Why are most men AFRAID of dating FAT girls?

Happy Friday!

    A couple of days ago I was having a conversation with a dear friend who mentioned I was lucky to have found someone like my boyfriend who loved me before I lost the weight, that it was a way to know he truly cared for me. The conversation continued to it being some what of a testament to his character. It got me to thinking of the many times friends and I could hear negative commentary from the table next to us about our weight, by the same men, who later couldn't wait to try to get us to go on a "date", as long as his friends weren't looking. Then I asked myself the question, "Why are most men afraid of dating FAT girls??"

   Before I get into this subject I want to remind everyone these are MY opinions. The views I have come to understand and believe and think throughout my life and as a former FAT girl. They in no way encapsulate everyone, every FAT girls emotions or man's perspective. Ok, now that that's out of the way.

Why are most men AFRAID of dating FAT girls??

   I couldn't tell you the amount of times a man would be staring at me, smiling at me, secretly be interested in me, while I could hear the, oh so witty ridicule, that very guy's friends were cackling about my friend's and my weight at the table across from us; all this, while he joined along with the laughter and hurtful comments. Yet, somehow managed to "accidentally" bump into me by the bathroom and express how, "oh so beautiful", I was and how he would love to take me out on a "date". And by date, he meant somewhere private with minimal people and no chance in hell of running into his friends.

   You would be ASTONISHED by how many times this has happened and continues to happen to FAT girls!!

So again, I ask myself, WHY?

Why are most men AFRAID of dating FAT girls?

   It all, again in my opinion, is a giant circle fed by society and media. It starts... media depicts skinny as sexy and fat as ugly, society accepts it as the normal, it leads to shaming those who are 1. FAT and 2. Find FAT girls attractive. Then, we as society start living that normal, it feeds into everything we see and do, and pretty soon it becomes an embarrassment to date a FAT girl.

   Most men are just embarrassed. Not all, some just genuinely don't find fat girls attractive, which is fine. But there are so many men out there who are embarrassed to like fat girls or any girl who isn't the "normal" picture of beauty, because they are embarrassed and afraid to then be ridiculed.

    It gets me to wonder is it because we make it somewhat acceptable to make fun of people who are different?? ... I mean it may not be "pc" to do so. You wouldn't go up to complete strangers and use "Wow that girl is SO FAT" as a conversation starter; but I would be almost willing to bet money, that all of us, at some point, have made at least ONE derogatory joke in expense of someone being different than ourselves or laughed at one that took place. And there you have it... 

   That is the circle. We fuel it regardless if it's intentional or not, we feed the right for men to be embarrassed to date FAT girls, because they are afraid of being JUDGED and we don't provide them with the tools necessary they need to overcome it. And, well, since most everyone look for acceptance in our lives from others, they rather not take the chance on following their true feelings.

    And unfortunately we as a society, don't help make it any better. This is what we have done to ourselves. We congratulate our sons when they have a crush and the first question we ask them, "Is she pretty??" This is innocent and cute at the time, but also planting the seed to the problem in the first place and starting the circle all over again. Because why couldn't we ask if she is , " Smart, kind, funny",  all before, if she is pretty?"

   We as women feed into it as well, striving for skinny versus healthy, sexy versus smart, hot versus kind, and why??? So that we can be accepted and feel good about ourselves? And how can I even write these words when I so often have BELIEVED that myself???

We have to STOP feeding the monster!!!!

   Stop feeding the monster that is media and society norms, STOP looking for the world's approval of our butt, our hair and our nails, our smiles and our EVERYTHING; understand, once in for all, that we are WORTH so much more!

   Why is it so much EASIER SAID THAN DONE?

    This should be life; we should wake up LOVING ourselves not judging ourselves. We should strive to be better because it would make us feel better for OURSELVES, not for others. If we can make, loving yourself for YOU, become the normal.  THAT very concept our loving ourselves, could potentially slow down or even stop shaming, or bullying of any sort. If we were taught the tools needed as a human beings to just appreciate one another for what we are, and love ourselves selflessly, without need for approval from others, we could possibly change the world.  Imagine a world were we realize we are imperfect and find beauty in our differences, know those traits make us individuals, and unique and we shouldn't be EMBARRASSED by it. 

