Look what Honey Boo Boo started…
Look what Honey Boo Boo started…
Hey POPsters!
I am sure a lot of you have been anticipating this follow up post. I didn’t want to write right away because I’ve learned that it is best to not act on your emotions. So I took the past 2 and half days to read through every single comment on here, facebook, twitter, instagram, tumblr, and other people’s blogs. Then I talked to my close friends, colleagues, and even my parents about my post – how I wrote it – what I meant – and what many of you guys interpreted.
Many times in the past couple days I have opened my laptop to a big blank white page ready to write, only to find myself saying that I need to understand the “other side” more before I say anything.
I feel like this is a pretty important post…perhaps my most important blog post I’ve ever had to write to date.
I appreciate every single one of you for pouring out your thoughts and opinions on here because it shows passion. And life should be lived with nothing BUT passion and purpose. Your discussion was powerful and provoking – but some of it was very tough for me to bear. The “bad” ones that really stepped over the line felt like stabs to my heart that physically made me lose my breath.
Fake instructor. Fat-phobic. Body shamer. Child hater. Judgmental pig. The reason why people commit suicides…
I am not going to fight back at every attack that was made or explain what I meant in every sentence I wrote. Rather, I am going to take this opportunity to tell you what didn’t come through in the last post. And before I say anything else, I want to apologize to anyone who was offended by the way I worded things! I did not mean to alienate you or make you feel bad about yourself. So, I am sorry if I hurt your feelings with my words but please remember…I am your friend and I am watching out for you. And although it may have sounded mean, it was all in the name of love and health.
Yes. So health.
That was what I was trying to get across to you. Not that Honey Boo Boo and her family were disgusting – I actually think they are good, rather interesting people. The problem is not their character, their morals, or their weight. I don’t think there is anything to debate. Let me make that clear. HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY ARE LOVING PEOPLE. Now, let me make THIS clear. HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY NEED HELP IN LIVING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES.
And this is where we debate.
Why do I care? Why is it any of my business? If they don’t ask for my advice, I shouldn’t give it right? WRONG.
If you saw someone hurting themselves, wouldn’t you step in to help? Listen to me when I say this – food is your medicine and medicine is your food. If you are choosing bad foods to put into your body, you are slowly killing yourself. That’s right. Killing yourself.
I am not saying you need to eat clean 100% of the time. You know I appreciate my YOLO meals every once in a while! But slathering butter and sugar on everything is a recipe for death.
How your body looks is not of major concern to me. You could be skinny and unhealthy and overweight and healthy. What I am talking about is – do you want to live to see your grandkids? Do you want to have to pay a bajillion dollars in medical bills because you have diabetes, you can barely breathe, are at risk for heart failure, and will have a heart attack before the age of 30?
I am talking about YOUR HEALTH people. And when the insides suffer, the outside shows too. It could be grayed skin tone, hair falling out, yellowed nails, or excessive fat. You cannot deny that how you fuel your engine won’t affect how your car runs. Too much bad stuff? Your car won’t even start. Ever try to fix a car? Yeah it sucks and it’s a lot of money. Why not prevent the whole situation and just gas it up with the right fuel from the beginning?
I’ll tell you why. Because some people don’t know. And what’s worse, they don’t know that they don’t know.
And that is the scary thing. The right choices begin with being exposed to proper education. I can almost guarantee you that Mama June feeds Honey Boo Boo the way she does because she doesn’t know another way. She feeds her with love yes, but she also feeds toxicity. And if this continues, I also guarantee you that Honey Boo Boo will grow up to have many serious illnesses and could potentially become obese. I worry for her.
By the way, being morbidly obese is a health condition – it’s a disease!!! Not a way to fat shame anyone.
“An individual is considered morbidly obese if he or she is 100 pounds over his/her ideal body weight, has a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more and experiencing obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.” – University of Rochester Medical Center
So who I am to tell a mom how to feed her child?
I am a health advocate and fitness instructor who is PASSIONATE about helping people find their truest potential in living happy, healthy lives. None of my business? Pshhh. All of my business. That’s why I exist. If none of us stood up for what we believe in and tried to right a wrong, wow how stagnant would this world be. Evolution and revolution need to happen for PROGRESS. And progress is how we all become more intelligent and well-rounded as a people.
A parent is responsible for the health of their child up until the child becomes an individual who can make health decisions for themselves or in this case, cook for themselves! School can only teach you so much. Real education starts in the home. That’s why at the end of my post I asked you how you think we could help educate people about proper nutrition! Having a grasp, even a mini grasp on what fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and calories are will help so many people make an informed decision. If someone chooses to eat an apple pie over an apple because they think it’s still like getting fruits – that is a problem that education can solve. If someone chooses to eat an apple pie as a YOLO meal, that is someone who knows what they’re doing. Do you understand my point here?
I am not telling people what to do – I just want people to know what they are doing.
And that was my ultimate issue with the Thanksgiving Honey Boo Boo episode. How the show was produced made it seem like Mama June didn’t know that what she was feeding her kids was bad for them. In fact it made her seem extremely ignorant. Keyword: seem. That was what upset me to the core. How she said jellied yams with sugar and butter lathered all over it was their fruit serving of the day. Now whether she was kidding or not, who knows. But if she wasn’t, her thinking can be blamed on lack of nutrition education.
Now look, I am not sitting on some “high horse” saying you’re dumb if you don’t know your foods. No no no!!! I am saying that if you don’t know, it’s time to learn. And I wanna be there for you and help create that positive learning environment so that you can nourish your body and feed your minds!!!
You know how I said I wish someone could be there to step in and cook for the family? I really do wish that because I think it’s gotten to a point where they need guidance and someone to lead the way towards a healthier life.
Some of you say, why bother? They are happy the way they are. Yeah. They are happy right now, but how about later? Let them be you say. Well sorry, no, I won’t because I won’t let someone be if I know their bodies will be riddled with disease, pain, and dysfunction in just a matter of years.
I won’t let someone hurt themselves or their families if I can help it. It is my duty.
For those of you wondering why I feel so strongly about this, I want to tell you a story. I think a lot of people now think I hate “fat people” and “don’t know what it’s like” etc. No. Let me tell you something. The Honey Boo Boo show actually hits very close to home for me.
My mom’s family still lives in Vietnam. It is a third world country where having food on the table is a privilege so let’s not even talk about fitness and eating organic. My cousin is obese. His little brother is severely overweight too. Why? It’s because of the food they eat and in the proportions that they eat it. How did it happen?
I once visited my family back in Vietnam years ago when my cousin was a little kid and I remember my grandmother and his mom feeding him whatever he wanted. And as much of it as he wanted. I’m talking pork fat. Fried desserts. Sugar coated candies. It was a way of showing love and affection. But you know…sometimes you can love too much it hurts.
Today my cousin is in college. He is obese and has health problems. It saddens me because they are doing the same thing to his little brother. Food = love to them. More food = more love. My mom came to visit them a few months ago and tried to cook better and tell them why pork fat was bad etc. but it was a frustrating failure. They did not listen. They kept eating the pork fat.
So fine. Maybe pork fat makes them happy right? Let them be right? Well no. My grandmother has had numerous strokes and medical problems because she grew up eating that stuff too. It hurts my mom to see her mother suffer. And it hurts her to see her mom not listening. It hurts to see that eating habits like this pass on from generation to generation due to a lack of education and defiance to understand and CHANGE.
This, guys, is what I was trying to get at in the Honey Boo Boo post. I want you to know that if you see someone hurting themselves and their family (intentionally or unintentionally) you should try to do something about it. And if not directly, then try to find an alternate way to help them. Be a good human being.
No, feeding your kids pork fat and butter won’t hurt them immediately and you probably won’t see it like how punching someone would leave a bruise. But you know what? It’s still hurting them. It just takes longer to realize it.
So yeah. That’s what I have to say. It is 3:25 am and I am in Palm Springs getting ready to teach POP Pilates to a group of kids from the Boys & Girls Club for the Clinton Foundation. It’s a non-profit organization that’s working to tackle childhood obesity – an epidemic that I feel so strongly about.
So for those of you who think I should mind my own business, it’s not happening. Ever.
I’m working to make a difference and to educate as many people as I can to the best of my ability. Through my blog, YouTube, twitter, facebook, instagram, whatever.
By reading this and doing the workouts, you’re helping us all foster a healthier generation. Please do what you can to help others make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. This is the battle we must fight.
Love you forever,
<3 Cassey
PS – I approve all comments just so you know.
1,090 thoughts on “Look what Honey Boo Boo started…”
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This was a great read and thank you for being so passionate about this issue, I completely agree with you. Keep fighting <3
People are crazy and you shouldnt worry about any of that nonsense.
We love you Cassey!
Dear Cassey,
I do believe that you have nothing to apologize for. You simply pointed out the truth, that a diet like that is very unhealthy and can kill you. You also pointed out that it is the parent’s duty to educate and provide nutrition. I think why people are getting offended is a bigger, more complex problem. A problem of people being offended by the word obese and the need to romanticize it. We need to tip toe around terms like obese and overweight in fear of hurting feelings. This barrier needs to be broken down, obese is a disease like diabetes, CHD, MS, etc….But, how do you break the news to someone that they are obese and need to change or there could be serious problems, all the while not offending said person…you often can’t. Society is confused by a double standard of “you need to be thin to be healthy and beautiful” BUT “love yourself even if you are overweight”…..Don’t get me wrong weight issues do have a strong relationship with mental health, which makes the whole situation incredibly difficult. This also goes with your post on the mom “fat shaming” overweight people to be healthy. However, you cannot go five minutes on the internet without seeing people “skinny shame” other people?! Why is ANY of this shaming okay? Any given day if there is a picture of a slim woman on Facebook on a mainstream media post, YOU WILL SEE HUNDREDS, I mean hundreds of woman saying “She is too skinny,” “She needs to gain 20 pounds,” “She looks disgustingly thin” etc…when the woman in the said picture is obviously fit healthy and NOT underweight…How can anyone win when no matter what side of the scale you are on, you are never good enough. There is a bigger issue going on here society is “skinny shaming” not just “fat shaming”…Just my rant for the day! 🙂
PS Keep being an awesome source of inspiration for women and encouraging a healthy lifestyle and healthy body image
-Love Ashley
(A woman who is 5 pounds in the “overweight” category and hates body shaming of any kind 🙂
Hi Cassey,
I am new to following your blog and I am truly amazed at how offended people are by the fact that others care and point out facts. I love everything you have written and you are truly inspiring! (Admittedly, I would love to become as inspiring as you.) I have not read the original Honey Boo Boo post but from what I gather it was controversial. The fact is that food can be glorified and as a result cause a conglomerate of health-related issues. That show is watched by A LOT of people and some food examples are being set.
We can look at alcoholics who live through life without ever having cirrhosis of the liver and smokers who never develop lung cancer. It is likely that some people may never develop food-related illnesses. However, most people do. That is the way our body works. It can filter many things, and it does. Our bodies are miracle machines but it was never intended to filter large amounts of the stuff that we do to it these days. I have written blogs about how much of our society is uneducated on food because of the way we were brought up. Myself included.
My goal has always been to show others a better way of life. Not because I am perfect but because I have learned from my mistakes, my mom’s mistakes, my grandparents mistakes, etc. I am always learning and we should all try to continuously learn and grow. Especially in regard to our health. What we put into our bodies can tremendously impact us for the good or bad.
Some people are saying mind your own business and I would agree if we are talking about a gossip-fest about another person’s argument. However, if we have a friend who is being abused, we are going to say or do something to try to help them. If I see a women being abused in the parking lot, I am going to call the police. (I am bold enough to probably even step in if it is serious.) Nobody is going to get mad for these situations–where minding your business goes out the window. Why is it that people get so offended when you offer life-saving advice? And it is free!
Again, I have not read the original post but I have read many of your other posts and you are all about being healthy. I am with you, let’s spread the word on saving lives with better food habits. Because we care about the well-being of others!
Dear Cassey, I know that you are reading the comments so I comment on this post although it is old.. this is for you!
First of all, when I watched this show for the first time, I had the same feelings about it that you had. Immediately. Really. I’m not about offending people but there are things in life which I don’t like and I have the right to name them. So.. I never thought someone could call you whatsoever just by speaking your mind!
Then, it is a really strange debate for me since I live in Europe. In a country like Germany where a lot of people are overweight, no one would be called fat shamer or something in that way for commenting on the unhealthy side of a tv show like that. In fact, I just knew about this Honey Boo Boo thing BY a tv show that featured a documentation about unhealthy kids in America and how they are misslead by their unhealthy parents. In Germany, we would tend to call the authorities if someone acted like this with their own kids (pageants, energy drinks and so on…).
So, my point is: in a society which is more educated regarding this point, no one feels offended when you speak about it in the way you did. In Germany, the family you spoke about would maybe feel ashamed, but no one would shame the author for speaking about the health risks of this nutrition and education.
Lots of Love
<3
Going through the comments (which I’m not sure why I did because I have very strong opinions) I do see how some of the previous post was taken as offensive. I believe Cassey could have used some nicer words and a lot of the name calling was uncalled for. HOWEVER, it does get your attention. That family is unhealthy, and eating like that all the time will most likely end up hurting her. It is a valid point.
Anyways, the reason I’m taking the time to comment is to share a story. I loved to eat those Jimmy Dean breakfast bowls that you got in the frozen food isle. My grandparents would always buy me and my sister them, along with any other junk food we could possibly want. One day, my mom found us eating them and told us we could not have them any more. I was confused and angry until my mom explained to me that one of those bowls contained all the sodium we were supposed to eat in a day. At the end of the day, we were taking in twice the amount of sodium we should have been (when you factor in other unhealthy things). My sister, having heart problems, was getting hurt by all of this sodium. Too much sodium puts extra strain on the heart because of the extra fluid in the body, and had she continued to eat like this, it might have killed her. She was already on medication because of how much extra fluid she had in her body, and when we stopped eating so unhealthily she could actually get off that medication! (It wasn’t overnight, but it did make a difference) That is why I believe education is extremely important, just in general. Telling someone why they should eat healthy is like telling people why they should wear sunblock. You’re probably going to wear sunblock now that you hear the sun can give you cancer, right? It should work the same way with healthy eating. Now do we eat healthy all the time? No way! But we started getting educated at a young(er) age and now we at least TRY to put things in our body at healthy levels. We don’t eat Jimmy Dean bowls and donuts for breakfast anymore, we eat bagels and fruit. And you know what? That makes a difference.
I do not like the first post all that much, but this post makes a valid and important point and I agree with it. Education will not solve everything, and I don’t think Cassey is saying that it will. But people have a right to know the risks associated with unhealthy eating. Long story short, people need to know what they’re putting into their bodies and people need to know what they’re putting into their child’s body.
Cassey, I love you. You are so passionate and caring, and that’s really inspiring.
Hi Cassey!
This is almost a year late, but thanks for this post. And listen: I have been overweight all my life, so I never thought I’d be thanking someone who has the opinion you do on this subject. 😉 I guess, for the sake of any “concern trolls” reading this who shame overweight people under the guise of worrying about our health, I would say: It OK to single out an overweight person and tell them they’re unhealthy or they’re killing themselves? No, unless you’re that person’s doctor. First, it’s just manners. Second, you can’t immediately tell just by looking at someone which category they fall into: healthy fat, or unhealthy fat? I used to be a healthy fat person, but as I got older issues started popping up, which has given me a kick in the rear to start taking better care of my health. I’m still not thin, but I’m healthier. And people who have commented on my weight didn’t care that my cholesterol is good and my blood pressure is actually on the low side. 😉 They just wanted to make me feel like crap about myself, and I didn’t need help with that.
However, what you do allows fat people to find you, to find and learn about a healthier way of living. You provide an invaluable service. But you know as well as anyone that words hurt, even if they’re well-intentioned. People have said unbelievably rude and hurtful things to me throughout my life about my weight, so in the past, even someone genuinely concerned would still sound like the same thing in my head: You’re gross. You’re not good enough. You’re ugly, lazy, stupid, etc. It’s not rational, I know, but it’s part of this beast that I and a lot – a LOT – of overweight people suffer from, which is disordered eating. It usually comes with that mean little voice in a dark corner of your mind that twists things and makes you hate yourself. Everything becomes a personal attack.
I’ve followed along with you long enough to know that you’re not one of the concern trolls. For what it’s worth, that’s not the message I took from your earlier post about Honey Boo Boo, and usually I’m among the first to call someone out for fat shaming. That’s not what you’re about.
Finally, as someone who was a chubby child in a family of thin people who didn’t have to watch what they ate and didn’t know much about proper nutrition and fitness – thank you for working with kids to get them started on a healthier path. It’s not about what you look like, it’s about how what you put into your body makes you feel, and it’s about being active to live longer. I wish someone had been able to explain that to me all those years ago.
Anyone who says all those bad things about you Cassey, should just watch your videos and see how supportive and not at all judgemental you are! You make me love my body the way it is AND want to take care of it in the right way!
I got you, Cassey, people either don’t realize haw bad the effects can be or they just don;t know better. It really is a health hazard and I am glad you are helping educate people, I also appreciate how you said to cook healthy for people and show them that healthy can be good, I do that a lot when cooking for people, and it usually works. Butter is good but you don’t need that much, plus there are other alternatives to flavor, you just need to do the research. Keep it up Cassey! Love ya!
You don’t owe us an explanation. Its called the first amendment: Freedom of speech. you spoke your mind and its your opinion. I support you and think that they need to mind their own business, not you. You put yourself out there, they hide behind comments.
First of all, I think it’s important to understand, Cassey, that you are reaching people with your words! Many years ago I was a skeptic and I would have said the same thing about you not minding your own business and how its my body, how dare you, etc. but somewhere along the way it got me to start thinking. Coming across other people’s controversial posts like this provoked me to ask myself questions about my own health and what I wanted out of myself. (That and watching the people I loved and cared about suffer from health conditions.) Just for the record, although my weight has fluctuated over the years I have never been overweight. In fact, people have always told me I was so skinny and how jealous they were and quite frankly I did not understand their jealousy, I did not love my body. But then we get older, head off to college, and we’re forced to make our own decisions about eating habits. This is quite possibly where we get the “Freshman 15” (a reference to gaining 15 lbs during our freshman year of college for those of you who do not know) — because we are unaware of what is good for our bodies, unaware that our metabolism is changing, unaware that we need to nourish and take care of it in ways we were never taught or never cared or were too arrogant to learn about before. For years, I’ve been searching for a workout that worked for me and nutrition that made sense, and then one day during a Pilates class this past October my fitness instructor mentioned she follows Blogilates on YouTube and here I am. But I’m getting off track.
One important thing I’ve learned in life is that people turn a lot of serious issues into a double-edged sword: either you say something and you’re wrong for saying something, or you keep your mouth shut and you’re wrong for keeping your mouth shut. Thankfully there are people like you Cassey, who are passionate enough to stand up for what’s right despite the controversy! And while I’m at it, if it weren’t for people standing up for what is right and proper despite it being “none of their business”, there wouldn’t have been profound moments in history like the Civil Rights Movement. I have no doubts people will say that’s a dramatic comparison. It’s not — the basis behind it is the same. Help those who can’t help themselves or don’t know how. It starts with awareness, acceptance, and education. At least when they choose their lifestyle, it will be an educated decision. Those who called Cassey “close-minded” are being hypocritical and they don’t even realize it. It’s actually quite the opposite, as I’m sure most of us grew up eating the same processed foods we’re now learning to live without BECAUSE we had an open mind to learning about how to nourish our bodies properly. What you’re doing MATTERS. Your voice MATTERS. The fact that people are taking the time to read what you write AND to voice their opinion of it means they are AWARE, whether they have a positive or negative opinion. Education begins with awareness.
Thank you for your positivity, inspiration, and for being an internet friend for the entire Blogilates Community!
Hey Cassey,
I know you prob won´t read this, but that doesn´t matter. I just wanted to say that I got tears in my eyes when I readed this. I have been on the egde of overweight. Thanks to you I am on a normal weight with lots of muscles! Also I eat healthy food and I excercise almost daily.
I want to thank you for that because without you I would be just like Honey Boo Boo. That is why I appreciate this post so much; because I see where I could be if I wouldn’t have discovered you and your vids.
Lots of love from the Netherlands,
Maartje<3
I always encourage people to know what’s in their food and eat organic and healthy. I am always hearing people complain about how much it costs to buy healthy food over processed food. But to me, it’s not as expensive as it seems!
And making an investment in your health and wellness is totally worth it. I am an on campus student and most of my money is spent on organic groceries. I have no problem with that.
Medical bills cost more than healthy food and a yearly gym membership. And ‘cost’ doesn’t just refer to money.
You should write to TLC and volunteer to come to Georgia and coach the family to a healthy lifestyle. Offer your services to them. Why not?
I agree! It’s worth a shot, maybe?
Very well written. And I totally agree! It is sooooo irresponsible to show this stuff on TV. My American husband still says things like, “there are people who eat French fries everyday, why can’t I have it once a week”! So gllad to see people like you help make this world a healthier place! Xoxo
I totally get what you’re saying. You’re commenting to try to get people to live healthier lives. I think what bothered people was that you used an actual family for your example instead of being hypothetical. It’s kinda like when a teacher points out that one student never studies or doodles on their notes and that you shouldn’t do that. It’s a little embarrassing for the student and people who do the same. That said, I agree that these people need to eat better and your concern is valid. Lathering butter on everything is not healthy and it is killing them. Most of the family does have diabetes and health problems. The mother had her kiss when she was young and she doesn’t know how to be the nurturing typical mother everyone thinks of and wants. But I do have a question. Have you ever been in the south? Like legitimately spent time in a town not near a state Capitol? Because I have. I was not raised there but I finished high school there and everything in the south is full of fat. They all cook like Paula dean used to, with bacon fat, and everyone is either obese or ill with a food related disease. I remember gaining weight and trying to lose it by going on a diet. But the thing is, anything mildly healthy is incredibly expensive and if you want something outside of the usual bad produce at Walmart, you had to plan a day to travel over 60 miles to an actual grocery store to maybe find a different variety of fresh foods. And after a while you get tired of having to do that and then you get burned out and go back to eating bad because its less expensive and less stressful than trying to live healthy in the south. It’s a sad reality but a lot if fresh foods are out of reach and incredibly expensive. And the school system thinks that if there is nothing wrong with the school lunches, why fix them? So yeah, sometimes it’s ignorance and other times its the location and how there aren’t a lot of fresh foods around. Oh! And I would also like to point out that honey boo boos mom is an extreme couponer and they get what they can on their budgets. It’s not the best foods but its what’ll keep the longest so they can save up for the next trip. But yeah, Cassey, you have a point and I urge you to help who you can but just be careful of the way you say things. It did sound a bit pretentious of you but we all know it comes from your heart.
Just something quick: My parents are also couponers, and we still eat healthy. There are sales on fruits and veggies all the time. We normally buy things in bulk too, so we cut up and freeze are veggies so they’re ready to eat when we want them. So it is possible to coupon for healthy foods and keep it for awhile too.
Thank you for writing this. We live in a world where people think if it feels good, it is good; if I want it, it must be ok; if I’m happy in this moment, nothing else matters. There are a lot of aspects where as a society we need to kindly and helpfully say no – that’s not right! Or at least present the other side of the argument. It’s a tough thing to do with the individualistic society we live in, but this post is completely valid and thoughtful and can be applied to a lot of other aspects of life. <3
THANK YOU Cassey!!! I LOVED reading this! My husband is in graduate school to be an Occupational Therapist and got his bachelor’s in Biological Science, and we’re both very health conscious. So we both know a lot about the body and what your body needs/ doesn’t need. We get so frustrated with society and how they believe it’s unacceptable to call somebody fat and tell them not to eat junk food, yet you can prevent people from smoking and tell them how bad it is for them, when obesity causes even more health problems and A LOT of money!! You are SO RIGHT in what you’re saying and I love how much you truly care. Continue to do what you do <3
Well said Cassey! I don’t understand the negative feedback to your posts. I never got any ‘shaming’, ‘child hating’ or other negative vibes, to me it all felt like it was coming from an educational, and concerned place. Keep up the good work!
Hi Cassey. I’m commenting on this because I thought the last post (or more recent, I suppose I should say) is a close-minded and hateful one. It bothered me to think that it would be the first thing for others to see. I started following your blog about three weeks ago and put into action at the beginning of March for the marchmakeover calendar. I’m struggling but I know it’s worth it. I’m not overweight by any means, 5’4 and 120 pounds, a healthy average according to my doctor. I started following your blog and stumbled upon it in the first place because I was looking for a change that was more than skin-deep and looking for guidance that was sensitive to that. You are a role model Cassey, and not because you’re model-thin (girl those legs are not model legs and I love you for it) you’re a role model because you’re passionate about HEALTH. Not fat-shaming, not pleasing the inner vain monster we sometimes carry, not for destruction but for repair. Thank you for taking the time to write a post about this, and in being so classy and kind in approving all comments to make this an open discussion, regardless of the insensitivity, hateful words and downright ignorance of some. It is always important, especially if any position of authority or someone that others look to (and it looks like you have a lot who do) to spread knowledge in a loving way, with a heart of empathy, all of which I believe you do. It’s important for others to become educated and thank you for being the passionate, strong and educated woman you are in spreading awareness and easy access to learning. I’m learning. I can’t even go up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I can’t run a mile and during my first week of clean eating my body went into shock and withdrawal-like symptoms after cutting out all the processed and sugary junk I would eat at least 4 days a week for the past 6 years of my life. I’m only 20 years old. But I’m happy- now. I’m happy that I’m young, and that I have family and friends who worry for my health because I’m essentially eating my way to health problems. You are well within your right to comment, it basically fits your job description, especially because your heart is in the right place. Don’t let the haters get to you. Remember there will always be people who tear down what you build, but it should never discourage you from continuing forward. Thank you for everything you strive for, your honesty, your boldness, and your heart. And my goodness, thank you for those recipes!
-Ross
Wow. You fat shame because you care about them? It’s not your business. Not your family. Until you see the woman shoot up her kid with heroin, worry about yourself and your family. Or continue to write generic blogs geared toward people who are looking to change their lifestyle.
Basically, worry about your own family instead of pointing out another.
Wow for some crazy reason didnt read the whole honey boo boo stuff until just now … craaaaaaazy xD
Ah well – Jan/Feb is exam time so I guess I missed it …
ANYWAYS – even though my opinion is totally not going to change your mind, if we were in the same room during this debate I’d PROBABLY yell at you (I know, it’s not a strong part of my otherwise gloriously formed character)… but since i cant do that, just a quick note:
I think people like you are the reason this world is going down down own the drain – sad thing but true. Because people like you look away and be like “Well if she isn’t shooting her heroin” or basically “if the kids not half dead on TV” it aint my bloody business – that might be so but funny thing is, things usually go like that : Some one hurts someone a little, you say Not My Business – Someone hurts somebody a little more – You say Not MY Business – Someone hurts somebody a whole lot – you still stick to Not My Business … someone kills somebody, YOU say “Why didnt anyone do anything earlier – oh it’s such a bad world, boohooooo we must love each other” aaaaand then you light some candle and post sad pictures on fb and dont change a damn thing.
Cassey on the other hand is very passionate about this, might not be important to you might not be important to others but to her it’s an extremly important topic (and if we were all smart people living healthy would be important to all of us – but well …) so maybe her opinion is a little too harsh for someone or not harsh enough or badly stated or something else, but she stands up and she speaks up and she says what she thinks goes wrong somewhere and she offers a suggestion how to do it better. She doesnt shoot them or call them on a daily basis to yell at them or puts up we hate honey booboo signs all over town, no – she just simply stands up and says “I dont think thats ok, I take responibility, here is my idea how to improve thinks”
I applaude you Cassey !!!! If more people would stop crying when things are too late and start acting or at least talking to change stuff, many things could be improved, politics, the way we treat each other, all kinds of crimes could be prevented too …
And just to finish up, because you’ll probably be mad that I put the word “crime” in here, where you might say well that’s exactly NOT what this is, it’s JUST bad food and being fatt – I’m actually doing law and there is a big discussion about whether feeding your kid so badly that it get’s seriously obese can be abusive bahaviour towards a child. The reason behind that is, that a child depends on their parents, they eat what their parents eat and they learn about life from them and therefore parents have a responsibility to give their kids a chance to start a healthy life – what ever they make out of that when they get older is their thing, but parents cant (pardon my frensh) fuck up a childs body that badly, that the child already develops weight related illnesses before it even knows what a weight related illness is – and that goes either way, super skinny, super big, EVERYTHING that makes your child super sick and you KNOW makes your child super sick … just like you wouldnt give them coffee or alcohol or even cola …
So if someone who gives their kids alcohol can get into trouble, why not someone who gives them diabetes … think about it – it’s not that crazy.
Now everyone knowes that giving your child wodka isnt a great idea but not everyone knowes that feeding your kid BS food can kill it – and here’s the part where law can work with people like Cassey, to educate and to help prevent these things …
Therefore, once again – thank you Cassey – and sorry everyone for the long post xP
I seriously could not have said it any better than you!!!! Thank you Agneta!
Shooting up your kid with heroin will severely damage them in many ways. But processed foods can also be like a drug, and, creating a toxic lifestyle, can also lead to disease, turmoil and eventual premature death. Just “food” for thought.
Thank you for the follow up. I was upset but I was not seeing things your way. Thank you so much for opening up about your family. I can see your point now.
Cassey, your are such an amazing person. I feel awful that ANYONE would EVER say anything like those horrible comments you shared. You have tought me so much in my life and literally made such a difference in my meals and diet. Before I started watchingyour videos I had no idea what “eating clean” was. I now have an education from you that I will be forever grateful for. I recently started doing the Power 90 workout program, and I was pleased to find out that when I read their manual I already knew absolutely everything they had to say in terms of how to eat better and healthier. I owe you so much thanks. You are such an amazing person how even after all those hurtful comments you still get up and do your workouts for everyone for free and post workout calendars and don’t let those people affect you in a negative way. It shows true strength of character. You should get a medal or something! Your are one of my role models in life. Never stop helping people! You are right and don’t forget that! Thank you for lookling out for all of us and for helping all of us so so much!
Hey Cassey!! I just wanted to say good for you and just let you know that you another loyal fan in your corner. Don’t worry about the haters you were nice enough to try and write another blog to re-explain yourself and if they don’t get it this time don’t bother trying to explain it again because they are just not willing to listen. to me your post was pretty self explainitory. Keep up the good work!
Amen to that, Cassey!
Good for you, Cassey! I didn’t read the first article, but after reading this one I’m pretty sure I know how it went. Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s obvious you’re doing it because you care and are very passionate about it.
I’ve been suffering from chronic pain conditions for a long time and have been overweight for nearly as long, but it wasn’t until I started eating better and exercising that things started looking up. I got off of antidepressants I’d been on for 16 years, lowered my blood pressure, lost sizes, inches, pounds and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds! I am now in the process of applying for grants to go back to school to study nutrition. I want to give back. I want to help educate people on how to live a longer, happier, healthier lives. I want people who have lived in chronic pain (emotional and/or physical) for years and had no hope to finally be free from the pain and do things they never thought possible! I try to educate people about the health hazards of certain foods, toxins, etc., but it’s not easy because people can become very defensive and nasty when you tell them what they don’t want to hear.
