After uploading a video featuring the Skinny Cow chocolate candy, a YouTuber left the following comment:
Typically, comments like this do not phase me but I had just come back from a visit in NYC where trainer Joe Dowdell, basically made me terrible about myself for not losing weight during the summer and it felt like someone was kicking me while I was already down.
I wanted to say, “I’m sorry I like to have a beer or two on the beach in the summer. I also enjoy frozen yogurt when it’s hot out. A trip to NYC is not complete without a cupcake or other famous bakery visit. I’m normal. These things are popular because people like them. Just because I’m a YouTube fitness partner doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy them too! It’s not like I’m overweight or unhealthy. I have been within the same 10-lb weight range for over 5 years. I’ll always exercise to stay a healthy weight but I may not always eat the healthiest things! Sorry for not being perfect.”
I held back from addressing the comment until today. I shot a video while in NYC in mid September, a month after this comment was left, and just now decided to upload it. I’m trying to keep up with the comments and responding but it’s getting overwhelming. The positive feedback and support from my viewers is heart warming and inspirational.
I didn’t upload this video so people could tell me I wasn’t chunky.
I uploaded it because I want people to know how strong of an influence the media is on the public’s perception of what thin really is. By health standards, I’m healthy and I feel confident in my appearance. However, a comment like this to a girl in high school with fragile self esteem may look at a similar remark and decide to throw up her dinner. Ideals like this are not helping our nation get out of an obesity epidemic, they only add the the dangerous emotional cycle of dieting, gaining and self-hate. Women love to hate themselves. We don’t need voices from the peanut gallery to help us torment ourselves. Trying achieve something that is not realistic is a path that never ends in fulfillment. People, like the one who left the comment above, need to smacked on the side of the head and told to wake up or shut the heck up.
Have you been bullied by someone who has unfairly called you fat or chunky? If you were, upload a video telling me why you are proud to be a real and healthy individual!
Hey Sarah Fit,
I’m subscribed and following. Just so ya know, you’re an inspiration to me. 🙂 <3
That is all.
Kt
Thank you so much for posting this! Great response to a ridiculous comment! You look fantastic and healthy and fit and you are absolutely correct- no athletes look like fashion magazine models- no way!
It was very brave of you to respond to the comment on youtube, but so very important! I coach high school cheerleaders and work as a pilates instructor and your message is so very important for my students and athletes to hear- we need to eat food in order to perform as dancers, runners, pilates students or in any other sport and girls in their teens are very succeptible to comments and images pertaining to ideals. Thank you so much and I hope to share this important message!!!
It’s a point we are need to remember: There is a huge difference between a Model and an Athlete and between fit and thin.
I make videos like this for my viewers who have low self esteem and may be recovering from eating disorders! Glad you are out there on the forefront working with them one on one. I try to volunteer as much as I can with young women. Thank you for your kind comment!
I agree with the whole skinny fat thing -- just because you are thin DOES NOT mean you are fit/healthy!!!!
I talked about this in my comment because it is something I dealt with -- honestly, when I was at my lowest weight, I knew I looked thin (I could see it in the mirror) but moving my body was so difficult! It FELT like I weighed 200 pounds because I had barely any energy to do anything! Not a road anybody should have to go down!
When I found you on YouTube -- I was thrilled! It’s very hard to find Instructors/Health Bloggers etc. that focus on SAFETY, are REAL with their blogwatchers, give out healthy recipes and variations of recipes and have FUN while working out.
You have become an everyday part of my life. You keep me motivated and help me on days when I feel down. There isn’t a person out there who is perfect. Even Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors have slip ups. It’s life. Thank you for addressing this through a video. It takes courage to confront anyone who hurts our feelings. You are not Chunky. It seems funny to me how people who don’t work out .. don’t have the eye that people who do work out have.
For example. If you just stand there this is what we see -- strong calves, toned thighs, tough abs!, a back that I am trying to achieve!!! and arms that are buff!
You are an AWESOME person and your followers would never think less of you…even if you did put on some weight..we love you for you…we won’t turn our backs if you did gain a few pounds!
your blogfollower,
Sara
Glad you enjoy my YouTube channel! I try to be realistic. I could exercise 2 hours a day, but that is unrealistic -- and sucky. I try to help my viewers and relate things to them so they can learn and grow. Glad you are a follower 🙂 Thanks for you comment !
