...my four year old, Tanner, thinks.
Tonight as Ryan was putting Taylor to bed, Tanner was sitting on my lap while I watched "The Biggest Looser". It's a reality competition show, where people who are morbidly obese, compete to see who can loose the most weight in a certain amount of time; all while under the discretion of physicians, professional personal trainers, and the scrutiny of national television viewers.
At one point, Tanner said, "Mom? I don't wanna get big and fat." I replied, "Then we need to eat healthy, like eating our vegetables and fruits. That also means we can't have lots of cake and ice cream and candy and stuff." "Oh," said Tanner. I could tell the little wheels in his head were turning. He also seemed genuinely concerned for the contestants on the show.
A few minutes later, towards the end of the episode, as the contestants are weighing in, I casually mentioned to Ryan, "Dear, don't ever let me get to that point!" I don't care if the world knows how much I weigh. And just to prove it, I currently weigh 162 pounds. Exactly what I weighed the morning before delivering Tanner, four years ago. On the flip side, I can't imagine being in nothing but a pair of shorts and a sports bra on national television, with everyone staring at every ounce of fat on my bones...the appearance and the emotions would be a little much for me.
In response to my comment to Ryan, this is the conversation that Tanner and I had:
Tanner: "Mom, I promise I won't ever let you get like that."
Me: "Thanks, Tanner."
Tanner: "Just promise me you'll eat your vegetables."
Me: "Okay....if you promise me you'll eat yours."
Tanner: "Yeah, mom. I promise. 'Cause I don't wanna get big and fat."
He didn't say "big and fat" in a demeaning way, but with almost a scared tone to his voice. I think my four year old is sincerely afraid to get "big and fat". That in and of itself, scares me.
I will never cease to be amazed at what my son picks up, good and bad. The fact that he knows it is unhealthy to be obese, and doesn't want to end up like that hit me hard. Looks like my weight lifting routine just became a little more permanent. It also appears that the money I was setting aside for a haircut will now go towards a morning or evening water aerobics class. I cannot afford to let myself go, and I cannot afford to let my son down.
I love you, Tanner! Keep reminding me, and we'll stay healthy, together!
10 comments:
Don't ever let me get that way either & I promise to eat my veggies and fruits! Oh goodness Tanner is funny and such a sincere little boy! Love it!
How sweet! Tanner is SUCH a smart little guy! <3
HOw cute! lol
Man that's funny!
So I just noticed your pregnancy thing on the sidebar! CONGRATS! I had no idea. I must have missed that post somehow. How is it going so far?
It sure is funny how they pick up on things! The other day Carson told me I needed to make my teeth whiter because he saw it on TV. I don't think I really understood how much good and bad he was picking up from the TV.
Yeah when Anna watches the show with me she just asks about a thousand times why they are crying. I don't think I ever noticed how much crying was involved until she came along. lol. I have to tell her that they are crying because they want to be healthy and they don't want to go home. I don't know what else to say?
That is one of my favorite shows too and Logan likes to put a blanket in front of him and drop it and smile just like the contestants who go home show off how big their pants used to be! Tanner's so lucky he has parents who commit to eating healthy and staying in shape for life!
I think I've had that exact conversation with Tim! Ha! I feel you! I gained almost 10 lbs. at my last appointment! Yikes! I guess I better get back on the treadmill and eat more veggies!
You have a treasure there! :-)
I lost a bunch of weight two years ago, and maintaining it takes discipline! So, when are you sending Tanner over to my house? I think I could stay motivated with his cute brand of personal training! :-)
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