    Let's make it a trend to love ourselves and one another. For you see, this article wasn't really about Why some men are afraid to date fat girls? But about understanding that it isn't entirely their fault. They are a product of the environment and if we change the environment for the better, we would all be better.

     Regardless of how much Rob loved me when I was FAT, our relationship is healthier now than ever before. Through this journey, I found myself in my HEALTH and because of it I am a more confident, happy and a whole person. THAT is why our relationship is stronger. Does it help I look better; of course. But because I FEEL better is why my life has changed for the better!

   I hope one day to be able to wake up every morning and truly love myself completely. Throw away my scale and focus on looking HEALTHY and feeling HEALTHY. And that is the point of this blog. Not to fat shame but to promote health!
   I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and are blessed. I hope you share this article in hope that it touches someone else enough to share and make positive changes in their life.


Love you for reading,
 Fatfreevee!

                                          PLEASE FOLLOW, SHARE AND COMMENT!

30 SMART SNACKS!

Happy Wed everyone!

   Middle of the week already! WOW! Hope your week is flying by in the best of ways! Today I wanted to add a long list of healthy snacks! You can use them as part of a meal plan or just a part of your healthy eating lifestyle! Hope you enjoy them!

 HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS!

       (All around150 calories each)

1. 15 almonds and 1 cup apple slices
2. 15 almonds and 1 cup strawberries
3. 10 almonds and 1 mozzarella cheese stick
4. 10 almonds and 1 cup of grapes
5. 10 almonds and 3/4 cup blueberries
6. 10 almonds and 1 cup watermelon

7.  1 mozzarella stick and 1 cup grapes
8.  1 mozzarella stick and 1 large boiled egg
9.  1 mozzarella stick, 1/2 cup strawberries and 8 almonds

10. 1 boiled egg and 10 baby carrots and 1 tablespoon hummus
11. 1 medium green pepper, 1 boiled egg, and 1.5 tablespoon hummus
12. 10 baby carrots, 1 tablespoon hummus and 1 mozzarella string cheese stick

13. 6 celery stalks and 1 tablespoon almond or peanut  butter
14. 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter and 1 cup apples 
15. 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter and half a large banana
16. 1 multigrain rice cakes with 1 tablespoon nut butter and 1/2 cup apples
17.  2 multigrain rice snacks, 1 tablespoon hummus
18. 1 multigrain rice snack, .5 tablespoon hummus and 1 mozzarella string cheese stick 

 19. 2 multigrain rice snacks, 2 tablespoons tzatziki and 1 cup raspberries 
20. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup blueberries and 8 almonds
21. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup strawberries and 8 almonds
22. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 square dark chocolate and 1 cup sliced strawberries
23. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 square dark chocolate and and 8 almonds
24. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 half banana and 1/2 cup blueberries
25. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 8 almonds and 1/2 cup raspberries
26. 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1 cup raspberries
27. 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 3/4 cup blueberries
28. 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1 cup sliced strawberries
29. 6 cups light popcorn 
30. 2 cups light popcorn and 2 squares dark chocolate 

 

These are just some of the snacks I've made and eaten on my weight loss journey. They have really helped me stay on track, keep and meet my goals!  Hope you like them as much as me! 

Love you for reading, 

Fatfreevee

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Eat what I eat! Breakfast!

Hey Everyone!

     Hope you are having a great week so far. I am working on a new meal plan for a darling friend which is MUCH larger than the last meal plan I posted on the blog. My hopes is that this next meal plan will not only benefit my friend but all of you! And hopefully provide so many food options, that the meal plan could be used as long as you would like without it getting boring, or at least until I post yet another later on! lol.

    Today I am going to share the breakfast options with you in hopes this can get you started in the right direction until the snack, lunch and dinner options are available!

ENJOY!