Sarah, you look fabulous. Why looking good has to mean being 100 pounds?? Screw the media really. The pressure us women have to take is ridiculous. I swear my husband got so mad at me one time when I said I thought I had back fat…he rolled his eyes and told me to stop reading all the crap they say in magazines! I know he means it. But sometimes I too wish I looked like one of those actresses, lean, skinny, toned all the time but the truth is I don’t want to live my life eating raw lettuce and a handful of almonds per day! I don’t want to eat a liquid diet because I am filming a nude scene and the camera adds 10 pounds! I don’t want to hire a trainer just 3 weeks after having a baby. We all know how common these things are in the show business! I want my vodka tonic if I go to a bar, I want the frozen yogurt, I want the occasional splurge. All in moderation! Exercise is key, knowing what you eat is key, but stressing out over these things can be very unhealthy. You need to “feed your mind” too. We only have one life to live and we need to live it to the fullest I believe.You are clearly knowledgeable about nutrition and fitness and you help so many people (including me!) staying fit and reaching their fitness goals…this would not be happening if people didn’t think you are good at what you do.You also always say it yourself that losing even more weight (which you DON’T need) would basically mean eating 1200 calories a day…I know I would NOT be happy if I had to do that all my life! So if this crazy person who left the comment thinks being healthy equals being chunky, then I guess I want to be chunky!
Thank you Viviana for your amazing comment! Glad my viewers/reader share my perspective on life. I can lose weight when I want so I guess I live a perpetual yo-yo diet of 10 lbs lol. I think I do want to be chunky 50% of the time! lol. Thanks for being an amazing supporter of this blog!
Hey 🙂
let me tell you one thing : as long as you feel good about your body its perfect! I would kill for your abs and butt haha…because of the fact that you ARE a real person which makes this goal achievable for other real girls in this world.I try not to compare myself with these photoshopped images but it’s kinda hard since they are EVERYWHERE and it’s almost impssoble to escape them..even in movies all the girls look perfectly trained without just one gram of fat on their bones. So I often feel chunky too…I am struggling with my body fat content though…I would like to loose some pounds of the fat thats still on me, but it is really stubborn and doesn’t want to leave me without a fight. I am still working on myself and my diet but for now i know I am one of the healthiest eating persons I know…and definitely one of the most trained girls in my circle of friend. So I’ll let you keep on motivating me with all you do 😉 Good luck for the urbanathlon by the way..you are going to rock it!
Thanks Katja, most of it is genetics. When I want to slim down, I know it’s just in my diet and it tends to come from my abs. Again, genetics! I think I’ll always want to lose 5 lbs but I know that and have made piece with my 5 vanity lbs.
Sara, I’m 50 years old, 5’8 & 140 pounds. I’ve been in the exercise, fitness and nutrition field my whole adult life. I’ve been following you for years but this is the first time I’ve written. I think you do a great job. I appreciate your balanced approach. I’d guess most of your followers are younger then me but if they learn from YOU, they will be fit, healthy and happy for the long run, isn’t that what we want?
Thanks Sara for all that you are about! Thanks for being YOU and sharing yourself with us.
Thank you Suzy for commenting at last! I knew I had readers like you, I have many don’t worry (I can tell via analytics 🙂 … ) Glad you’ve been following me for a few years and support what i do!
A few years ago, I lost A LOT of weight… to the point where I was 100 pounds and 5’10! You know what the craziest part was? When I went shopping, sales ladies would tell me I had the perfect body and that I looked amazing!! Seriously? I was obviously struggling with an eating disorder and was on the brink of having organ failure and these poor, poor women thought I looked great. We live a delusional society. The only way to reach societal standards for beauty perfection is to starve yourself to death. I do admit some people are just built slender and it’s the way they are but these people are incredibly few.
In addition, I find men like girls that have a bit of healthy curves. When I was too thin guys NEVER asked me out. Now is a completely different story. hehe So, whoever that random loser was who posted the mean comment on your YouTube is obviously delusional and needs to deal with his own issues. He is definitely not the norm when it comes to what men find attractive!! You’re a hottie Sarah and you know it. 🙂
Sooooo TRUE! Thanks for posting this comment. It is sad. When I see girls start to get too thin, I never say you look great because Im always nervous they are struggling with a disorder. I know you can’t say something but it’s such an awkward fine line. MEN DO LIKE CURVES! The ones that don’t are not worth your time.
