Fat has become such an ugly word.

But from a physiological standpoint, is fat such a horrible thing?

Pertaining to our current dietary system, fats can be a confusing nutritional element.  Some schools of thought advocate complete elimination of fats and almost exclusively consume fat-free products.  Some are engrained in the opposite ideology, that which advocates eating anything whatsoever, regardless of fat content.  There exists the in-between tutelage, which directs the consumer to eat the “good” fats and avoid the “bad” fats.

Which is the correct option?  Surely at least one of the above can be eliminated from contention.  The purpose here is not to have one choose an ideal food system, but to look at fat in relation to both our physiological make up, and the direct relation to our psychological state.

So the question must be posed, what does fat do for our bodies?

Without elaborate scientific explanation, of which I am most unqualified to attempt, the purpose of fat is to insulate, protect, and secure the more functional elements of our physique.  Similar to preparing for hibernation in animals, a human body will store fats with the expectation of lean times.  In this way fat functions as an energy source. These fatty nutrients will be consumed first in catabolism, essentially protecting our own bodies from breaking down muscle.  This allows the body to support almost normal function in spite of periods lacking in food or consistent sustenance. Additional fat, or excess fat, tends to also create a protective layer against severe cold temperature (although increased muscle mass also increases internal core temperature, thus increasing metabolism.) In addition, fats also regulate hormonal output, insulate essential organs, and help with nerve function.

The point is that fat is a buffer, a shield, and a facilitator of comfort against potential hardship.  Whether the hardship be hunger, or severe temperatures, or slowed reaction time, or even dry skin.  But, we only really need a little to be optimally functional.  Excess fat is the true concern.

When too much fat is involved, complacency is typically the direct result.  The undue mass from fat becomes a strain, burden, and detriment to our bodies.  The unnecessary pounds hurt our joints, result in laziness, and eventually contributes to muscle breakdown. This breakdown steers our psychological well-being in the wrong direction as well.  We feel less functional, because we are.  We feel less motivated, because we are.  We feel less energetic, positive, confident, and happy.

I lived once by the idea “If I take care of my body, my mind will take care of itself.”  Not that I felt dimwitted in any way, just that my mental faculties would be more acute, and the degree to which I attained and retained information was prodigious.  Exercising regularly, consuming a mostly healthy diet, maintaining an active lifestyle have allowed this statement to be proven accurate, at least for me.

Then I became fat.

Admittedly, I have not exercised as rigorously, my diet has slacked slightly, and I’m not quite as active as several years ago, but only by very small degrees.  And, looking at myself, or through another persons eyes, I doubt my physique would be described in this way.  I don’t fit the societal idea of fat.  But fat isn’t necessarily about being monstrously obese,  having a prominent gut, cheese-riddled thighs and hamstrings, a double-chin, or cankles.  It isn’t necessarily pitting people of Walmart pictures against those of a stocky farmhand against each other to determine what actually qualifies as fat.  The intent here is not to say to one person, “slim down,” or two another “put on some weight.”  Sometimes its not about what is apparent to our external senses.  Inside, I became soft, complacent, and weak.  I succumbed to the great lie of perpetual comfort.  I had no great need, want, yearning, or drive.  I  had no need to prepare for stark and meager times.  I hadn’t felt deep, life threatening pain or psychological threat.  I truly hadn’t needed the fat buffer to protect me from anything,  and yet it lingered, and weighed heavily on my frame, and my mind, because I allowed it.

It’s time for me to be lean.  It’s time to trim the body and soul of the fatty things which it does not need.  It’s time again to get back into motion and tumble, leap, and run.

Maybe even with enough shed fat, it will be time to fly.

Humbly yours,

J