It’s not about being a certain weight or size for me, it’s about wellness. I’m on a wellness journey, not a weight loss program and I think that’s the best and most healthy way to look at this journey.
Great job on all you do to inform and educate us on on health, fitness and wellness. Much love….
Cassey,
I was an avid fan of your blog but haven’t had time to follow recently because of school/work/life, etc. I was on someone’s tumblr and heard about this Honey Boo Boo craziness so I had to check it out for myself…. and all I’m going to say to you is:
PREACH IT, GIRL!
You couldn’t be more right. Obesity is an epidemic in this country and I absolutely agree that nutrition education is KEY. I personally believe that this country is riddled with sickness, disease and cancer as a result of the pre-packaged, artificial garbage we put into our bodies. I’m far from perfect, as is everyone, but I try to lead by example and guide my friends and family toward making healthier choices by sharing what I know about health and nutrition. Why? Because I care. And from this I can see that you, too, care. This country needs more people like you to speak the honest truth and spread the word so that our friends and families can make healthy choices for themselves, and be happy doing it!
Do not let anyone make you feel ashamed for speaking the truth.
Do not let anyone make you feel ashamed standing up for what you believe in.
xoxo
You are amazing Cassey in everything you do.
I READ it all, and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for taking your time to explain to the community about the last post. I have read the last post by the way, and I didn’t think you were going over board with anything. Personally, I am very insecure about my body atm, so in some parts of your last post it made me feel kind of sad and embarrassed (because I kind of compared myself to it), but overall, I can tell by reading your blogs, watching your videos, how much you want people to live a healthy happy life. You would not want anyone to live an unhealthy, sad life. So even though the last post made me feel a bit insecure about myself , I would NOT think any less of you as a fitness and health blogger/trainer. You are amazing Cassey! Please keep that in mind. I have never met you in person, but I can see how cheerful, caring, loving, heart-warming you are. YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THE COMMUNITY!!! You are amazing.
xoxo Hope you are having a WONDERFUL DAY!!!
Cassey, I love you <3
Hi Cassey,
I’m honestly happy that you took the time to explain to us how you really felt, because it shows that you really care for the whole community. Those haters do not seem to understand your main point that you want to put across, and this makes me sad because this shows that society is quick to judge nowadays. I hope you won’t take those negative comments to heart, and I hope that you will continue to be the strong and bubbly Cassey that we all know 🙂
People can have an opinion, so I’m with you Cassie, I have never watched that show but if it is shown on telly people can have an opinion, if that mother would not want that we talk about her she would not be on a TV show and yes, that girl is fat and it is sad because some kids are going to grow watching that and will think that that is good.
Cassey,
I also don’t usually post comments, but I’ve been following your blog and exercising to your videos for the last few months. Honestly, I can understand how many people were offended by your original post regarding honey boo boo, but I don’t think you’re wrong for posting what you did because you’re entitled to your own opinions (as others are entitled to their differing opinion). I think most of the haters are missing your main point that eating that way is just really, really unhealthy. I just really wanted to to let you know how your videos and your blog really did make a difference in my life. Prior to watching your videos I treadmilled regularly and thought that was enough to be healthy. But there were parts of my body that I was never satisfied with because treadmilling wasn’t enough to really tone the muscles there (such as my arms, my back and my abs). Now I’m working on those areas as well as treadmilling and I love being able to notice the difference. I also do try to think a bit more about what I’m eating, and I really do have you to thank! So please keep your head up during this time and I hope you never stop doing what you love or saying what you truly believe.
Cassie, I agree with you 100%- don’t listen to those negative comments! I honestly think people throw the word “bigot” around far too easily these days simply because they don’t like what another person says, regardless of whether it is the truth or not.
I too have experienced what happens when someone close to me does not make and effort to be healthy. My mother’s grandparents did not practice healthy lifestyles; they smoked, ate junk food, and never exercised. The sad thing is, neither of them lived past their fifties- and all because they never thought that practicing healthy habits was important. It hurts my mom with every big event that happens in the family (marriages, graduations, etc) because she always wishes that her parents could be there to witness such important experiences. It hurts my siblings and myself because we never had the chance to know them like we could have if they were still alive today.
That’s why proper nutrition and exercise is so important to me; I want to live past fifty, I want to see my family grow, get to know my children and grandchildren, and witness those joyful moments with them.
What you said was only the truth. If you saw someone drowning, you wouldn’t just “let them be.” From an onlooker’s standpoint, that person drowning could not possibly be happy while in the middle of open water, struggling to live. One’s immediate instinct would be to grab a lifesaver and pull them out of the water, or to dive in and swim them to shore. The same applies here, and that is all you were trying to do. Even if it does not change everyone’s opinion on their lifestyle, applaud you for being that person who dove in, rather than just being the one who stood at the waterside and watched.
None of us are going to change Honey boo boo or Cassey so why is everyone arguing and/or defending either side! regardless of what CASSEY says ( which I do agree that if she cant change Honey boo boo or communicate with TLC she shouldnt be putting them on blast) or How Honey boo boo and her family live neither side are going to chnage. So WAKE UP EVERYONE! YA’LL ALL WASTEING YOUR TIME DEFENDING EITHER SIDE.IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH LET GO WORKOUT NOW…AND IF YOU DONT YOU WOULDNT BE ON THIS BLOG! SO LETS LEAVE IT ALONE AND GO EXCERCISE. If thats how honey boo boos mom wants to raise their family! Thats on them! If you dont like the show simple….DONT WATCH IT and be quiet! Stop whining… People learn by bumping into a brick wall! If sickness is what will wake honeyboos family into eating healthier then thats what it will take but one thing I guarentee WE are just wasting our time defending them and they are probably farting and eating turkey without a care in the world! Cassey you learned your lesson stick to what you know for YOU! and those who follow will, those who dont well hope one day they will but dont put people on blast. Thats not what your blog is for! Still a fan, still LOVE YOU!!! shake it off! Gonna go do your DVD now! See ya <3
awww. 🙁 i love ur last post. -hugs- 🙂
I’m a little confused about why this is an issue, why people are so angry and why Cassey needs to apologize. She stated her opinon. Get over it! We all know Cassey to be an advocate of fitness and health. Honey Boo Boo and her family are not healthy. I think that the actual problem is that this family and their lifestyle is being televised for entertainment in a country where obesity is an epidemic. Using the media to make it okay that someone is overweight is fine; to teach people that a person can love themselves at any size is wonderful. However, that is not what this show is doing. This show exploits this family and I am sure they are encouraged by producers to be even more rediculous with their eating habits because it makes for good ratings. I don’t understand why this is entertainment. The question to ask is who has an interest in normalizing obesity and consuming unnecessary amounts of saturated fat and sugar? Why are television networks willing to broadcast this as entertainment? I have never watched the show on TV; only snipets here and there online, but I am interested to see which commercials air during the break.
Cassey has a blog. People post their personal opinions on their blog. I don’t think she is fat shaming, although I do think that Cassey is unabahsedly honest on this topic and people take offense. So, stop reading her blog! We should be considerate of people’s feelings but we also need to be honest about the dangers of the food we consume in the 21st Century. I would be loathe to consider most of the “food” we eat as actual food. They are products. They are created in a lab to taste good and to last a long time no matter what. Usually, that means this “food” is laden with too much fat, sugar, salt and preservatives. Our bodies were not made to function or consume this crap. Also, we are not made to sit all day. Our ancestors moved their bodies all day because they worked for their food. They had to hunt, farm, harvest. This takes energy. They didn’t drive their cars to the supermarket and pick their food off of shelves.
I grew up in a family where my mom cooked our food. We always ate vegetables. However, my dad developed Diabetes and later Alzeimer’s; there are studies that have linked these diseases together. My mother tried to control my dad’s eating, but he was not interested. He would eat ice cream for breakfast, add sugar to Frosted Flakes, use tons of butter on toast, ate a candy bar everyday, and only consumed white rice and white bread. He liked my mom’s food too, and loved fresh fruit and vegetables, but he also loved the junk. I feel that he was very selfish to live that lifestyle because it was my mom who had to take care of him while he was sick and dying for 2 years. I was so concerned about my mother’s health during that time. She never left my dad’s side for 2 years. She is small and my dad was big, but she would bathe him, shave him, feed him, give him his meds, change his diaper, help him walk, and everything else. You can imagine the toll that takes on an older woman. My mom became depressed and sad. After my dad died, it took her some time to get back to her normal self, but she did it. I thank God everyday that my mother is not overweight, that she goes on walks everyday, that she is 60 years old and does her own heavy-lifting. She takes care of her house, her garden, and even has a part-time job just so that she does not sit at home all day. Her mother also has diabetes and refuses to moderate her eating. My grandmother is 85 with a sharp mind, but she can hardly walk because she is so overweight and frail. If she were 80 pounds lighter, she would be able to walk without a cane. My grandmother lives with her oldest son, and they have to take care of her all day everyday. I don’t know about you, but that is not the life I want for me or to be the one that has to take care of an irresponsible parent who wouldn’t stop eating too much sugar and fat. My father and my grandmother did it to themselves, but we are the ones who have to pay for it. It is a selfish lifestyle and it hurts families. Type 1 diabetes is preventable. I know some people are born with diabetes and it has nothing to do with their lifestyle or choices. That is a different ball of wax.
I moved from the US to Jordan and Diabetes is just as prevelent here as it is in the US; so are McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Hardees, Popeyes, etc. People everywhere now, nit just in the US, need to be educated about food; what is in it, where it comes from, what you need, how much, and what to avoid.
Cassey, keep doing what you’re doing. Let people get mad. That’s how you know you are successful.
🙂
Cassey,
I want to thank you for writing a follow-up post about this issue. When you originally posted about honey boo boo, I was extremely offended, my fists were balled by the time I finished reading the biggotry & fat-phobia in that article!I have to be honest, this article has not helped change my opinion of you one bit! I was on the verge of writing an angry comment describing exactly why your post was very wrong (which it was) the instant i read the first article. If you’re going to speak about how people “crossed the line” and physically took your breath away with their cruelty, i will talk about how physically sickening it is to see any skinny girl who can get into tabletop position spew off their certifications – sorry but being a certified zumba instructor does not give you the right to deem whether someone is healthy or not and ESPECIALLY whether or not someone is abusing their kids! I don’t think you know how personally people take judgements of their parenting! As far as I can tell the family on “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” is completely functional, fosters self-confidence and unconditional love. Every cent from the show and from the pageants has been invested in the kids educations (or so I’m told), this family is so far from abuse I can’t even begin to understand those claims! “Fat is just a result of what you haven’t done to take care of your body” is something you stated in a paragraph apparently about how it’s okay to be fat….?!?! What? You go on to say things like “I am glad she doesn’t have any body image issues (yet)” which were just judgemental, gosh, how is she supposed to keep such admirable self confidence with people saying stuff like that? & this article is simply making excuses for your entitled, biggoted opinions on overweight people.
You do NOT simply go around making accusations of child abuse, you JUST DON’T. Unless you have actual access to these people’s medical records, you actually have no idea whether they’re hurting their children’s health or not. While it’s good you haven’t swept the controversy under the rug, I think you’ve completely missed the point. They don’t need you to come to their rescue, you’re actually just making an ass of yourself! I was a huge fan of the videos and your articles but it is going to be hard to shake this one off. Until you realize it was not your place to begin judging random overproduced sitcoms (or anyone) for the way they eat. If you walked up to me off the street and began telling me the dangers of being obese – which i am not, if you were wondering – and told me you get to tell me who and what I am and whether I’m abusing my kids or not simply because you teach pilates, I would tell you you’re an idiot. Thanks for trying with this article, but again, I think you missed the point. I honestly just wish you hadn’t misguided your still-loyal following so – honestly kids, if a skinny girl walks up to you and tells you you need to make a huge life change because she knows how to do the hundred – don’t do it! they’re just bigots and this is a prime example of the people/behavior that makes people dislike me just because i’m thin.
The thing with Cassey’s post is that her words sounded so mean and hateful. There is always a way to get your point across in a nicer way. I really like Cassey because she motivates me to eat clean but it’s hard to still like her after reading her post. It just shows how condescending she can be (you guys, we are all created equal, whether fat or skinny). I just cannot stand people who think they are better than others. Time to find a new fitness inspiration.
Remi,
I must say I’m quite confused by your post. Honestly, it seems more to me that you have missed Cassey’s point, and by a far margin. Why is it bigotry that she is saying the diet Honey Boo Boo and her family eats is unhealthy? Is it just because she is skinny? If you were to take what was given to Honey Boo Boo in that show and give it to a nutritionist, I’m sure they’d say the same thing. It is simply not good for your body to be consuming that much butter. Just because Cassey is slim, it doesn’t make her words any less true. Also, it is evident just from this blog that Cassey has put in enormous effort to get the body that she has. Genetics do affect what your body type is, but only to a certain extent. Shows like Biggest Loser clearly demonstrate that healthy eating and exercise reduces body fat. Cassey clearly states that she is not judging this family’s moral character and has no doubts about what a loving family it is. It is also wonderful that Honey Boo Boo does not have body image issues and is confident no matter what she looks like. However, the difference here is being ignorant about what bad nutrition can do, not only to your body, but also to your health in the future, and the full acceptance you have when chubby/fat even while eating healthy and exercising. For example, when I was younger, I ignored everyone, including my physician, telling me that I was overweight and since it could lead to health complications, I should try to exercise more. I was simply lazy and came up with things like “there’s more to love” and “being fat used to be a mark of wealth and status.” The big point I was missing was that my health is what was mainly affected and the reason why people were warning me. The fat was simply, as Cassey has said, an indicator of unhealthy living, but what was more important, and the reason why I started exercising, is because how unhealthy living can hurt your body on in the inside. I was a teen and had high cholesterol. Some of it is genetic, but I started exercising and my cholesterol went down to normal levels. As an add-on, I dropped some pounds. I’m still in no way considered “skinny” but I have no problems with my body image because I know that I’m healthy. I can actually run a mile without having to walk half of it (which was how I was since elementary throughout high school), which to some people might seem ridiculous but it is simply another source of pride for me. My point is that Honey Boo Boo’s sense of self confidence MAY partly be due to ignorance (in this case, her mother’s since Honey is still so young). Cassey’s words should definitely be food for thought. Also, since they have chosen to put their lives on TV, they are putting themselves out there to be judged. We can’t live without judging, otherwise we’d live in an extremely morally compromised society. I never sensed from Cassey’s words that the mother was abusing her child, but rather showing her affection and love in a somewhat misplaced way. And what Cassey’s own body looks like doesn’t take away any truth from her words. Find a licensed physician, nutritionist, nurse, etc. and they will say Cassey’s main point is correct. This family is living an unhealthy lifestyle and, more likely than not, they will face many health consequences if they continue down this road.
Remi,
Go find something better to do with your life . Your comments are unnecessary and annoying. Stop hating on Cassey!
Remi, your analogy of “if a skinny girl walks up to you and tells you you need to make a huge life change” is erroneous, it does not make me consider your post as sound reasoning because you are missing a huge point here yourself.
Cassey would not go up to you randomly on the street and tell you the dangers of obesity, because you are NOT a public figure exposing your private life to America on TLC. The Thompson family has chosen to sell their private life, therefore opening the door for anyone who watches the show to have an opinion. Also, you said that this family is fostering values such as unconditional love? Friend, when you love someone, you show it on all levels – including what foods you give them. Giving a child Mountain Dew and Red Bull for a whole weekend is not good parenting. This child is growing, her brain is developing at an amazing rate, and her mother is stunting this with alarming amounts of caffeine. Adults should’t even have pop or Red Bull, let alone a child.
And lastly:
Girl, please.
That tells me you know absolutely nothing about Cassey and her fitness/health background. You also seem to be very good at making inferences that are unfounded. In relation to your support of the family I now know you have no understanding of reality TV. I could just keep going but what would be the reason. If you want to talk you can see my email or better yet we could meet if you needed, I live in Washington state. Please do find an instructor or lifestyle that makes you happy but also be a bit more introspective. Thank you for your time and your post.
Yeah, haha, and that’s why Cassey is going to outlive yours and Honey boo boos family’s life by a long shot. Keep killing yourself with your hatred, jealousy, and gluttony. Buffoons like you is why this world is such a mean, nasty, overweight place.
Hi Casey. I never leave comments but I thought you needed a few words of encouragement for your courage a bravery. Don’t listen to the negativity! I know it’s much easier said than done.. but just think of all your positive traits and your true intentions. You are trying to help people live a healthier more fulfilling life. They should be thanking you. All the negative comments are their own insecurities that are being lashed out to you bc you are a “public figure” in your own right. If people want to eat that way … there’s nothing we can do.. just like if people want to smoke, etc. BUT I can def ask people not to smoke in front of me, bc I don’t want second hand smoke & damage for their decisions.. just like I would NEVER send my kids to play with honey boo boo and be fed whatever they’re serving.
I can go on.. but that’s all. Lift up your head and make everybody do ore squats 😉
You people bashing on her should be ashamed of yourselves. You are doing exactly what you accuse Cassey of doing, saying hurtful things and tearing her down! She is trying to make a difference in this world that, quite honestly is much needed! America is fat! I’m not bashing, that is a fact. It’s people like Cassey who will impact this world and change it for the better.
Keep on going girl! You have changed so many people’s lives already.
I rarely comment on internet postings of any kind at all, but I wanted to lend my support to Cassey on this subject. I recently lost 31 pounds that I had gained as a result of a year long struggle with depression. Prior to that year, I had never been overweight. I was a skinny underweight teenager (not on purpose, I desperately wanted to gain weight then) and as an adult I was always easily within a healthy weight range, I never had to struggle with weight. Now that I have experienced being overweight, I can say from personal experience that it affects so much more than how one looks. I felt terrible. It affected me mentally in terms of my self esteem and outlook on life, and physically I was always tired, and I do mean always. I was beginning to get winded doing simple things like carrying groceries or whatever else into my house from my car. I have a chronic knee condition (unlrelated to weight) that was aggravated by the extra weight as well. I also felt mentally sluggish and unmotivated, unable to get things done or organize my thoughts. Part of this was due to the depression, but with the weight gain, I noticed it got worse. I got tired of it one day and decided to change it. I already knew what to do, I just started actually doing it again. I am back to my normal weight and I feel great, I know everyone says that, but it’s so true. Now that I have tasted both sides I know that it is so much better to take care of yourself. Better than the temporary pleasure of eating whatever you want. Diabetes runs in my family, as does high cholesterol (although neither one is weight related, all my relatives who have it are normal weight or even thin) so I hope to at least attempt to avoid that by maintaing a healthy lifestyle. I also think that if your motivation is being healthy versus trying to have a certain “look” its better, because if all you’re looking to do is look good in a bikini (not that there’s anything wrong with that at all) it can get really demoralizing if you dont see results as quickly as you would like. But if you focus on being healthy, eventually the result will be a body that you are pleased with. I think Cassey is on the right track, and there is nothing wrong with educating people to make better choices. Whether the issue is food, sex, money, whatever, the more you know the more equipped you are to make the right decisions for YOURSELF. But if you dont have the information, then you are operating at a disadvatage, which really isnt fair. Everyone should at least be aware of exactly what their unhealthy choices are doing to their bodies, because I really dont believe most people know the full scope of what the American diet does to your body, with the amount of fat, sugar, etc that it includes. It’s actually really scary if you look into it. Now if you know, and you decide to keep on with the same lifestyle, then that’s your choice, however unwise, we are all allowed to decide what we do with our lives. We also have to accept it if the outcome of our decision is an unpleasant one.
Go go Cassey !!
I believe all you said made perfect sense… It sounded like pure logic to me and people who say otherwise need to think more deeply before commenting !!!
We LOVE you
Thank you for doing what you do 😉
I understand both sides, but I find it hurtful when people bring up diabetes without a complete understanding of the disease. I have Type 2 diabetes, diagnosed very young, and it’s genetic. I eat clean, exercise, and I still have diabetes. It is upsetting to see people threaten diabetes on others because they think their lifestyle is poor. It’s not that simple. Just wanted to throw that out there.
Type 2 diabetes is acquired not genetic. Type 1 is genetic. Eating too much clean food can still give you diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be genetic. My mother was born with diabetes and was always assumed to have type 1 because of that. Instead, she actually technically has type 2 which she found out a few years ago. She doesn’t eat too much (and it’s a little presumptuous for you to assume that) and exercises appropriately to control her sugar levels. But she has it and will die having it no matter what she does.
But I feel like that’s a much more uncommon thing, rare even. Type 2 diabetes runs in my family and only when they let their unhealthy habits and weight get out of control do they develop it. I’m sure it does happen that way as well, but the vast majority of Americans with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure develop them later in life as a result of their sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle. We can go on about the weight issue as long as we want, but it all comes down to these people WANTING to change. If they are happy living their lives this way eating whatever they like and developing illness, they will. Only when people make a conscious effort to change will their health improve. That’s it. And this is the internet people. People are entitled to their own opinions and will speak them freely here. If you don’t like Cassey’s opinions, then why are you here? If you don’t like what she’s saying, then stop reading! Why is it necessary to name call and point fingers at her? Whether you agree or disagree there is a proper way to comment with an opinion and then there is an unnecessary one. Why do you feel the need to be nasty to strangers? I don’t understand why this ever even happens in the first place.. Sigh….
BTW: Cassey, you did nothing wrong and certainly did not have to apologize for saying what you believe in. I saw no “fat-shaming”, she obviously said that unhealthiness can happen to anyone, no matter their size.
This is her website and she can say whatever she wants. Get over yourselves.
Cassey only pointed out what was obviously wrong with the families diet. It is harmful, no matter how you look at it. It’s not opinion, it’s fact.
I love your blog, but very rarely post comments, however I felt the need to comment on this post. I am so grateful that there are people like you in this world, who stand up for goodness and healthy living, even though it may be looked down upon. Voicing honest concern on a sensitive topic can often be taken the wrong way (as it has by some in this situation) but I look up to you in that you stand by your opinion. I agree with you, but even if I didn’t, I think having the strength to stand up for what you believe in is amazing. Thank you for being an amazing role model, to me, my toddler, and so many POPsters all over the world. <3
I never comment on these things, but I just want to say that I support you Cassey! I fully understand that you are coming from a place of concern and are just trying to offer an educated opinion on the matter! Nothing breaks my heart more than when I see children who are not receiving the proper nutrition. The repercussions from that will affect their health for the rest of their life! Thank you for standing up and educating! You are an inspiration to so many! <3
I thought everything you say was totally true! My mom’s a nutritionist so I’ve been forced to live the healthy food lifestyle and while it sucks sometimes to not have junk food available, I’m lucky that I can’t give into every craving I get. While Honey Boo Boo and her family have the right to make their own choices, no matter how unhealthy, it isn’t good to feed that to the American public. It’s great that she doesn’t have body image issues but reality tv is dangerous and you were right to speak out! They’re lifestyle isn’t healthy and it isn’t something to aspire to have. Four for you, Cassey!
Cassey, your passion and love for humanity is so inspiring. Standing up for what you believe in is not always easy, and there will always be people who project their own hateful perceptions onto your intentions.
I have so much respect for how you acknowledged the influence your words can have on your followers’ feelings while staying true to the underlying message that health MATTERS and it’s our responsibility as human beings to look out for one another and care for each other.
Your tenacity is changing the world
I actually started following you because of this…because I think you are right. And I think that honestly, Americans NEED a wake up call. They NEED people to stop sugar coating (no pun intended) the truth and saying, oh…your not overweight dont say that….or your not fat your big boned…. And Avoid the problem. the problem is that for the first time in history our children ARE NOT GOING TO OUTLIVE THEIR PARENTS due to the obesity epidemic. YOU GO GIRL. DOnt be affected by the commenters who dont get it…you get it…we get it…its true. Healthy is the aim….
Cassey I think you’re admirable and as well I do see all you’re talking about; I’m in college studying Nutrition and Public Health and your passion is the one that many of my colleges has (or should have). I specially like you’re telling us if we know someone who is hurting itself in the way this family is doing is something we must TRY to do. Because I can tell you, changing people’s mind about something they thought it was right since they’re childhood is REALLY HARD. In fact, some of my teachers point out that, a good.. a really good nutritionist is the one that reflects its knowledge of healthy habits not just in herself but also in her family, because then you can actually be more effective when trying to demonstrate someone else these kind of things. Make your family to understand healthy habits its hell of a hard thing, so I truly understand your pain and concern not only for this child, but for your own family.
I do not understand many of the comments because I’m from another culture (I’m Mexican and live in my beautiful yet full of problems country) but our country has the 1° place in child obesity and I think 2° in adult obesity, but I do not understand this thing about “fat shamming”
As you said, obesity is a disease : the most important and sadly very extended disease now days. Unlike you I don’t think a person with obesity can be… truly happy. I can’t, and I don’t understand some of the american premises of “being round and beauty” or somethings like that… or considerate valid to involuntary feelings and food like “I’m super sad so I most have ice-cream” in movies, series and such. Eating is more than just putting things into your mouth and it should not be relationed with sentimental lacks because is not its function, and is not positive… at all.
And is not a matter of beauty is a matter of health: I don’t think an obese person can be happy because she/ he can’t live a normal life, do whatever they want, TRULY TRULY use their body! and the body to respond well! it’s a very complicated and controversial topic I know , but I can tell you a lot of papers and investigations are behind me, obesity carry a lot of illness: psychologically, socially, and above all physically.
And people I mean this, try to understand yourself! you have a good, precious and perfect functioning body that its amazing… you don’t even have an idea of how great and awesome is your metabolism and all of the work your body have to go when you don’t care at all for it and give it any trashy meal you can think of daily … eventually , above it’s perfection, it begins to get tired; and even- and this is a whole new topic that is hot in nutrition- the things that you eat know can actually impact in your genes (and backwards) .. it’s very interesting, but this child, honey boo boo may also be genetically pre-determinated to like salty-fatty-sugary meals (search about nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics) BUT! this can’t be used as an excuse to these kind of habits of curse, a change in environment and education can change it. Think for a moment what are you eating and what you may be telling to your DNA… how are going to be the children of the future? don’t only care of your image but in YOUR health and possibly (if you think in that as a possibility ) in your future child well being.
For those people who believe that this post and your views on Honey Boo Boo and her family were bad i pose this question; What if Honey Boo Boo’s mum was teaching her to eat too little and preparing her for a life of starving herself and leading the child to have Eating Disorders such as Anorexia or Bulimia?
Would you still say that it is no one else’s business? And that if they are happy they should be left alone?
Over feeding a child leads to health risks that come with under feeding, they can both cause death, they can both lead to future Eating Disorders.
I know plenty of people who went on to develop Eating Disorders because they were over weight for as long as they can remember and they didn’t want that.
People should be educated in nutrition better, so they can live longer, happier lives.
In Scotland (Im thinking maybe all of Britain but im not 100%) Social Services can and will take your child away for making/ allowing them to become obese, especially young children.
It causes serious damage.
Its not about being overweight, that’s just a “side effect” we can see, its about the damage underneath.
Ong perfect response k
Best response I’ve seen. This contrast is the perfect way to state how overlooked childhood obesity really is. American culture is so absorbed with instant gratification. What is not taught is a respect for consequences. The consequences for the obesity epidemic will be long and fraught.
Great analogy. However, overeating, like undereating, is also an eating disorder.
i agree with you 100%
love!!!!
You’re such an inspiration, don’t let anyone discourage you. I’m glad you took the time too further explain what you wrote and I completely agree.
I live in a third world country and share a house with my mom and sister and is practically imposible to eat healthy with them in the house and because it’s quite expensive; but your blog and videos really help me not give up.
Thanks for being you and inspiring us all 🙂
This was so well said Cassey!! you are amazing and you are doing the right thing. As a nutritionist, I face similar problems each days. It is so hard to spark a change, but we can do it!!
Don’t give an inch, Cassey. There’s too much at stake – the Standard American Diet (called SAD for a reason) is killing people. Honey Boo Boo – omg, thank heaven I don’t get cable.
Cassey, some people in the comments may say that this follow up changed nothing, but it changed my mind. I was afraid you would pick on ignorant people. But that isn’t it. You care. And I also thought “let them be they are happy.” But now i see they won’t be happy in a few years when family members are dying off. Sorry to put that so morbidly. But yes. They need to know that the love they have makes them happy. Not this food. You shouldn’t love food like you do people.
You go Cassey, thank you for all that you do! It’s been people like you who have got me to start eating clean and I can honestly say I’ve never felt better! It’s also opened my eyes to what I’m feeding my 2 year old, got to start them liking greens early. When I read this post this quote reminded me of you!! “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Reading the Angry and misunderstood posts has just made me angry enough to post here. Firstly Cassey, do not quit the day job 🙂 you are amazing! I love your videos they are so much fun and you really keep me going at points i am about to give up you scream ” don’t give up ” and i’m like damn how did she know haha.
To the serious issue that has come around, i agree with so many other comments this is your blog and those were your opnions. A lot of people will hear what they wanna hear and in this case read. It was great that you have apologised but unfortunately you will probably still lose a few fans…though ones you don’t need anyway. Needless to say everyone is entitled to their opinion and i truly believe you are just generally concerned, hell i wish i could get my sister to lose weight as she is morbidly obese by health and i want her to live the healthy lifestyle she used to have. I try to get her to do Slimming World with me but she answers with ” i can’t afford to do that” yet she can afford a couple of takeaways a week! really frustrates me when people say its expensive to eat healthy- ITS NOT! It is great there are people like you to motivate us to be healthy! I don’t want to be skinny i want to be toned,healthy and strong! everyone should want this. Why not be the best you can be?
The people that are saying you are fat shaming should really take a look at some of the methods other fitness instructors take before saying that to you! Some people of the world are always going to have something nasty to say, i just wish people would go by the phrase – if you have no kind words to say, then you should say nothing. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have an opinion, just means there is no need to say horrible things directly to Cassey!
As for it’s not your business?!?! hahahaha! when a family lets a camera crew into their home.. it becomes everyones business. They signed up for that. In all honestly don’t stick up for Honey Boo Boo and her family cos they probably don’t give a s**t… if they did don’t you think the would be doing something about it. If you really did want to do something about your weight you eat healthier you exercise. Losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise, so if your stuffing your face with Dominos ask yourself ” do i actually want a healthier lifestyle, or am i just happy clogging my lungs with fat”.
so conclude my rant ( which has annoyed me having to even do it because some people are so small minded). Cassey you are a wonderful human being please smile… to the nasty people stop reading this and go carry on with your life your just going to make yourself angry like i have.
hugs and kisses!
best response ever 🙂
I have been a longtime reader and enjoy the blog, but I have never commented before. I felt as though I should send my support out to you as someone who is studying public health and nutrition at the university level. The global obesity issue is not only bad for self-esteem- it threatens the very society in which we live in. This generation is the first generation of children that are not expected to outlive the age of their parents- EVER! This is one hundred percent due to the misinformation people like Honey Boo Boos mother have, and the unhealthy lifestyles. It is not necessarily individual families fault. Healthy food is very expensive and this is due to government subsidies. The whole obesity issue needs to be looked at from all levels, but people need to know that is is not okay. Unhealthy food causes obesity, and is also contributing to global warming. Our entire world food and health system are on verge of collapse because people are not afraid to tackle to problem head on. An entire country of overweight individuals will not survive the strains on the healthcare system- it is unfortunately not possible. I believe people spend too much tome doting around the issues of self-esteem due to “fat shaming”, but obesity is the greatest single issue facing our country. Not abortion, guns, or gay marriage. Props to you for speaking your mind and pointing out that this type of behavior is not acceptable.