Sarah, I am a trainer like you and like you I am a workout freak and I eat clean 95% of the time. But I am also a wino and I love my weekend wine with dinner and I am a chocolate freak.
This past weekend, a friend of my husband and I were chit chatting and talking about how he had lost some weight and looked fab. At this he kindly stated that I on the other had was not the smallest I have ever been. I tried to push it away but clearly it’s still on my mind… and I only weight 115 pounds. Totally know how you feel!
Ugh, kick him in the you know where for me! I hate when people judge you based on what you eat or look like in the moment.
lol, I just about did! We played a game of frisbee later that day, and oops I guess I “accidently” tossed it a little too hard at his head. Oops
Sarah,
I can’t believe someone wrote you such a ridiculous and completely untrue comment about you. This comment made me so mad! It’s outlandish!
You are absolutely gorgeous! Your body is amazing and it is obvious you work hard at maintaining it!
It really bothered me that this stupid post bothered you for a couple of days. You are a great fitness/health role model and I suppose some people just want to bring you down and get under your skin. I guess that’s what comes sometimes when you’re a public figure.
Thanks Leila. If anything, it made me aware of how cruel society is. Bummer but true.
OMG Sarah, you are absolutely gorgeous and have the perfect body!!! A body fat percentage of 15% is what every woman should be striving for since that is the ultimate healthy weight for women. Thank you for posting this. It gives me hope that people really are just STUPID and if someone calls YOU chunky, there’s no hope for everyone to ever think that I’m perfect. No matter how hard you try there will always be those who try to kick you when you’re down and never think you’re thin enough. I think you have the perfect perspective focusing on body fat percentage as opposed to weight or a dress size.
You are a great role model and I hope a lot of young girls see this!!!
To all the commenters saying this person is ‘crazy’ or ot ‘stupid’ or his comment is ‘ridiculous’, it’s not true. This guy was rude and representative of an average guy. We, as a society, are totally brainwashed by mainstream media. This is not a newsflash. Nearly everyone of the comments above admit to strugglind with our weight and image even though we are fit active women. I am 5’4” and 120lbs. I am fit and healthy and I look pretty damn good. I wear a size 2/4 and 34c bra. And yet, I still want to lose weight to be LEAN. I want more define muscles. I want to look like an actress. No matter how much we try to convince ourselves that we are normal and healthy and that the media portrays unrealistic images, we still battle within ourselves. That guy’s comment is just him being honest and demonstrating the influence held over us all.
Here’s another example or ‘stupid’ or ‘crazy’, but to me it’s really just sad:
I have an older sister. She is beautiful, 34, intelligent, and naturally petite. She does love to eat and at one point weighed about 40 lbs more than she weighs now (105lbs -- she’s 5’2”). She worked hard to loose the weight and now maintains it by eating very little and not exercising. She sees me and thinks that I look fat (obviously not obese, but thicker than the lean image she thinks epitomizes beauty). She knows and admits that I look better than her in a bathing suit. That I’m stronger and healthier than her, but she says that in clothes, my muscles aren’t visible and I just look thick and rounder and about ten pounds over-weight. She is a perfect example of modern society just like the commenter above.
Alanna
That is sad about your sister. I was in a gym class yesterday and a woman didn’t want to use weights because she didn’t like weights. She was bigger than I was but I don’t understand why people think exercise and weights still causes bulk! Muscle is healthy. i guess if you sis is cool with eating little it’s her issue not yours. I on the other hand, neeed the sweets and know that no matter what, I’m going to have muscle due to genetics. But yes, you are right. The man who left the comment is typical and a total average dude. Which is why I made the video and wrote this post. Thanks for sharing you personal story!!
Thanks Evie! That was why I posted it. I don’t need people to tell me I’m not chunky, I posted it so young girls could see that even healthy weights get criticised by the media :/ stinks but videos like mine can one day hopefully break the mold.
Sarah, I’m really proud that you stood up for yourself. That comment was offensive and insulting to say the least. I’ve always thought of your body as perfectly healthy, fit and sexy. Being fit is so much more beautiful than just being super skinny. Your video inspired me to write a quick blog post on this issue http://bit.ly/qKUBIO
Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us! Just ignore the haters (even though it’s hard).
