IDATIAS Syndrome

Why? Seriously...why do people do this? I mean....how many times do I need to go over the rules before people learn. First, exposing yourself in public is illegal. I want to attempt to educate those who are overweight - but believe they are still skinny. Some obese people have a clothing complex (myself included). I don't like shopping for clothes. It's humiliating. But...BUT...when I do go shopping I buy a size that fits properly. Being a youth minister, it's interesting watching youth when you are taking shirt orders.

There have been some who needed an X-Large, but because their friends are wearing a medium they too order a medium.

They wear the shirt...three sizes too small. When this happens we see images like exhibit A to the left. Let's analyze this man's wardrobe. First, it's obvious he wants to show off his amazing chest and abdomen muscles.

The rippling of the shirt proves that this man is BUFF!

Second, notice the exposed table muscle (belly). Finally, look how the shorts are getting caught in the middle. What do we have here? We have a man with "IDATIAS" syndrome. IDATIAS? I Dress As Though I Am Skinny syndrome. It plagues many. The cure? Dress right. The cure? Buy larger clothes.

What's more embarrassing...wearing a 2X or 3x shirt...or showing the world parts of your body that can cause nausea and vomiting?

So...come on brothers and sisters! All of you who are overweight join the movement to stop IDATIAS. Weight loss is not even necessary...just a trip to the store.

The weekend that I was so worried about is a distant memory now. I've returned to eating what I want. Don't think I am gorging myself...or even overloading on calories...I am not. I am eating very healthy...and I'm happy about it. I have lost right at 18lbs. I'm exercising. I'm eating right. I'm doing great. I eat all the fruit I want. I eat all the raw veggies I want. It's been great. I made homemade salsa yesterday. Consider my meal last night...three cups of lettuce (a huge amount), a few slices of red onions and red bell pepper, a small chicken breast and I even was able to crumble 6 baked tostito chips. I covered it all with some of my salsa. Total calories by my estimation? 300. I made Talapia for lunch yesterday...made a Asian salad out of that. I at two apples for a snack throughout the day. So...maybe I had 600-800 calories...but I was full. I felt great.

That reminds me. Saturday night we watched a free concert, (The Belamy Brothers) at a local park. Following the show we took the kids to Taco Bell for supper. I was starving! I ordered a bean burrito. One bean burrito. Let me give you a brief Ken Taco Bell history lesson.

I can consume multiple bean burritos and soft tacos with no problem at all.

After eating half of this bean burrito I was stuffed...literally stuffed! I felt full, satisfied. YUMMY! I was amazed that one bean burrito satisfied me. I've heard the negatives about the 500 calorie diet we have been on, but I want to give some positives.

1. I lost 18lbs.

2. I have a new understanding of the amount of food we consume.

3. While it was tough, it was a motivator that has inspired me to eat better (healthier).

I weigh 289 lbs. My goal is 200. When will I meet my goal? When will I get there? If my calculations are correct...and they always are...(Tony Stark) I will reach my goal by mid-November. Just in time for Thanksgiving.