Cassey, your concern for the health of others makes you selfless, you are a good person who cares about others because you understand (and others might not) that individuals like Honey Boo Boo , who is a young child need help before its to late. Better safe than sorry! Some people might not understand, but while you are helping others by telling the truth, the individuals are who criticize you are actually killing others by keeping them in the dark. Love you, and what you stand for!! keep doing what your doing!
P.s. Don’t worry about what other might say to you, one day they will understand what you are talking about…and lets hope that day is not to late.
I’d just like to say that not eating the right foods won’t just affect how you look or your physical health- it affects how you feel. Clean eating not only cured my postpartum depression without meds it cured my laziness- and no not physical laziness. Mental laziness exists. I feel alive now.
That being said I don’t believe in what America tells us the idea body shape is. I’d love to be naturally thin but not many people truly are. Eating disorders are a real thing and Cassey, I’d love if you could say something to people battling eating disorders. I have in the past and it’s just as possible to be unhealthy by what you DON’T eat. Health doesn’t mean looking a certain way so you look like tabloids and people in movies. So just as I agree that obesity isn’t healthy I’d also like to say that I believe eating disorders are much, much worse.
Your blog, your opinion.
There will always be people that disagree. Perhaps you’re stepping on their toes with the truth that you’re speaking!
It is hard to see how personally you are taking this, Cassey. As long as you have a voice there will be people who disagree with you. The only way you can prevent that is to not speak your mind and talk about your passion. The people who speak out against you are only looking for a reason to, and nothing you can say will change that. I hope that you can get back to what you do best instead of taking this so hard! I miss reading your regular posts! I’m sending lots of love your way! Cheer up 🙂
I completely agree with everything you’re saying, and I think that you’re doing a great thing in attempting to promote health- obesity is the number one cause of death in the United States and it’s not paid enough attention to. You’re doing so much and making a real change in the world. Don’t let the insults get you down! I would have commented on your last post saying something along the same lines but I didn’t think that it needed to be said. Just remember that for every hater, there are multiple people who are grateful for what you’re doing, and my friends and I are among them (we love your workout videos!).
Cassey,
I love your blog and everything you said in this post. It hard for people to open there eyes and see that fast food and process food is not the greatest choice. It took me a long time to figure out what was healthly and the right portion size for food.
Just keep your head up and rember you are making a difference in the world.
Amen, to you Cassey! Of course by reading both your blogs, didn’t mean that what you were saying was terrible. You were speaking about a thing you passionately believed in and cared about. One needs to be honest…and honestly, their lifestyle IS disgusting. But not them. They can be fine people, but the way they live is gross. There is a thing as gluttony and sometimes people use it in exorbitant amounts. I’m glad there actually was someone who said something about it, and I’m glad you did. Some people will say nasty things to you, Cassey, but they aren’t the ones who matter. Some people are like cancer, and the sooner you can get rid of it the better. Just know that you were honest and there is no reason you shouldn’t be. Keep up your awesome job. I love your work. 🙂
Dear Cassey,
I just found your blog today as a suggestion by TumblrBot. I read your original post about Honey Boo Boo, and I can see how people would have taken it offensively; however, I understood exactly where you were coming from. I love this post – your follow-up post. I admire that you took the time to consider and weigh your words before lashing out emotionally – much like many of the negative commenters have done. I admire that you have stood your ground and not let the negativity prevent you from trying to educate others and help others live healthier lives. I’ve found that many people today live their lives on the defense; say one thing that can be quickly construed as negative or offensive and they will retaliate and try to make you feel bad for having an opinion. I feel that this attitude is just as unhealthy as eating poorly because someone who behaves this way is not a happy person and he/she feels the need to make others unhappy with him/her.
I just wanted to share my feelings on the topic. And I never once took from your posts that you were judging the appearance of Honey Boo Boo, her mother, or the rest of their family. It’s that defensive attitude that caused others to glean that from your words.
Love what your doing. Love your positivity.
<3E
Here’s just some video of Jamie’s Oliver awarded talk about this issue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_QOzc79Uc
There was really A LOT OF angry people when he started Food Revolution in US. I really recommend you watch this show if you haven’t: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y6yI5ARh0Y
It shows really scary stuff about how Americans eat and how the’re feeding their children. An this really has to change. Being concoius about food doesn’t mean that you have to workout everyday and doesn’t mean that you have to eat clean. Not everybody have to do that. But you just have to eat veggies and fruits especially when you’re a kid bcs this is your base, this is fundation of your health and well being.
im confused about one thing here…if you re an overweight person who claims that you dont follow these points of views and lifestyle represented on this blog and you disagree with the ways we choose to eat and live and what we consider healthy….why the heck are you here????? Why not go follow a blog that follows in line with your own beliefs and stop trying to change ours.
Right on, Cassie! Don’t listen to the naysayers. Keep on keeping on.
Hey Cassey!I read all of your posts you upload every day and the post about Honey Boo Boo surprised me a little..Because I realised that you are not only a kind and smiley gym instructor neither you are a girl that loves gym and pretends eating healthy just for the sake of the web-popularity..I totally agree with you 🙂 I was raised in a family in which my mother as a doctor was a huuuuge fan of healthy organic food..for years I was tempted by all those junks and I got angry with my mother who didn’t let me eat a lot of them and it was natural but -to tell you the truth- now I appreciate her for that,I owe her. Healthy eating is part of my life and I try to convince my friends to give it a chance..People cannot understand how this affects their health..You reminded me Jamie Oliver when he experimented with the food that is given to students(if you don’t know what I am talking about please check it out on the web it’s interesting)…You don’t have to worry about those mean comments..Most people say that because of their ignorance..And in my opinion this show generally promotes a low quality of life and doesn’t show the proper respect for human beings..:P
Cassey, i am not really the person who responds to post. but in this case, i think i need to support you on this! i mean, you have such a great look on things, and it is great of you to share it this way! gooooooooo on babe!
Hey Cassie,
I love you and your blog so much, and I agree with all that you say. Don’t worry about the people that don’t agree with you, because we all have a different perspective on everything. Just keep doing you thing, and many will follow 🙂
Love,
Christy
Honestly Cassey I’m so disappointed in you! I loved your videos and looked up to you but now…Get real! Is this supposed to be considered an apology? All you are doing is making it all about you and trying to get sympathy. Sympathy for what? You cannot say rude, hurtful things about someone else (especially a young girl) and then act like the victim when people call you out on it! It’s absolutely ridiculous. The things you said were not only hurtful to Honey Boo Boo and her family but to people everywhere suffering from insecurities and health issues. You can try to act like ‘you’re helping’ but really what you are doing is fat shaming and it can be very damaging especially in the society we live in. No I am not saying that Honey Boo Boo’s family are healthy but I am saying we have no right to police how others live their life which you are doing. You are also being very judgmental acting as if you are better than her and other overweight people when in reality you should take a page out of their book. have you every watched their show? If you did you would see that although they do have poor eating habits they are also lovely people with good values who love people for who they are. They don’t care about the superficial things unlike some other people *cough* *cough* Cassey!
This is a blog about healthy lifestyle, eating habits and exercise. Noone is judging if someone else is lovely or not. Noone is being rude or hurting anyone, only people in comments. Cassey is only saying the truth aloud. And really, trying to live in a healthy way is not a superficial thing.
Brittany I completely disagree with you. You obviously did not read anything that Cassey wrote. Health in this country is horrible and mostly because people do not know how to eat better. Unhealthy lifestyles should not be a means for entertainment and silence. Cassey is not speaking up because she believes this family is fat and they should look better. She is concerned for their health especially for a young child who has no control over what is provided for her to eat by her parents! I find it funny how you can condemn Cassey for having an opinion and “judging” when you can have an opinion and judge her.
In my own family I witnessed my aunt feeding her son whatever bad food he wanted and as much as he wanted because it was a way for her to show him she loved him and it really upset me. He was an overweight child and now is an overweight teenager. I don’t care that he is not skinny, I care that he is on track to have diabetes and health issues later on in life. You can be silent Brittany and let America get worse, more people diagnosed with diabetes and more people ashamed of their weight, but others want to help and want this country to be healthier so please don’t put down those who want to help.
Amen, to you Cassey! Of course by reading both your blogs, didn’t mean that what you were saying was terrible. You were speaking about a thing you passionately believed in and cared about. One needs to be honest…and honestly, their lifestyle IS disgusting. But not them. They can be fine people, but the way they live is gross. There is a thing as gluttony and sometimes people use it in exorbitant amounts. I’m glad there actually was someone who said something about it, and I’m glad you did. Some people will say nasty things to you, Cassey, but they aren’t the ones who matter. Some people are like cancer, and the sooner you can get rid of it the better. Just know that you were honest and there is no reason you shouldn’t be. Keep up your awesome job. I love your work. 🙂
I don’t think that anyone here is looking for sympathy- I think that Cassey is just trying to clear up that the things that she said were not meant to be hurtful and try to take away the hurt. If you’d read her post, you would know that there is no “fat shaming” being done- Cassey makes clear that weight is not important to her in this. She is purely concerned with health. Besides, I think you’re making arbitrary judgements; do you know Cassey? What makes you think that she’s superficial? Being concerned with keeping your body working well is actually anything but superficial. If your body doesn’t work right, your mind won’t work to its fullest extent, either. Being hampered by obesity and disease will prevent you from enjoying life to its fullest extent. Being healthy and living a long life do not stop you from being a loving person. If Honey Boo Boo and her family are loving, that’s terrific, and it will be even more of a loss when they die early or suffer complications due to their eating habits.
Get real. Watching their show regularly means that you’re enjoying yourself at their expense by having fun watching them destroy themselves. The show isn’t popular because Honey Boo Boo’s family is loving, it’s popular because people are having fun watching them hurt themselves and feeling themselves superior, and that’s sick. Just watch who you’re calling superficial- maybe look at yourself before you start pointing fingers at people that you don’t know.
If everyone in the world who stood up for something didn’t try to change other people, nothing in this world would be as it is today. Cassey is trying to be the support of people who don’t have the right education on nutrition. She is pointing out a perfect example of how ignorant a person can be on health and providing reasons why she is dedicating her entire life to change the way people think. Besides, if you think Honey Boo Boo and her family care at all what anybody says about their health you clearly haven’t watched the show. Most of popular culture has said much worse than what Cassey has said and without validation. Cassey is trying to help, she means no harm to anyone. Freedom of speech, in case you haven’t heard it’s part of our constitution and the right of every citizen of this country.
As far as I can see, people might find this post hurtful if they had health issues, but mostly because it’s quite a sensitive subject for them, if they have those health issues because they haven’t had a balanced diet in the past. Cassey’s goal is to make sure that happens to less people in the future.
I think also a recurring a point from this post was that the problem isn’t how loving the family is, nobody’s questioning how much the mum loves her family, it’s the fact that they associate giving love with food that’s the issue. Food can be an addiction, and most people who overeat do so because they have an unhealthy relationship with food. I think Cassey’s point was that it’s this relationship that needs to be addressed, as this would tackle the main cause of obesity rather than the consequential health issues. This would also avoid the heartbreak that so many families have to go through these days when they have to watch their loved ones suffer or pass away from diet-related illness.
Brittany,
Really??? Let’s all get something straight. Once Honey Boo Boo’s family signed on the dotted line to do their show they signed up to be talked about, good, bad and indifferent. So I honestly thing Cassey is using their show as a learning experience for us all. Oh yea, by the way….this is HER blog so YES it is about her. She can say anything she wants. By the looks of it, she it doing one heck of a job!!!
If you don’t like it you don’t have to read it. That is YOUR choice.
First of all you are a pot calling the kettle black because your reply is coming off judgmental and you are trying to shame Cassey for just speaking her mind. IF you actually read her first and second blog she never fat shamed or put down the character of these people. Also she never tried to impose her lifestyle or force anyone to do anything she is simply speaking her mind on something she believes in. Honey boo boo and her family have opened themselves up to scrutiny by allowing their lifestyle to be filmed and so that is all that Cassey is doing here! How can you say that the family does not care about superficial things when the daughter is a beauty pageant contestant. And Cassey never once was being superficial eating healthy and taking care of yourself is not superficial. So calm down and next time you decide to rant try opening your mind and reading the entire post that you are replying to.
You go Cassey and ignore all these close minded politically correct people that come at everything already in a bias and only hear/see what they want.
Honestly. I have to apologize if this sounds incredibly crass, but it just really seems like you didn’t read her post at all. You just argued things that she CLEARLY says. She says that the family might very well be people who are loving. She also said she wasn’t trying to tell anyone what to do, she just wanted to inform those who may be uneducated about a healthy way to live and THEN they can choose. It wouldn’t hurt to know that there is a better way to treat your body and your health, would it?
Also, “fat shaming… in the society we live in”: what does that mean? That our society is obese? That people have issues with body image? Mental health issues?
Do your research before you strike someone down who is trying to make an educated apology. Our society is full of people who are uneducated about food and healthy living. It has made our “society” remarkably obese and unhealthy, by instilling images of impossibly skinny bodies, proving food that is cheap and unhealthy, AND by lacking to provide education… and this not only CAUSES mental health issues AND issues with body image, but it KILLS PEOPLE.
She is trying to make a point. She is a health instructor. This is a blog about healthy living. She fully acknowledges that this family could be happy and loving people: “HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY ARE LOVING PEOPLE.” That’s a direct quote, so again, I don’t really know what you’re arguing against.
Her point is this: “Now, let me make THIS clear. HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY NEED HELP IN LIVING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES….Why do I care? Why is it any of my business? If they don’t ask for my advice, I shouldn’t give it right? WRONG. If you saw someone hurting themselves, wouldn’t you step in to help? Listen to me when I say this – food is your medicine and medicine is your food. If you are choosing bad foods to put into your body, you are slowly killing yourself. That’s right. Killing yourself.” If you would like to research the effects of unhealthy food on the body, then be my guest.
And this is absolutely, like it or not, true. She’s, “not saying you need to eat clean 100% of the time,” and she states that she is not, “sitting on some “high horse” saying you’re dumb if you don’t know your foods.” She says, “if you don’t know, it’s time to learn. And I wanna be there for you and help create that positive learning environment so that you can nourish your body and feed your minds!!!”
Those are just some direct quotes I feel like completely combat most of what you just said. Healthy living is a nurturing way of life. Individuals have a freedom of choice; but, she’s saying her passion lies in PROVIDING that information and ENCOURAGING people at large to live in a way that makes them do just that… keep living. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It seems very positive to me.
Brittany, did you take the time to read her posts? She did watch the show, she did say that Honey Boo Boo and her family are lovely, and frankly, this is her blog and it’s about health. She doesn’t post things on here to be superficial or to fat shame. She has this blog because she cares about the health and fitness of others, because that’s her job and her passion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but she doesn’t deserve such a harsh attack on such a meaningful and important topic.
AGREEE. Clearly someone did not read the article…
And so they say, ’empty vessels make the most noise.’ Clearly, you need to read and get the point Cassey is trying to drive home before you jump to conclusions so quickly.
Hey, Brittany: TL;DR much?
Cassie: Good on you! I totally understand what you were aiming for. I sincerely empathize with you regarding your cousin. I have a cousin who is rather overweight, her mother definitely thought food=love when she was growing up, and because of it we never had the best relationship because I was much thinner and healthier and fitter than she (thanks in most part to soccer and a healthy diet). We tried to tell my aunt that what she was doing wasn’t going to benefit her in the long run, but she didn’t listen. The most frustrating part? She’s a nurse. She should’ve known. However, because she and my dad and their siblings grew up poor, they saw food as love and a luxury as they grew up. My dad eventually grew out of it, but the others took a while longer.
The world desperately needs more people as passionate and as concerned with the future of America’s youth as yourself and our FLOTUS, MObama. I know when I have a family of my own, I will strive to teach them the pros and cons of a healthy lifestyle – being a biomedical scientist won’t hurt, either 🙂 And thank goodness for the power of YouTube, because I know I will have backup in you and your channel – that extra OOMPH for my children to learn good health and fitness. I hope you’re around for many years to come and again, I commend you for your thoughtful words.
You know what REALLY annoys me? When people refer to fat as a “superficial” thing. It is a HEALTH issue that happens to have a superficial side-affect. And I also hate how people always revert to “fat-shaming.” Cassey’s just stating FACTS about a public TV family’s UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE on her HEALTH AND FITNESS blog. She’s not shaming. She’s stating facts.
Guess what. It’s impossible to hide that you’re fat. Whenever someone looks at a fat person they can tell that they’re fat. Want to know what else they can tell? That they’re unhealthy, they’re probably gonna die young, they’re probably going to have heart problems, they might get diabetes, and they also don’t look as good as they could. For Honey Boo Boo and her family (who volunteered to be on PUBLIC TV btw) this is tenfold because of their morbid obesity. It’s not “fat-shaming.” I never said I hated fat people at all. I just stated facts. Fat shaming is saying fat people are horrible. I don’t think that, and Cassey doesn’t either. I’m just stating blunt facts and I don’t give a damn if someone is sooooo offended by the TRUTH. I’m not going to sugar-coat anything, and Cassey shouldn’t either. (pun intended :D)
Want to know something else? You’re going to hate me for this. You’re really going to despise me. But I hope that fat people DO feel uncomfortable because of this. They DO feel uncomfortable and insecure. Because then, hopefully, maybe just MAYBE, they will WAKE. UP. I’m not talking about superficial looks. I’m talking about HEALTH. They’re destroying their body from the inside and it shows on the outside. They have a short, problem-ridden life ahead of them if they don’t change. Overweight people should make a change for both their HEALTH and their “superficial” looks.
This country has such a huge problem. This society regards weight as superficial instead of a health issue. This country makes it impossible or “shameful” to talk about this important aspect of health. It’s ridiculous and needs to change. So quit with this “fat-shaming” crap because Cassey wasn’t even fat-shaming at all. Don’t confuse shame with FACTS. And btw, if you are ssooooo sensitive about “fat-shaming,” I’m going to give you a little tip. Don’t look on health and fitness lifestyle blogs next time 🙂
Casey I never want you to mind your own business, thank you for being you and bringing love, light, passion, fitness, good food, fun and sparkle into our lives.
Response post very very well written.
Now – move on babe, take a deep breath, move on, let the haters hate….i
Love from Australia!
I’ve watched the whole series of Honey Boo Boo ( I have a life I swear…) and in one episode one of June’s children actually states she wants to lose weight. So, I do think is aware that their diet in unhealthy, and like Cassey states, I think they just don’t know how to go about changing it. I don’t mean to be down on June, but in the Thanksgiving episode she buys her daughter greens because her daughter wants them, but June then states that she doesn’t want to cook them, which in turn leads her to creating a competition where two of her daughters eat the greens for 10$ and one of them ends up getting sick.
I’m sorry but, that’s not parenting. Parenting is making sure you’re looking after your children and giving them the NUTRITION they NEED! The two important N’s. Not making them sick on greens because you’re too lazy to cook them. It is becoming more popular that parents choose the cheapest and easiest food to cook because it is easier, but it’s costing children their health. Surely when it comes to children, nourishing them and teaching them to eat healthily is one of the most important lessons they can learn?
Reading all of these posts I see people replying who understand good health and what it means to be healthy, and other people who just think you are hating against ‘over-weight people’. Obviously the people who think this, have never been educated by their family or are too immature/ignorant to understand the meaning of your post. She Also mentioned in her post that someone who is over-weight can be healthy, and someone who is very slim can be unhealthy. This isn’t about body image – it’s about how to be healthy.
I have always been educated about being healthy by my mum as she is a diabetic nurse, so she deals with people abusing their bodies every day, she see’s people missing limbs and struggling to breathe – if people really lose track of their health this is how they can end up.
When people say that they don’t have time to cook healthy meals or work out, that’s completely up to you. If you would rather spend an extra hour sat on the sofa watching TV than spending it in the gym or in the kitchen making a healthy meal then that is your choice.
Cassey is a ‘Health and Fitness instructor’. Her blog is about Health and Fitness. If you’re not willing to learn about it or you disagree with it – don’t subscribe to the blog… it’s simple, rather than writing offensive posts back.
Cassey, love your recipes and videos and your blog is always giving me new ideas on how to stay healthy!
Thanks!!
Hey Cassey! I agree 100% with you. What most people don’t understand is that it’s very different to have a few extra pounds and to be obese. The human body is not built to carry so much weight. There was an overweight woman living in my neighborhood that died at the age of 40 of a heart attack, because her heart just couldn’t support her weight anymore.
I am not american, i don’t live in the us so i don’t know who Honey Boo Boo is but it’s very obvious from what i have seen that this girl and her family need help. And if they are nice people as you say, I think it’s criminal to let them destroy their lives and the lives of their children because some people think it’s not politically correct to offend somebody’s lifestyle choices. It’s like smoking; of course you can’t force someone to quit smoking, but knowing they are hurting themselves you can encourage them and help them quit it.
Keep up with the good work by the way, I really enjoy your videos…
Well, this was an interesting non-apology.
“I’m back down to 118 lbs. Thank God.”
“I hate the way I look. If I looked like X,Y,Z maybe things would be better.”
“If I don’t achieve that thigh gap, I’m gonna look like a fat monster.”
“Mom yells at me every time I have extra food because I’m not skinny like my brothers and sisters.”
“I have a young child who keeps talking about going on diets and says she fat and needs to get smaller. She’s only 5.”
“I need to get skinny because everyone calls me fat-so.”
“Once I lose these last ‘X’ amount of lbs., I’ll finally be perfect!”
It seems odd to have a child, and a young one at that, to be so positive in her body image. Can’t have that! Too positive! Too outside the norm! She’s not feeding into the machine! God, I personally can’t wait to have a kid, a daughter specifically, to make sure she feeds into this craziness that we have to look, walk, act a certain way that’s been fed to us for God knows how many years. A positive body image? She’s got enough time for that when she’s dead.
I mean, I would giggle and smile with delight for my kid being called a “disturbing image” for jiggling her belly. If that’s not the sign of feeling good about yourself, whether you’re the direct recipient of the phrase or not, I don’t know what is!
Hell, I can’t imagine someone saying that my just being is a trigger warning. Actually, I’m sure that my dark skin is in fact a trigger for someone, just like the thought of someone, especially a child being comfortable in their skin and their “imperfection”, can be a trigger for someone, a “disturbing” image. But hey, if a jiggling belly is the worse thing that can trigger someone, I want to switch with them. I mean, let’s lessen the real triggers out there, i.e., physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional manipulation. Whatever!
The attitude is what’s the problem. Is it great that you’re location and financial situation allows you to get the foods that you can afford? Absolutely. You’re not aware of their finances. As people have stated, they’re a large family and, obviously before they got famous, were probably not well-off, financially. You may not be aware but poverty has a disproportionate hold on minorities and the lower class. Yes they have money now but who’s to say they aren’t saving it for the future, particularly for the kids?
Being a certified Pilates instructor, I’d think that you’d rescind your idea about The Biggest Loser. It’s widely known that The Biggest Loser contestants usually can’t maintain the lifestyle on the show. I don’t know anyone who could workout for 5-8 hours at a time and not being treated for their injuries. Please have a read at this so you don’t go around promoting a show that you SHOULD find equally as disgusting and offensive: http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3/
Please expand your superficial ideas of fat and fitness. I’ve met athletes you would probably deem as disgusting because they don’t fit your narrow idea of what fit “looks” like. Have you met people who are weightlifters like Holly Mangold (who went to the Olympics, by the way), who is 350 lbs, or a judo athlete (I knew one who was on the Olympic trials team) and was probably in the high 100s or just about 200 lbs but was on the short side, or an MMA athlete who may not always look like a ripped beast? Guess what? These people are all really fit and really strong but they might have wiggle and jiggle, so they must not eat their veggies or fruits or drink their water or are active enough. In fact, they must be horribly unhealthy. And if we measure it by the BMI, well, they’re just screwed! I mean, for someone who has graduated with the intention of going to med school and is suppose to be a certified Pilates trainer, that’s a terrible thing to advertise. Let’s forget about different body types, different races and ethnicities and the fact that it doesn’t measure athletes who obviously weigh more due to muscle or that bone is denser than muscle. By that instance, many professional athletes would be considered overweight or obese because the BMI says so! Since so many people listen and read what you have to say, best to continue perpetuating the myth!
But hey if you’re within a certain range, it’s acceptable to pass fake concern or not have to worry about disease. I mean, I’m the smallest I’ve been in my entire life (at 5’3″ & 137 lbs) but I’ll always be on the lookout for diabetes as it is genetic in my family and God knows there are healthy, fit athletes who have dropped dead from the very things you claim to worry about with Honey Boo Boo and her family are going to suffer from. Crazy, right? Seems to be a bit of a conflict in that simplistic thinking.
Since you claim that fat is an indicator of health, have you thought that some people might have genetic issues or medicinal problems or slow metabolisms or chronic injury? Have you met someone who has had to get both their knees replaced? I hope not or you’re gonna see the person as not wanting to change. I’ve got a lovely friend who has that problem from a cheerleading incident. She ate healthy and even motivated me to do so but she couldn’t be as active as she wanted. Yes she put on weight but, by your logic, she’s not trying enough or being as active as her body allows her to be.
Yes, your meal plans work for you and you’re doing competitions but please understand that it isn’t for everyone. In fact, unless I missed it, being a certified Pilates instructor doesn’t equate to being a registered dietician. If you’ve consulted one, please direct me that way in case I missed it.
I like your videos because they’ve helped with my losing weight and inches. However, the subtle body shaming that you’re probably completely unaware of (the shirts you sell are subtle body shaming, as much as you’re trying not to be mean. So if I workout to my damnest and still have a muffin top, does that mean that I’m not as good as you or any other POPsters who have either no muffin tops or lost it entirely? So working out is implied to be something that makes you look primarily beautiful?). At 26 I have a hard time reminding myself that it’s ok that I don’t reach my initial goal weight but I’m at my smallest and strongest and healthiest. Imagine young girls who don’t see that and take what you say as gospel, whether you believe that or not? Girls look at you and see your tiny frame and thigh gap and bikini competition pictures and think you know what you’re saying and doing, period. I see my friends who don’t eat well and they’re smart individuals but it isn’t to say it isn’t a constant struggle to get eating habits right. God knows I’m trying to get it right still to this day, despite what I know and the people I interact with who have degrees and are registered to dole out the proper information. Perhaps it doesn’t seem like it but you seem to have some disordered thoughts in terms of food and eating that have shown up in previous posts before the HBB scandal. It just seems like the alarms really went off when you wrote this and in conjunction with your other posts. Body shaming someone by calling them disgusting isn’t helping the issue. If someone coming to your site is looking for some advice or video and see that you find the sight of someone pulling on his or her belly fat as a “disturbing image” (with a little girl as the example, nonetheless) it might just continue to feed the fuel about the negative thoughts that he or she feels.
I can understand if you spoke without thinking – it happens to the best of us. Just make sure, especially since you’re quite popular on YouTube and Tumblr and other outlets, to think before pushing ‘Publish.’ Perhaps, if anything, this whole ordeal will allow you to focus on being more self-aware.
I guess you didn’t get the idea of anything she wrote there, right? thats ok, happens to the best of us.
I agree Sinia =)
Fabiola – I just want to say Cassey has done or said nothing to support the superficial idea that everyone is supposed to be thin. She was simply talking about health and that honey boo boo is a child who can’t choose what she’s being served. Even though it is hurting her health at an early age… after losing so much weight and taking care of yourself so well you should be aware of the health benefits of eating healthy versus the health concerns of eating excessive amounts of mayo, and butter? Being obese is an indicator of health – it’s no secret what health conditions have been linked to being over weight. Sleep Apnea, diabetes, shortness of breath etc. etc. of course these illnesses can happen to anyone but are more common with obese individuals. That is common sense… Also in her meal plans… if you read them you would see where she posts it is mainly based off of Oxygen magazines main nutritionist Tosca Reno…
It’s apparent you didn’t do all of your research before going on your tangent.
To Candace and Sinia,
Well I decided to combine what I would have said in the last post in this one. So, when you say that she doesn’t imply that one needs to be thin, Cassey herself said, & I’m quoting her directly, “Fat is just a result of what you haven’t done to take care of your body ” and “I don’t look at body weight as a measure of someone’s sucess, education, or worth – but just as an indicator of healthiness.” Oh, that’s right. Weight within a certain range means you’re a-ok! This is exactly why I posted up the examples of certain athletes who would kind of put that line of thinking in conflict with the real world. Their weight may not be what Cassey considers healthy for whatever asinine reason under the sun but they’re probably stronger than everyone who visits this blog put together. Again, since you’re both going by her words, she said weight is an “indicator of healthiness.” If that’s the case, looking at someone’s weight solely as how healthy they are is superficial. Yes, she says that how one looks isn’t a primary concern but she should, as someone who is so into health and fitness, would have and should have known that from the very beginning. That’s something that becomes pretty obvious the further you’re immersed into the fitness world.
I didn’t say that HBB isn’t at the whim of her family. She’s a kid so of course she is. Yes she could be at risk for health issues from her weight, as we’re all aware. Who is to say she won’t be at equal risk for these same health issues after she loses weight and eats better? I’ve mentioned that I’m gonna be at risk for diabetes and hypertension no matter what I do. Thankfully, it hasn’t been a problem for me as of yet and I hope it never is. I believe the old adage is “S*** happens.” Yes, they should look out for what they can within their control but sometimes, even someone as fit and nutritionally clean as Cassey can succumb to something. It happens.
I get what she said. “I’m concerned. You should be too. I’m sorry but…” It really should be “I’m sorry,” full stop. Things that she doesn’t seem to concern in her apology is the fact that she’s in a different stage in her life and her life isn’t the same as theirs. Cassey has the freedom to just look after herself, not her and a big family. She’s blessed to do what she loves, which is pretty much working out quite often and designing her merchandise. She’s lucky to be able to now live in L.A., which probably has a higher cost of living than the south, but access to all the things that she can likes to eat, like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other health markets. Lucky for her she doesn’t have the restrictions that so many people do, including being ridiculously tired from just trying to stay above water or not having to nurse injuries or anything else that one might not be aware of.
Like I said, I was asking to be directed in case I missed something. I’m not so proud to admit if I might have overlooked something. So thank you for calling out Tosca Reno. Granted, I don’t think being a Nutritional Therapist is the same as being a registered Dietician is quite in the same realm, despite having similar backgrounds in food and health. I looked her up and that’s what she says she is, a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. I also looked up Nutritional Therapy too.
As I’ve said before, you can be a fan and still call someone out on their nonsense. Being a fan doesn’t mean you forfeit the right to think critically. Being a fan doesn’t mean that her word is gospel and you’re gonna dismiss your own thoughts or gut feelings because you admire someone. If you do something stupid or your friends or family do, it doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person for calling them out or that your friends or family hate you because they won’t let you do or say whatever you want because you’re just so gosh darn cute. They still like you (and you, them) – they just wish you’d be aware of the dumb stuff you do or say.
I actually think Fabiola’s given a fantastic argument- Sinia’s sarcasm is highly uncalled for, barely an insightful response.
oh my god, I need to wait for a permission to use sarcasm? Well, sorry for the use of it. and here’s the wished for insightful statement.