Thanks Lisa -- I tried to leave a comment on your blog, not sure if it posted, but thank you!!!
Sarah,
I, and I’m sure many men, appreciate your candor, and I like you, for just who you are, not what someone wants you to be, their image for you.
To me, you are beautiful, and not just also in a physical sense, but as a real women, secure and comfortable. You have a lot to teach, keep going and be strong.
I’m 53, married, with 2 kids who have been on our Canadian National sports teams, winning gold silver and bronze. Every one of those metals is cherished because of the hard work they represent. I have been playing ice hockey for more than 45 years now, and would love to get back to my competitive weight, about 190 lbs, but I’m stuck at 205, and liking it. I can get my cardio max to 175 for 3 minute bursts, with a recovery of 90 seconds down to under 120.
Why do I tell you all that, because we all need coaching and encouragement continously.
I work out, and I watch my intake, but like you, I want to enjoy life and the ride. So far, its been a blast, and I’m looking forward to the next 50 years. But, I need your help, and I need the support of my family/friends to keep on track.
So, don’t get blue when 1 simpleton knocks on you, smile and charge on. I’m watching you. We, your world around you, needs you just as you are.
BTW, if you are ever in Toronto, I’d love nothing better than to have a work out with you at my club. It would be my honor.
Glenn
Thank you Glenn for your kind comment! I love Canada and my Canadian readers/viewers and not just because you know how to pronounce my last name 🙂 . My dad lives in New Brunswick too! Will do for sure regarding any visits to Toronto.
I cannot even…and he had the audacity to be like “but, I’d still hit it!” FAIL!
I feel like people have no idea what “10 lbs” really looks like on a person, and our body image perceptions are so far off at this point anyway. Nevermind my theory that the internet makes people brave since they don’t have to face the other person. Wow.
haha i know right!? So true, when I got photoshopped for a DietHealth video, I said, “I don’t want to see what I would look like 10 lbs thinner” but by the end I realized, the photoshopped image is NOT what i would look like 10 lbs thinner. Took alot to realize, but glad I finally did.
I know you didn’t post this person’s youtube comment to start a huge revolt against him or her, but dear GOD what an idiot that person is. I’m so impressed you waited a month to respond. My blood would have been boiling to the point where a vicious lash-out would’ve been unavoidable for me. Whoever wrote that is most likely a truly stupid person. Like, not even just ignorant or misunderstood, just dumb. How can you be in the world and think comments like that are acceptable?? I studied psych at BU and I can honestly say my Psychology of Women seminar senior year was the best class ever -- it was more of a gender class and we addressed these skewed public conceptions of gender and social attractiveness every week. I have only been following you for a few months now but I am so impressed by your actions and respect you even more! You don’t even need me to say you’re, like, 100% guaranteed to be more attractive than whoever wrote that comment…dear god.
Thanks Kat. That class sounds interesting. Isn’t it funny that after school learning becomes so intriguing. My favorite class was about controversial topics and the philosophy behind them. I did terrible in it but learning the ethics behind veganism, gun control and abortion -- outside of politics was so interesting to me. I would love to hear about the psychology of women since that is a huge part of my job. Wish I could go back for just a few classes, no test or papers though. I guess that’s why i love podcasts now.
I can’t believe that someone would write that to you. Honestly, everybody’s bodies are different as well. Everyone has a different perspective on what healthy input they use in their life. Its about “finding balance and making time for a healthy lifestyle”. Simple.
blowing out someone elses candle doesnt make your own burn brighter.
From someone who was bullied all through school and in a past relationship, you have my support Sarah! 🙂
Thank you Jenn and thank you for reposting! Hope all is well over the pond 🙂
Amen, Sarah!
Sarah,
That is the rudest thing anyone could say and this guy obviously has scewed vision. You are very beautiful and it is clear that you work very hard to have your fit body. Don’t ever let people like him get in your head. What he said was very inappropriate if you ask me.
KP
Thanks KP! I usually don’t let these comments get to me, but felt the need to spin it into a positive.
people like that are sick.
i’m so glad you are not letting it get to you!
