I'm a Fattie & I'm Okay With That

The word "fat" is more often perceived as a negative term. Any man will tell you if a woman ask the dreaded question, "Does this dress or pair of jeans make me look fat?" Then whatever is on the T.V. becomes very interesting.

And I will agree that I felt the same way. I saw myself as "fat." And it was this vision of myself that caused me to deny myself the benefits of life because I was too fat to do this or that. One of those things was running. I was never much of a runner and never really had an interest in it growing up. However, somewhere at some point and time in my adulthood, I became intrigued with watching people run - rain, shine, hot or cold. And I always wondered how long they'd been doing it and what inspired them to do it? Then one day my intrigue went from focusing on them to wondering if I could do it.... "Naw, I'm too fat. I'd have to lose a bunch of weight first."

But one warm summer day in July 2014, that all changed. I joined a running school and saw women of all sizes, races and ages hit the pavement. From day one my run coaches saw me as a runner, when I only saw a "Fattie."

As I continued the run program, I realized who said Fattie had to be a negative thing. Yeah, I had a lot of extra weight that I needed to lose before I developed serious health issues, but being overweight isn't to be a negative ball and chain I wear.

After all, fat isn't all bad. While there are negative consequences to consuming too much of the incorrect fats. There are some benefits to eating the right amount of good fats. You know the ones found in nuts, seeds, avocados, cold-water fish and olives.

According to experts, these fats can:

• Reduce LDL levels, which decrease risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Help with blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain.
• Help fill you up and give you a lasting full feeling - like in a single ounce of almonds.
• Work as an energy source.
• And vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that rely on fat storage and transportation throughout the body.

So yes, I'm a Fattie On The Run - a woman who has fallen in love with running and is decreasing her risk of life-threatening diseases, is filled and satisfied with life and absorbing all of the mind, body and spiritual health benefits that is sparking a lifelong transformation.

So, why my name doesn't sit well with a lot of people because they see it through the eyes of negativity. Don't Worry! I'm the Good Fat: Changing and Benefiting my life one mile at a time!!