Come on, we’ve all said it or we’ve heard someone utter the phrase “I feel fat.” But you know that fat isn’t a feeling, so when you say that, what are you saying exactly? Because many people think of fat as inert, you may be saying that you feel lethargic. In fact, the perception of feeling fat may simply be tied to inactivity.
You know how good it feels after you work out. You experience your muscles functioning well, and this sensation lasts for a couple of days. When you don’t move your body, your body is not working at its best. So when you feel fat, it is unlikely that you just had a good workout.
Another reason why you may “feel” fat is tied to physical issues such as water retention or sensations created by clothing that does not fit. If your clothing is too tight—or too loose— it can trigger a memory of being overweight. In fact, if you recently lost weight, you may perceive fat that is no longer there as still being a part of you.
Of course, sometimes we feel fat because we are. That is, being overweight can be a part of the equation. But whether you are a size 6 or a size 16, the feeling is the same. In either instance, it may be your body talking to you. It is telling you that you need to move.
When you feel fat, do something physical. If that doesn’t do the trick, look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, then realize that the fat feeling has a psychological origin. Go to the store and try on some new clothes. Do your hair or nails. Go outside in the sunshine and take a walk. Do anything that feels good. But if you don’t like what you see in the mirror, take action. You deserve to feel good about yourself. In the end, feeling fat may not be a feeling, but it is a sign that you need to do something. What that is, is up to you.
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