I still don’t see any problem in what Cassey wrote: she said: the lifestyle is unhealthy, an unhealthy lifestyle and a diet that’s mainly based on fat might lead to major health problems, maybe those people aren’t aware of what they are doing to their bodys.
So whats wrong with this? There was never – in no post at all- the opinion that “fat people” are disgusting, ugly and whatever. Obesitiy IS a damn problem. (Not talking about beeing a little overweight, which actually was shown to increas the lifespan in some recent studies, but about having way to much weight) Yes it might kill you on an age way to young. My grandma has diabetes (type 2) and still doesn’t stick to her diet, she’s blind now and got her leg amputated, think that’s a lot of fun for her?
Also, it was never mentioned that people not moving enough aren’t trying hard enough. But
Also, I don’t think this blog, Cassey herself or her pictures are about to lead people into eating disorder. This blog helped me to overcome mine because of its “love yourself and how you are” attitude. If someone is in danger for an ED, pretty much everyting can trigger it (believe me, I’ve been there and there were no fitness blogs involved on the way.)
And last: it’s Cassey’s own blog. Her blog, her opinion. My blog, my opinion. Your blog, your opinion. Easy thing actually.
oh yeah also: yes some people have a bette metabolism than others. yes, some people take medicine that makes it hard to keep a low weight. I got a pretty heavy medication because of some immune system failure some years ago and I gained weight. But more 5 than 50 kilo. There is stil a difference between trying to live as healthy as your situtation allows you or just blow it all.
I guess you didn’t get her e-mail where she says after using the HBB tummy gif, & I quote exactly,
“Sorry for the disturbing image. I just had to get your attention.”
Disturbing? That’s an adjective every person strives for when being described.
I personally don’t disagree that obesity is a problem. Most of us know that is the problem. At the same time, for someone who’s so educated on health using an indicator of success like The Biggest Loser doesn’t show much in research. Hence, my posting up the link to the text and podcast to an actual contestant who was a finalist on the show.
Of course you can get health problems while being overweight or obese but let’s not pretend that the only segment of the population who has to worry about it. Like I mentioned, I do my best to be careful but I will always have to worry about diabetes, also hypertension. There are athletes who have problems that are supposedly associated to just the overweight or obese.
Congrats on overcoming your eating disorder, truly. Sadly, everyone isn’t in the same mind space, obviously. People are fragile. Her being thin isn’t a trigger but some of the language is subtle and definitely leans towards to disordered thinking. Besides, eating disorders, as you know, are forged first in the mind.
Yes it is her blog but being a fan doesn’t mean I think her word is golden and I should be blind, deaf, and dumb to the whole thing. If you said or did something stupid, your friends and family would most likely call you out on it, yes? If not, then I don’t know what else to tell you.
Fabiola, I disagree with you; but, I actually want to thank you for delivering an opposing opinion without sounding really mean or inappropriate. I see what you’re saying; I think you delivered your dissent in a very mature way, even if I don’t agree with you.
Okay I really don’t get why people get this mad over the post. I’m overweight and I have been all my life. Topped out at 256, currently 180, and still trying to lose. I’ve heard every comment in the book…but I think people are taking this too far. She says one thing and everybody pulls and twist it into something evil. Yes loving your body is awesome…having unhealthy eating habits is not so awesome. Overeating is a disorder that can take over your life and for a lot of people it starts when they are young. I was one of them! I grew up middle class and I became huge. My parents both grew up in the ghetto fit as a fiddle. They didn’t have the best type of food but they ate off of food stamps, no-name brands, and bought what they could. Ultimately they just did portion control. But that’s besides the point. I honestly feel like you are just twisting every little thing she says. It’s not that serious. This is just getting sad and stupid. I hope when you do have a daughter you teach her that everyone is beautiful but that it is best to eat healthy. Love being healthy…she might grow up to thank you.
wtf does any of this have to do with your skin color….
Fabiola…this is the response that everyone needs to read. And then search for the “Feeling Fat and Failing” post and tell me that feeling crappy about not having a sub 18% body fat is any healthier than HBB eating butter. I guess disturbing is open to interpretation?
Hi Cassey! I just want to say that I admire your passion and dedication and refusal to back down on a topic which effects so many people’s lives around the world. Your posts are so well written and to the point and I think the amount of comments on these latest ones show just how important the subject of obesity is to so many people. I also see one of the points you are making – people cannot help themselves if they know no better. As a teacher, I believe that education is the key to creating a better or worse future for individuals and for communities, local and global. Your posts are one step towards educating so many people about fitness and health for the better. Keep it up!
A friend of mine told me about Honey Boo Boo recently and sent me a link to a clip from the “sketti” episode. Most of my childhood my mother was morbidly obese, she lost over 100 pounds a few times and then gained it all back. She never cooked “sketti” but I do remember being 6 or 7 years old and her inviting me to sit and watch movies and eat TWO entire cheesecakes, after her and my father had a huge fight. Needless to say, I associate food with emotions, not just one but all. I have struggled with an eating disorder almost as far back as I can remember. Thankfully through high school and college classes I have gained knowledge about nutrition and healthy living. The things I learned/watched/lived as a child are hard to forget and leave behind. With two daughters of my own I am very eager to figure it out, get healthy, and be the role model I wish I had.
If you feel like helping a family get healthy, I’ll be the first in line.
Cassey first of all I just want to say that I’m so sorry you got called disgusting & hurtful names! You are truly an inspiration to every girl out there like myself who are changing their lives to become more healthier! I totally agree with this discussion. You are a wonderful fitness instructor, that is just pointing out facts about the family’s health issues. I see no problem with that! On Instagram I saw many rude comments on the picture you posted of this topic. People saying that they thought you were totally wrong and what not and that you are going to lose many fans. In reality your true fans like myself will support you in any thoughts that you have, because if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be choosing a healthier lifestyle! I thank you so much and I will always support you!!!! -XoXo, Yadeli<3
Love to you from Texas!!
How come it’s ok for people to feel horror, sadness and outrage when we see Obie the 70lb dachshund, who is obviously morbidly obese and appears to be in pain and is struggling and suffering and living a lower quality of life because of it http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49003070#49003070 or fat cat Meow that ended up passing away earlier this year due to heart problems http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/fat-cat-meow-dies-162743243–abc-news-topstories.html, but yet there is this backlash and outrage against Cassey for being concerned for fellow human beings that are in just as poor shape?? People actually cry “animal abuse!!!” when they see these stories, don’t they? Well what’s going on right now with obesity in this country is human abuse. It’s copping out, it’s complacency, it’s entitlement, it’s excuses, it’s neglect and abuse. People didn’t look like this 15-20 years ago. Mama June is not an shining example of what a healthy woman should look like. Sorry, she may love herself and accept herself the way she is, good for her, but she is obese which = unhealthy, period. There is no sugar coating it. She may have convinced herself and others that it’s acceptable, but it’s NOT. She is hurting herself and in turn, hurting her child and everyone that loves her because she is slowly killing herself in their presence.
There have always been poor folks and rich ones, educated and uneducated folks and nuclear families single parent homes (think of WW1 WW2 when the men went to war and leave their wives and children behind) you name it – the Human race has been around for a looong time, right? Processed foods and gluten and flour and carbs and sugar and food allergies have been around for many many years, right? So it’s all been around for years, but we have never looked this bad as a nation until the last 15 years or so. What gives? What are humans evolving into? Are we all meant to spend our years immobile, riding around on motorized scooters, because we have become to fat to actually walk? Is Mama June the new shape of womankind? Do we really want to accept that as our fate and be OK with it? I know I’m not OK with it. I have higher hopes than that.
I was a poor kid growing up in the 80s with the same candy bars and juice boxes and sodas and chips that we have today and I and the majority of my peers were NOT obese. Why is that?
It’s NOT ok for our pets to be obese or overweight and it’s NOT OK for our own parents, our siblings, our spouses, or our children to be obese or overweight. Until we start seeing an increase of epidemic proportions in the number underweight people in this country, we really need to focus on the helping the overweight and obese ones, which is what Cassey is sincerely trying to do.
Thanks for caring, Cassey.
I couldn’t have said this any better myself.
I honestly don’t see how that gif offended so many people. It was a child playing with her stomach, a big stomach that reflects how unhealthy she is. I have a stomach too…it was fat before I got pregnant, but after it just went south. I mean waaaay south. If I stood outside shirtless on a windy day my stomach would probably flap in the wind. I didn’t find that image upsetting at all though. I’ve been fat most of my life, but fortunately I didn’t grow up with people giving me much trouble over it. If the email did upset you, then you probably have some issues about yourself that you aren’t addressing. Think about it, is your stomach so much of a reflection of who you are that you feel that scathed by someone talking about a fat stomach negatively? Do you so much consider your stomach a part of you that you can’t handle any perceived attack on it? Cassey doesn’t need to apologize for this guys. If your feelings were that hurt over it then there is probably an underlying reason.
Thank you! You are truly an inspiration. I am a vegan and I live in Oklahoma, which has one of the highest obesity rates in the country! Needless to say being a vegan is not warmly excepted here, most of the time. It is so hard every day watching your loved one KILL themselves. I was told just the other day “As long as you workout it does not matter what you say,” WRONG! Food, as you already know, affects much more than just your weight. This is my passion I want everyone to be educated about how important it is to be healthy. But here it is SO hard, because very few want to hear it. Im mocked all the time. People say I have an eating disorder (when I have bigger muscles then them? Haha no). And that hurts. I work VERY hard to be healthy and stay fit and they label as a person who doesn’t try and just starves themselves. Yet I still want to help them so bad. I want them to know. The girl who told me that it didn’t matter the other day, her father died from cancer while she was in middle school. Yet she is pumping her body with the preservatives and chemicals that may have been the very thing to give her father that cancer. She just does not know. It makes me so sad. I was an overweight child and I NEVER want to go back to that. I cannot explain this desire inside me to mae people aware and i understand completely that it is nothing you or i will ever be able to stop. Your passion is your passion. And like you said if people didn’t stand up for what they believed in this world would be stagnant. Again you are truly amazing and inspirational to me. If you have any advice for a 16 year old vegan living in Oklahoma trying to let her voice be heard, I would appreciate it! Thank you again for being awesome!:)
I agree with what Cassey has to say. But is it weird if I think fitness is kind of starting to become an obsession for some people? It’s not bad to be healthy and want to look good also, but some people’s lives seem to revolve around it. Just my opinion.
you’re right, fitness can be an obsession for some people as food can be for others. In Cassey’s case of course fitness is a big part of her life, since she is a pilates instructor and fitness blogger. (my life revolves around biology, since I am a biologist. it is natural that the field you’re woking in becomes one of the most important things in your life….)
I feel like a lot of people missed the part of the post where she discusses how the size of a person doesn’t matter to her – that there are overweight people who lead healthy lifestyles and “healthy” looking people who lead terribly unhealthy lives. Appearance is not what she was going after. She was merely discussing the LIFESTYLE they live. And the lifestyle IS toxic. Butter and grease clogs your arteries and causes them to stiffen, both of which increase your odds of having a stroke or a heart attack; excess sugar can increase your odds of diabetes (which, by the way, can lead to a condition called neuropathy, in which you lose most to all of the sensation in your feet and legs, among many other problems). Poor nutrition can also lead to impaired hormone levels, increased risk of certain types of cancer, brain cell death, anemia, depression (someone earlier mentioned that poor eating habits can be caused by depression….the opposite is also true…there is significant research showing that exercise and proper nutrition can help reset hormone imbalances that may lead to depression – I have seen this proven in my own life), and a number of other significant and deadly bodily dysfunctions. Cassey never said that she was disgusted by how the family LOOKED, simply by their lifestyle. While, yes, “disgust” may be a strong word, but she has a point. Perhaps it would have been better for her popularity to use a less harsh word but I think it got her point across and she shouldn’t have to feel ashamed of feeling the way she feels. This is HER blog, HER place to share HER thoughts. If you don’t like them, don’t read them and don’t comment on them. This is a space for Cassey to speak her mind about the things she is passionate about, namely fitness and nutrition. So, Cassey, I applaud both of these posts. They convey the feelings I have about this show precisely. I have family that lives in Macon and it makes me sad to think that they live in a culture like that, but it also makes me grateful that my mom pulled herself out of that lifestyle by her boot straps and has spent my entire life teaching my sister and I how to live a healthy and active life and showering us with love in forms other than food.
Cassey has become a spokesperson and has always engaged her readership. It would be a shame if authentic critical voices are always shot down because they disagree with her. There is a huge difference between respectful discussion and name calling. I’m surprise how many people don’t understand that. For the record, sarcasm, implying people are ignorant because they don’t agree, and name calling don’t make critical, mature discussion. If this site wasn’t structured for community support, then really, comments should be disabled or be restricted to only glowing reviews, but that’s not the case. Despite all the vitrol initially thrown at Cassey, she hasn’t done that. Continue to express differing opinions, be passionate, and speak with conviction, but please, be kind to each other.
I agree with everything that you had to say in both of your posts regarding Honey Boo Boo. If people do not want to read what you have to say, they know how to navigate away from the screen. I grew up in a rural southern town and I know that information about nutrition is not readily available in all locations. What is the answer to cure this predicament? I have no idea, but I love that you are passionate about finding the answer to the problem.
I totally agree with every word you said! Being in the health field it is hard to have noncompliant patients when you know what is best for them. We just have to give them the information and let them take it upon themselves to make the change.
Thank you so much for writing this and the first post, people dont realize it, but it is true. Dont stop trying to help even if some people dont appreciate it, it may help others, and dont take the names they called you to heart. You are an amazing person and a GREAT instructor!!!!! Love ya 🙂
I think you did a good job at clearing up your post. I’m still quite surprised at your whole “Biggest Loser” comment because someone like you should know that show isn’t promoting a healthy lifestyle at all. If anything, you should hate that show as much as you hate “Honey Boo Boo”.
I think your heart is in the right place, but you should keep researching nutrition. There is a huge school of thought that praises the use of pork fat for cooking. There are many experts that can provide evidence to disprove the “calories in, calories out” theory. Just know that your version of eating clean does not work for everyone. In fact, it can lead to food obsession and eating disorders.
I would really like to see reputable research that shows pork fat is healthy for you. Calories in vs. calories out has science to back it up, where many other theories do not. It is not the only factor in weight loss but it is the basis for most. Of course the amount of calories you take in will depend on varying factors. Generally eating disorders are not actually caused by the need to lose weight turning into an obsession. There are usually many other factors. Very often it has little to do with actual weight loss and more to do with control, trying to be perfect, and other psychological factors. Eating disorders are not caused by fitness professionals telling you the right way to eat.
Marksdailyapple.com has a TON of research on what fats are good for you and which ones are bad.
I did not say fats in general but pork fat? I mean we all should eat fat. Fat does not make you fat but certain types are better and as with anything, within moderation. I went to this page and while I could not find a specific list, I could find examples of healthy fat. No where did I see pork fat. Also, it appears this are just has own opinions and findings from his own fitness journey. I specifically was looking for research as I am aware of plenty of researching stating that do not support pork fat for cooking. I would be very interested in seeing articles or research on that matter though.
Do NOT feel bad about this! These things need to be said. And yes it’s a complex issue but one that needs to be addressed not ignored. Even though the tv show seems rather extreme this is becoming a widely accepted way of living and its dangerous! You have the right motives and a good heart. Keep up the good work and keep educating us!
Cassey, great job dealing with this in a professional way. I don’t think I personally would be able to handle this kind of thing, so kudos to you.
I think it’s great you stood your ground instead of giving in to angry people, but I REALLY would like to see you directly apologize for the email. (The gif of Honey-Boo-Boo playing with her stomach, along with an apology for the “disturbing image.”) Despite what you did or didn’t mean to imply, there is no getting around that it was a very poor choice, and nothing can justify publicly referring to an overweight child as “disturbing.”
Thanks for listening.
Agreed. But really…from the looks of this blog and the comments, if you disagree with Cassey in any way, then her fans go berserk and can’t handle it.
I actually feel like there is something wrong with my body now. I know that I am not fat. I know that I am healthy. I can run, lift weights, hike, ride my bike, go to the gym. I want to like my body just as I am. Why do I feel so negatively when there is nothing wrong with it? This website actually triggers me to hate how I look. I end up comparing myself to Cassey, who is very thin. But I don’t want to have to look like her in order to be happy with myself. I guess that is why the post bothered me. Just because being skinny isn’t everything. Not that anyone said it did mean everything. I just would like to emphasize that even at 110 lbs, you can still feel unacceptable and “disgusting.”
I absolutely agree, Elizabeth. Everyone has puppy fat when they’re young and I’m in no way encouraging junk food but parts of the joy of being a child lie in enjoying chocolate and candies- before you enter the calorie counting, diet obsessed world!
Cassie says she enjoys the odd “yolo meal” but I think that phrase within its self is laden with negative connotations. Fitness instructors are fortunate enough to indulge in the luxury of clean eating and having hours upon hours to workout- in the real world, my boyfriend and family would call me crazy if I followed Cassie’s diet. My boyfriend is a sub 1:30 marathon runner and he’s taught me the importance of a Balanced Diet, eating in moderation. My family are healthy, enjoy home cooked meal and will share a cake once in a while – I don’t want my younger sister becoming obsessed with her body at the age of 8. She had a little tummy, as I did too at that age- but in no way is that disgusting. It was the email referring to Honey Boo Boo’s tummy as disgusting that I found out of order- I was a chubby child and suffered the name calling once I began high school- now that I’m 22 friends come to me for fitness advice.
I’m sorry Cassie, but I think you’ve gradually made the transition from being the calm, inspiring instructor with a a beautiful body to someone who’s become obsessed with being far too thin – the change in personality is evident in your videos. Relax! Eat some biscuits- they won’t hurt you. Living off raw vegetables is boring!
I still think your workouts are amazing and thank you for them, but I have lost a lot of respect for you. I feel as though by having my post Christmas and exam belly pooch you’d look down on me and easily call me disgusting too.
Elizabeth,
Truthfully it sounds like you have anorexia, no matter how good you look you are never good enough. I have been struggling with anorexia for at least 10 years, so I understand where you are coming from. (Anorexia is not the not eating, that is a result of anorexia, anorexia is always viewing yourself as “fat” or “unattractive” no matter what you do.) Some advice quit weighing yourself, numbers change so frequently just from eating that it becomes and obsession, just be happy with the way you look, and itemize what you find wrong with yourself and explain to yourself for each one why it bothers you, if it can be fixed, and what you can do to fix it if it can be fixed. Everyone used to tell me, be happy with who you are, but I wasn’t and trying to be happy with myself made me even more unhappy because I was forcing myself to like things I didn’t. There are going to be things about yourself you are going to hate and you are not going to be able to do anything about it because well, humans aren’t perfect, but if you let yourself KNOW that this is something about you that you can’t change, it makes coming to terms with it a lot easier. Also, I found finding flaws in those I found perfect super helped me, shows that everyone has something that isn’t perfect about them. For example: Marilyn Monroe was a size 16 and had some weight to her, it wasn’t all just her hips, and she was one of the most beautiful women ever in my opinion. Well, I hope this helps you, if you want to chat more about it (to anyone who wants to put their two cents in) you can either reply orrrr send me an email at greenstar861@gmail.com
Thanks so much for posting this!! I’ve been down on myself lately cause I weighed myself (I rarely ever do it because I’m trying to remember it’s not the number but how I feel about myself). I’ve been doing Cassey’s workouts and everything, eating well, but yet I’ve still managed to put on more weight. I hate looking at the numbers because it reminds me of the days when I was chubbier and I never want to get that way again. (I somehow lost 20 pounds a few years ago, but now it’s all coming back). But I feel like I look great but the number is still in the back of my mind. Gotta keep reminding myself that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I do agree Marilyn was absolutely GORGEOUS and adored by many. Thanks for brightening someone else’s day 🙂
I don’t have anorexia but I used to. I won’t be anorexic again as far as the weight goes, but I do feel the same worry or obsession with trying to always lose the last 5 lbs. I don’t know if I should come to this website anymore. I am not blaming it, but just don’t know if it is helping or hurting me. Thanks for the comments though. It does help to hear other perspectives on this.
Wow Elizabeth. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you’ve written. I’m not a health care professional, nor have I had an eating disorder, but you are at a crucial cross road. Andrea is describing body dysmorphia, where you don’t see your body how it really is and it can lead to eating disorders. Please consider speaking to someone about how you’re feeling, especially if you’re becoming depressed, withdrawn, or obsessed.
A couple of things to really keep in mind when you’re trying to gain health is that we actually weigh differently throughout the day, menstruation and hormone changes notwithstanding. On a good day, my weight will fluctuate around three pounds or so, even if I’ve been eating clean and exercising consistently. It’s just how our bodies work throughout the day. My weight will change even more depending on how much caffeine I’ve had, how little water, how little sleep, even if I’ve had too much fibre. That’s all in one day. Do I give up whole wheat because I puff up a little? No way. It’s doing my body a lot more good than not having it.
You know that belly jiggle HBB does? Well, guess what. Even with my defined abs, I can do it to. Why? A normal healthy woman will still carry an excess of 4 lbs of fat *minimum* around her stomach, because it’s how the female body ensures there will be enough calories to sustain a pregnancy, and this is true no matter what stage of life she’s in. So that lower pooch that we try and burn off has a function, and it’s helped me and many others through our pregnancies. And talking about my abs, another revelation: my almost 40 year old self has cellulite on them too. That might be disgusting to some reading this, but I embrace it because I have been fortunate to live through almost 4 decades in relative safety and abundance. Most women in the world won’t have that right.
Back to our bodies …
If you overwork your bodies, fat will still cling to it because our bodies will start sacrificing muscle because muscle uses more calories than fat. Remember the human body wasn’t designed to lose weight because our ancestors always lived with scarcity. It wasn’t until mass production that most of us in the west are able to live with abundance. And this is why it’s hard to lose weight. Our bodies don’t want to use it unless it’s forced to, making exercise and a balanced eating crucial to well being.
At the end of the day, just like a dress size isn’t an indicator or health neither is a thigh gap (which is based more on the distance between your hip sockets than how many inverted toe inner thigh lifts you do), nor VS abs and arms.
Keep in mind how much muscle and stamina you have. Flex your arm, and place a hand on that muscle. You know, that incredible bulge that your hard work created. Really feel how strong you’ve become. Touch your toes and understand that your bodies are more nimble and strong. That is an accomplishment and rejoice in it! Throw on your favourite outfit and give yourself a look over and embrace how good you feel. Now go out and spread that incredible feeling by being content with who you are.
Very well said. 🙂
Hi Elizabeth. I read your reply below and if you feel that this site or any other is a harmful trigger, then you really should step away because that is right for you, and no one has the right to question how you’re feeling. I came across another free exercise video site called Fitness Blender. I haven’t fully checked it out, but others say its less charged than this one. The instructors, to me, have strong athletic bodies versus swimwear model ones, and they exercise in front of plain white background. Maybe some other readers have used that site and can clarify whether it’s as neutral as it appears.
I have decided that I should face things head on, and that I am in control of how I feel about myself. Regardless of what website I visit or don’t, there will always be people who are thinner than me and I don’t want to start avoiding situations because of comparing myself to others. I don’t have to believe everything that I read or see, and that’s okay. I can still use the good and that is what I think that I will try to do. Thank you for the advice and I find it very encouraging that there are people who do have positive body images and one day, I hope to be there too.
P.S. I looked up fitness blender and I think that it will be a good source also. 🙂
Elizabeth. I am so happy that this has been helpful to you! And honestly speaking, this has been great for me too. It’s really helped me to articulate what my own goals are, just to be a stronger me and never to lift myself up by putting someone down. My strength is almost like having a secret super power (sorry, by my 5 year old is really into superheroes). I’m not a petite-petite, but a short-petite, and my body might not be bikini competition ideal, but it’s ideal for carrying my five year old when he’s too tired to walk or for swinging my three year old around. It’s ideal for putting up drywall for my 76 year old dad or moving furniture for my mom. What a great place for an almost forty year old to be! I can be present for my loved ones.
So thank you Elizabeth for helping me recognizing these important lessons. I think you’ve helped avert a mid-life crisis! Take care of yourself, girl 🙂
THIS ^
That was completely uncalled for. I was hoping that would have been addressed in this post, but it wasn’t, and you’d think that it would be what most people would have had a larger issue with – demeaning a young child by calling her playing with her stomach “disturbing”.
The part that was “disturbing” wasn’t the part that she was playing with her stomach… it was the fact that she is clearly headed down the wrong path for her health… and it’s disturbing because she isn’t even choosing it for herself. It’s a childs parents job to keep their child healthy. Butter and mayo is not the answer… THAT’S whats disturbing… anyone who read the blog without looking for something to get upset about would’ve seen that.
Well if you’re that concerned about a stranger’s health, then why aren’t you that passionate about pack a day smoker’s, drug addicts, or alcoholics. They’re damaging they’re health too. Addiction, just like Obesity is a disease, and is fatal as well.
Ashley –
I’m sure she cares about alcoholics and drug addicts… but she doesn’t work for a rehab… she’s a fitness instructor.
But she said in her post, if you see someone doing something harmful wouldn’t you want to stop them? That should go for all harmful behaviors, not just obese people. If you saw someone being beat up wouldn’t you want to help?
What a wonderful post. Cassey, you’re awesome, just so you know 🙂 Some of my family members struggle with obesity too, and it really hurts me. I know that I can’t do more than give good advice and so on, but sometimes I wish I could.. And if grown-ups are too lazy to eat right, okay, their problem, but PLEASE.. don’t do the same to your kids.. :/
The best post EVER!<3<3<3
I think that it’s amazing that you are speaking up! I couldn’t agree more! I live about 30 minutes from this family and the majority of people in this part of the country are very uneducated about food. Thank you for taking time out of your day to actually DO something positive to help these people. Who knows, maybe Mama June will start using your videos 🙂
Thanks again and I think what you are doing is amazing!
I think your comments in the last post were mean, hateful and judgemental. I understand that you think you are doing your job by making these comments but I think you could have been nicer and acted more professional in the way you went about it. To me you sounded like the mean popular rich girl in high school picking on the less fortunate and thats not okay with me. And to make matters worse you are now teaching all of your followers that its okay to put others down because they don’t live the way you do and that is evident by all of your fans attacking anyone in this post that doesn’t agree with you. I think that if you want to teach people how to live a healthy lifestyle then you should do just that and only that and don’t make hurtful judgemental comments about the way other people live.
I cannot honestly believe what you’ve said in the last two posts. Both my mother and I are overweight, with my mother falling into the morbidly obese category. Want to know something? She is PERFECTLY healthy. There has NEVER been one thing wrong with her. Can she run a mile? No. Can I run a mile? NO. But is she losing her hair, or at risk for diabetes, or going to DIE before I have grandkids? NO.
The fact that you used Honey Boo Boo as an example of how terrible America is and how we’re all getting screwed over by our uneducated parents feeding us terrible food is a load of bull. Many parents are educated about healthy eating, but with the way our society is, healthy eating doesn’t HAPPEN. Parents work late hours, and come home too exhausted to even think about trying to force their young children to eat a meal that may take an hour or more to make. Older students end up fending for themselves often, and speaking from experience, high school and college students don’t HAVE the money or the means to be eating clean and healthy diets.
I’m currently in college to become a high school teacher. You would be amazed at the amount of people that have a low socioeconomic status; people who live in poverty, or worse yet, above the poverty line but without enough money to have stable funds every month. Do you HONESTLY believe that these people can go out and buy organic food, spend hours preparing meals for their children, and spend anywhere from one to three hours at a gym? NO! They’re usually busy working two jobs, worrying about paying the bills, and keeping their children in school and out of trouble.
Don’t act like you “only want the best” for Honey Boo Boo, her family, and others that are overweight. People like you are the ones that look down on society because anyone has one SINGLE ounce of excess fat on them. I cannot believe that anyone can support you on this. You sound unbelievably conceited, mostly because you are. Good for you that you have all this free money and free time on your hands, but you’re one of the privaleged few that have that. Come down off of your high horse, and realize that you live in a fantasy world. You make money selling yoga bags with silk linings that are for “fashionable” ladies. People trying to start losing weight aren’t going to invest in pointless stuff like that.
You cater to the elite, to those ALREADY IN SHAPE. Don’t preach about how fat the rest of the world is when you know nothing about it.
Excuses, excuses! I’m a 21 year old college student, taking 9 units and I find that by going to Trader Joes, I can eat healthy for an afforable price. I’m also a certified nursing assistant and work 3 8 hour shifts. Anyone who says they dont have time or money to eat healthy just arent educated about healthy meals. A stir fry with shrimp or chicken and mixed veggies literally takes 5 minutes to make.
Amen sister!!!
Massive respect to you 🙂 I hope that when I get to uni I cope as well as you.
Not everyone has access to Trader Joes, let alone a Safeway, Vons, or Lucky. You should look up “food deserts” when you’re not too busy and maybe educate yourself a bit on the food crisis in this country. Many Americans (most of whom live in poverty and in urban areas) lack access to even basic grocery stores with the items you just listed.
Exactly! I was in college too and made the same excuses as Kat, I had very little cash, my parents were not rich, I had to work on weekends, I kept saying I had no time, etc. but I was just lazy and didnt wanna try to make a change. I gained weight, was overweight, and I’m thankful in the past few months, thanks to people like Cassey, I’ve lost weight and I’m eating healthier. Do i eat the occasional high carb high calorie high fat meal? yess. But I made a choice to change my lifestyle, so I know I’m on the right track. Enough with the people saying they cant lose weight because they’re poor etc. no one is asking you to buy only organic veggies, you can buy normal veggies and it’s still much healthier than junk food. Baking, stir frying, boiling takes only a few minutes. come on! Wholemeal bread instead of white bread, one less teaspoon of sugar in your coffee, no more soda, drink water instead. Simple things. Poor cassey, getting crucified by people in denial.
Working our for one hour in a day is only 3% of your day. Don’t make excuses about time management and living a healthy lifestyle. The first comment in this series is the most uneducated thing I’ve ever read. Body image and being physically, internally healthy are two completely different things. If you’re considered overweight by a doctor and love your body, I support you. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. But the way Honey Boo Boo’s mother feeds her family is scientifically proven to, essentially, kill people. Just because Cassey isn’t fat does not mean she knows nothing about it.
Eating healthy doesn’t happen because society buys into “diets” and “low-fat” labels. Half the ingredients in food are made in a petri dish and are made to be addictive. This girls knows nothing about health or exercise. How can you criticize someone who makes a living off of educating people and encouraging them unless you’re so scared and don’t give a damn about your own live. Educate yourself before you make statements like the above. Food is an epidemic just like outbreaks of disease.
Cassey, how you make your living is perfectly fine. I mean, I’d love if you brought the prices down on those large, beautiful workout bags so I could afford one, but you do a great job of motivation and education.
I agree with everything you said Casey and I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m a second grade teacher and nutrition education is something I feel very strongly about (and with 7 year olds, you can make it so much fun!). I have several young girls in my class who will do exactly the opposite of what I tell them, simply because I told them to (I myself was, and still am, one of those girls), so telling my class – boys and girls – they should eat healthy and ending it there is not enough. They would probably eat junky just because I told them not too.
Instead, I try and teach my students that food should be completely devoid of emotion. It should not be a reward, it should not be a punishment. Food is meant to keep your body working. End of story. If you put garbage in your body, it will work like garbage.