Sarah,
You should know that you are a true inspiration to me. Within the last couple of years I have made some serious changes in my life and, consequently, have lost about 40 pounds. Ever since losing the weight though, I have become completely obsessive about everything I eat. I got to the point where I can honestly say that I was scared to eat anything that wasn’t pure health food. Hearing an amazingly healthy and beautiful person like you talking about enjoying an occasional treat really helps me. There is nothing wrong with an indulgence. Nobody’s perfect and no one should ever scrutinize someone’s weight. Thanks so much for everything you do!
Thanks Elizabeth! I have gone through obsessive stages (obviously, would I really be doing what I do if I had always been a perfectly healthy lady? no.) You break through them. Realizing what my body fat was helped me realize I didn’t NEED to lose weight. It would actually be harmful to lose more. My lowerest healthy weight with my muscle right now is 127 -- normally I’m 132 but can creep up to 137. I look fairly similar at all 3 weights and have learned to be more forgiving and kind to myself. It comes with time, but it does take lots of it.
First off that comment is absurd. Sarah, I have always thought of you as a great fitness inspiration for women! I think the media really puts pressure on us women to be ‘thin’ and it can be discouraging. You are right we are human and on Friday night I like to have a few drinks with my friend and when its my birthday I like a slice of cake. Like you, I have a strong drive for fitness and being healthy but I am not perfect. Keep your head up!
A few things that crossed my mind from your honest and brave blogpost:
-- how courageous you are to name the assailant and not dignify them in annonymity. whoever thinks to say that and then writes it is a bully
-- how audacious it is to say that by HIS/HER standards if YOU lost weight then HE/SHE would believe you lose your “chunky”
-- follow up to that, some people are NOT built that way. losing weight or having a carrot a week to try to look like adriana lima may not work out for someone else and may instead make them look like a walking skeleton
-- how easy it is to say “you should do this and fix yourself” online. cyber bullying is cowardly and wrong. i don’t care if that person is ripped with washboard abs, focus on yourself and not by trying to fix someone else to your liking.
then there were a lot of angry slurs, but that is all i will share for now. thank you and you are NOT chunky!!
Hey,
I stumbled across this blog from DC Rainmakers blog. Most womens fitness blog or websites are a complete joke. They show women wimpy, crap exercsises and teach them to believe weight lifting will have womens or girls jacked over night.
I am also in the Boston area and use the various Boston Sports clubs, where 7 days a week a so called “trainer” shows women a long list of pointless, shit exercises that are safe.
Its refreshing to see a woman putting herself out there like you have through this blog. I wish more women would get away from the cardio junkie lifestyle and lift something heavy once and a while.
Keep up the good work (and no real man likes a stick thin woman.)
Whoever this person is ,in my opinion has nothing better to do. Sarah, you look fantastic and I wish I could be like you but I lack motivation , sometimes im good but then I fall off the wagon like many humans in this world. No one is PERFECT!!!! just keep on going doing the best you can. I love you recipes and exercises.
I went through a period in high school where I was anorexic and bulimic. The thing is, doing these things made me feel even worse about myself. I felt like that it was the only way for me to achieve what I wanted--by taking drastic unhealthy measures. At one point I started cutting my self to keep my mind away from food. I was a senior (last year) when I found your website and that is when I started to eat healthier and learn to work out regularly. What got my attention was that you and I have similar body types (I am around 5’4 and 125 lbs) and I noticed how great you looked! It helped (and still does) me to realize that I can look as good as you do without hurting myself. I do still struggle with my body image (who doesn’t) but I am proud of the fact that I was able to turn around those harmful habits with the help of your blogs. You have no idea how thankful I am that I found your site.
-L
Chunky?! That guy is seriously out of his mind! I read your blog all the time and think you look great! Don’t ever let some ignorant comments get you down, because you know that you are healthy and fit. Besides, what would life be without some wine or chocolate sometimes?!
First of all that guy who made the nasty comment is an a** -- pardon my language -- and second of all you’re gorgeous and far from chunky.
Hi Sarah,
I can’t believe that person would write such a thing! Utterly ridiculous. You are a gorgeous girl with a rockin body to match. Plus, you have a great personality. There is not one thing wrong with your appearance what so ever. Do you know how many people out there would love to look like you…..tons. Keep up the good work that you do. I look forward to all of your posts and videos. You are always an inspiration.
