It’s Impossible To Be Fat
“Language shapes the way we think and determines what we can think about.”
Key Takeaways
You can’t possibly be fat, because you’re a human.
It’s an interesting manipulation of language to say “I’m fat” rather than “I have fat” or “I have too much fat,” and it conveys a lot about Western values.
Language matters because your words, and the words of others, directly impact your thoughts.
Once you dissociate from your body fat, you recognize that it is simply nail or hair-esque biological tissue and not an integral component of your identity.
After altering your self-image, your new choices become habits that redefine your health and improve the quality of your life.
Full Story
You can’t possibly be fat, because you’re a human (unless you’re a dog - in that case, I’d like to congratulate you on your intelligence and ability to navigate the internet using paws). Despite how hard you try, you can’t become fat, just as you can’t become a turtle, a Tyrannosaurus rex, or a unicorn.
You don’t have to like it, but until we invent some very cool technology, that’s the way the world works. It is possible to have fat on your body and also to gain or lose it. But it’s flat-out impossible to be fat.
Are You Fingernail?
It’s an interesting manipulation of language to say “I’m fat” rather than “I have fat” or “I have too much fat,” and it conveys a lot about Western values. When your fingernails or hair grow long, you don’t exclaim to the world, “I’m fingernail!” or “I’m hair!” That would be strange.
When you earn more money, you don’t say “I’m cash”, and when you sport a new fancy shirt, you don’t cry out, “I’m Polo!” If people don’t soon hear someone else yell back “Marco!”, they’ll think you’re a crazy person. Playing a solo game of Marco Polo may very well make you a crazy person, but the way we identify with our body fat is crazier.
Language Matters
Not only is our language about body shape crazy, it’s harmful and rooted in negativity. When discussing body composition, I’m very careful with my phrasing for one reason; language is a powerful vehicle that can perpetuate harmful ideologies.
If you have time, take a look through my posts. You’ll be just as likely to find an article on long division (math is not my strong suit) as you’ll be to find the phrase “make you fat” or “be fat.” Instead, I write “gain fat” or “lose fat.” On the surface, word choice may not appear to carry much significance, and a few of you are thinking, “They mean the same thing, John! What are you rambling on about?” Let me explain.
Your words, and the words of others, directly impact your thoughts. Ever get Mambo No. 5 stuck in your head (1)? It’s a similar concept. The way you think about yourself has powerful consequences because it profoundly alters your self-image and subsequent actions.
You Are What You Think
You’ve heard “you are what you eat”, but I much prefer the notion“you are what you think.” If you identify with the statement, “I’m fat,” you will be inclined to act as you think a “fat person” does:
Consuming food based solely on taste and cravings, rather than nutritional value
Always prioritizing relaxation over fitness
Frequently skipping your workouts
Once you dissociate from the fat on your body, you recognize that it is simply nail or hair-esque biological tissue and not an integral component of your identity.
This paradigm shift may alter your self image - I’m not fat (John told me it’s impossible!), I’m healthy - and spark new decisions that you associate with improved health, such as:
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
Exercising frequently
Getting your daily steps in
Prioritizing high quality sleep
Taking time to recover between workouts
Managing stress
Your choices will snowball and become habits that redefine your health and improve the quality of your life.
Wrap Up - You’re Not Fingernail
Self-talk is either a destructive barrier or a catalyst for change. You’re not fingernail, you have fingernails. You’re not fat, you have fat. If you have more fat than you’d like, labeling yourself as “a fat person” is not the best course of action.
Instead, why not identify as “a healthy person” or “a determined person making positive changes for his/her health.” You may not feel that you deserve those titles at the moment, but it’s a great place to start. Get your self-identity in order by removing harmful language and identifying with who you want to become, and the rest will fall into place.
If you need help along the way, I’m always here for you. If you’d like to…
Have more energy for your job, family, or significant other
Feel more confident in your own skin
Stave off chronic disease to live not just a long, but a healthy and fulfilling life
…work with ME - 1 on 1, mano a mano. For a free consult, or if you’d just like some questions answered, contact me below!