As you said Casey, eating healthy needs to be a choice. No one can make you do it except you. This is what we need to be teaching kids (and adults) today. Don’t tell people to eat healthy. They won’t. Teach them WHY and they just might.
Keep doing what you’re doing, Casey, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
Amen sister! This is your life’s passion, and what a dull world we would live in if nobody spoke up. KEEP AT IT!
Okay. People who keep saying that obesity is getting “oversimplified” are, in most cases, delusional. Sorry, guys, but the majority of the citizens in this country do NOT have thyroid issues or genetics playing into their weight problems.
I’m a nurse, so it’s literally my job to tell people to lose weight or stop smoking or stop doing heroin. Most of the time they smile and nod, then ask for food, or a cigarette, or heroin (just kidding, ativan). Sure, there are lots of medical conditions that can cause weight gain, but I know plenty of people who have severe thyroid issues, and they are still at a healthier weight than the woman on this TV show. I have patients who can’t WALK who are at a healthier weight than the woman on this TV show. Literally. Cannot walk.
I’ve seen problems with underweight people and overweight people, so I know both sides and you can’t tell how healthy a person is from looking at them and blah blah blah. Sorry people, but the woman on this show is above her healthy weight, and regardless of the issues behind her weight problems, the image she is presenting on this show is one of an ignorant woman who lets her kid eat whatever she wants. That’s her choice. She’s putting herself into the public eye, and getting paid to do it. So I’m going to go ahead and NOT watch this show and say that this is a disgusting example for people. SHE LETS HER LIKE FIVE OR WHATEVER YEAR OLD SHE IS DRINK RED BULL AND MOUNTAIN DEW, FOR GOD’S SAKE PEOPLE!!! CAFFEINE IS A DRUG!!!! A LITERAL DRUG AND SHE IS FEEDING IT TO HER CHILD FOR THE SAKE OF ENTERTAINING PEOPLE!!. Oh my god, it’s too horrifying to imagine.
Cassey, people are going to be pissy. And I totally hear ya when you say it is your job as a person who ‘s job it is to promote health, because I’m in the same boat. People will always be angry, whatever. Just remember, guys, that the family on this show is laughing all the way to the bank for the god-awful stuff they say and do, and you’re the ones paying for it. Wish I could get paid to do that.
Oh, and to add other issues contributing to obesity, socioeconomic factors, etc. I have never understood people who say they can’t afford to eat healthier. First of all, if you are on food stamps, there is just no excuse. And I have been on food stamps and know people who have been, so don’t even start with me. Secondly, it’s not like you have to buy insanely expensive organic, 100% all natural stuff in order to eat healthy. I grew up on white bread, PB&J, etc. But I was active, and my parents made me get hobbies and play outside instead of watching TV all day. We didn’t go to McD’s everyday and kid ourselves into thinking that $1 french fries for everyone in our family was more affordable than a sack of potatoes. And we NEVER drank soda until we were adolescents (I really have a thing against soda, can you tell=))
Like I said, a lot of people can be given every resource in the world and there are still going to be excuses. It’s frustrating as hell when you go out of your way to try and help, and people think you’re just being “Judgmental”. No good deed goes unpunished, I guess.
Cassie, I love you. Whatever people that called you those horrible names are just HATERS! And you know what they say about haters? If you have them, then you’re doing something right! So you go girl and you stick up for what you believe in, because your fans and I all love you to death because you are AMAZING. Though I have not seen “Honey Boo Boo” on TV, or I probably won’t ever because I just don’t want to, I agree with you completely!!
Ok, this is kind of off topic. Buuuuut I’m going to say this anyways >:D I’ve been doing your fitness videos for the past few months and I have already noticed my body changing. I am 16 and I am pretty tall and reaaaally skinny. (And I just want to say this, I am not skinny because I am obsessive over my weight, I just have a super fast metabolism). I started doing your videos to tone and build more muscle, and I have to say it’s working amazingly (is that even a word? Eh, whatever.) I’ve been doing your flexibility videos, your victorias secret butt video, and your arm video and my butt is lifted, my arms are toned, and I am stretching every day to improve my flexibility. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you Cassie, I love you so much <3 So keep preaching what you believe in and don't ever stop being you!!!
I’ve read over the previous blog post that caused such an uproar multiple times, because I’m trying to understand where the upset people are coming from .. But I have to say, I don’t see ANYTHING wrong with what Cassey posted.
I understand that everyone views health, food, and weight differently based on MANY factors, especially because of habits absorbed from family when young. In my opinion, however, I think people are being WAY to sensitive over the post! Even giving their specific situations why themselves, a friend or family member is overweight and why its “Not Their Fault” .. give me a break.
Really, we have all heard it all before .. ” It’s my medication ,, I can’t afford real food .. Its genetic .. ” Sooo many excuses, and we hear them ALL the time.. Obesity is a DISEASE! Just like being an alcoholic or anorexic is. Simply, BECAUSE IT CAN KILL YOU! And just like you would treat an alcoholic in an intervention, you have to be empathetic to their situation, but letting them feel sorry for themselves will not get them healthy.. Because FEELING SORRY for yourself feels good when you don’t know what else to do because it takes the ownership off YOU.
I’m so sick of people trying not to step on the toes of people who are obese and overweight because “It will hurt their feelings” .. I don’t intentionally want to hurt anyone, but good LORD! Being obese is not how HUMAN BEINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE! No one is saying Honey Boo Boo’s family aren’t GOOD people or have good morals. Just like behind a drug addicted young woman could be someone with a great heart and lots of potential, but doesn’t mean you just let them be because telling them the facts will “hurt their feelings”. Give me a break.. Being obese is becoming OK because its becoming a NORM.
You could pick an issue that ANYONE has, and we all have them, and blame it on a million things, or make excuses for it, or feel sorry for ourselves and other people… Doesn’t make it OK. Take responsibility and TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS!
AM I BEING TOO TRUTHFUL, am I not being sensitive enough??
Good work Cassey!
People need to realize that bringing up kids unhealthily is not showing love, a child spends its first 18 or so years of life using the parental figures as role models whom and what they become…ITS A FACT! Teaching kids to be unhealthy is cruel, and if vegetables cost too much?!? Then why have kids if you can’t afford to feed them correctly! BTW, if you are responding negatively on this post of Casseys, its only because she has either hit reality in your life, or you can’t handle the truth! Obesity is created by long term overeating, being overweight can be caused by underactive thyroid etc…but that can be corrected. The choice is YOUR and YOURS ALONE! Be fit or stay fat!
For Cassey: ‘You have enemies? Good! It means you stoood up for something you believe in!”
Oh you tell ’em girl! I love how you’re standing up for yourself! LOTS OF LOVE!!!
Cassey, you rock! And yes, you do NOT need to answer or rectify every question or misinterpretation and you did exactly the right thing by not apologizing! You have my back! Forever 🙂
And this is exactly the issue: “And what’s worse, they don’t know that they don’t know.” That’s why you do need to reach out and not just wait until somebody asks for your help. Hello, I mean in the States fries are considered a vegetable (see USDA) … reality check anybody???
Rock on!
So true!
i read the first Honey Boo Boo post, and I understand your concern completely. It’s sad that people would think that living an unhealthy lifestyle is the only choice they have. I can also sort of understand why some people got offended. I know a lot of people who think they can’t afford to be healthy. For instance, I ate a lot of fast food as a kid. My mom worked a lot! From about 13-15 I was unhealthy. I wasn’t overweight but I was on the heavy side of normal. I joined a crew team in high school and started getting fit and learning to eat better. As it turns out, I’m naturally a really little person and the weight dropped off. I’m in college now and people always tell me how skinny I am but I’m still SO self conscious. So I totally agree with you. Education is so necessary for all families so they can provide themselves and their children with healthy meals and snacks. Sometimes I think our parents generation like Honey Boo Boo’s mom needs a little extra help since a lot of them grew up in cultures that didn’t place an emphasis on health and fitness that ours does.
Admitedly these shows are one of my guilty pleasures. I love Toddlers and Tiaras and I’ve watched Honey Boo Boo because of it. And the thing is, I understand these people. I’ve been there. And I so agree with you.
The family seem like really nice people and they deserve to be healthy and happy!
Keep up the awesome work!
I support you 100% Cassey. I’ve been blessed to have been raised by a mother who is extremely conscious of healthy eating. Since I was little, I’ve been eating organic and have been very aware of what goes into my body. However, I think it’s important to stress not to go too far in the other direction. Though my mother had the best of intentions when teaching me to eat right, the constant battery over my diet and the food I ate with friends contributed to an eating disorder that I battled with for many years. Though this country is suffering from a severe obesity epidemic, I think that we cannot forget to stress that thin ≠ perfection, and that eating completely clean 100% of the time is just unrealistic. Besides that, keep up the good work!
You are such an inspiration Cassey.
<3
Hi Cassey!! I love your blog so much and agree with you about Honey Boo Boo. Have you seen “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution”? If not, you should definitely check it out. It is closely related to this topic.
I am on the fence with this. I do feel that as an health advocate and blogger that Cassie makes a point. Yet simple education on nutrition is simply going to this the problem. You can have education and how to but in the end it comes to the WILL of a person as well as MONEY and TIME. A peron who is obese must have te will to make a change. Nobody but themselves can make a change. All the education on proper nutrition isn’t going to help unless you have the will.
Secondly Eating healthy can be expensive. Not just for organic food but food period can be expensive. Lucky for me I live close to a Farmers market where the prices are reasonable. But from yor average grocery store. Fresh fruit is expensive. Fresh vegatables are expensive. If your on a budget sometimes it cheaper to buy canned foods vs fresh or even frozen. FOR MANY EATING HEALTHY IS NOT AFFORDABLE.
Lastly you have time. I say time because the food industry and prepackaged food is a BIG Part of the problem. Sure they may say reduced fat, reduced sodium but pre boxed meals are not food, they are food like products empty of nutrients, but full of calories. Your not getting the nutrients you need so your body is always hungry. Prepackaged box dinners were originally created to save time. Cooking can be very time consuming. If your a working mother or hell working period your not always goingto have the time to cook a HEALTHY made from Scratch meal everyday.
Casey, you’re an amazing instructor and health guru! You help people get fit the healthy way and would therefore OBVIOUSLY notice someone living such an unhealthy lifestyle. I’m 16, play 2 varsity sports and cant help but notice when people aren’t living healthy. You obviously were aiming to degrade anyone, and don’t deserve being attacked. obesity isnt a goal any of us have. love and support@
stay “POP”ing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think you have some good points and your passion is strong, anyone who follows you can see that. But as a person that has recently lost their father to obesity related disease, education is not the end all be all to the obesity problem. There is a lot of pain behind the shade of obesity- pain that education does not heal. My father was a highly educated, informed person. He knew about clean eating, supplements etc…heck he went to an ashram in India in the 70’s to practice Yoga. All that information didn’t do a thing for the great pain he carried throughout his life. And eventually it caught up with him in the form of morbid obesity and eventually cancer. I agree with the others that say there are factors other than nutrition information affecting the problem of obesity. Therapy, community, nutrition, acceptance, love…all those things need to come together. As a new person in this HLB world, discovering blogs like yours, its scary to read posts bashing a child and their family, and the comments stating “we need to respect obese people, but not accept them.” Its a real turn off, because if you really want to help someone you won’t be aggressive, smug and cold. You wouldn’t repeatedly put pictures of a 7 year old that has no control over their lives grabbing their stomach fat or shoving their hands in mayo (or whatever the heck it is) jars up on your posts. To get across what point? That she is fat and her parents don’t take care of her? If you could start a program to help obese kids, would Honey Boo Boo and her fat stomach be your literal “poster child?”Thats what irked me the most about your first and second posts, and I hope Alanna keeps her thick skin because with posts like these she is going to need it throughout life.
See? Cassey, it’s this kind of dedication and sincerity to your followers that makes you such a wonderful motivator AND a great example of the fitness community. Obesity is certainly a touchy subject. Many (if not all) of us have struggled with our weight personally, or we have a close friend/family member who is going through their own plight. What matters is that we understand that these conversations about health and diet HAVE to happen, however uncomfortable they may be to instigate, if we want to instill change. What matters is that these conversations come from a place of love, that they are an attempt to help, not to shame. There is nothing WRONG with being overweight; there is something wrong with allowing someone to eat themselves to death and not speaking up out of fear of confrontation. I applaud you for standing your ground and making sure your message was taken seriously. Stay focused and positive!
Cassey, I desperately need your help<3 Pleasee
I'm 14 years old and this post reminds me a lot of my dad. He was brought up in the same type of family your cousins were. I'm extremely worried about him because every day he eats so much junk food and nothing healthy. He drinks almost a whole big bottle of soda every day and thinks that it's okay because it's diet soda. He already has diabetes and had heart surgery but refuses to believe it's because of his lifestyle. He hasn't gone to the doctor in almost 5 years because he thinks he's perfectly fine. My neighbors dad just died at age 53 from a heart attack and I'm afraid the same thing will happen to my dad. He's 50 now. I've tried cooking him healthy meals but he never likes them. And even when we cook him healthy things at home he sneaks to stores and has a drawer full of junk food at work. Please please please help me get through to him. I'm seriously worried about him and I think he's desperately in need of help. It would mean the world to me if you helped me or gave me advice.
Cassie, you are wonderful! You have inspired me to start working out and working on myself… not to get “skinny” or to live up to some beauty ideal but to feel good about myself and what I’m doing to better myself! You rock! !!
What I find truly disturbing about this whole debate is the fact that a show like this is on TV and regarded as entertainment. Anyone will (hopefully) agree with me when I say you would only watch this show to pass time, to watch something meaningless to not have to think for a while and to get a good laugh. Now don’t get me wrong, I do like stupid, meaningless TV shows myself, but if I think about it, I wish I didn’t, because it’s not good. While you don’t get any important information on anything, you see people behaving rude, not preparing food nicely and a little girl entering in a beauty pageant, when she should (in a perfect world) be playing outside with her friends. I am not going to say this family has got it all wrong because obviously I don’t know this family so who am I to judge. But this show is a direct portrait of our society and how we are willing to be fed with this kind of crappy entertainment. We don’t have to wonder why many people don’t learn how to eat properly when shows like “Here comes Honey Boo Boo” exist. Just imagine that TV shows were all about what Cassey preaches in her blog, as well as people being genuinely nice to each other, about people who do something for a living which they love or about people helping those who don’t have the possibility to help themselves. If there weren’t commercials advertising McDonald’s food as if it were sexy and the only thing we desire, we would probably not want McDonald’s food as much. If we were constantly shown how incredibly disgusting the meat industry is, we wouldn’t like to eat cheap meat anymore. Sadly, we can’t change (directly) what’s on TV or in the media. We can’t change that models are still way too skinny and that there’s at the same time way too much junk food available. But we can, as Cassey does, go out and help people who haven’t realized that they’re doing something wrong. And we can be nice to each other and not put hating comments on a website of someone who we don’t even know personally. And we can turn off the TV (and the computer!) once in a while and go outside instead or, if it’s raining, watch a documentary. Because if you do, you’re not constantly confronted with this kind of “entertainment”, you’re not constantly reminded of how you should be and that you are not “perfect” (as in: skinny yet curvy, young but successful, beautiful and smart).
And since every single one of you who has commented on here has said they are trying to eat clean and exercise, even though for some it’s so hard and they’re not losing weight – well, just pad yourself on the shoulder, you’re doing the right thing! As long as you’re trying, that’s amazing. And as long as you’re trying to eat healthy, you have understood that eating unhealthy is bad for you. And that’s all that matters. Also, I guess, that’s what Cassey wanted to say.
great post, Cassey. I also feel strongly about this issue & appreciate you standing up for it!
I’m with you, Cassey!!!
I’m agree that everything depends on education. Educate kids could be easy, but educate their parents, or another non-kids people, is harder (or impossible).
I believe that people says “it’s not your bussiness” only when someone can see and talk and do something for situations that they don’t wanna see.
And I know that change your life style is hard, but it’s not impossible. It’s just about beeing honest with yourself, accept yourself and work hard (in mind, body and soul) to be a better you.
Keep on inspiring people.
My own change won’t be possible without you.
With love and admiration, Ariadna.
Cassey, I agree with the above poster that you failed to take into account SES, psychosocial issues, medical histories. If you want to help people, you have to be kind and compassionate in your posts. Do you think people are going to listen to you when you “teach” them in a hateful, degrading manner?
i wont read through the comments because the ignorance will just infuriate me. Cassey please keep doing what you do, say what you feel, keep teaching self love and respect and never mind the rest. Keep ignoring the negative and praise the positive.
i also wanna say something here, i keep hearing people say “oh its too expensive to eat healthy oh its so cheaper to eat bad…um…bull!! The healthier food you eat keeps you fuller, longer…you are not constantly hungry and having to eat more and more bad meals because good food keeps you satisfied and you can focus on your life not your food!
Cassey, ignore the rude comments because you don’t deserve them. This whole Honey Boo Boo thing is a huge controversy people don’t understand. I think you should watch the documentary Hungry for Change, if you haven’t all ready, because it outlines (in a very simplistic manor) what is wrong with society and our eating habits. It’s on Netflix! I agree with your message about the show wholeheartedly though. There are so many families who eat but are essentially starving because the food industry has moved from using ingredients from the earth, to ones made in a petri dish. American isn’t eating food anymore, we’re eating “food-like” substances. I admit, I don’t eat healthy all the time, but part of that is because the foods I grew up on are addicting but my parents didn’t know any better. And that’s not their fault, it’s not my fault, it’s only something to improve on, something EVERYONE should want to improve on if they want to have a happier life. I watch Honey Boo Boo every once in awhile and Mama June is a great mother. She loves her kids, takes care of them and protects them.
Everyone that has brought you down through comments has a different view point and the ignorance comes when they can’t see them all. I’m a poor college student paying for everything on my own and only eats at the cafeteria. I’ve trained myself to eat more healthy and talk to the cooks about making healthier food when I can. So some days I may live a “toxic lifestyle” because I don’t have good lifestyle food choices available, but that does’t mean I’m a horrible person and am dumb. There’s people who can’t even afford to buy a bag of apples, and then there’s people who are so rich that they don’t even buy bags of apples because they go out for every meal.
The problem isn’t contributed to the people always, it’s about education and our society. It’s about marketing and making money when it comes to food, why do you think fast food is five times cheaper than fresh food?
And the whole body-shaming thing? I don’t think you did anything wrong saying an obese child was disgusting, as in living a disgusting lifestyle. Body-shaming is perspective; I think obese children are disgusting because I can see and understand the health risks that will now be involved in that child’s life and the hardships the family will go through because of it. It’s not saying that child is horribly ugly and worthless, it’s about health and happiness. No, you don’t need to be skinny or fit to be happy, but the certain things GOOD foods do for your body and the things they give off are proven to make people a little happier. I’ve seen people who are overweight and have no health risks, and I’ve also seen the opposite. It’s all about perspective.
I think you were brave to write a controversial blog post on all this. I don’t think you should have to further explain yourself either. The people who harshly retaliated to this obviously don’t think their habits are bad and won’t change them. As long as that makes them happy, then fine. Everyone fights about something when it comes to their body.
The ultimate problem comes from the products available and the money available. It’s not a question of bad people or good people. Society hasn’t taught us any better until trying recently.
Respect to you my dear.
I’m sure this experience will make you stronger ^^
There are not enough people in the world who stand up for what they believe in and helping others.
“Bad things happen when good people do nothing”
Keep being you <3
We Love you Cassie!!!! And Please remember that if there was ABSOLUTELY no truth in what you said, then people wouldn’t have been so horrid. The fact is, Honey Boo Boo hits uncomfortably close to home for many of its viewers, and any negatives brought up about this family can easily be translated into meaning for the viewer. I believe some were upset, not because you were insensitive (you are very empathetic) but because being forced to face such a truth can be very painful. They most likely lashed out from hurt. PLEASE DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL! AND KEEP DOING YOU BOO!
I like how you stood up for yourself Cassie. We all need to live a healthy lifestyle whether we like it or not, and I totally get what your saying. I agree. Thanks so mutch for your videos and advise, your starting a mutch healthier generation.
You are such a good writer and your writing really sucks me in! Both of your post about Honey Boo Boo child I think are very inspirational, to me at least. I haven’t seen Honey Boo Boo either, so we are kind on the same page about the show!
Wow, Cassey, you are amazing for writing this! I think education is truly what is needed and that health is the number one priority, and I totally get that you were trying to use them as an example rather than judging them and making fun of them. Even having a little education on a healthier life, can improve things, but being healthy is not the priority because of culture and how their family’s grew up, it just takes one person in their family to start changing and maybe making a difference in the future health of their family.Its all about breaking the cycle of habits, and creating new ones! Definitely applaud you for this post!
<3 Kelly
Cassey, you keep doing your thang. You are an inspiration to eating clean and living healthy. Don’t let others bring you down. You rock!
I am a mom and both my daughters and I do your videos. All three of us are eating better and your videos help us to work out in a fun and efficient manner. FUN is the part we seek as working out is just that most of the time, “WORK” and you have made it enjoyable for us. Thank you. Your stance with the Honey boo boo issue is healthy and wise. I feel the same way about it. People do need to eat better. I feel there are not bad foods but bad quantities. I love fries. I do not however eat them everyday. 🙂 Moderation is what keeps me healthy and a bit of yoga and occasional visits to your site keeps me working out.
Thank you for all you do. Please do keep doing it as I can hear my teenage daughters and their friends laughing and talking about your site all the time. They talk about the things they tried and we are all still doing the stiletto workout. 😀
KEEP IT UP!
In addition to the email, what I think warrants an apology is the treatment of obesity as simply a matter of willpower. Saying something along the lines of “education will help these people with their disgusting, toxic lifestyle” ignores the complexity and scale of obesity, and fails to acknowledge the underlying social issues, mental health issues, and comorbid physical issues that may contribute to it.
Education MIGHT help. But obesity can also be a symptom of depression, poverty, food deserts, thyroid disorders, etc. You can get educated all day long, but it’s not going to fix the fact that you’ve got a Synthroid prescription and the only store near you is a Super Target. I thought a fitness instructor would be aware of, and sensitive to, the complexity of the issue of obesity. It’s not always JUST about caloric intake.
I’ve been thinking about these posts for several days, and ultimately, I just feel kind of disillusioned with Blogilates. Your credibility and professionalism as a fitness instructor, to me, have been undermined a little because 1) you did not take into account the diversity of your audience in your first post, 2) in your follow-up, you did little to address the very legitimate complaints from some of us that there are social, cultural and financial issues at play that might contribute to the “disgusting, toxic lifestyle” of a working-class family with high-school educations in rural Georgia, and 3) as others have noted, you’re not very responsive in the comments to the people who ask for clarification, yet you acknowledge those who sympathize; again, you’re ignoring a large number of your supporters– and we do still support you, by the way. We can disagree and still be friends. But personally, I’d like to see answers to the questions that remain.
I’m not telling you to mind your own business; I think outreach is fantastic and badly needed. I’m not saying you’re engaging in fat-shaming; I don’t think you are. I’m not name-calling or “hating”– God knows I’m a fitter person for having stumbled across Blogilates a year ago.
The questions I would like to see addressed are, when 35.9% of the American population over age 20 is obese and 33.3% are overweight (stats from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm), how do you justify writing off over two-thirds of the adult population as simply uneducated or stubbornly unwilling to make any changes to their “disgusting, toxic lifestyles?”
Is how you wrote about Mama June in your first post a reflection of how you feel about the 69.2% of adult Americans who are overweight or obese?
And when so many Americans are obese, mustn’t obesity be a more complex issue than simple “dirty eating?”
I agree with much of your post. Although I agree with Cassie’s point as well about education, larger societal, cultural, and structural problems are also at work with the obesity epidemic. Many people don’t realize how people of low-socioeconomic status have so many cards stacked against them in the struggle to get and stay healthy. Education and knowledge of nutrition and exercise are only a part of the picture.
As a mother of two living below the poverty line I know what a struggle it is to put food on the table at all, let alone healthy food. My husband and I are both quite educated, I am currently working on my Master’s degree, and I am constantly seeking out more information on healthy living so education is not even an issue for us. However, financially we have a very hard time affording healthy food. Granted, I don’t slather anything in butter or add sugar- that’s expensive!!!! But buying organic? Forget it! Even buying bulk fruits and vegetables is expensive. Some weeks we can barely even fit milk in the budget. Whole grains? A loaf of whole wheat is four times as expensive as white “wonder” bread that is twice the size. I would rather send my children to bed full, even if it is unhealthy food, than hungry.
I agree with all of you. Yes education is good, but it also is a physical problem, and to some people it is genetic. My family’s genetics makes our metabolism stop at age 17 and makes losing weight almost impossible, and my family has a history of eating disorders, in both compulsive eating and anorexia. Yes, learning about healthier lifestyles would help, but there is also more to it than just relearning how to be healthy.
Cassey, I agree with the above poster that you failed to take into account SES, psychosocial issues, medical histories. If you want to help people, you have to be kind and compassionate in your posts. Do you think people are going to listen to you when you “teach” them in a hateful, degrading manner?
Thank you for this articulate and respectful comment, Lindsay. I don’t think that this is “look what honey boo boo started” personally, but I see that it was used as a platform to address an issue that is very complex. I appreciated your perspective and wanted to say so.
Very interesting comment. You make some good points.
I don’t know what the situation in the U.S. is like so I can only talk about my experiences in Germany: I think “clean eating” doesn’t have to be expensive. If you shop at special shops it might be but you can get fresh vegetables almost everywhere and you can reduce your intake of sugary and fatty meals.
The reason why many people don’t may be that they don’t know what big difference it can make for their lifestyle. Obesity in America definetly is a more complex problem but it may have the same roots.
Well… I’ve been adhering to a Primal diet for almost a year, and I’m skinnier than I’ve been in my life as a result of it. I’m sleeping better, I’m motivated to work out, I absolutely do not count calories, and I never experience those post-meal blood sugar spikes anymore (which is great, because I hated those). My husband has dropped about 30 pounds effortlessly.
It’s a good way to eat if you have the resources for it, but not everyone does. For example, eating this way demands access to clean meats, which are *insanely* expensive here. So, that’s one problem– the stuff that’s actually good for you often comes at an unjustifiable cost. Organic vegetables are the same way. As Suze mentions, especially when you have a spouse and multiple children to feed, buying conventionally farmed veggies and meats becomes a financial necessity.
The thing is about the Primal diet, too (maybe even clean eating in general), is that it is a strong contradiction to the standard lines that Americans hear from the US government and the weight-loss and food manufacturing industries: restrict calories, cut out fat, get a few servings of high-carb grains per day, and exercise all the time.
To comply with these suggestions, we buy poisonous, super-processed foods with “low-fat” labels and stick to the USDA-recommended high-carb diet, thinking we’ll shed pounds. We restrict calories and work out obsessively, which sets us up for failure, because it just makes us hungry enough to overindulge in those processed, low-fat, high-carb foods. Those make us fatter, which makes us work out harder, which makes us hungrier, which makes us overindulge, etc., etc.
So I think you’re spot-on, most adults (most American adults, certainly) have no idea what a difference clean eating would make in their lives. In the US, I think obesity is attributable in large part either to a lack of resources or to the fact that we fall victim to these billion-dollar campaigns of nutritional misinformation.
Lindsey, while I agree with most of your comments (I trust your percentages because I believe they are similar to those in Canada, where I am from) I have one question.
Perhaps this is not how you meant to come across and is simply the way you worded things but – just because someone has a thyroid problem, suffers from a mental illness etc. That does not mean they can’t eat healthy, right?
I can’t speak for others, so I can’t say “this is what Casey meant” but I feel like she was saying, that regardless of other issues that may be at play here, what she is concerned about is the fact they are not taking care of their bodies. If you have a physical or psychological problem that causes you to be overweight, surely it’s not doing you any harm to eat healthier, right?
And in my opinion, eating healthy doesn’t have to mean organic veg, free-range meat etc (not right away anyway – as you pointed out, financially that’s just not possible sometimes) but there are ALWAYS things you can do. So why not?
You’re absolutely right, people with these problems are technically capable of healthy eating. But it’s harder to do, and harder to see results, although you don’t necessarily need to see results in order to be healthier.
But, as an anecdotal case in point, having plunged into a brief depression in my early twenties, eating good foods wasn’t terribly high on my very short list of priorities. 🙂
And I completely agree, ultimately, getting veggies is important regardless of whether they’re organic or conventional.
Hey, I would really like to thank everyone who responded for being so incredibly civil and polite, even in disagreement. 🙂
Thank you for spreading the word about how our eating habits and the obesity epidemic are killing children (and adults)! This is the most serious health issue of our time and so many people refuse to listen. I haven’t seen the show nor do I intend to. However, just seeing photos tells me the family has extremely dangerous eating habits and those parents need to know what they are doing to their child.
Woo! You go, Cassey! I agree with you completely 100%. I had read your first Honey Boo Boo post and I mean..I didn’t find anything offensive in it. You were just speaking your mind in the heat of the moment, it’s natural. Psht, I’ve seen several episodes of Honey Boo Boo and her family and well…as entertaining as it may be..they DEFINITELY need several lifestyle changes. I was in complete shock when I saw how their family eats. But any who, don’t pay attention to all those nasty comments you have been receiving..you’re a great person with a big heart and just want to help the world around you to make it better which is wonderful. Stand your ground no matter what! Stay passionate! Stay loving! And stay true! And you’ll keep moving forward to greater things and amazing opportunities! There should be more people like you!! 😀
Cassey, I am serious when I say, you should start a childhood anti-obesity campaign. You have a passion for it and the right amount of motivation! Where I work, we do a Kid Fitness program with the kids. It also addresses healthy eating but this is only a small population. When they go home and go to McDonald’s straight from school, the message probably isn’t getting through.
Another thought would be to reach out to this actual family and offer to help them. Whether it’s cooking some meals for them and showing them healthy food that tastes great, or taking them shopping to show healthy eating can be affordable or starting an exercise plan for them. They may not accept but if they did, this would be a great start. Also, think how many other families would see it if they aired some episodes with you!!
Honestly, Cassey, this whole debacle has made me decide to find another Youtube fitness guru to work out to. I’m 5’7″ and 180 pounds. The way you dehumanized June (yes, she has a name other than “that morbidly obese mother”) and called an obese CHILD names, makes me feel like Pop Pilates isn’t a place for me or for people like me. You don’t really want to help anybody. If you did, you wouldn’t have made that post.
Love,
a disgusting, awful obese woman.
You’re the best Cassey! i totally understand what you’re talking about.
thanks for being an inspiration & totally standing up for yourself!
much love<3
It’s like the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In all aspects of life, I don’t believe two people (being the parents) have all of the abilities to raise a child. This is why it takes a village, and sometimes the villagers need to step in when they see something that may not be right. This doesn’t mean that the villagers are always right, but it gets communication started. I am not a fan of the, “mind your own business” attitude. I feel this is a big reason why mental health is not being taken on with responsibility and care. I am learning more and more that by biting our tongues we are hurting our communities. We need more people to stand up and speak out. I commend you Cassey for being so brave. Continue being the amazing teacher that you are 🙂
My first comment on this debate. I won’t even loose words on how some people reacted, its horrible. But in this post something touched me: “If none of us stood up for what we believe in and tried to right a wrong, wow how stagnant would this world be. Evolution and revolution need to happen for PROGRESS.” Indeed and we should all care more about some things and also SHOW it. As long as we are passively quiet, nothing is gonna change. Thank you for everything Cassey.
