Out of Africa

[BurkinaMom]

I am a 41 year old US-born mom of four living in Africa. I registered at this site a while ago and have lurked on an off ever since. Unfortunately, lurking doesn't burn many calories!
I have let my problem get out of hand. One major problem is that here in Burkina Faso, a large figure is considered to be attractive. If I gain 10 lbs, my Burkinabé friends tell me how great I look! And when you loose weight, friends don't say "Wow, you look great", they all ask if you're sick!
But the great stories I have read here have inspired me. I have started eating in a more healthy way and get some exercise every day.
It's nice to see all other newcomers. I hope we will all make good progress together!

 

[maleficent]

welcome to the site -

cultural differences are fascinating... I'm not sure there's really anything wrong with being larger - as long as the person is healthy - if that's possible to do...

What brought you to Africa?

Feel free to start yourself up a diary - it's the best place to get support and for us tolearn more about you - and you a place to record your successes and challenges.

 

[BurkinaMom]

The only thing "wrong" is that I am not seeing myself with the eyes of my friends, who like to see heavy, healthy bodies. I am stuck in the mindset that equates thinness with attractiveness. So, I FEEL that I look horrible at the weight I am now, even though I am actually very healthy, have low blood pressure and lots of energy. It's kind of sad that I feel so badly about myself...
I will certainly check into starting a diary. I love reading everybody else's.