Breakfast options are all 300 calories

 #1: Spinach and Feta Omelet

2 large eggs
1 large egg white
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups Spinach
1/4 cup feta
1/8 cup green onions
1 mashed garlic piece
salt
pepper
oregano
1 piece of bread (50 calories or lower) (Could also be half an English muffin, bagel thin, or wrap as long as under 50 calories)

Directions:

1.Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray and add Spinach (chopped or whole) , mashed garlic and green onions and, saute for about a minute
2.Whisk eggs and add to pan
4. Add salt, pepper, oregano to taste
3. At this step you can choose to add the feta to the omelet and cook with eggs or wait till omelet is thoroughly cooked and then top with feta cheese.
4. Enjoy with whatever type of under 50 calorie bread you choose.

#2: Veggie Omelet

2 eggs
1 egg white
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups Spinach chopped
1 mashed garlic piece
salt
pepper
basil 1 cup tomato chopped
1/2 cup green peppers chopped
1/4 cup mushrooms chopped
1/4 cup low fat cheddar cheese

Directions: 

1.  Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray and add all veggies and garlic until softened to your preference
2. Add salt, pepper, basil to taste
3. Whisk eggs and add to pan
4. Flip omelet to insure throughough cooking.
5. Top with cheese
6. Serve and enjoy


#3:  Spanish style eggs

1 large egg
2 large egg whites
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup spinach
1 garlic piece mashed
 salt, pepper, oregano to taste 
1/3 cup cooked black beans
1 cup tomato chopped
1/2 cup onions chopped
1/8 cup cilantro chopped
1 corn tortilla

Directions: 

1.  Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray
2. Saute Spinach, tomato, onions, beans, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano and cilantro until softened (about 2 minutes)
3. Whisk and add eggs, cook throughoughly
4.Toast tortilla in oven or heat in microwave
5. Top all onto of toasted corn tortilla
6. Enjoy

#4: Nut butter and Banana oatmeal

1 cup almond milk
1/3 cup whole oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 banana
1 tablespoon Peanut butter or Almond butter

Directions: 

1. In pan add almond milk and whole oats, bring to a boil
2. Lower heat and simmer until oats are softened
3. Add cinnamon
4. Add banana
5. Top with nut butter
6. Enjoy

# 5: Fruity Oatmeal

1 cup Almond milk
1/2 cup whole oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries
1/2 tablespoon honey

Directions: 

1. In pan add almond milk and whole oats, bring to a boil
2. Lower heat and simmer until oats are softened
3. Add cinnamon
4. Top with berries and honey
5. Enjoy


#6: Nutty Banana Greek yogurt

1 cup vanilla flavored greek yogurt (lite kind, should be 130 calories a cup no more)
1 small banana
1/4 cup nuts

Directions: 

1. Top Greek yogurt with banana and nuts
2. Enjoy

#7: Berrylicious Greek yogurt

1 cup vanilla flavored greek yogurt (lite kind, should be 130 calories a cup no more)
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries
1/4 cup lite granola ( under 100 calories)

Directions: 

1. Top Greek yogurt with berries and granola
2. Enjoy

#8: Turkey melt English muffin

1 light calorie English muffin (100 calories)
1 sunny side up or 1 egg omelet
2 pieces of low sodium deli turkey
1 slice low sodium 2% cheese

Directions: 

1. Toast English muffin
2. Top with egg, turkey and cheese
3. Enjoy

#9: Ham melt English muffin

1 light calorie English muffin (100 calories)
1 sunny side up or 1 egg omelet
2 pieces low sodium deli ham
1 slice low sodium 2% cheese
1 thick tomato slice

Directions: 

1.Toast English muffin
2. Top with egg, ham, cheese, and tomato
3. Enjoy

#10: Nutty waffle

1 healthy waffle brand (nature's way, glutino, etc.) (100 calories)
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter
1/2 banana or 1 cup strawberries
1/2 tablespoon honey

Directions: 

1.Toast waffle
2. Top with nut butter banana OR berries AND honey.
3. Enjoy


    Hope that some, if not all, of you will get a chance to enjoy this meal plan!!!! If you make any of the recipes please feel free to post pics and reviews!!!!

PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW!

 

Love you for reading, 

Fatfreevee

Do I miss being FAT?

    What in the world kind of title is that for a post??

   I know you are thinking to yourself, "What??? Does she miss being fat? Is that even a serious question?" But hear me out a minute!

    A couple of days ago someone asked me if I thought I would ever go back to being fat? Asking me if I was worried I would ever slip back into my old lifestyle? I, without hesitation, answered quick with a "no, of course not". That person, of course, expected to hear that and that, was left at that.

   It got me thinking though... What would have happened if I would have said, "YES?"

 What if I would of looked at that person and said, "Yes, actually, I CAN see myself being overweight again in the future?"

    Honesty time, being FAT, overweight, obese, although not pleasant to hear, is what I was, and it is just not healthy. It is a big reasons for premature deaths, sicknesses and so much more in our society. I mean we all know the risks that come with being overweight but beside the obvious health reasons,

 Why is it so BAD to be FAT?

  When you are overweight you are not any less of a person but for whatever reason it comes with too many stigmas.

                        Why and HOW did these stigmas get attached to the overweight community?

     I realize it has a lot to do with people's perceptions. Unfortunate, but they drive a lot of what we do and believe as a society. And in this day and age we believe FAT is BAD for more than just the health risks.

   Though I do admit, through these stigmas society gave the FAT community, I was able to grow.

    I worked so hard when I was overweight to be accepted into society and not be thought less of in everything I did. Work, socializing, friendships, relationships, beauty. I mean, I worked my butt off to be the most independent, intelligent, interesting girl you could meet!

   I was overweight for almost all of my life and due to being overweight I gained some of the most amazing  lessons, skills, traits, moments, memories...


I was overweight when my I met my best friends
I was overweight when growing up with my family
I was overweight when my daddy was alive 
I was overweight when I met the love of my life
I was overweight when I became a mother

   Being overweight made me be a better person in a lot of aspects of my life. It helped me empathize with others, love people's adversities, strive for the unattainable, work harder, be better and I carry all of that with me today as healthy Vee. 

   I gained the work ethic I have today through my adversities. And THANKS to that work ethic, I was able to achieve the very reason I have this blog today; weight loss! Gaining weight helped me gain the work ethic I needed to be in SHAPE! Go figure!

    But to answer the question, no, I will never allow myself to go back to that place, I have worked too hard to go back to being overweight. To being as unhealthy as I was. There really are SO many benefits I gained from being healthy that outweigh being FAT. And this weight loss journey has brought me SO much unimaginable JOY and treasures that I would never ever want to trade in for anything.

    That being said, I will from this day forth stop apologizing for what I used to look like because that old me was amazing... And as I continue to know the new me, I continue to grow and love and learn and just add more knowledge to the knowledge gained from my life as a FAT GIRL.

        I was WORTHY all along!!! I just couldn't see that until I stepped out of that FAT girl bubble!

    I wrote this for all the people struggling to love themselves because of their weight, looks, limitations. You are worthy and amazing and regardless what society tells you, you deserve to be treated and reveired for being equally as fantastic! I hope this helps you love yourself and continue the journey to HEALTH not vanity!

I am sharing with you one of my favorite pics of my family. I look at it and think LOVE... I hope to leave you with some love with this blog....

Love you for reading!
FATFREEVEE

PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT, RE POST AND FOLLOW!

 

Start NOW!.. Five EASY swaps!

Hey All!!

   I hope everyone is having a great day and happy week!

   If you are new to the weight loss or healthy living world, welcome! This is an exciting step to bettering your life and becoming the you, YOU feel you deserve to be! If you are new to this, then odds are that you might be overwhelmed with how much information there is out there in regard to healthy eating and weight loss! You are probably wondering, "What SHOULD I eat? What SHOULDN'T I eat? What is considered healthy?" There is SO much good information out there, and some bad that it can be hard to identify what is what? It can be intimidating to start but luckily you have me! HA!