I agree with EVERY WORD YOU HAVE SAID!!
Hunny Boo Boo is a show where we are supposed to laugh at their suffering. Though that it a legitimate form of comedy and Hunny Boo Boo and her family are comfortable with it doesn’t mean that what they are doing is safe for them.
They are a classic example of people ignoring the health risks of their life choices.
Also it’s is your business, as a fitness instructor, to help spread the fitness-fever!
And you should be able to speak your mind without people hurling abuse at you.
You are one of the last people I would associate with any negativity- Your videos have helped so many people lose weight and you are so supportive in all of them!
Keep going, I am grateful for all your work 🙂
Those shows are the reason why I don’t watch television anymore. Some people may say “it’s just a television show, maybe it’s all made up” or “they’re doing it just for the money/entertainment, maybe they’re trying to change” well, I agree, but we don’t know who’s in front of the t.v. watching and if it could turn out to be a bad influence on that person, specially if they were not educated or shown the “right way”…as long as there are people watching and giving them attention/credit, they’re not going to stop…would you if you were making money off of it?? So if you don’t agree with their lifestyle, don’t watch it! Don’t let your kid watch it! If you do you’re just fueling them to keep going….and that’s where WE can make a difference…If they don’t profit from it, they would be forced to stop or change…T.v. should have more motivational shows and schools should talk about health/nutrition to youngsters…that would be a nice start!
Anyways, Cassey, you are a GREAT role model…keep inspiring people and, who knows, maybe one day this family will WANT to change and inspire people to do as well (now THAT would be a better show to watch)
Love, Deb =)
Ok I cannot believe people actually wrote that shit about you. They clearly have bigger issues than your garden variety “problems with the post”. If you are a fake trainer, then what is Jillian Michaels? How could you hate children when you clearly said you were afraid for Honey Boo Boo’s health?
People are awful and just looking for a way to justify their sad lives. I was overweight as a kid and thankfully, a healthy adult. Your blogs/videos help me spice up my work out routine. I recommend you to everyone. You should be so proud of what you have done and frankly, f*&% the others.
I love this and agree with it 1000%.
You wrote exactly what I was thinking! I think people just decided to take some sentences of the text and get angry about those and refusing to see the “big picture”.
Cassie you’re awesome, a total inspiration!
Cassey,
I just want to tell you that I love you! I discovered you about 6 months ago, and I’ve learned so much. I’m trying my hardest to eat better and exercise more. I love your energy and your personality. Your addictive excitement about working out is great. You provide so much information for free it’s ridiculous. I have so much weight to lose it is overwhelming, but you keep me motivated because you’re such a caring person. I agree with you 10000000000% when it comes to Honey Boo Boo and her family. I wasn’t offended by your post at all. I don’t see body shaming. I see someone who is concerned for the heath of a little beauty queen and her family members. I understand that people will voice their opinions of your posts, but calling you horrible names and saying that you make people commit suicide is vicious and quite elementary. I mean, are we still in junior high people?! It’s one thing to be offended and voice your opinion, but to say crappy things like that is just plain ignorant. And might I add that if this family didn’t want to be ridiculed, analyzed, and criticized, they wouldn’t have agreed to film this television show. They had to have known that people would be picking their lifestyle apart if they put themselves in front of the world like that. They need help, and Cassey is trying to jump in and provide it. If they don’t take it then it’s their loss.
Cassey – Thanks for standing up. Each time I see any reference to Honey Boo Boo, I cringe. I do not watch this show and do not allow my children to do so. This view of life is not what I would want for my child. Futhermore, I am disheartened as a Georgia native that people may see this as a true picture of “the South” or as “Georgia’. Eight years ago, I changed my life by losing 60 pounds(2 years) and becoming a runner. I fight every day to make healthy choices for me and my family. Keep strong! Promoting a healthy lifestyle is never wrong. Teresa M. Georgia
The time, effort, and passion you put into this post really shows. Respecting you more and more as a member of the healthy community. Keep being awesome 🙂
First: my first language is spanish, so sorry for grammar that will be of course.
The first post of Honey Boo shock me, first: I didn’t knew it existed. So I went to youtube, search: Honey BOO BOO, result: TLC. ¿Tha F*CK? TLC is producing a tv show called “Here Comes HONEY BOO BOO”. So i give myself time to watch it, but i was surtainly pre-dispose to this show.
The chapter was about they going to, this summer amazing pools with everything to have a fun hot summer day. Well suddenly in the chapter apper one of the sisters (17 age, i think she is the eldest), she was pregnant! PREGNANT. How? THA whaaat?
I couldn’t finished it. I remembered when i saw on MTV “Real WORLD”. This was bad, bad, people. BAD .
I’m not from USA, i’m from the third world, and seeing this makes me mad. Omg they are from the THIRD WORLD thinkers, living in a first world modernities. With they big trunks and big fridges, where only have mayo and those magnified stuffs that only exist in USA (yes they only existe there, thanks for Mc)
That doesn’t just happen in your country, this happens everywhere. Casey is doing an amaizing job, Why? read this:
1- She always makes de home made videos workout, in well, her house. She is showing us how to take 15 minutes or less to do hers killing work out videos (at home, i repeat).
2- She did a second youtube channel where she speaks only about food. Raw food, YOLO food, simply recipies (i love the banana pancake). At her house, once again.
3- In summer she goes out, film in the out siders. Now, think this: it’s 5pm, you are walking by in the park, and watch a girl with someone who is recording her, doing excersices. Maybe she takes 1 hour to do it. She returns her home, edit the video, and upload it to: YOUTUBE where is free for ALL THE WORLD. (this is an INCREIBLE TRABAJO)
4- She makes her own clothes (i think they are very expesive for someone in another continent, but i think they are ALL cute and original). But, she uses another companies clothes and support them, like Lorna Jane, which i discovered trhoug Casey.
I can keep going but people IS NOT GOING TO READ THIS POST.
Now, keeping the central argumment on this post about if Casey shoul care or not about this series i will say, yes she should care. Why? Have you ever read Kant, or something about ETHICS? Well, it says pretty a lot of things Casey is defending here. Respect yourself, your body, and then you can do it with others.
This family doesn’t respect themself, neither their bodies.
They accept to be a medium of FUN (the FUN fact of FATNESS) to all the country/world. What is Casey saying is that, THAT is WRONG. I think the same thing.
How can you be fun with so much weight, and their -bad- behave, with others and with their own family. So disrespectfull with food. I’m pretty sure all the countries, not only africa, i include: south america, india, asia, and even a part o europe. That they don’t have enough food, so they are starving.
I can keep going writing to you so many things this family (and so many), do wrong. But that depends on any of you.
Right know i’m studying philosophy, yes. I did Gimnastics ( i know the pain on being in a perfect weight). I do Yoga Everyday. I have a full time jobe in a store (where i have be standing 8h per day).
Casey, watching you doing excersie while you talk like a COTORRA, it makes me tiiiired. How you do it? IT IS INCREIBLE. You are an example to follow girl, keep going. There is to much people talking because they feel in this world, and that makes them being offended about your comment. They should be in a gim and do your vids, so they can shut up.
Sincerily, DOP.
Good vibes you ALL.
ps. think, analyse before you write something.
Thank you so much for your amazing response. Your writing was very understandable and you made excellent points. You sound like a very smart lady. Good vibes to you and to everyone!
Cassey, this would be a good opportunity to open up a discussion on the the important topic of body shaming. Honestly, write a blog post about it, make a video about it, do whatever you can to educate your thousands of followers about why it’s bullying and shouldn’t be tolerated. Take responsibility for your words instead of writing a post that clarifies that you still think obesity is unhealthy. Seriously, is there anyone on this blog that’s like, “NO NO GUYZ, CHILDHOOD OBESITY IS THE AWESOMEST”? Obviously not. We all 100% understand why it sucks and why people need to be educated on it better and blah blah blah, but what your followers aren’t fully grasping, is WHY your words hurt others. WHY is it NOT ok for you to call a picture of an overweight child ‘disgusting’ (and omg readers, if you didn’t receive the original email, you’re obviously missing a key chunk of this problem).
The way your comments are coming off to the people that are disagreeing with you are telling us that you’re still unclear about what the problem about your post is. That blows. Instead of replying to posts worshiping you with a “Thank you!”, take five minutes and engage in a conversation with the ones that have expressed hurt. A lot of people are commenting “Don’t listen to the haters.”, and yeah, honestly, screw the people calling you names- there’s nothing lower than internet name calling, but don’t ignore the big group of people calling you out on the obvious shaming that has occurred. Not saying you’re a body-shamer, but the post/email was body-shaming-tastic.
People might think these replies are a bit harsh, but YOU, Cassey, are in a position of power with this blog. YOU can reach thousands of people with your words- good or bad. YOU can take this whole debacle and turn it into a learning experience for your bajillion followers (and maybe even you..?), who, from what it looks like, have no idea what body shaming or fat acceptance even is. (Hint: it’s not about being ‘allowed’ to eat butter and sugar and be unhealthy, its about loving yourself and other human bodies for what they are, and being healthy in a way that’s right for you.) (Second hint: what’s right for one person isn’t right for the next, guys. Just saying.) It’s time to help people start loving themselves- no matter what size or shape, and you have the chance and power to help them, physically AND mentally.
I look forward to reading/hearing a response from you on this topic. If you’re having problems writing a blog about body shaming/ fat acceptance, I’m sure there are more than a handful of people here (myself included) that would loooove to chime in. And seriously, just apologize for the email already.
Well put!
She did not say disgusting but DISTURBING….and that is a huge difference…She said that they lead a disgusting and toxic lifestyle, which is true.This fat mother (I call it as I see it) is slowly killing herself and taking her child with her! You can not say that we all 100% understand this topic. How do you know that? There are many readers on this blog (even random ones) and many might not know why they should not feed their child sweets and fried meals.
All I am saying is that perhaps USA needs a reality check! Whenever someone tries to put people out of their unhealthy ways, be/she meets a huge opposition —–just remember Jamie Oliver.
Totally Agree! Has any1 bothered to look at the food labels of some of the common household junk(aptly named) food? It is LITERALLY toxic and disturbing! I am involved with research and I can’t tell you the number of times I see names for chemicals used in the lab similar to the ones in processed foods. It is DISTURBING how lax we are in the things we put in and on our bodies. I am a fat chick changing my life by eating greener and healthier, and Cassie’s workouts eliminates any valid excuse for not exercising (time, space, location…). Being truthful may be difficult, but it is always needed! #livingforksoverknives
The difference between being called “disgusting” and having a “disgusting lifestyle” is moot. No one would want either applied to them. Cassey’s trademark compassion was lost in her initial post. The fact that so many popsters have posted clarifications on her behalf show just how badly her second post was needed.
Ah! It was 6am and they both start with d’s! I apologize for the typo. But please explain how calling a picture of a child’s stomach ‘disturbing’ is ok? Or better?
The people commenting on these posts are her followers. The followers that are following her fitness blog.. When I say that we 100% understand why obesity is unhealthy, I’m referring to her followers. Are there people following her that don’t understand that being overweight sucks? Why are they following her? Next time I’ll go with 99%.
NO ONE is telling her to stop talking about obesity and healthy habits. The opposite, even. Spread the word that being unhealthy is going to kill you. Go for it. The problem is clearly in her choice of words.
Because seeing a picture of an overweight child IS disturbing and it SHOULD be to everyone, especially the child’s mother. The definition of disturbing is upsetting or troubling and it should be upsetting or troubling to everyone to see children hurt in this manner. It’s not about being gross or disgusting or anything like that but it is shocking to see a child’s health disregarded in such a way. And I say this is as someone who was a very very overweight child (and adult) It hurts me to see children in the same situation as I was. To know that they are probably made fun of everyday in school, the way I was. To know that they will have to struggle for many years to come the way I did. To know that they are unable to run and play with their friends in the way they should be able to because they cant keep up with them, the way I was. And then seeing it on television as a joke, something to laugh about, be proud of even and to know that it may influence other parents to do the same. To make other people think it is okay “because they saw it on television”. To know that it could possibly lead to other children being raised in this harmful way. To know that this is the representation of our country that people see. It is all very disturbing.
So yes seeing a picture of a child’s overweight stomach is disturbing and I am not ashamed of that fact because the state of the health of the youth of your country is very very troubling.
A video is a good idea!
Well said Kenzie 🙂
Kenzie, she has taken the time. I was one of those people that talked to her about that point specifically. Believe me, Cassey listens to different perspectives and takes them into consideration. There were many points to address regarding the original post. I think she did her best to address most of them on this one while avoiding going into too many tangents that would cause for the main message to get lost again. I agree with the importance of addressing the topic of body shaming, as it is a typical culprit within the fitness communities online. Let’s just be fair and give her proper time to reflect and form her own opinion on it.
Hi Cassey,
I just want to say you are an inspiration! We all moan about how overweight we are yet we all know they if we reduced our calorie intake and increased our exercise we would lose weight. So why don’t we?
This takes effort and commitment which most of us don’t have under our own steam! We need people like you to motivate us with inspirational and achievable videos that will get us up and moving every day wanting to reach out goals and become happier and healthier.
You are an inspiration!
Regards,
Moira.
Hi Cassey! I just want to say how much respect I have for your passion towards fighting obesity and instead living healthy! I truly believe that unhealthy living and poor diet is a silent disease attacking many countries today, so thank you so much for bringing light towards this issue! <3
Personally, I don’t see a single thing wrong with that post or any of the opinions Cassey voiced. After struggling with body image and extreme restriction for 2 years, this website became my sanctuary and ultimately saved me from a life of absolute misery. Cassey’s recipes, information on nutrition and workouts helped me slowly but surely realize that what I was doing to my body in order to stay thin was not worth it and going to affect my physical and mental health so severely down the line. It doesn’t matter if you’re underweight, overweight or average weight, every cell in your body is determined by and made up of WHAT YOU PUT IN IT. I would honestly go so far as to say that Cassey has saved my life, and no that is not exaggeration. Getting my body to a healthy weight from a ridiculously low BMI has been tough to watch, accept and deal with, but this website showed me that being strong and healthy is so worth it. Cassey’s simple to follow and try tips for clean eating really work and really will change your life and how you feel. Seeing shows like this and families like this in real life makes me so frustrated too. I just don’t understand why healthy eating isn’t emphasized more in society. Most people should consider it as pivotal and one of the most important things in life.
You are an amazing individual Cassey and I hate when people attack you or insult you over things like this. I am the healthy person I am today because of the person YOU ARE and because of what you teach and stand up for. I cannot thank you enough.
<3
I agree with what you said 100%. What really makes me happy and proud to be part of the blogilaties community is that you didn’t apologise for what you believe in. There is so much censorship these days and bullying to make people take back their opinions. You stood your ground, and even put the negotive people in their place, while clarifying your opinion.
This post communicated your intentions a lot more clearly. We can’t blame you for writing something with passion and not rethinking it a million times to make sure it’s transparent to everyone. That takes the spark out of it.
Hey I completely understand that post because I have quite same problem here. Parents sometimes really need better education about eating habits. My parents aren’t so bad, they forced me with vegetables when I was little because I simply hated it, now I’m loving it. But that’s not the problem the problem is with too big portions of everything. I see how my parents give me a big portions of food and I see how other people do it to. I’m learning for kindergarten teacher and when I go to kindergarten I see how big portions children have, at least here in Slovenia. And then I’m thinking how can they eat all that and put it in their little stomachs? Even we – grownups do not know when we have enough food, we do not listen our body and that’s just sad. And I agree with you. Fight for everyone especially for children who can’t fight for them self.
This is fabulous Cassey, and I am so glad that you wrote this & your original post. Unfortunately no matter what you post on the internet, there will be always be idiots who will find petty points to argue with you on. And even if you have the most perfectly formed logical argument, they will ignore what you really mean, and distort what you say so they can have an argument. There will always be people who cry poor, who cry poor me. These are the same people who whinge that they can’t lose weight because they can’t find the motivation to go to the gym, or change their diet, or just get up and move.
They would rather devote their energy to defending their lifestyle, saying that healthy food is too expensive, or that they have no other food choices, or they have no time, blah blah blah. I have no doubt that some of your respondants saw your blog as an attack on their lifestyle. And how sad for them that they have so much energy to attack you with hurtful words (ironic, as they are saying you’ve offended someone else but feel it’s okay to offend you), but not enough to change their lifestyle.
The internet has gotten out of control with what they call “fat-shaming”, or “enabling” posts where they claim what they read is making them feel things, making them want to do things. They’re just trying to find someone new to blame for the problems they don’t want to address.
Good on you for having the courage to keep going through this, I am sure this is very hard for you.
x
I really enjoy your posts and your honesty. To be honest with you-if people do not like your posts, they should not read them. We are all wonderfully different, and have different interests and likes, so rather than belittle each other for being different and being very hateful and rude, rather leave it to be and go someplace else.
I work in the health and fitness industry, and it really is a true fact that people don’t always know. Some people just really don’t know. And it does hurt, but it also helps, to be informed.
Cassie,
Thank you a million times for speaking out about this. It’s always been something that has bugged me for a long time. Most people are afraid to speak out about it because they don’t want to come off as fat-shaming. I hope you don’t mind that I quoted you on Quotesome (with a link back to this entry).
With all the love in the world,
Michelle
Hey Cassey, have you heard of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution? He’s a famous UK cook that had a food show (at least two seasons) in the States about wanting to change school meals and introducing proper food education (not only in schools) to kids. Because that’s where it all continuous. From bad habits and examples at home to atrocious school meals full of processed stuff. Would be cool if you guys could connect and do something together!
Love your blog and your work outs (and the recipes of course). Keep it going!
http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/home
Cassey you are so great! I totally agree with everything you said in both your articles and I admire the way you replied to all those hateful comments to your last post. I think it is an admirable think that you care so much about others and want to do things to change people’s lives for the better, because if no one would give a F*** then where would this world be going to? Keep up the good work 😀 !!! and don’t let hatters discourage you!!!
Also I know it hurts when someone is telling you you’re hurting yourself and you’re eating bad, and you are careless, even if they say it in the nicest way, like you did, and people tend to protect themselves by being agressive. I think this is why you got a lot of negative feedback, but change starts by admiting to yourself that something is wrong, and maybe some of the people that read your post and got angry will realize that something needs to change in their lives.
I agree with you 100%. I also have a father who showed his love by feeding me unhealthy food, an now he is obese and struggling with kidney stones, back problems, and many other health issues. And although I still love him and appreciate him, I know that my problems with food stem from my time living with him. Now that I’m out living my own life and married, with a husband who also had parents who ate EXTREMELY unhealthy (as in never, ever, ever drink water. Ever. Soda and beer only. An veggies are only on the menu at their home maybe once every other week, next to an enormous steak) I know the struggles of trying to break habits that are formed by parents. I wish my dad had fed me better food, and that he himself had been healthy. Because now that he is essentially killing himself via lack of nutrition, I worry for two things 1) that my husband will soon feel the pain I feel from knowing my dad won’t last another ten years, because it’s doubtful his parents will either and 2) that our children will end up this way, along with their whole generation, if something isn’t done.
Truly I am grateful for your Cassey. Standing up for what is right is difficult, but very courageous. Thank you for all of your generosity. Putting as much time into this movement of Blogilates as you do is very inspirational. You are such a blessing and a joy to look to as my help in my journey of this healthier lifestyle. You can’t please everyone, just continue to stand for what you believe in. And thank you for speaking your mind.
This is just a television show. What if it isn’t true at all. That’s was just a thought that cross my mind about this lifestyle. What if they have been work to cure obesity behind the scene but they just don’t want to stop the tv show because of high rating? Please don’t mad at me, it’s just my opinion.
Yes, you are right. It’s just a television show, it may not be true. But, I think that Cassey is making them the example, this family IN the show, not the family itself. I mean, they *specifically* may not be like that, but there are hundreds of families that… well, are exactly like the family IN the show.
I honestly think I’ve fallen in love with you…
You are amazing!!!! so inspirational and so selfless, you’re such a great person to look up to <3 🙂 xxx
Good post Cassie!
Keep fighting for it, you’re in the right here. You did not offend anyone, they only FELT offended ’cause you’re right.
Just like Greenpeace, WWF, Sea sheperd and all the others, you’re fighting for this world to get a little better! Sometimes, minding “your own business” isn’t the best thing to do and stepping back would not do any good in this world.
I was never obese, never overweight, never not-fit, always eating kinda-healthy, and still you managed to make a huge difference in my life, sports and eating habits!
YOU GO GIRL!
🙂
you should never give up and never stop fighting. i know both sides. i’ve been morbidly obese in childhood and hat problems with bulimia and anorexia when i got older and left home.
food has never been nutrition for me, i never learned this. food was used to reward or punish me.
i’m 26 years old and its still hard for me, but i keep learning and trying my best and i guess i’m on a good way. people tried to tell my mom on a calm and nice way that she is doing wrong, but she didnt realize, everybody has been too nice.
you’re doing a great job, go on like this. there will always be people that don’t understand that criticizing someone does mean you think about this person and want to help and not to hurt.
i’m with you
xoxo
You go girl!
Wow. Really glad I took the time to read both of the posts on this. I wrote my last comment before reading the follow up blog and this just confirms to me your prior intentions. I agree 110% that in any situation it is our job to fight for things that matter. You are a strong person with amazing intention. People may not always understand why you fight for this, but in my own way I get it. I’ve been on the receiving end of negativity or misunderstanding over how I’ve handled certain things I believe in. It’s not easy, but you do it for love and caring and I respect that.
I support you Cassey! I’m so proud of you for sticking to how you feel. You’re an amazing woman and role model. Thank you for all you do 🙂
Lots of love and support xoxo <3
You’re the best Cassey.
The best.
I have always been interested in eating healthy (it’s tasty!), keeping fit and getting into the best shape ever because looking good makes me feel good about myself. I am so happy and grateful for finding your videos because it’s actually motivated me to workout a lot more! Thank you for making workouts fun!
This blogpost proves you really care about us and our physical/mental health. Thank you a thousand times!
xx
Sunny
p.s. your recipes are so simple, I love it
Cassey, you’re so great! I agreed with your first post, and I am so happy that you did not back down from your beliefs. Keep doing what you do!
While I understand your need to educate people on healthy living, we don’t live in a day where being unhealthy is ignorant; these people fully know they are. They don’t need you to inform them.
I’d say it would probably be best for you to keep your own nose clean and worry about yourself and those who ask for your help, but by your blog post, it doesn’t sound like you will. Sa
You are on another planet Sarah. They don’t know they are… try taking off the patronising glasses you have on and going and being with some real people. They don’t know any different. Nose clean? More damage is done by nose clean/head in sand/good men who do nothing!! Than any misunderstandings…
You are so ignorant. What is wrong with trying to reach out to someone and help them? If someone in your family was damaging their body, would you just keep YOUR nose clean or would you try to reach out to them because you cared and worried about their well-being?
Yes — Cassey may not know these people on a personal level but she is an activist. There’s nothing wrong with trying to reach out to others and point them toward the right direction.
Of course people will feel offended, you’re telling the truth and it hurts!!
I feel exactly like you and it makes me sick to my stomach what parents feed their children.
Kids don’t do as they are told, they do what you do! So growing up with poor meals, eating no fruit & veggies (except from a can??) is what these kids bring into their own kitchen when they leave.
Being a rolemodel for my child is one of my biggest motivators when it comes to eating good foods and working out. I want my son to know and feel that mommy and daddy going to the gym or going out for a run is a common thing. It’s what grown ups do. It’s nothing strange with that. And hopefully he will continue doing some kind of sport when he is older. He is now attending soccer school and he seem to like it.
And about the food you seem to eat a lot of prefab food in the US? We have that a lot here in Sweden as well, meatballs, fish fingers and so on. But if you take your minced meat or your chicken filéts from the freezer the night before, ordinary cooking will only take 15-20 minutes and you can serve your family a healthy dinner.
A show like Honey Boo Boo would never get to be produced and shown i Sweden, never. It is giving a person, a child, unwanted focus and that is not allowed here since she is too young to speak for herself. I truly hope that her mother will be recruited to some other show or will start working out with Jillian Michaels or something because she has to wake up and start fresh!!
Hey Cassey,
I support this all the way!! My father has always had a massive push in healthy lifestyles and educating these facts so I completely understand what you are encouraging.
I think you’re very motivational in your beliefs and should keep pushing at this, you’re doing the world all the good for every individual who may read your blog 🙂
keep up the good work
Take care
Mandy xx
Cassey~
I can see how some people might be offended. I am on my weight loss battle right now. I have three children and a boyfriend to feed. My food budget is very small for 5 people. Sometimes eating unhealthy is not a choice but the cheaper way. I don’t watch Honey Boo Boo but in your post it did make them sound like white trash (I am white I am not being racist.). I also see where you are coming from on making healthy choices. I started off as what the doctors called malnutrition when I was pregnant 13 years ago. I hand bad body image and eating disorders to top it all off. Now I am obese and suffer a lot from my weight problems. I am actually using your work outs (with modifications to cope with my physical limitations) to try and bring myself to a point of health. I have 85 lbs to go. I want you to keep being passionate about what you do, because that will help educate all of us.
Good luck with your journey to a healthier self xx
I think you need to reevaluate the meaning of being racist. Being racist means dividing or accounting for differences in humanity based on their race. So yes, you are racist. Even if it is against your own race.
You rock Cassie.
Cassey*
You would think I would spell you’re name right after following your blog for a year!
OMG I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR YOU THEN I EVER DID BEFORE! I admire the time you took to write this. I’ve read it all and you’re my idol. My family and i can’t thank you enough!. You’ve motivated me to help my friends and the ones closest to me. Even if its just a healthy meal recipe I suggest to them I hope to make a change in their life as well. Recently, my old friend txted me for some advice. She’s unhappy with her body and we agreed that we would go on a journey together to a better person everyday and live until we’re old and wrinkly.:) I have given her some of your tips and requested to watch your vids. For some reason I kind of feel entitled to help her though. I know i couldn’t go through this new lifestyle alone. Thankfully I have you and my sister! Even if its virtually, i feel like your my healthy fit beautiful asian best friend. lol You’re always by my side just in my computer. Thankyou for that <333333333
Hey Cassey, I completely understand where your coming from and what your message is. Whether someone is slim or curvy being healthy is not about your shape its about what you out inside your body. Sometimes when people eat clean and healthy they end up naturally loosing weight and
Becoming slim other times they just may stay the same but have glowy skin and a positive mood. As a health and fitness professional and enthusiast like yourself it is only natural for you to want to help out and send some healthy advice when you see people abusing their body. I’m sorry people took what you said the wrong way but I just want to make sure you know there are a lot of people who agree with you! Xo all the best!
Watch the first episode! Pumpkin wants to loose weight and the whole family got involved. I would LOVE if you or someone could go there and help them lose weight the right way. It’d be amazing! 🙂
Hey there, Cassey.
I read both of you’re posts. I think it is a little crazy that people couldn’t understand that you are a fitness instructor, and what you do is help people get into shape, and stay away from foods that can harm them in the long run. By commenting on Honey Boo Boo and her mother’s diet, you were doing your job. Not once did you say that they were horrible, disgusting, creatures that people turned your words into. I am a teenager, and this shows me what will happen I don’t take care of my body. You are my inspiration for working out. You make it fun! And it makes sense with you. You make it to where we can come to you whether we need to shave off a couple pounds, put on some more muscle, or just need to eat better. Don’t listen to what any of them say, because I find what you say, truly inspiring. Thank you, and keep doing what you’re doing.
Love always,
Grace <3
I love your passion. And envy your tolerance. You’re so incrediy motivational. I’m proud to call myself a popster 😉
Hey Cassey,
Okay my background is that I am thin, am an athlete, and love your exercise ever since I stopped playing my sport. And I’m a huge fan of all that you do and support what you advocate 100%.
I do disagree with what you’ve written here though. I think people should be given the choice to be obese if they want. Sure they do it unconsciously, but what you resist persists and you sound very angry (understandably, as I am very against obesity (and I will go so far as to say to the looks and love (because I don’t think it’s loving to yourself)) and love and support all you stand for) , and I feel resistance.
Resistance to something will only increase it’s power (I know it sounds new agey, but look at what your past two blog posts created – more support for the other side), so I do disagree with what you’re “trying” to do here.
Cassey all that you do has done so much good already. You don’t need to point out why you have to do it. That just brings out the position that what you do isn’t good. I am more “against” obesity than you are, but I allow them to do what they want and know that if I lead a good example most people will follow.
I love you Cassey! I just want your work to be amazing and I accept whatever you choose to feel about my post, but I will tell you that from my experience the resistance will cause the opposition to strengthen.
Love,
Catt
It doesn’t say she is against heavy obese. She’s
Against unhealthy lifestyles and people who won’t
Fix it. Not once did she say that.
“By the way, being morbidly obese is a health condition – it’s a disease!!! Not a way to fat shame anyone.”
How in any way is that “not against heavy obese.” There are many factors for peoples weight and health. A battle cry to “end obesity” isn’t actually going to help any issues. I study this for a living, and “education in the home” isn’t going to cut it from all of the studies I have read. You can have all the education in the world, but it depends on how you feed yourself. If you’re in a low income family what is more appealing, a 4 tray of food for $1, or spending 20$ on vegetables and fruits.
It’s not an education issue. It’s an income issue and economic issue.
Cassey, do you have four children? No? Do you have a husband and 4 other stomachs to feed with little money? Cassey, you don’t have a clue about what the mother of that family has to do each and everyday for her children and husband, she had/has to provide. Before this reality show, they lived off little money resulting in them buying crap food because that’s what they could afford. She put her time and effort into raising four children, leaving little room for her own health but YOU wouldn’t have a clue as what that would be like because you have a stable job, what looks like a rich background and no children. You have lots of time for yourself and to treat your body right. Stop acting like you know this family so well, stop acting like you’re sorry and lastly don’t act like you know what that mother has gone through.
Sorry, Amy, but I am sure that you can also buy healthy food without eating crap! you are able to get potatoes, cabbage, pasta, tomato sauce and other basic food that are as expensive as the unhealthy processed food. It is just a matter of education, as Cassey said! And by the way, I think it is pretty clear that they save money on food to be able to get pageant dresses…it is clear that their priority list is a bit bizarre!
sorry, in the first sentence I wanted to say that you can also buy CHEAP food that is healthy!
Nobody forced these people to have children, if they were not in a position financially to look after them properly then maybe they shouldn’t have had kids.
I feel so touched… I also feel really bad because today I had a yolo meal but it turned out crazy and I kept on eating sweets and chocolates. Tomorrow I will think about my health and take noutrisious foods instead of sugary foods.
Thank you so much. You are a role model and you encourage me to eat healthy. 🙂
Wow – I miss one day of blogs and look what happened. Cassey – You rock!! I love a good discussion -especially when it’s about health and nutrition. It seems that you are really passionate about what you do. Go ahead and speak your mind. Not everyone will agree and I’m hoping that does not stop you in your next big discussion. BTW – Do you do inspirational talks to teens (i.e. high schools)? I would love to have this topic at my daughter’s high school. No matter what parents or guardians say, a lot of those kids don’t take good care of themselves. You would be a great inspiration – especially to the girls.
