I want to officially welcome you all to Plussizeology.com. As you can see, fatgirlweightlossmap.com got a facelift and a new look so take a look around, there’s lots of changes and a few new added features so be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think.
BE INSPIRED
Periodically, I interview women who I think serve as an inspiration to plus size women because they are living their passion in a really big way, they have lost weight and kept it off or they have transitioned to a healthier lifestyle. I will be bringing these interviews to you so that you can re-energize and re-affirm your commitment to living your passion and getting healthy in the process.
Heather Eats Almond Butter Interview
I started reading www.heathereatsalmondbutter.com a few months ago, and it is such a joy and inspiration to read. Heather had her own struggles with weight and has managed to lose the weight she wanted and continues to live a healthy life. Her posts are always informative and colorful (literally), so be sure to check it out.
I asked Heather about her weight loss journey and her thoughts on the fat acceptance movement, and here’s what she had to say:
1. What was the catalyst that got you started on the weight loss journey?
I spent my junior year of college studying abroad in London. I had no car and therefore did a ton of walking. Also, the food served in our dorm wasn’t that great. I probably lost about 20 pounds that year with no real effort. When I returned home to the States, I quickly gained the weight back and decided it was time to make some changes.
2. How many times did you attempt to lose weight before you were able to lose it the last time?
Honestly, not many. When I was 12, my mom signed me up for a weight loss program that provided me with 3 meals a day. I did lose some weight, but it didn’t last long. What 12 year old wants eat prepackaged diet food in front of her friends? I sure didn’t. I had been overweight for as long as I could remember and just assumed I was big boned. I thought I’d always be fat and never really took losing the weight very seriously.
3. How did you lose weight and what keeps you motivated to stay healthy?
There were several factors that contributed to my weight loss. Giving up sugar was probably the biggest help, and I did not touch anything sweet for 3 years. When I was overweight, I used to drink a lot of my calories, but when I made water my beverage of choice, the excess weight started to disappear and fast. I eventually learned how to prepare fresh vegetables and switched to a whole foods diet. I stayed away from all “white” foods and anything refined. For me, weight loss and maintenance has always been about the food, not the exercise. I walked and did some yoga videos at home, but it didn’t take hours in the gym to help me lose the weight.
4. At your highest weight, did your size affect your ability/desire to accomplish or experience things in life? If so, how has this changed?
Definitely! I rarely got on the scale, but I was well over 200 pounds at my heaviest, maybe around 240, and I think the largest pair of jeans I bought was a size 24. I couldn’t do anything really active with my friends, and they all loved to go hiking, etc., and don’t even get me started on prom dress shopping. Ugh, that was so hard watching all my friends try on these cute little dresses. I ended up having to have mine made by a seamstress as the department stores didn’t really sell cute dresses for teenagers in a size 24. Now, it’s like I’m a totally different person. I’m usually the one suggesting a good rigorous hike, and I never think have to think twice about finding a dress in my size anymore. Shopping is actually a lot of fun where it used to be nothing but a dreaded chore.
5. How have you changed since losing weight? What have you gained/lost (figuratively and literally)?
Again, I’m like a whole different person. My favorite activities used to be watching a movie and going out to eat. I still like movies, and I love a good meal with friends. However, I’m a lot more active now. For instance when I travel, I’d much rather go to a destination that involves lots of outdoor activities with some healthy restaurants nearby. Before, I was all about the lying in the sun and eating…although I still like to do both. 
I will say that since losing weight, I am a lot more uptight about food and fitting in exercise. I’ve relaxed a bit over these last couple of years, but when I was overweight, I didn’t think twice about what I would eat. However, now, I like to plan ahead and make sure there will be healthy food available…sometimes, I kind of miss being more happy-go-lucky, but I’m working on it.
6. What is your perspective on the fat acceptance movement?
I’ve been fat, and I know what’s it like. People treat me so differently now that I am thin, which makes me sad. I am still the same person on the inside, and I really wish people could get past judging others based on their size.
7. There are lots of women who are not ready to make the commitment to weight loss just yet, but they want to have more fun in the body they have now, what would you recommend?
Learn to love yourself and everything about your body. Tune into the positive and tune out the negative. The human body is amazing thing…every body, no matter how big or how small. If you can learn to love yourself and project that positive energy upon others, they will notice, and everyone will have more fun.
Love Heather’s blog and story- great interview!
I went through the over weightness with Heather. I hurt just as much as she did with people’s attitudes. I am so proud of her and how she turned her life around not because of how thin and beautiful she is now but how beautiful she is on the inside. Everytime I now meet someone overweight I smile at them and their faces reflect what that smile did for them. I hope I can help to turn people around.
I also love that Heather is still sensitive to the plus size experience. Thanks for stopping by, Annie.
I hate that so many plus size women have allowed what other people think to prevent them from feeling confident and good about themselves, but it’s so great and important to have an ally and a supporter, whether your goal is to lose weight or just to get out there and start living your life.
Heather is such an inspiration
Heather, thank you for not hating big people just because you have been able to and did lose weight!
And she’s a good interviewee.
When you lose weight, especially if you were overweight for a long time, it can be easy to forget how challenging the weight loss journey can be, especially for people who are still struggling. But it’s great to know that there are people out there who remember what it’s like.