Stigma Against Loosing Weight.

As a medium-sized person, I have seen signs of resentment when I exibit weight-loss behaviours. If I eat a small lunch, for example, or mention the caloric content of an item of food.

'But you're so skinny! You don't need to loose weight. Me, on the other hand...'

Are people that self-centered that they refuse to realize that most people have the same body image issues as they do?

Personally, I don't feel the need to loose much weight. In fact, I'd be perfectly happy with gaining the numbers if I could loose the belly fat. My weight loss goal is only 15 pounds, maximum (I've lost 6--almost halfway there!) The difference in the way I look outwardly would be slight; most people won't notice a difference. But my jeans will fit better, I won't be scared of swimsuits, and I'll overall feel better. Trimming a small amount of fat will make me healthier physically and mentally. Similarly, I am loosing the weight in quite a healthy manner, not by starving myself as people try to make it seem, but by portion control and limiting my caloric intake enough to use stored energy. And not put my body in starvation mode.

But as a medium-sized person, other people--even meduim sized ones--show resentment and concern if I exhibit these behaviours. I now don't even tell people of my special diet, for fear of critisism. 'You don't need to loose weight, be happy with the body God gave you.'

God gave me a body, but He didn't shove the food in my mouth.

In high school, people would always say how skinny I way. When I told them my jean size, they were shocked. 'There's no way! 9? No, you're like a 2.' Sorry my friends, I'm carrying a lot more fat around than I let appear. Just because I don't let it hang over too-tight jeans, doesn't mean its not there.

I am so confused with people, and why they think that its okay to criticize someone on something they obviously feel poorly about--why else would I be dieting--and that they know what is best for you. Why its only okay to be worried about your image if you are medically obese. You are only allowed to start thinking about your health when your health has deteriorated to a point when it can medically effect you. People are so backwards. Thank you, I want to look out for myself. Forgive my ignorance to the culture.

For anyone who is trying to loose weight or is thinking about it, do your research first. Find out how many calories a day you should eat for your activity level. Measure your BMI, and measure the BMI for your 'desired' weight. A number on a scale may sound pretty, but unhealthy is unhealthy. Exersize. Take the time to fidn a work-out plan that's right for you. When you've done your research, and can confidently say you're going to do something healthy for yourself, then you can go without guilt when people criticize you. You have the power to control your weight, and you have to power to do it in a healthy manner.

Garlic!!

My mother reminded me that garlic boosts your immune system. I needed no further convincing that it was time to make garlic bread again.

I like this recipe of garlic bread better than other ones, because it does not require baking the bread and then toasting it--just one easy delicious recipe.

Garlic Bread

Bread
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) yeast
2 tsp salt
4 tablespoons (half a stick) butter
3 cups flour
1-2 cloves garlic
Garlic Powder (optional)

Filling
2-3 tablespoons Olive oil or melted butter
2-5 cloves garlic
Garlic Powder (optional)
Italian Seasonings (optional)

Mix water, sugar and yeast. Let proof.

Meanwhile, mince your garlic. All of it--for the bread and the filling. If you feel like it, put it through the food processor. Separate 1-2 cloves (1.5-3 teaspoons) of garlic.

Once yeast has proofed, mix in butter and salt to yeast mixture. Add garlic and garlic powder. Slowly add flour and mix with fork until moist. Knead until a smooth dough.

Let double in covered, greased bowl.

Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients for the filling except the optional Italian Seasonings in a cup. Let sit while dough rises.

Preheat oven to 350.

Punch down dough. On a well floured surface, roll to about 1/4" thick. Cut a piece about as long and wide as your bread pan. Lay in bread pan. Pour about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of filling over it; spread roughly even. Sprinkle optional Italian seasoning, and perhaps more garlic powder. Cut next piece to roughly the same directions; place on top. Repeat process until you run out of dough. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Eat and be merry!

If this doesn't blast your system with garlic, I'm not sure what will. Well, I know, but taking a bite out of a clove of garlic is a bit intense. Trust me. It tingles.

The idea of the laying is to 1) get more garlic into the bread without making the texture weird, 2) Get more buttery goodness in there, and  3) I just like layers.

Alternatively, you can make layers that stack horizontally rather than vertically, and make a pull-apart bread (no cutting needed!) but I find its a pain in the butt trying to fill up the pan, get them all the right size... I just went for a stack.

This bread is really fantastic with cheese. You can even add shredded cheddar to the filling! But don't tempt me. I spread one of those Laughing Cow Cheese Spread wedges on a slice, and it was awesome. The bread is really filling, too, so it makes a great snack/small meal. Good for college students looking to live cheap. And it'll boost your immune system, so you won't get sick as often! Hurray!