And thanks for all your videos. Keep them coming!! I look forward to your next challenge!
I would love to come and talk! Email me and we can work out details depending on where you are!
Four words: I love you Cassey! You are an amazing role model to so many people. Every day YOU inspire me to keep pushing for a better and healthier lifestyle. I know you write your blogs because you sincerely care. Those who have any negative comments to say, just brush them off and keep scrolling to all the positive feed backs and comments you have!
Cassie – I think we need more people like you. Strong bodied and strong minded and NOT afraid to speak what they feel. YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a lot of people’s lives! Thanks for all you do!
Cassey, love you lots! It’s wonderful I have someone out there who is so passionate about health. I think many people are uninformed about nutrition and need help learning. I myself didn’t make a conscious effort to eat healthy until I started following your blog. I’ve never been too unhealthy but I definitely feel a difference! Thank you!!
I think what you do is so inspiring! And that you inspire so many of us means we value your opinion. More people should be passionate about childhood obesity.
I cant believe someone told you you’re the reason people commit suicide. WOW! Talk about harsh. I would like to apologize on behalf of all the rude comments you got. I was not at all offended by the first post. I understand that others were offended, however that is terribly rude and completely unnecessary for people to react so harshly. I wish people could find better ways of expressing their passionate feelings about touchy subjects. It really does hurt my heart to know that people were so rude to you. I honestly would have cried reading some of those comments. Judgmental pig?? Really? Cassey you impact people and help them to see that being healthy can be fun and exciting! I think you prevent people from getting depressed about their weight because you prove that it is more than possible! So be encouraged! You are changing people’s lives everyday. Don’t let the negatives outweigh those positives.
Karis.
Karis, i second every.single.word you wrote.
rock on, Cassey!
crazy huh?
Of course, have an opinion and state it but use diplomacy as well a s discretion. Especially if you’re a blogger and a role model.
Nuff said.
Second that.
As of right now there are 684 comments to this post but I really hope you read this one.
You. Are. Amazing!
WELL SAID CASSEY. WELL SAID.
I’m really sorry, I never meant to offend in any way. I’m pretty young, so I’ve gone through food education at schools since I went to elementary school in the fattest state at the time. I agree that children should be taught the basics of what’s good and what’s not, however I disagree with a heavy emphasis on it at school. When I was in kindergarten (and I lived in the fattest city at the time) I had a friend with obese parents, and thus she was kind of chunky as well. My mom had always fed me good food, and was a health nut herself. So what did five year old me do? I actually would get upset with my friend over her lunches. Get upset that she chose chocolate milk. That she had a ho-ho in her lunch. Tell her that she should eat salad. I myself would pick the salad (because I was afraid of getting fat). I was in kindergarten. I feel terrible now for how I treated that friend. I’ve apologized now (and in fact her mom got gastric by-pass and turned their whole life style around!) but I was cruel. Kindergarteners shouldn’t be dieting (like I felt like I should’ve been). What would really have been better is if the schools themselves didn’t offer French fries and pizza. That the foot they offered all the time was wholesome good food. Then the kids might gain an acquired taste for it and make healthier choices later in life. I know I actually prefer whole wheat over white because I grew to prefer it since it was against the law to serve white bread. In my last comment I don’t think I was clear (I had some typos too…) but please know I think you are an excellent person who cares about every living being, your love shines through your blog, an you’ve helped a lot of people. Keep it up.
I’m not overweight, I’ve never had a belly roll, I’ve never felt guilty for eating chocolate or candies….I’m fit and healthy because I work out and eat the right foods most of the time. My parents raised me that way and my husband shares the same values.
When I read the first post, I was SO on board…I agreed with 100%. Those people have no respect for themselves, they’re disgusting, they need help. …
However…as this remained a lively topic on FB and on this blog, it made me think a little deeper about my own judgements. Honey BooBoo is just a child, and she was called disgusting. That’s horrible. What’s even more horrible is someone found these people and decided to make a show of it.
So how do I feel about your post now? I took a step back and realized that not everybody knows how to cook for themselves, what’s healthy, and what’s not. Moreover, they are so attuned to unhealthy eating, that “good” food may taste terrible. Do they deserve to be ripped to shreds for that? Heck no. I have friends and family members who are in a similar position, I try to give advice when I can, but I love and respect them, so I’m not disgusted by them. Why is it ok to be disgusted by strangers?
Cassy, I feel you had a great point and an incredibly valid opinion. But the disgust you hold was unfortunately pinpointed on honey boo boo and her family, rather than society, the health care systems, the food producers, the television producers, the governments….etc.
I think a lot of people feel that if you are disgusted by honey boo boo’s rolls, you’d also be disgusted with THEIR rolls, if you ever met them. And I think you might be missing that point.
It’s obvious by your previous videos that you also struggle with your weight fluctuating and possibly your eating habits are to blame? So please don’t call little girls with flubby bellies disgusting.
Focus on what you’re best at. POSITIVITY. You get what you put out there. You are inspirational, motivational, and usually quite pleasant. You say silly things and act like a dork and tons of people from around the world love working out with you. Stay positive, be kind, live and let go.
Well said.
Cassey, I love you SO MUCH!!!! You have seriously transformed my life and body and, thankfully, my mental health. I had been battling depression and then you came into my life and BOOM everything turned around, for good!! This is why I totally agree with you on EVERY SINGLE THING that you wrote on this post. You’re not body shaming Mama or Honey Boo Boo, you’re looking out for them!!! Looking out for their health so that they can continue doing what they love, it be beauty pageants or just spending quality mother daughter time. Therefore, I felt obliged to comment to show you my suport, because you are not only my fitness instructor, you’re a ray of light that came into my life when I needed it the most.
Cassey, you literally just brought a tear to my eye. I am so glad that there are other people in this world that are passionate enough to stand up for what they believe in, regardless of what others think. Keep it up.
I’m sorry you felt you had to explain yourself. Your original post, though controversial, was absolutely justified. I have chronic illnesses and truly understand how nutrition/diet/lifestyle/etc. can impact a person’s life. I’m 23 and have had to learn the hard way–I think it’s so amazing that you utilize this blog to spread the message of health in an accessible, interesting way. Don’t ever feel the need to explain yourself to haters. People are ignorant, and there will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be people who criticize and judge. Don’t be sad. Be grateful that you can touch so many lives.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I’m now a certified personal trainer and use your site for inspiration. Chin up 🙂
I couldn’t say it better Cassey! Thank you!
I know so well what you’re saying!
I’ve beome interested in nutrition when I started to be vegetarian. Before it I had no limit about food! I remember I ate more for passing time, and I was continuously eating, I remember once that I told to my mom that I didn’t rember what is was the sensation of hungry. Of cours it’s a bless to not suffering of hungry like in theses poor country, but eating in anyway non-stop it’s a forme of disrespect for this bless. When I’ve became vegetarian, I’ve become forced to pay attention of what I was eating because there’s meat everywhere!!! At the beggining, I was completly lost I think I stayed one or two weeks eating bread and salty crakers. I had never really cooked in my life and I think that my parents didn’t really belive that this new choice’s mine was serious. My mother tried to help mostly cooking pasta and rice because she’s not really good at cooking, but she start supporting my choice telling me when she use condiments with meat or not, it gives me more strenght. My father didn’t even care…
But after theses weeks eating bread, crakers, pasta and rice I’ve become really weak, I was always tired and I just slept all the time. Then I started to look at all of this to take a decision. At first, the situation that I faced was ‘I have to learn how to cook’. It’s kind of scary at first because it looks something so hudge to do, but I’d not choice.
First, I started to buy some soy’s beef to cook myself. It was horrible! X) I was like : “Will I really eat it all of my life???”, but it didn’t stop me. I started to cook soy and I surprise myself liking it! So I’ve learn about food, nutrition and I’m still learning everyday, and I love it so much! Now I cook my meals everyday!
Now talking about seeing people killing themself slowly eating so so bad, I understand so much! Because WE KNOW! I mean, with all I read all I’ve learned all this time about what we consume, SOOOO much things, see theses people eating like that it’s like see and horrible invisble dangerous nocif monster around them killing them slowly and they didn’t even see it!!! Just you know what’s happening and it’s an horrible sensation!
I live with my mother and my brother and with the time, they learned to eat really better than before because I cook for them, not everyday now, but at the begining yes and I noticed that what help people to change their minds it’s not telling them what is good or bad or forcing them, because stronghead like my brother will continue to eat crap just to not listen, but doing it like a game, we like what’s different and our brain notice and enregistre this difference, so we get curious to try the next time. 8)
First of all, I think it’s an obligation for everyone to KNOW what they are consumming! After that, it’s their choice to decide what they eat or not, but most of the people don’t even have a clue of what they are eating and I can be really dangerous!
Cassey, thank you so much for your blog, your videos and this message. You’re doing your part about something that I said so much time it’s really important : “They have to know!”
I love you, we love you!!!<3<3<3
P.S : Sorry for my horrible english, I speak french and portuguese and I feel that my corrector changed a lot of things. X)
I am with you 1003098492% on this post as well as the last one. And I commend you for taking a such a responsible stance against all of the hate and backlash you have received from some of the blogilates community. Seriously, though, you are an inspiration.
I think that a lot of these people who disagree feel this way because they do not have personal experience with this issue. It’s super easy to accuse someone of being prejudice and bigoted for condemning a behavior when you haven’t seen the direct effects. To those of us who know the outcome of these destructive choices it is painful to see a TV show where these choices are highlighted, even glorified.
And I’m not saying that I’ve had direct experience with this either, but I have a father who is a HUGE fan of junk food. He will haunt grocery and discount stores for cheap salty snacks and routinely deep fries everything. Growing up in this environment wasn’t directly terrible for me, because I had a super fast metabolism and never seemed to gain any weight, but my younger sister wasn’t so lucky. She is still dealing with the outcomes of these habits, both emotionally and physically. Now that we are both trying to eat healthier and avoid these foods, we’re ridiculed and yelled at by our dad for not eating what the family’s eating. It’s hard, and kids shouldn’t have to go through this.
Thank you so much Cassie for taking such a stance on this controversial topic and know that you will be changing the lives of so many young people for the better <3
I’m so proud of you for standing up for what you believe and not letting other peoples opinions intimidate you. I think that is something we all need to learn, defending our principles and the things we believe in no matter the opposition. And these posts have inspired me to take my Pop pilates exercise even more seriously.
Thank you Cassey for caring about us even when we forget to care about ourselves.
Love you, oodles and oodles. 🙂
Cassey,
You are wonderful and have a wonderful purpose in life. You have a HUGE heart and a caring spirit, that is why you wrote this AWESOME follow-up post. Don’t let anyone take your caring spirit away from you or make you feel afraid to speak your mind. Trust me, you have SO many more supporters than haters! You always will!!!!! I am blessed because I stumbled upon your fabulous genious, self-built, independently-ran Blogilates empire and I hope MILLIONS more people are blessed by you in their lives. And I hope they are also inspired to become healthier the same way I was inspired!!! I LOVE YOU CASSEY! I wish I could give you a big giant hug right now 🙂
Cassey didn’t “dehumanize” anyone. (And you know, I am sure anyone who is reading this has at some point made some criticisms of their own after watching people on television.) She’s apologized and explained what she meant in her first post. There is no way to sugar coat the truth when it comes to a topic like this. If you eat bad foods and live an unhealthy lifestyle, you are going to have problems later on. A previous comment mentioned that there could be a relationship between obesity and poverty. Fruits and veggies cost LESS than boxed snacks and bottled sugary drinks. I get a cart full of produce and it costs less than $20. I’m a college student with hardly any extra cash. I still manage to eat healthy because I think about my options before I buy. Any family can choose to snack on some veggies or fruits. That being said, sometimes it takes criticism to spark change. Cassey may have tons of people that disagree with what she has said but it has led to this discussion about health. This is good. Maybe this way others can read these two posts and realize that they may need to think about the way THEY are living. Much love to everyone!
I hope all of you who are all butthurt over her comments about Honey Boo Boo go to all the other million places on the internet that make fun of their family, too, and rage against them. Cassey was simply making a point, stating her opinion, which she is 100% entitled too.
And the other POPsters are right-Cassey is doing you a HUGE service by posting all of her workouts and meal plans for FREE. Especially with all the haters and trolls, I’m surprised she doesn’t make her website a paid thing, to keep out the negative people.
Keep on keepin’ on, Cassey!! We <3 you!!
~Tiffany
I don’t think the first post was bad at all. U reacted as any person with ur background in fitness and nutrition would. I think ppl are just to sensitive when it comes to this subject. Which is understandable but no need to be makin u feel bad for what you said. Because it was whatever one was thinking. As I read ur post I wa as shocked as u were. I’ve never seen the show and glad I haven’t. That’s a bit much. Keep doing ur thing cassey ur great. U just encouraged that family to have a healthier life style. Love ur work.
Bella
Okay, since when was the word “fat” turned into a swear word? Fat means overweight, not slim nor average, etc. Mama June is over 300 pounds. How else can you describe that physical trait??? Cassey didn’t say anything wrong. I used to be fat when I was younger and I’m not bothered by this post at all, npr the last post. I learned to have healthy eating habits and am now 21 years old and a healthy 120 lbs and 5’5. Instead of resenting this blog post because you, yourself are fat, how about you really listen to the message and gain a healthy mindset towards eating?? God, I have a feeling that most of the people hating this blog post are teenagers because the posts sound so close-minded and uneducated.
Cassey, both of your posts were extremely well-written! Please don’t listen to the people who, even after your extensive and clearly-worded justification, continue to jump to conclusions and selectively interpret what you have written. Some people use the anonymity of the Internet as an attempt to gain notoriety or as an outlet to exert passive-aggressiveness that they know they would be rebuked for in real life. I’m so sorry that you have fallen prey to such people but please do not let it get you down. With your videos, recipes, and youth outreach workshops I can guarantee that you are reaching the people who need your help the most. Don’t let the voices of a few dissenters destroy your ability to positively evoke change in a new generation! <3
Wow Cassey well said! Everyone needs to read this post! My passion is teaching everyone how to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle as well! I have been preparing weekly meals for friends and extended family that struggle with having the time to make healthy meals and/or are still learning. I agree that educating kids is one of the best ways. I am still trying to figure out how I can get more involved with schools either by giving presentations and/or starting a community garden. I enjoy all your tips and would appreciate more if you have any! Thanks for all your amazing workouts! I have done many many Pilates workouts and yours are some of the best!
Hey Cassey!
I feel like if you had explained your feelings like this originally, you wouldn’t have received so much criticism for the first Honey Boo Boo post. What upset me last time was not you being critical of their lifestyle (because obviously it is flawed), but putting Alana in the newsletter and then apologizing for the “disturbing image”. I don’t know, but for me I don’t think a little girl should be called that because, like you said, she can’t help she looks like that. And if that photo with that caption is circulated, or she somehow stumbles across it online, it’s going to be extremely detrimental to her mental heath. Anyway, I still love your passion and devotion to educating people about healthy lifestyles and how to live them. Like others said, maybe you can do some kind of community outreach, or a video for eating clean on low budgets (as a college student even I would appreciate that lol). I will definitely continue to follow your calendars and everything on here! Love ya girl!
Completely agree 🙂
Hey there! My name is Meaghan, im a 17 year old girl from Canada and Ive been big into fitness for 3 years now, I have been following your videos on youtube for a year now and I plan them into my daily workout routines. This is my first time visiting your website because i was looking for recipes, and i noticed this post. Im not sure what happened here and why people are leaving the kinds of posts they are, but in my opinion that is very inappropriate. You are a pilaties fitness instructer, and a good one at that, there is not one of your videos that dont leave me flopped on the floor sweating and knowing im going to hurt tomorrow. If you ask me, I think you should ignore the comments that are harsh and uncalled for, those are just cowards sitting behind a computer screen, and focus your attention on the people dedicated to health and fitness, like yourself.
Send me an email i love to hear back from the person who inspires me to get up each morning and push.
Thanks 🙂 Meg
Hi Cassey,
This is my first time posting (I guess I’m shy like that), but after reading now that you received so much negative feedback from your last post, and learning of your family history, I wanted to share with you why you are such a positive influence in my life. I’m in my 20s and I have MS, so I struggle with how my body is doing–up and down depending on the season and how much stress I am in. I L-O-V-E that I can work out with you, without anyone else knowing whether or not I was able to keep up this week. I love your passion and your enthusiasm and love that I can mirror it from you to motivate myself to get up and move especially on snowy winter days (I’m from Maine). I have been trying each day to make my food choices what is best for my body and I KNOW that it the largest factor in how my body feels. I try to follow the Wahls Diet as much as possible, so my version of eating clean is a little closer to eating paleo. If I “cheat” on myself (meaning I eat foods I know are my triggers), I can go days without being able to feel my feet–yet there are times that my YOLO moments last for days at a time and I get soooo mad at myself! But those were all MY choices, and in those dark moments I read your blog and do your videos (well, only if my downstairs neighbor isn’t home–all apartments up here are old Victorian houses, so we can hear our neighbors sneeze never booty-kicks) and readjust my outlook. So that is the secret, deeply personal, part of my appreciation for your blog.
This is the first time I hear your more about family background, and it also means so much to me. My boyfriend and I have been dating for about 5 years now and he was born in Vietnam. We’ve been living together for 3 years or so now, and when we first moved in together my health went down, down, down because I adapted my eating habits to fit his. I already knew that gluten and casein were a no-no for me, so most Vietnamese cuisine was go! I quickly found out that his also a junk-food hoarder, which just went so well with me being a junk-food annihilator! It’s taken some time, but we’ve been able to adapt our cooking/eating habits mesh well. But, I am weak, I ALWAYS find the bad stuff, finally, my insisting that junk food being at our home is not OK, that him not bringing it home would make my life much easier (because that’s why I eat the junk, it’s already made, it’s salty/sweet/fatty addiction that I don’t need to prepare, and as long as I can pretend that I can be like “any other American” and just eat the stuff with forced blinders on, I’d be fine. The next hurdle was to discover that most of his most cherished family recipes are heavy on rice-and-meat dishes or meat-laden soups (pho and bun bo hue every week). His family also loves “treats,” candies, buns, chips, pork rhines… Where is the veg? We live at our place, but are very close to both of our families. In his family, the children eat a lot of instant frozen “American food” because they can prepare it themselves. The youngest nephew is being raised by the grandparents while his parents work in NYC. He has been born with many food allergies, ones that now are ignored because he doesn’t suffer an immediate rash after eating them. We have taken him to the ER three times in the past 2 months for outrageously high fevers or for vomiting blood. His poor little immune system struggles every day. These were the scary events that MY parents had with me as a child! These events are NOT normal. I don’t know why the doctors somehow cushion this blow, it is NOT OK to think that constant fevers and vomiting blood, or vomiting after eating, is normal. My parents didn’t know I was allergic to different foods until I was 4 or 5, and we now can see how misguided choices wreaked havoc on my body. I try to gently guide the family towards eating from their roots by asking to learn new recipes (with lots of veg cuz Truong says I’m part bunny), or encourage the kids to drink a green smoothie with me (Green like HULK!), but it is a slow, tedious war, one with many lost battles–like why would you choose an ugly green smoothie from Ashley, when ba noi offers a milkshake? It’s difficult because I already have a chronic diagnosis, which makes me overtly different. I don’t speak enough Vietnamese to effectively communicate, making me different. I just looook different, with my brown hair, blue eyes and painfully white skin. Often time I am told “You just don’t understand. It’s different for us Vietnamese. You’re American.” (his whole family are American citizens, so I get touchy about their definition of “American,” but that’s an entirely different topic). Right now I fight for my own health, but I’m also fighting for the health of the children of our family. I am very blessed that my boyfriend has learned from my struggles, and from lessons from others like you, the importance of nutritional health and exercise. It may have seemed OK to blame all disease on genetics back when scientists’ were cracking the genetic code, but so much research has been poured into functional medicine, nutritional medicine, preventative medicine–we know that we can alter SO much by taking care of our bodies.
I look at you, at your blog, and am so inspired to keep fighting the good fight. I wish I could lighten your burden of carrying the misguided criticisms recently hurdled at you. Please just know, there is just one more person respectfully looking to you and your work for inspiration and guidance. I greatly appreciate all that you do!
Phew!! That was a lot. All that said, do you have any good Vietnamese recipes 😉 heeheehee!
Hi Cassey,
Thanks for putting all this energy into this post and the last (and all previous!). Your passion and sensitiveness come through in every post and video, I love them all. When I read your last post, I wasn’t offended at all. I was surprised just as you were that there were that many negative feedback. I could only realize this negative effect because you wrote that post in that way, which some people could call naive or careless.
If we all cared to write in the way that doesn’t reflect how you feel and satisfy everyone on the planet, a message would have no emotion (obviously not in an intentionally harmful fashion). You didn’t intend any hatred, and it was clear to many, but not to others. We have different backgrounds and feel and react differently to the same word. You know how they say, art is subjective and you can perceive it in the way you want. I guess reading is like that too. I’m grateful to you as we can understand how others feel (even a little) to become better communicators of our well-intended messages. The more important thing is that you’re bringing our attention to discussing about this serious and deadly issue of health that affect many around the world. Your passion and energy is desperately needed.
Love you<3<3<3
Hey Cassey!
Thank you so much. You are very wise for waiting and not speaking out of emotion!
You said that real education begins in the home. As a homeschool student I agree with you 100%!
I don’t know if you know this or have an opinion already, but there is a huge debate going on about parental rights. The government is actually trying to diminish parental rights. I’m so happy you appreciate the fact that parents should have control over their kids!
And, I understand the food= love. My great grandma is a 90 something year old Italian Grandma-she has to see us eat. 😉 On the other hand, both my grandfathers (mom’s dad and dad’s dad) died from heart attack/strokes when I was 6. They died one month apart. My one Grandpa had diabetes. He was a doctor. It’s hard to think about the poor choices and how….well. he might still be here.
Thanks Cassey!
btw, this popster presents thing is soooo sweet of you!
*Sigh*…I re-read it , and I don’t even think your first honey boo boo post was harsh at all….You were only speaking the truth. It wouldn’t make sense for you to sugarcoat things and say, “well I kinda think that they should probably change their diet a tiny bit, if it’s not too much to ask” lol. Even if someone did disagree with how you worded things, that is no excuse for insulting you. There is no reason why people can’t express their disagreements in a respectful yet tactful way…
I appreciate and admire all that you do to help people live healthier lives. Keep it up 🙂 <33
lol sorta maybe perhaps?
If your job is to be a blogger and you are going to take offense to faceless comments on the Internet, then why do you do what you do? Say what you want and stand by it. This post was completely unnecessary; it sounds like the majority of people are on your side yet you still choose to focus on the minority that doesn’t agree with you. Taking criticism is part of being a professional.
It’s kind of hard not to take offense to some of the comments that Cassey received. Some people took what she had said in her previous post in a way she hadn’t meant anyone to, so she wanted to clear the air. Who are you to say that this post in unnecessary? Cassey felt like it was, so she wrote it and posted it so hopefully the people that had taken what she had said previously the wrong way, would see that this was truly what she meant. Cassey is just a human being and it’s hard not to focus on the select few that are offended by the things we say and do. If some people can deal with it, cool. But for a lot of people it’s harder to not let what they say hurt you a little. Yes, Cassey is a professional but she is also a human being. No one wants to hurt someone because they worded something in a way that could be misinterpreted. Also, many of the comments weren’t “criticism” anyways. Many of them were just plain rude and cruel.
wow I had no idea Honey Boo Boo was such a controversial child…. Great job as always Cassey!
I am in no way, shape, or form a fitness professional, but even I know that the road they’re headed down is most certainly Death. On one side of the scale, I wish so badly that they could get better. But on the other side… Well, I come from that side. I used to be incredibly overweight, and nobody cared. I knew I needed to lose weight and fix my eating problems, but it was hard to do when I had no support, and no one would just be honest with me. No one was compassionate enough to just tell me that they cared and wanted to help. So for years I just went along with it, gaining more and more weight. My peak weight was 180 pounds. At the age of 14. I was disgusting, I hated myself, and I hid in a shell. That’s when I decided the change needed to happen. My mom essentially hated me for doing it because she thought I was killing myself. I became a vegetarian and pushed myself to my limits in my workouts. But she didn’t understand where I was coming from. But then the weight started to come off- HEALTHFULLY- and she finally backed off and let me do my own thing. Here I am now, at the age of 17, a full vegan, 5’3″, and a healthy 130 pounds. So I know how both sides feel. They don’t know HOW to be healthy. Their notion of “healthy” is probably “Carrots and rice and that’s all I can eat”. And that scares them. They don’t k now HOW to eat delicious and healthy food. They’ve never been exposed to it, and they probably don’t even know such a thing exists. And making the change is not easy. And that is the scariest part of all. No one wants to do things the hard way. I pray for people like that every time I see them, because I know exactly how they feel.
OMG congrats on making the change for yourself. You are inspirational!
AMEN! I support you in the quest for health education. We only have one body so take care of it and live out your purpose!
Awesome post Cassey!! I couldn’t agree more. There is a vast difference between people who are obese because of pre existing health conditions and people who are obese because of emotional eating or just plain bad choices. The last two are health risks and it’s time people started acknowledging this and allowing people who are certified to talk about this to talk freely. And you certainly are certified!
Hi Cassey,
I love your videos and your printables, and I love the fact that after i do one workout, I already see improvements (: My question for you is: could you PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE make a collarbones workout? That’s one of my problem areas, and I know that if you made at least one workout, I could start seeing an improvement.
Thanks so much!
Ironically, I’m writing this as I myself am watching Honey Boo Boo for the first time. I’ve heard much about it so I wanted to see what it’s all about. Anyways I think both of your posts were bursting with love and care and passion, and it was clear to me you only want the best for them and everyone. You are such a caring person and I agree with you that people should watch what they eat more but at the same time it’s a cycle of how people are raised and raise their own kids. Anyways I don’t think you deserve any of these harsh words for expressing your opinion. Keep being you! <33 🙂
Cassey,
Firstly, you are wonderful!
Good on you for being so passionate and standing by your opinion when faced with critics.
I completely agree with you on this one.
It’s not about how you look, it’s about what you put into your body and how you treat it!
I am going to draw on one of my closest friend. She is slightly overweight, always has been. However, she is the healthiest person I know by far! She spends an hour every day doing cardio, makes sure she gets out and goes for a walk every day. I can’t remember the last time I saw her have any processed food whatsoever. The food she puts in her body is clean, organic, and very nourishing – her body is naturally voluptuous and always will be. The important thing is that her insides are clean! The same can be said of those super skinny people who eat a lot of fatty food just because they have metabolism which processes it well, it doesn’t mean it’s not harming your body!
If Honey Boo Boo’s mother still looked the way she did, but was making a genuine attempt to incorporate more vegetables into their lifestyle, then fair enough. But the thing is – she does nothing at all to help! It really upsets me, because like you said the kids will now grow up thinking this okay. They’re doomed before they even know it.
I’m not saying I too sometimes don’t slip up, and buy a frozen meal for a quick dinner, or whip up a super quick pasta. No one is perfect. but to that extent, where it is a constant and it is expected for food to be doused in butter. They can’t use money as an excuse either, 1. I’m sure having your own reality show provides a stable salary, and 2. If you plan your meals well, buying fresh produce and healthy staples really doesn’t cost more than buying takeaway or some other form of convenience food on a constant basis.
In terms of education – it’s disappointing if these things aren’t being taught in school. I don’t live in America so I can’t comment on the education system there, but I remember going through school and always being taught good nutrition. Junk food was always seen as a treat, or reward, never to be had more than once a week at school. Even in senior years, we were taught the benefits of nourishing our body. You need to start this education at an early age! Then as the kids get older and can start forming their own decisions about what to eat they can reject the ridiculously high in fat options and choose something which is good for them. That is the key to breaking this cycle of bad lifestyle choices – early education!
Keep voicing your opinion, the more that’s raised about this issue, the better!!
Love your work x
Too many people are on their high horses…when they are judging you, Cassey, for being honest and caring. I’ve been chubby most of my life, (at one point I was insanely skinny, but for all the wrong reasons), but I am gaining more and more weight and I know that is all my fault. I noticed a lot of other commentors say healthy food is more expensive, when it isn’t. FRESH fruit and vegetables are not more expensive than a bag of chips, a pound of any meat, a fast food meal, a case of pop, or anything else people consume daily. If people would just replace one of their fatty snacks with fresh fruit or veggies they would realize it could save money while also making them healthier. A tub of Yoplait yogurt, where I live, is 58 cents. I eat one with apples or carrots for lunch every day and it cut my lunch cost from $6 a lunch to $1.58 per lunch. Instead of getting canned fruits for $1, the deli at Wally World sells packages of pre-cut and washed fruits, like apples, grapes, pineapple, or melon and etc. for $1.50 or less. Wally World also sells vegetables that way. In most packages it comes with a dip, like yogurt, low-fat ranch, low-fat caramel. or peanut butter. People just assume that if a food is healthy it automatically becomes expensive which is not true. Another good source of fresh food, a home garden, SOME, (I say some for a reason), people are just too lazy or are just not able to put all the effort into growing their own food though because it does take patience, time, and space. I am sure Honey Boo Boo would love gardening though because what kid doesn’t like playing in the dirt and enjoying something they put so much effort into. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you and I support what you have said. As a person who is technically overweight, I did not find your last post offensive and I live in an extremely poverty ridden area so I do know what it is like to not have money to eat, (whether food is healthy or not). I also know what it is like to eat whatever I want because as a child I was allowed to (if people question how I was able to be poor and eat fast food every day when I was a child, my mom was married for the first few years of my life then divorced so she was a single parent of 3 children afterwards so I got to experience being able to eat whatever and experience not being able to eat at all). My mom let me eat fast food every day (for a good amount of time) and now it is killing my body literally, I have terrible joints because they have to support so much weight and without getting any nutrients or exercise to help strengthen them when I was younger has greatly effected them, I work ten hours a day and I am on my feet all ten hours but when I go home I can’t even move because I am in so much pain, I have allergies that make it impossible to breath, (allergies developed in childhood can sometimes be linked to fast food intake), I can’t even do a push-up, my heart hurts all the time, and now I am insanely picky when it comes to eating so I don’t branch out and try new foods but anyways I am not here to complain. I am just saying, you didn’t say anything offensive or in an offensive way and I really appreciate your videos. The exercises that you make available are usually easy on my body which I definitely need but they actually work to. I love how encouraging you are and honestly I had given up all hope of getting healthy until I found your videos online. Thank you, once again, for everything, the videos, recipes, the cute clothes, (lol), and especially your kindness.
🙂
Cassey, what you’ve written in your first post was completely true. Not only being obese is a disease but actually you CANNOT be overweight and healthy(I have to say this as an MD). Harmful eating habits are no different than smoking or drinking alcohol as they are all impulse control disorders. And they should not be tolerated just because they are more popular. Nobody would have objected if you criticized parents buying their kid cigarettes. Obese people should be respected but not accepted the way they are because their condition is not normal. Let;s not sacrifice common sense to political corectness.
Really? For an MD I’d think you would know that you can be overweight and be healthy, too. Not morbidly obese, no. But you can be carrying an extra twenty pounds or thirty pounds and be healthier than someone who is at goal weight.