Sarah! Thank you for continuously uplifting (and grounding) us when it comes to negative body image issues--you’re an inspiration!
Sarah you are a lovely woman with a nice lean body and yes killer curves. i have no idea why anyone would say such a thing to you unless they just wanted to get YOUR personal attention. i bet that jerk has been either happy he (i’m asuming it’s a he) got your attention or he feels tiny and should be squashed.
I’ve always struggled with my weight, obesity runs in my family. in high school some insecure blob girl decided to call me fat when i was 170 pounds (ok weight for a 5’7 girl) and actually tried to make people beleive she was 140 pounds HA, she must’ve weighed herself on a digital scale on the carpet!!
i do admitt i have a low self image like any women of 23 but there are aspects i do like about myself. but i’m working on it.
thank you for being you and doing what you do, it really dose take alot of courage. you could be stalked. anyway thank you again 🙂
That comment is beyond rude. You are not chunky, but even if you were -- who talks like that to people?!?! Rude. You are gorgeous. Thanks for reminding us about unrealistic images in magazines. So true.
What is wrong with people?! Just because you post something on the internet, doesn’t make it sting or hurt any less to the person who is reading it. I hate the haters!!!!
First off; You are NOT chunky! You are perfect. You look fit and very healthy. Almost like you’re shining to be honest.
Second..
We have to stand strong and show the world what healthy REALLY looks like -- not adjust to the image that other people have in their minds. If we give in to those images and to these kind of comments things will just keep going down hill from here and we will end up with a world that believes that underweight is healthy. Even more so than today.
That is a pretty nasty comment. I don’t think people realize how influential such statements can be on someone’s self image. You are beautiful and you are a role model to me. You have an athletic and strong body and by no means do I consider you chunky. It is unfair the standards that women have to live up to. And everyone feels the need to judge others’ appearances. I never really had body issues until I had gained some weight at the end of high school and several people (some friends and family even) made some comments about my weight. Of course I was a little self conscious before that, but those comments really changed my life. I first started to eat healthier, but I then started to severely restrict calories and rapidly lose weight. I became unhealthily obsessed with losing weight and eating as little as possible and it all stemmed from a few negative comments. Since then I still struggle with my weight and self esteem, but I am working on becoming healthy for myself. You are an inspiration to many, including myself, because you live a healthy lifestyle but admit to occasional indulgences. We should all be allowed to enjoy life and food should bring some pleasure. Women don’t need to be stick figures to be beautiful!
Sarah, you show courage and grace in the manner you addressed this one, ignorant individual. I hope that the comments made by this peanut muncher are now well and truly out of your system. Like you rightly stated, by puting yourself out there on Youtube, you are bound to face negative comments whether they are legitimate or not however I hope you have the strength of character and conviction in what you do to let these wash over you. Keep up the great work & thank you.
I am so shocked that someone would leave such a heartless comment, I mean it seems crazy to me that a stranger would say this to another one. Some people I guess just don’t consider other’s feelings. Anyway, I just had to comment because I look at you and think that’s how I hope to look as I continue with my weightloss journey. If we never enjoyed anything like cupcakes we would all be miserable and never be able to stick with a healthy lifestyle. I have lost 26 pounds and work out everyday but still don’t have a six pack at 128 pounds. I think to be super tight and skinny you pretty much have to eat no more than 1200 calories a day. Please don’t let this discourage you, you are beautiful and have the lifestyle, and body shape that many people aspire too. Best of luck to you.
Hi Sarah!
This post was shared by someone I follow twitter and I was so struck by your message and your response. I’m so proud of you! I love that you stood up to the ridiculous comment and made light of what is REAL and what is not real (magazine models, hollywood photos, etc). I am right on board with you girl. I’ve dedicated my whole business, blog and life to this message and I’m so glad to hear others preaching the same message. Keep it up!
xo.
Robin
Hi Sarah! This guy doesn’t know what’s beautiful. He is immature and being shallow. When my boyfriend was noticing that I was working out and maintaining a healthy diet and taking protein, he thought it was wayyyyy sexier that I was just training hard, despite what I look like. I have always been relatively skinny, but because of how I was treating my body that is all that made him think my body was even sexier than just a skinny girl. I think you’re beautiful Sarah =)
I think the thing that upsets me most about that comment is the ignorance. A body fat of 15-18% is EXCEPTIONAL for a woman who is not a full time athlete. Anyone who knows about physiology knows that a body fat of 15-18% indicates a woman who is incredibly strong and does not need to lose any weight whatsoever. So sorry someone left you that comment…Sarah, you look fantastic and, most importantly in my opinion, you look so sexy strong!!
