned about my own health, I was even more concerned about my husband’s, and how we weren’t setting a good example for our kids about how to be healthy.

So, I started Weight Watchers in August 2007.  I lost 100 lbs over 14 months, and have been thinking about whether I want to lose the final 30 lbs.  My husband, Joel, has lost almost 65 75 lbs.  Between us,

Cute fit chick, 2009

that’s a whole person and then some!

Although the weight loss story is interesting and important, it isn’t my whole story.  I came to these changes from a place of self acceptance, and I didn’t wait until I was thin to live my life.  I dated, got married, had twin boys, and was active, all when I was heavier-indeed, when my husband and I met, I weighed over 300 lbs.  The fat acceptance movement helped me accept myself, demand respect, and pursue a happy life regardless of my size.

That’s why it was tricky naming my blog… back in the day, I tried the title zaftig girl (zaftig meaning pleasantly plump in yiddish), but given how stringy I’m getting it didn’t seem to fit any more.  I wanted a name that showed power and self-appreciation no matter what the scale, or anyone else says.  I’m unsafe (as in badass) at any size, and I encourage you to be the same!

Our Family 2004

Our Family, 2009