    When I started my weight loss journey I ate SO many types of food that I assumed weren't "that bad" in smaller portions. As I grew in my journey I soon started switching WHAT on top of HOW much I ate and that is when I saw a real difference. BUT I didn't change my eating habits overnight. Lasting CHANGE is a gradual one! Don't scare yourself out of your healthy eating challenges, face them head on with HEALTHY SWAPS!

Here are five EASY swaps for foods you are most likely eating everyday!


1. Regular whole fat milk SWAPPED for unsweetened Almond Milk.

   There is a debate in the health community as to
what really is the healthiest milk! I am not here to solve that debate, only here to tell you a few reasons why I chose Almond milk versus whole fat Cow's Milk.

   Almond milk is much lower in calories at about 35 calories per 8oz versus 150 in 8oz of whole cow's milk. It is also low in fat, free of lactose, gluten, cholesterol, and saturated fats. It is full of vitamins and minerals your body needs! And did I mention it taste DELICIOUS?!

2. White rice SWAPPED for Brown rice.

  Did you know that white rice is just brown rice that has been MUCH more processed and basically striped of it's beneficial nutrients? There are really no health benefits to consuming white rice. On the contrary consuming Brown rice has many known health benefits.

Brown rice is full of nutrients the body needs, may help regulate blood glucose levels due to it's slow releasing sugars, it is considered a whole grain meaning it is minimally processed with almost all of it's nutritional value kept in tact. It can promote weight loss, it is easily digested and much more! And did I mention it taste DELICIOUS?!


3. Milk or White chocolate SWAPPED or Dark chocolate.

What?? CHOCOLATE! Yes, I said the word chocolate!

Although not white or milk chocolate. Even though yes it is still a form of chocolate processed from the cocoa bean it is heavily processed removing most of it 's beneficial nutrients.
  
Actually dark chocolate has been shown to be very good for you in providing many health benefits. It is a good source of bioflavonoids which are essentially just a super antioxidant. Antioxidants may help counteract essentially the effects of aging that take toll on your body. It doesn't eliminate them but may help keep you stronger longer. And did I mention it taste DELICIOUS??!

4. Iceburg lettuce SWAPPED for Spinach

  There is nothing wrong with Iceburg lettuce it is a good choice for some toppings and some salads but the reason why I choose Spinach over Iceburg is because it is a superfood; a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being, is the definition of a superfood. It has so many health benefits it deserves it's own article but on the short it is full of those antioxidants we spoke about already, so many vitamins, low on calories, full of iron! Make a it into a salad, add it to your omelet, pop it in your smoothie. And did I mention it taste DELICIOUS??!

5. Coffee SWAPPED for Tea

   The next one is a toss up! BOTH coffee and tea have antioxidants about the same amount of caffeine and are low in calories? So why choose tea?? The reason that I choose tea versus coffee is because it taste good on it's own as it's natural source. I like my coffee light and sweet! Causing me to add an unnecessary amount of artificial sugars and creamers into it, to make it taste, in my opionion, delicious. With most teas there really is no need to add so many fillers due to taste. Making it my drink of choice! Now don't get me wrong! I still have my coffee but have yet to love it black... I drink my tea straight up! And did I mention it taste DELICIOUS?!

  I am not a food professional and there is so much debate on what is good and what isn't but this list is based off of the healthy and happy body changes I have experienced by switching out the not so healthy foods with healthier versions! 

Before 2010 During 2014

TOTAL LOST 140LBS

Please share, comment and follow! 

Love you for reading, 

Fatfreevee

SWAP your SYRUP!

Hi all!!!

    I hope everyone is having a HAPPY Monday! I know sometimes that can be an oxymoron (haha) but let's try to make it a good one!

   Many of us might not have made the best choices this weekend and are looking for a fresh start to our lifestyle and what a perfect day to refocus and make it a great food week!

   I made a version of my easy healthy pancakes (1/2 cup oats, mashed banana, one egg, 1/4 cup almond milk, blend all together until smooth about three minutes.)  for Xavier (my three year old) this morning. He loves pancakes! And like most people he likes maple syrup on his pancakes! Until a little while ago, I was topping his pancakes with Aunt Jemima syrup.