Hey Sarah,
I’ve been following you for a year now and want to thank you for being so honest and inspiring me to get interested in health and fitness again! Also, for bringing up this issue. I think it is such a huge issue at the moment, especially for younger girls who feel the pressure to be so unrealistically thin. If I still feel it at 22 then I know its worse for them!
I think you are beautiful and admire that you relate to us all as an average courageous, and confident woman.
Much Love from New Zealand and keep up the amazing work xo
You look great I’d buy you a beer. I like girls with shape and curves in the right places. Pinup girls from the 50’s would be called chunky or overweight today but to me they were ideal. Women shouldn’t look like skinny boys. Makes you wonder……….. 😉
Sarah,
Thank you soooo much for uploading this. It was pretty interesting because on the day you uploaded this totally inspirational video, I was feeling pretty low because there’s so many people around me who make fun of me because of my weight. Recently, I lost 30 pounds. I’m still getting over it myself. People would call me fat, people would call me chunky and tell me I should try Weight Watcher’s or Jenny Craig…even offering to sign me up. I made the choice on my own to get healthy and in the process found great health bloggers like you who have inspired me to shape up and get fit. Thank you soooo much Sarah. You’re an inspiration because you are a real person. You deserve to be happy with all that you do.
Sadly, now that I’ve lost the weight, the same people who used to call me fat call me skeletal, sickly, too skinny, and tell me I should eat a burger. I feel like the criticism never stops….and I’m learning to let it roll off my shoulders. I realize I shouldn’t focus on making others happy…I should focus on me 🙂
You’re a lovely person and thank you for all that you do!! Keep it up!
-Nikki
No lovely, you are definitely not chunky. I think you look fantastic!! And 15-18% body fat is actually at the low end of the spectrum for a healthy woman. This loser is obviously trying to make himself feel better/superior by putting you down. Pay no attention. You are fabulous and real. Those of us who love your videos far outnumber the haters, anyway.
Hey Sarah,
I dont think tht guy knows wat hez talking about .. obviously is influenced by the images on media.. i jus wanted u to know u are big inspiration to me .. i keep watchin ur videos and take lot of ur diet ideas ..!! keep them comin girl !!! u rock !!! 🙂
Hey Sarah! I know you have received 500 comments about this but I just wanted to let you know I agree with everyone else and you do such a great job! I also wanted to share with you what Tri Delt’s around the nation are doing about this issue if you haven’t heard. My chapter is bringing this to our campus at the College of Charleston this year and I’m so excited! Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKPaxD61lwo
http://www.facebook.com/FatTalkFree
http://www.endfattalk.org/
My best friend is a Tri Delt! I’m a sigma kappa -- we didn’t have tri delt, but I always seem to love you girls 🙂 I will check it out for sure! Thanks for posting 😉
comments like these are what make women get unhealthy images of their bodies, which leads to very destructive behavior. I would know because that is exactly how I felt -- I ended up dropping some weight and became about 15 pounds severely underweight, which was horrible. Now I’m still considered slightly underweight, but I am working towards gaining weight and being “chunky.” For most people, having the ideal/perfect/skinny body isn’t a reality. I mean, sure I was thin, but it was impossible to maintain, and I felt horrible all the time and my workouts/running was suffering! That’s when I realized there was a problem, and thank goodness I didn’t let myself get worst with restricting my food! I never became bad at running, but my pace was slowing -- now I just PR-ed a 10k in 39:45, which earlier this summer I probably would not have been able to accomplish given my weight! I think that you are a very healthy girl with a very healthy outlook towards food -- you eat healthy the majority of the time, but don’t shy away from unhealthy foods all the time; I think that is the true definition of health! Not how much we can restrict ourselves and not enjoy life. So whoever left that comment can screw it; unless he/she has the courage to put themselves out there like you do, then he/she has no business being so horribly critical and rude!!! I mean how many people can say that they are healthy/fit enough to do an urbanathlon??!?!?!
