Are you fat?

If you wear a size 14-16 the chances are good that you're fat. About 10 years ago, a 14 used to be a size 10 and a todays size 6 was a 10. You probably remember the day well when you discovered that you dropped 4 sizes without changing a thing. I do. It made me feel great to be so "tiny".

Before you go claiming that corporate greed made you fat, take a minute to look at your Calorie Counter that you're keeping this week. What are you seeing? Are you seeing mostly green or are you seeing some sweets, sodas and fast food? I heard a stat today that most Americans are consuming 250 more calories a day than they did 15 years ago.

If you do the math, an extra 100 calories a day adds 10 pounds per year so an extra 250 calories per day would add an extra 25 pounds in a year. An extra 25 pounds increases your dress size by about 4 sizes. Do you see the issue?

I have decided not to sugar coat my comments about weight any more because it doesn't do anyone any good. I have a friend that became diabetic this year. She claims that it's because she had chemo treatments for breast cancer. Maybe. But I doubt it. She has lost some weight and is now a 16. I am happy for her but I should have taken a moment to ask how I could help her lose the rest. I plan to next time I see her.

I also have family members that struggle to maintain their weight. My grandmother was on a diet her entire life. She'd claim that she hardly ate a thing but she was always eating - especially treats. I should have been more honest with her too because now she's essentially trapped in her body. She's still got a great mind and would love to be out with her friends but she physically can't do it. It's sad.

I am not fat. I like food but know my limits. I get moody if I don't have time to move my body. I thank my parents for that. So I don't know what it feels like to be really overweight but I have my own challenges. However, I believe that if the goal is worthy and I commit to doing it, I will do it - one way or another. I know you will too.