Just finished reading "Body of Truth" by Harriet Brown. I would like to recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggles with their weight -- whether you are overweight or not -- as the author brings to light the way we have all gotten so screwed up when it comes to our bodies and the way we eat. The hardest part about being fat is that you're constantly expected to hate yourself because of the internal fear that everyone around you has that they too may become fat. Fat is something to be feared. People would rather lose limbs than be fat. And they will make you feel like your life would be better if you weren't fat. That YOU would be better if you weren't fat. I don't hate myself anymore, and it honestly has been the weirdest revelation to make. I haven't purged since I don't know when, I had Burger King for lunch the other day and didn't feel I had to justify it to anyone nor did I feel guilty about eating it. I'm nor on a quest for acceptance from anyone, and I adventure and take my body to the limits physically BECAUSE IT FEELS GOOD to me. Exercise isn't a punishment to me. Food isn't scary anymore either. I eat what I want when I want how I want, and I don't care what anyone thinks about it. I've lost 22 pounds since this time last year and have kept it off by being aware of my body -- not beating myself up, not working out for four hours a day -- just by being. And it's an awesome feeling. So guess what? If you are happy, enjoying life, doing your thing and putting positivity into the world? You can't get any better because you are already perfect and awesome! Losing weight does NOT make someone a better person. You might feel better physically, but if mentally you're stressed out and not able to put positivity into the world... What is the point in working so hard?