Thank you so much for addressing this comment. It’s so important to not let the ignorance of others get us down, especially when it’s about our body image. And yes, the media plays a HUGE part in this. Hopefully because you took the time to respond to this, someone will actually learn that real people are, in fact, not like the computer-edited images! I’m willing to bet that person doesn’t even know how much weight “12-15 lbs” actually is.
You look amazing, by the way!
Great response, Sarah. I think you’re a great trainer and superbly brave; you’re willingness to put yourself out there and address comments and topics when they need to be is inspiring. Thanks for everything you do.
-Georgia
Some idiot men these days don’t understand what it means to be lean, muscular and strong. Frankly, I don’t really care what Sarah looks like because I learn a lot about nutrition and workouts from her and the fact that she is (in my opinion, anyway) absolutely beautiful is icing on the cake. I won’t lie, it does make her videos easier to watch 🙂 I don’t find any kind of hypocrisy or disconnect — Sarah’s in fabulous shape — I’d love to be in the kind of shape Sarah’s in!
Hi Sarah, just stumbled across some of your YouTube videos and then instantly wanted to check out your website. You are so well spoken and easy to listen to and watch. So thank you. You are motivation! And for this silly comment, it’s sad that we live in such a society where somebody thinks you’re “chunky”! Keep up the good work, I am now a fan!
Sarah- I was shocked to read this post about being “chunky.” You are by NO stretch of the imagination anywhere near the definition of chunky. You are thin, athletic, and in amazing shape/health. I have found that most people who have insecurities about their own looks tend to find a way to ridcule others who look great. Jealosy? Maybe. Keep up the amazing work you do…you are an inspiration to me and many others!!
Go Sarah! Straight to the point! 🙂 This individual’s arrogance and their narrow-minded, objectifying comment really is laughable (and infuriating!) Sheesh!
Hi Sarah, I am new to your site but this blog entry got to me. Our society has a twisted view of what’s healthy for a woman due to many reasons and instead of celebrating women who have are beautifully fit, take care of your body and your health and have a great outlook on life, we become nitpicky and look only for what could make each woman an “ideal woman” (as set by the photoshopped media). I wanted to let you know about something that is going to be on OWN this weekend -- it looks like it’s right up your alley! Miss Representation -- http://missrepresentation.org/. I’m DVR’ing it -- it looks amazing!
Cheers and keep up the great work!
Welcome and glad you like my site! I am totally gonna DVR this! Thank you for the heads up Meghan 🙂
Sarah, I think your body is awesome, healthy, admirable… I could really go on and on. I love that you enjoy desserts and coctails, especially because it helps me to feel like my fitness goals are attainable. I strive to achieve a body like yours. You look healthy and vibrant. I think that super skinny girls who have no curves on their body tend to look unhealthy. I’ve stopped buying fashion magazines for the very reasons you talk about and I definitely applaud your courage for putting yourself out there. 🙂
Thank you Sarah! 🙂 Yes, it’s hard to look at size 0 models for me as well because I will never be that size with my lifestyle, but I’d rather love my life than always be a cranky-pants and be able to say, “I’m a size 0 because I gave up sugar and alcohol” -- I like being a size 4 and sometimes 6 being able to enjoy life!
hey sarah!
this has to be the most ridiculous post ive heard about you being ‘chunky’ cause youre soo slim and gorgeous it blows me away!
sure, maybe i dont see your bones and youre not a size 0 but you look sexier than any supermodel with your toned thin and gorgeous body!
im suchh a huge fan of your videos and well, basically just you!
you are such a such an inspiration to me!!
lol this made me laugh that people would actually say things like that to you -- someone who does a lot of sport and has a fitness blog --
do they seriously not understand that there is something called muscle, all the models and actresses that say they always do a lots of fitness activities just goes to show its not all that intense. cause if it was intense exercise they would have a much bigger build. after all when have you ever seen a professionally fitness trainer that can fit in to a size 0 or even a 2(I haven’t)
I have a mate that is seriously into exercise -- she goes horse riding every day, jogs 5 times a week and also does some basic weight lifting once a week --
so obviously she’s fit, but she’s a size 10, cause of all the muscle
but even if she is bigger in size she still looks fitter and more toned than someone who is a size 6/8 and doesn’t do any exercise
so keep on doing what your doing cause you look great
You rock!