Now, I grew up eating Aunt Jemima "maple" syrup like a lot of us did and many still do today, but after taking a closer look at the ingredients, I realized, this was no "maple" syrup at all and I couldn't even understand the ingredients. Here is the back of the Aunt Jemima lite syrup:

 

Where in there is there any maple? There are hardly any ingredients in there I recognize, let alone can pronounce. 

   Due to that, I took it upon myself to find a product low in calories, lower in artificial sugars and a bit healthier that STILL tasted GREAT!

Annnnnndddddddddd, I found IT! 

 http://www.amazon.com/Sohgave-Breakfast-Blueberry-17-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B0045H4NYS/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1408378960&sr=1-1&keywords=SOHGAVE+BLUEBERRY

   This syrup is so YUMMY! 

   Now, don't get me wrong, am I saying using this product will help you loose weight? That you can use it without limitations, that it is super healthy?? NO, I am not saying that! What I am saying is that this product is more natural and a bit more healthy than the traditional syrups we tend to use, with ingredients that we cannot even read. We should think about SWAPPING healthier alternatives over the "syrups" we are used to and Sohgave could be a good alternative to use. It taste great and makes kids (and adults) just as happy. 

   I also want you to take into consideration, agave although more natural is still a sugar and should be used in MODERATION. 

Other healthy options to top your pancakes:

1. Greek yogurt with a bit of organic cane sugar and vanilla extract

2. Fruit

3. Honey 

4. REAL maple syrup

PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW!!!

Love you for reading, 

FATFREEVEE

Italian stuffed zucchini boat recipe

Hey all!!!

    Sorry I have been missing in action for almost two weeks now! My grandfather became very ill and X (my son) and I went to Orlando for a week to be with him and my family. Thankfully he is much better and I am excited to be back and posting again!

   I am here today to share a big favorite around my house! Zucchini boats!!! YUM! Zuchinni boats are super easy, inexpensive, healthy and very versitile! You can stuff them with whatever you prefer! Today I will be sharing my Italian stuffed zucchini boat. They taste like spaghetti but without the guilt and carbs of pasta plus all of the added nutrion the zucchini brings! Another plus, they are easy to eat and a big hit with my little one! Toddler approved! Oh yeah!

Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Makes 10 zucchini boats

INGREDIENTS:

Five zucchini
Salt (pinch)
Pepper (pinch)
Basil (dry)
1 cup raw onion
1 cup raw sweet red peppers
3 garlic cloves, mashed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Basil (fresh)
Oregano (dry)
Paprika
8 oz ground chicken
1 cup Prego light and smart traditional tomato sauce
1oz hard Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees and grease(spray) a baking sheet.

2. Prep zucchini by chopping of head and bottom of the zucchini, cutting zucchini in half length wise (they should be long) and with a melon scoop or a small spoon, scoop out the middle of the zucchini into a seperate bowl. Leaving only the skin and a little "meat" of the zucchini so that you can fill the middle (looks like a canoe).

3. Line zucchini up in a row and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and dry basil to each individual zucchini boat, put in the oven for about five minutes. Set aside until chicken is prepared.

4. Heat olive oil on medium high heat in a deep pan and add the "meat" you scooped out of the zucchini earlier, onion, pepper, garlic and a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes.

5. Add ground chicken, salt, pepper, fresh basil, oregano, and paprika and cook throughly until chicken is well cooked.

6. Stuff zucchini with cooked meat and add a teaspoon or two of the pasta sauce then top with some cheese.

7. Bake for an additional two minutes or until cheese is melted.

8. Let cool

9. ENJOY!!!

NUTRIONAL INFORMATION: Per zucchini boat

Calories:109 Total fat: 4g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 20g Carbs: 11g Protein: 8g

   Hope you enjoy this yummy and nutricious recipe!!! Let me know what you think!!

                                    PLEASE SHARE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW! 

Love you for reading,
Fatfreevee