I’m a big girl, plus size to be exact, and I work out.
Rich foods are a staple in my home and especially in the home I was raised in.
I doubt that will change– my heritage brings me great food pleasure and my mother’s pasteles will always be one of my favorite foods.
See I have always had a weight issue. Being born at 13 pounds, I was quite a feat for my mother who only weighted 90lbs at the time. My mother would be asked my age. They all assumed I was 3 or 6 months old; meanwhile I was freshly out the hospital several days before. Growing up I was always referred to as “gordita” and although it did bother me sometimes, I knew it was the truth – I was.
I have come to terms that I will never be thin. Fact is I don’t want to be. I love my Spanish curves and don’t ever want to lose them. I also love to eat and I don’t want to lose that either.
Knowing that Latinos run a high risk in heart disease, I take good care of myself. Fact is I have yearly physicals that include gynecological, mammograms and I even have a heart specialist that I see regularly. One of the other things I do is workout on a regular basis. I have done taebo, turbo jam, yoga, walking… you name it I probably did it. I workout 2-3 times a week and although I don’t always love it, my insides do. I am not wasting my time working out, I am actually extending my time here in this world.
The Lord has made me pleasantly plump and what I do with it is what I am in charge of. God has blessed me and has kept me with good stats; my blood work is great, my cholesterol is low and my sugar is balanced.
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Now I want to lose some weight but not what everyone thinks I should. See many people don’t see a plus size person as being healthy. Assumption is if you’re overweight you must have a million aliments, but the fact is I don’t. I have friends and family, at a much lower weight than I, that have a slew of health issues that I do not.
In the health department, we all know that a workout, even a low impact one, beats a session of television and a box of chocolates but sometimes that is simply what I want – well maybe not a box.
Bottom line is I will not give up on the food of my culture and I will not give up on my health either. They are equally important to me. Yes, I am a plus size Latina, one who values her body and her cultura/culture. I work out. I am vigilant about my health and proud of my Latinalicious™ curves!
Let’s talk! Are you a big girl who works out? Are people surprised when they find out?
{ 6 comments… add one }
I have some plus sized friends who are a lot more “in shape” than some of my skinny friends. Work it Girl!
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing! I can relate as I am beatifully plump myself and I absolutely agree. Who says just because you are thin, you’re healthy? I feel this is a great way to live and feel about yourself. That you can enjoy all the foods you love (especially puerto rican food like pasteles …. mmm) and just control the intake of it and throw in some physical activity. Only you can help yourself to be comitted to taking care of your body and when someone has the willpower to do so I commend them greatly, so hats off to you!!!!
Jeanette,
As someone who has also always battled her weight, it is inspiring to learn about someone else’s journey! In the Jewish culture, it is a joke that Jewish women are always on some kind of diet. And most of the time, I am. But just like you mention in this article – what matters most is staying true to yourself and the things you are passionate about. I may not ever be stick thin, but I have always felt overwhemingly happy everyday and so grateful for all of my blessings. Thank you so much for sharing your story here. The message you send is powerful and transcendant among all people.
Sincerely,
Melissa Parsowith
Coming from a latino background myself I could relate with Jeanette. I grew up building an amicable relationship with food. Food was the life of every party, family reunion, you name the occasion, food was present. I love food and food loves me, period.
I would not classify myself as a big girl, I would say I am a petite framed girl blessed with beautiful latina curves. Most people assume I work out but at times they wonder why. Having a family history of high blood pressure and other ailments that plague the latino community, I too strive to make wise decisions when it comes down to my health.
Jeanette thank you for empowering us to embrace our bodies as well as our health.
I couldn’t have said it better! We have all been hypnotized by magazines and runway to “be” a certain way, otherwise we are considered sub-par? That’s obviously NOT a way to live. I believe we are your own biggest supporter and biggest enemy. People wonder why “diets” don’t work? Why there are hundreds of “diets” out there? Simple answer – its about modifying your lifestyle, not dieting. (two key words – Modify and Lifestyle) Who wants to eat a sandwich using lettuce as bread til they’re 80?? NOT ME! I want to enjoy my amazing home cooked Italian meals. I always will. I don’t need to deprive myself, just need to make better decisions. Give my body the nutrients it needs. Love Your Culture. Love your body. Love yourself.
LOVE this post. I totally feel you on not wanting to (or needing) to give up your lifestyle. My closest friend is Mexican and omg, the food his family makes is incredible. That is one thing I love about living in LA… we have the best food here. THANK YOU for sharing this post with me, and keep being awesome!!!