I have to disagree with this statement that you cannot be overweight and healthy (and I say this as an RD). You can be overweight and healthy-look at an athlete! technically by BMI (which is how we classify overweight/obesity) they are overweight and sometimes obese. But they are physically fit and carrying healthy lean body mass. Even at ideal body weights which is how much weight someone should be carrying on their body based off height people can be considered overweight by BMI. I’d revise your statement that you cannot be overfat and healthy which is what Cassey is trying to get at here with these two posts.
Cassey- you’re an amazing person and an inspiration to ALL of us. Don’t let those people get you down. You know where your true intentions are, not them. You meant no harm and we did no harm whatssoever. Keep on keepin on girlfran<3
Lovely, lovely Cassey. It is so important to me that you took a stand here. I really love that you logically and compassionately thought through the “let them live their life” argument – while personal freedoms are extremely important, it makes my heart soar to see you asserting your right to want to help people. Love you!
Christy
Hi Cassey,
I am honestly so surprised at the amount of controversy that happened at your last post. I’m a freedom of speech advocate so I don’t need to be the one to tell you, you are entitled to your opinions, even of child stars like Honey Boo Boo. That kind of TV show doesn’t really appeal to me, but for some reason I found myself reading your posts and what I noticed most is your clear defined passion. You have established yourself as a public figure, a fitness trainer, a health advocate, and a person who clearly wants to help anyone who is willing to listen. I think this whole situation, no matter the negatives makes you a role model for everyone because you are willing to practice what you preach, walk the talk, and stand by your beliefs no matter what hurtful things get thrown at you in between. You’ve already received over 650 comments on this post alone. Why write a comment at all when I know so many others will be thinking the same thing as me? Because just in case you’re still receiving the bad ones too, I want mine to at least counter ONE of those and be the little reminder for you to keep doing what your doing.
Thank you for being the role model you are…. and who knows maybe one day you will be to Honey Boo Boo too.
hahaha that would be funny wouldn’t it?
Dear Cassey , I truely admire your honesty & compassion & Im sure has well has me many people understand your apology however I feel you did not need to apologise ! There’s always gonna be an ammount of people in our world that will always have a difference of opinion no mayter what . However you have the courage to stand up & say what you believe in with so much heart & soul & that is what I like about you ! Your not just some fitness coach your a fitness coach with true passion , dedication , committment & actual interest in peoples health & that is what keeps me posted to your blogs , video tutorials & excercise workouts ! With your great fantastic bubbly nature you keep me motivated & Its a bonus to make fitness so much fun ! I have watched many fitness totorials & yours I just stick too & know Im going to get a true workout has your tutorials are clear Fun & precise !! Pleas dont stop delivering fitness messages & healthy eating concerns & examples has sometimes its just those examples that actually make us sit up & realise that hey I need to do something about this otherwise my health is going to suffer !!! Everybody uses examplea everyday & its only for learning purposes ! We’re all learning all the time !! So Cassey you carry on delivering a healthy attitude to health , fitness & life has so important in life to keep an healthy approach to life & deliver that message to our children & our future generations to come ! A healthy attitude for everyone around the world is essentialy vital in developing a new world ! Thanks to Cassey making fitness & healthy eating fun its a Thank you we owe Cassey !!! Thanks Cassey for being a fantastic health & fitness ambassedr:-D <3 you have my 100% suppprt always Cassey 😀 <3 xxx Always follow your heart & what you believe in 😀
Cassey! I AM SO SORRY FOR WHAT MEAN THINGS WERE SAID TO YOU!! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THAT EVER BE SAID TO ANYONE!! People who said those things are merely trying to rationalize their own wrongs. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE UNHAPPY WITH THEIR LOVES DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY SHOULD TRY AND MAKE YOU FEEL BAD FOR SAYING WHAT YOU FEEL!! You are funny, passionate, courageous, and honest on how you feel and people who put you down, are just jealous of how happy and content you are! Don’t ever change! So many people look up to you for who you are, even if sometimes you don’t remember! To sum it all up, we <3 u Cassey!
WOW THERE IS SO MUCH YELLING IT MAKES IT HARD FOR ME TO TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY
I know I recently commented on your previous blog post. Some commenters mentioned that you were insensitive, etc., and I understand how they could have come to that conclusion, except that, I feel as though they were only reading what they wanted to read. It’s easy to bash. It’s easy to hate on people. Especially through the Internet. But in defense of Cassey, if you actually go back and re-read the first post, and then re-read this one, Cassey has not said anything differently. She has merely explained herself in MORE words and said the same things differently. Never once did she insult Honey Boo Boo’s family. She was critical of their lifestyle. Critical and judgmental are two ENTIRELY different things. She expressed sympathy and empathy (in this post, but she shouldn’t need to write like this in every single post, I could ascertain all of this from the tone she wrote in). It would be judgmental if Cassey said, “They are stupid for eating this way,” or insulted them. She did not. She said that it’s painful to see that they are oblivious to what they are doing–she said the same thing in this post!
But honestly, Cassey, I was always told that if you love someone, you want the best for them–yes, including strangers. So all I see is that you want the best for them, because while they are strangers, and we may not know them, we can still love them and want the best for them. And that is all that you are doing. I don’t think you were mean. :] You were showing your concern and your care, and more importantly, it’s proof to us all that YOU practice what you preach! Thank you!
Hi Cassey,
I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and you are in a position, with the relevant experience and knowledge, to offer an insightful opinion on the eating habits of the reality TV show family. By being on national TV, they, and anyone who watches them, must accept that they will be the subject of public discourse and debate. You were not probing into their private lives, you were simply giving an educated and passionate opinion on where their lives could be improved.
It’s somewhat sad that you had to clear up what you meant, because I thought what you wrote in the first blog post was absolutely fine, but I commend you for this post. You faced your criticism face-on and with nothing but grace and respect.
I also really admire your passion and dedication to helping everyone achieve a healthy lifestyle. Speaking personally, around 6 months ago, I found out I was intolerant to gluten and was really upset about the diet changes that I would have to make. However, when I stumbled upon your website and found all the healthy recipes that you share with us (many being gluten free), I felt somewhat relieved. I now aim to “eat clean” all the time, and do workouts according to your calendar, and I have never felt better before. You have really inspired me to lead a healthier life, and you make it very simple as well.
I really hope your critics can understand where you were coming from, a place of genuine sincerity, and realise that you were not attacking the family outright, but rather their eating habits. Keep up the good work. You have many people supporting you!
Love,
Julia 🙂
Hey Cassey,
I am a big fan of yours. I 100% agree that they need education, but the think I was upset by in your original post was the idea that Biggest Loser is on any way healthy. Past contestants have spoken out about the fat shaming, dehumanizarion, verbal abuse, working out through injuries against doctors orders, starvation diets, and mandatory dehydration that happen in that show. And how it absolutely RUINS the metabolism of those who participate. That show (and sure, Honey BooBoo) are fatty exploitation in the extreme, as in look at these fat people not realize they’re fat OR watch the fat people cry about using a treadmill (when in reality they’ve been on the thing for 3 hours already). I think fat is the only physical thing people can openly mock or be grossed out by and it’s still ok – no one would be sickened (out loud) by another RACE or someone with a physical disability, but it is still open season on fat, which is why people got all up in arms. As a FFP (former fat person) it is exhausting feeling judged constantly so I see what the negative comments are about. For instance you don’t KNOW June’s been approached, nor from 1 highly edited episode can we say shed for sure turn down a BL invite (or perhaps free training from a well meaning concerned personal trainer). It’s not the family who us glorifying this ultra unhealthy lifestyle, it’s the production company – trying to win is through gross outs and shock – into watching their show more often.
It is one thing to give advice when someone asks you for it and another thing is to stick your nose into other people’s business. This family doesn’t wait for the fairy grandmother Cassey to come, help and teach them how to live right.
Well said Cassey. I think both your posts on this issue have been well thought out and well written (even though it may be hard stuff for some to hear). I think people have to remember that those who put themselves in the public light open themselves up to criticism. In this case your post was not out of malice but out of genuine concern for the health of the family. If only there were more caring people like you advocating for the betterment of society the world would be a better place. Keep it up!
I just feel so sorry that you were worked out to this point. I just think that you of all people don’t deserve this and knowing how sensitive you are, I know how hard all of this must have been on you. I really love you (as much as I can virtually do) and my respect for you goes deep. I think that some people are like guns; the smallest tug of a finger is needed for them to blow up all their frustrations in someone’s face.
Behind the screen all of them are advocates for “good”.
Behind the screen all of those who offended you are simply unappreciative people, because if they were grateful to your exercises, your enthusiasm, and fighting spirit half as much as I am, they’d never attack you verbally, and instead they would calmly point out their opinions and try to make you realize that what you did/wrote was wrong(not that you were somehow wrong). I have never been overweight; even as a little kid I was always slim. Although many people have told me and they keep telling me that I needn’t exercise, I do it for myself. I am happier when my muscles are firm, or when I eat a veggie sandwich at lunch, or when I carry a fruit with me at the university while watching everybody eat something indubitably unhealthy they bought from the canteen. That is all for me! You, on the other hand, as you pointed out, care about everybody. And that is worth a praise. So don’t let insults get you down; I know it’s easier said than done, but that is the only line of support I can offer you through the net.
Love you Cassey <3
Hey Cassey,
I really don’t think you have said or done anything wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, including you. I too think that Mama June needs some education. She cannot feel good or healthy at the weight she is at… and I wish that she wanted better for her kids. I haven’t watched their show more then once but it does seem like they are a family who loves eachother. I just wish they would get some education (like you said) and started making healthier choices.
Childhood obesity is a epidemic and YES its uncomfortable to talk about it, but if we don’t talk about it, it’ll just get worse.
Keep doing what you’re doing Cassey!
ps. now I am off to do some pop pilates workouts… you better redneckanize… 😉
I totally agree with you! isnt she amazing!!? ps. how did you put a picture on here?
Cassey I can imagine how frusterated you are. You try to do the right thing and care for these people and others just don’t understand. The sad thing is that many people won’t know how hard you work to make OTHERS lives better. Everyone deserves to live life to their full potential and you just want to help them achieve that. I will always <3 you and support what you do 100% (well except the one time I got mad in the Glad you came Calves challenge b/c you said you didn't like Harry Potter). Also… could you please do another video like Abs Abs Abs or the end of booty Booty Booty the grasshopper part. I love how that tones my hamstrings but I have to do the video like 4 times to feel the burn now.
I think your last post was great and this post even greater. I saw the Honey Boo Boo show once and my thought was: don’t the producers of the show feel some sort of responsibility? This family is clearly being paraded around as if they were circus freaks because of their extreme behavior. The more they are rewarded for it, the more bizarre we can expect the behavior to be. You didn’t touch on the other disturbing factor: how her other gives her Red Bull and Mountain Dew to give her energy. I see that and I immediately wonder what is going to happen to this poor child when she is a teenager and we have all forgotten about her. Weight issues? Drug problem? Pregnant at 14? Penniless despite all the money that was thrown at her and her family when she was a child? I think your posts are NEEDED. We need to start the dialogue and maybe we need to put pressure on the Learning Channel (remember when you could actually learn something from that channel?) to take a little more responsibility for the disaster they are creating further on down the road.
Go Cassey!
this sums up a lot, I love you Cassey
You fat shamed and the way you wrote about June(honey boo boos mom) was totally dehumanizing.
It’s wonderful that you care about health and want to help people but shaming and hurting others doesn’t help. Yes their diet is terrible and yes there will be health concerns later on or now…..but why do you have to write about them in such a revolting way, a blog rant is not helping anyone. I specifically remember you referring to honey boo boos mom as her morbidly obese mom, no longer human but rather just someone with a condition that disgusts you. As someone who struggles with their weight – when people do that to me, it hurts.
You seem to also struggle with why people eat like they do, maybe do some research on food deserts and how poverty and obesity relate? If you want to make a difference why don’t you teach lower income children about nutrition?
I appreciate the effort but I think you’ve really missed the mark in understanding why your post upset others. I think it would be great if you reached out to people in the fat acceptance movements – it would really open your mind!
Wait, aren’t you “blog rant”-ing right now? Hmm… What r u doing for the movement?
Fat acceptance movements? There’s nothing acceptable about an unhealthy lifestyle. Glamorizing an epidemic that is plaguing America is no way to better oneself. Self-esteem is important, but just like one cannot have a healthy body without a healthy mind – one cannot have a healthy mind, and be happy, with an unhealthy body. My parents were very ignorant as I was growing up, making a life-long struggle for myself. If only someone had EDUCATED them. It is for this reason I’m working on my Master’s in Dietetics. Everyone is entitled to their opinion – you have yours, Cassey had hers – you were the one that CHOSE to take offense. Being offended is an action, and the populous has agreed that her opinion was NOT out of line. Which, in this case, makes your opinion the ignorant one. You owe someone an apology.
Great thoughts, Cassey! Keep up the good work.
I didn’t know that fat automatically meant unhealthy. Wow, glad you’re getting a masters in the subject. Can’t imagine what school would teach it any other way!
Sinead,
Get your facts right before you post something. Socioeconomic levels (rich or poor) do not matter. Vegetables cost less than cake, chips, McDonald’s, and soda. Water is free, soda is costly and unhealthy. People eat for reason far more deep than your small sight can know. Some people eat to feel, some to forget, and sometimes because they are bored. This has nothing to do with money. Yes, money does play a part, but it isn’t a deciding factor.
TMI moment I know and people who are in CEA HOW. Rich or poor, being overweight or underweight does not relate to money. The program is free. Also if you really want to see a change in society, be that change. Don’t just accept it change it.
Just by looking at your post I can tell that you are very intelligent and that you have felt things that many other people have not felt before.
“hurting others” it seems that you just took it too personally.
Yes I agree with her branching out and trying new things to educate people, owever that may not be the field that she wants to make a change in. Also how is being negative towards her efforts going to empower her? Oh and btw if you are thing that you were just critiquing her, well remember this “It’s wonderful that you care about health and want to help people but shaming people and hurting others doesn’t help,” quote from your comment. SO WHY ARE YOU SHAMING HER?
-CR
P.S why do I care so much? Because I know how it really is.
You know how it really is! Glad you’re so superior. With that status you must have seen all the data collected about socioeconomic status and healthy habits. You must have already considered that maybe there is not time after working so many hours at your job to go and cook a healthy meal with all the money you have to pay for gas to go to the store and pay extra for all the dishes, electricity, and utensils for a meal. Also, yeah water is totally free! Wait why do I have a water bill… Oh you know what, you’re right I should get all my water from drinking fountains. THAT way it will be free. Wait, you mean I pay for that in taxes?! Well, anyway glad you know so much more than the original poster! You should start a movement. Like, seriously.
There shouldn’t be a “Fat Acceptance Movement” you should NEVER embrace a lifestyle of unhealthy eating and chronic health problems. Cassey is an amazing person inside and out, she was never calling anyone SUFFERING from obesity “disgusting”. Honey Boo Boo and her family have SERIOUS health problems. They WILL get diabetes, they WILL get heart problems, and they WILL die of one of numerous chronic health problems. Cassey is just making a point, a generalization- if you are obese, if you are overweight and UNHEALTHY- there are ways to educate yourself, and that it’s in someone’s best interest.
BTW: This was Cassey’s EXACT statement! “So I watch the mom who is morbidly obese make a turkey.” WHO IS: key phrase- she’s describing the mom, not saying “So I watch the morbidly obese thing make a turkey.” -___-
I understand the poverty and obesity relationship, but don’t be mistaken in thinking that their family is poor or struggles with money at all. She makes enough money now that she is in that reality show to afford some running shoes, a sports bra and clean foods for her and her children.
Cassey, the fact that people like this are STILL pointing fingers at you and accusing you of being insensitive after you’ve explained yourself about a thousand times now, shows you just can’t get through to some people. They’re just going in circles at this point. You came off a bit callous? (even though it was obvious you didn’t mean it) FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS. Lol, just ignore these types of people, they’re complaining just to complain. You’re awesome and loving and incredibly helpful.
If you would have read the follow-up post closely, there is a cited definition of the CLINICAL TERM “morbidly obese”, which is a category based on body fat percentage along with several other terms that are used by doctors and health professionals to classify people. It is a medical term and condition, not an insult.
The problem isn’t that Cassey said June was morbidly obese, the problem is that she didn’t call her by her name when referring to her. It’s like when seeing a dog you know, do you call it “Dog” or do you call it by it’s given name?
I went back to the original post to look for the line. She wrote “So I watch the mom who is morbidly obese make a turkey.” She didn’t say, “And then Morbidly Obese made a turkey.” Not to argue semantics but I don’t want Cassey’s words twisted around.
And the other line was “Seeing the morbidly obese mom continually feeding….” Neither time did she use the term as a name replacer but merely an adjective. If that is offensive to people that’s fine but it is being spoken about as written in a way that it wasn’t.
I believe if you had sat down and truly thought of your words in your last post.. like you did this one, there wouldn’t have been such an outrage. I appreciate this post but you still skirted the issue of you name calling and all the negative phrases you called them/fat people. While we thank you for opening up about your family, I personally thing that would be an even better reason for you to watch your words. If you had grown up in a home where you had to deal with the consequences of being called fat, fatty, obese.. every single day, you might have thought your words more carefully.
Again, thank you for having more respect on this post but I still don’t truly think you “got” what people were so upset about your last post. Your passion is noble and I, too, share it.. but there are ways of showing tough love without being mean.
That’s my thoughts on it! Continue doing what you do though, you’re an incredible girl who is human and makes mistakes like all of us, unfortunately you’re “heat of the moment mistake” was read by thousands. I know many people lashing you have done MUCH worse and should be glad they aren’t in the public eye
xoxo
I agree with you 100% Don’t apologize for having your own opinion. Food behavior like that is horrible. Love you & your advice and workouts! Never change!
Can I get some AMENs?!
AMEN!!!
HALELUUJAHH SISTAH!
I agree with you 100%!! You are such an inspiring person. After watching your videos and reading your blogs, I am motivated to reach out and make my community a healthier/better place. I’m not sure what I’m gonna do yet, but whatever I do, it will be because you inspired me!
Hey Cassey,
I just finished reading your post. I was so happy when you said that you”ll never mind your own business!! I think you’re truly a professional, a teacher of a good lifestyle, a healthy life and how to love our body. I think this post clarified everything and I can’t believe what people wrote. Also I think some people took the post to another lever and changed what you said or they interpreted what you said to something totally different.
I like the way you write, you talk like you have a conversation with us and you’re not writing anything like you wrote a book and you write with passion.
I would like to say, my whole family are into sports, my parents does triathlon and my brother and my sister does crossfit, I was the only one fat, it’s when I discover your website on pinterest, that I got into it! I think a family like the one of Mama and Honey Boo Boo, needs a little help to understand and learn how to have a healthy life. Even if they just change the way they eat, it’s a big step to help for diseases and after they can change step by step.
Kids obesity, it’s such a difficult topic. Here in Canada too we have a serious problem with this. And just like your cousin, they continue and continue to eat anything without caring or knowing.
You are an excellent promoter of a great lifestyle Cassey, I learned with you more than my athletic family lol! You helped me and i’m glad that you will never mind your own business to help others!!
Thank you Cassey 🙂
xxxx
ps. sorry for my bad english i’m a french canadian
Don’t ever apologise for having an opinion, and for doing something you love. You have my support 100%, your motivation, energy and bubbly personality has helped me to tackle my depression and anxiety issues and change my life completely. Your workouts keep me sane, and I am now studying to become a nurse with my new lease of life! It doesn’t matter if you have changed one life or one thousand- you are a star Cassey and a perfect role model.
I got your point the first time around. It was a passionate post and maybe you let your emotions get the best of you but people sometimes are ridiculous and love to argue. Now it turns out you can’t say that someone is overweight or that they keep an unhealthy lifestyle because you’re being a b*** and judgemental. Well, if they’re overweight they’re overweight. There’s no point in being in denial and keeping up withe same unhealthy lifestyle. From my own experience, sometimes it takes someone else to tell you that you’ve gained weight to make something in your head click and realize that something has to change. I didn’t like to hear it, but it was true. It wasn’t coming from someone being mean to me, it was from someone who cared about me.
Sometimes I hate all this politically correct crap. It’s not being judgemental, sometimes it’s calling it as it is. They’re different things, but since people began to get offended to the drop of a hat it’s all one and the same.
YES. this.
YYYYEESSSSS THIIISSS!!! I completely agree
I like this post more than your last, but I’m glad you started the conversation. We all live and learn by what we do and say, and while I don’t think of you as a judgmental person I did feel that some of your comments (last post) came across that way. Thank you for continuing this conversation. I don’t think this is going to be the last of it.
I was also wondering, have you personally tried to reach out to this family?
Hi Casey,
I’ve been following your blog and doing your workouts for well over a year now. I’ve never commented or tweeted before but after reading both Honey Boo Boo posts I felt it was well and truely time. I’ve watched a fair bit of Toddlers and Tiaras and have continued to feel sick over the eating habbits of the Honey Boo Boo family. What frustrates me the most is simply what you stated in your posts – the lack of education over nutritution is imacpting the health of these people in such a huge way, and they simply don’t know any better. I’m from Australia and we have the exact same problems here, it’s nothing to do with Honey Boo Boo being from the South and everything to do with general upbringing and health education. I want you to know you have my 100% support. Changes need to be made and they need to be made now! Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and its a disease like any other.
Sorry for the super long post 🙂
Much hugs and support,
Keirena
Hey everyone! Just a quick (and delayed) comment.
To those of you who are defending Honey Boo Boo’s parents/family/lifestyle or other obese/overweight people with the argument of, “Not all people can help being obese. Some people have medical problems that cause them to carry the extra weight.” …This is true, but don’t forget that it’s a very small percentage of people that actually suffer from those conditions. I do not believe that the rest of you have a valid argument. Yes, I know it is difficult to be healthy and say “no” to that slice of pizza or to get up and exercise regularly. It’s difficult for me, too (I looooove pizza and it takes me a good 15 minutes to motivate myself to go work out). What I’m saying is that, in most cases, it is ultimately your decision what your body looks like. Cassey was spot-on when she said, “Fat is just a result of what you haven’t done to take care of your body. Fat will be gone when you begin to eat your veggies, drink your water, and get active!”, that is, ruling out anyone with medical conditions. You need dedication and will-power, and if you think that eating healthy and exercising isn’t enough, then I’m sorry, but you’re not trying hard enough or you’ve overlooked something and need to reevaluate your situation.
Please stop hating on Cassey. She may be opinionated, but I think she wrote in a respectful and thought-provoking way, so there’s really no reason to freak out on her.
I didn’t comment on the last post, not for any particular reason, but if I had I would have said this: Cassey isn’t any of those mean things people called her, she is (like we are) passionate. She can speak her mind and she should be able to without gettin hate. I understand how some people could be offended by her post but you should at least try not to be offended by things like that, it will make you happier. Cassey, I love that you’re so passionate about all that you do. You really care!
I think your previous post and this one show you to be more genuine than anything I have read before by you, so well done. I was ecstatic to see your earlier post yesterday, it was so politically incorrect yet so passionate and true it was wonderful. And then to post this, which is just as true and correct any misinterpretations people might have (obviously) had took courage, and a whole lot of casseyness, so kudos to you 🙂
The point is that you think you have all the answers. Just because you are an instructor and live a healthy life doesnt mean everyone was brought up that way. You totally body shamed and acted very negatively, for the sweet girl I am used to.
It made me sad because I too was once that way, and it was because of the traumatic experiences in my life that led me to have an eating disorder where I did not stop eating ever. there are many underlying issues as to why people do what they do, you dont know their personal life and such so keep your negativity to yourself. You are a role model and you make people think it is okay to talk this way about others.
Cassey I agreed with your first post and I agree with how nicely you reaffirmed everything in this post. I actually haven’t watched the show but the points that you make are spot on and I completely agree with you.
I think it’s sad to see 6 year old children in the street or in the park that are well “chubbier” than what a normal child is. It also breaks my heart to see that their parents just keep feeding them whatever they like.
Growing up as a child, driving home from my grandparents house we drove past 3 individuals McDonalds restaurants and each time my brother and I would be like “mum, dad and we have McDonald’s?!” Sometimes they would stop and get a sundae or soft serve as we had already eaten that day. And alot of other times they wouldn’t stop. One time this happened and dad stopped at the first one. We finished our ice cream by time we got to the second one and we said dad dad can we have McDonald’s. And he stopped again and got another ice cream. This time he purposely went passed the third McDonald’s to see if we would say anything which we did my dad pulled in but my brother and I realised we didn’t actually want anymore McDonald’s. but my dad proved his point. Once is enough. Two times was definitely pushing it.
My mum has always been overweight and as a kid I used to always encourage her to lose some weight. She would lose and then gain and gain more. This cycle continued for so long. It wasn’t until finally last year her pancreas started to play funny that she realised “I need to do this for good”. Her sister also started to try and lose weight and they always kept track of their goals together and my brother and I would keep watching her what she was eating if she’d gone walking etc. I played sport as a child from ages 7-18. I’m not 21 and although I hadn’t really done much the past few years I have slowly started getting active again. Thanks to you, a massive inspiration. I’m fairly small anyway it’s more so just go gain better fitness levels to make myself feel good about myself. And my mum. Last year she lost 28kgs. She still has a few to go but I’m proud of her and I’m proud of the way my dad always pushed me to make sure I wouldn’t get myself in weight troubles because he’s seen the way my mum has had to struggle.
So Cassey I think you’ve done amazing so far. It’s incredible that you want to change people’s lives by simply educating them. I think education is important for anything. It’s ultimately up to the individual to do anything about what they have learnt but knowledge is definitely power here. Good on you!
I haven’t read any of the comments below because, unlike the last one, i didn’t want it to sway my emotion towards this post.
I still stand by what I said, and how your previous post didn’t push me one way or another. I get where you’re coming from, I read between the lines and I know you’re sorry for the way you used your words and the way people have interpreted it. (Words are amazing, something so passionate and good can be taken in the absolute wrong direction)
Cassey merely used Honey Boo Boo’s family as a working example for the way she feels about society today. To explain her passion for how she wants to change the world, improve health knowledge and everything! And look at how much she has accomplished. Look at each and everyone of you, and see what she has done for you. See yourself before you found Cassey, and now see yourself after, has she improved you in any way? Has she helped you learn about food? About healthy? About a different lifestyle than most of us had never known?
The answer, more often than not, is yes.
People are so over the top about this post. When Cassey just put most of the viewer’s of this show’s feelings to paper. As for the ‘disgusting’ image on her email, so she had called, it….I bet, more than anything, that was a poor word choice, or a way to draw you to her blog. More likely, a poor word choice. If the image had been June, doing her strut and kissy face, and called that a disturbing image, would you all be flipping your lid?
Also, on the previous post, a ton of people were going off about how poor they were to buy healthy food. Last time I looked in the grocery store (bulk or otherwise) butter was more expensive than most fruit and veggies. At least, here it was. All their unhealthy food they are buying and eating because they are ‘poor’ could be switched around. Buy healthier food, eat smaller (and more healthy) portions, they’d be able to afford a healthy lifestyle, so really. that argument is invalid.
Cassey, you’re amazing. I really do appreciate everything you do.
And, despite the fact that I assume some people would say this post isn’t good enough, i say it is. You should only apologize for your word usage in the midst of passion, and not for the passion itself.
Love from Canada ;3
~Melinda
I agree! Very well put. I think the people that were offended said it was mainly because of the “name calling”. All Cassey did was share an opinion on HER blog. She doesn’t have to be politically correct, and she wasn’t. That’s all. She used honey boo boo and her family as an example. She wasn’t hateful, she was coming at it from a fitness point of view. Because she lives her life healthy, and her blogs and videos are supposed to help us do the same! So if you want her to NOT do that or keep her opinions to herself, then why are you reading or watching her stuff anyway?
“You should only apologize for your word usage in the midst of passion, and not for the passion itself”
AMEN
Well it is cheaper to buy unhealthier foods – I speak from experience – it is a choice to decide to spend less in other areas of your life to ensure you and your family get the best nutrition possible. Doing my grocery this week I compared what buying hot dogs, kd, and such things would have cost compared to healthier options that I am choosing to make for my family. The unhealthy list was $20 cheaper, but not worth my family’s health to me! So I make changes in other ways such as making more things homemade like tortillas to make them cheaper, finding the best sales, and cutting down on how much we use other household products like dishwasher soap and laundry soap. It’s not easy, but I do it because I love my family and I want to see my kids grow up healthy and happy. I don’t want them to have to deal with all kinds of problems! Eating unhealthy can be cheaper though so it’s important to understand where people are coming from with that – then we can help them out more 🙂
I agree that for most people who do eat healthy portions of food, that unhealthy food is cheaper than healthy food. That’s how Kraft and other companies stay in business.
But I was saying that for Honey Boo Boo’s family who are using butter more than necessary, and eating way more food than they should each meal, it might be even cheaper for them to cut their portions and eat a few real veggies. So on.
Eh, I think eating unhealthy foods seems cheaper but if you really evaluate it, you probably eat much more of them to feel satisfied due to most of them being made up of empty calories. I know if I eat a packet of Ramen noodles, which is like what, under $1 per pack?– I feel hungry less than an hour later. I can spend about $2 on a few heads of broccoli and feel full for several hours, as an example.
I eat a nearly completely clean diet and I am a senior in college not ripe with funds. I spend $25-$30 per week on my clean groceries. Unless you’re on an extremely limited budget, which I know can be a reality for many people, it is not terribly expensive to eat healthy.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
I don’t believe in the concept of fat shaming. The above quote says it all. Yeah, it’s hard sometimes to not consent to feeling inferior or shame, but who said life was easy. I understand both sides. Nobody can tell a person what to do. Just provide the education and those that will come to it are all the better for it. Those that don’t, it’s on them to find their own path in life whether good or bad. They’ll have to deal with what happens either way.
I personally didn’t have an issue with your first post because I knew what you meant. It’s hard sometimes when just reading blogs as opposed to talking in front of people. Different people see different things in both. We’re lacking facial expressions, tone of voice, etc in blogs. So, at times it’s difficult to express what you truly mean in wording unless you comb over every word with a fine tooth comb.
…and as a lot of people, first seeing the show causes some extreme feelings, which can be seen in your first blog. Remember, it’s a show and shows are edited.
People are sensitive. If you’re not happy with your life choices then change it. Find a way. Those people are the ones that need your help. Those that are happy and yeah, they would be healthier if they changed things, all you can do there is say, “Here I am here if you want help.” Then continue to do what you usually do.
It’s like drug addiction. There are people that go to rehab over and over because they’re told to, and never get any better. It’s because they don’t want to. Only when they do want to can they change. That’s for anything in life.
Lastly and maybe most important, haters are going to hate.
Keep rocking!
Cassey’s opinions on Honey Boo Boo and her mother are just that: opinions. Cassey’s blog is her forum for voicing her opinions. In addition, Honey Boo Boo and her mother are on T.V., and have willingly (at least the mother) become a part of pop culture. (Are they getting paid for this show, I wonder??) The mother, by putting herself out there, seems to welcome the attention, good or bad. The sad part is that Honey Boo Boo, a minor, is exposed and flaunted in this public arena, and is therefore being scrutinized by the public.
Everyone who has watched this show has formed some kind of opinion, and I would imagine most of those opinions are not favorable. Cassey has every right to her opinion, and to try to help others. Honey Boo Boo and her mother have put themselves out there as examples of what you could do- Cassey uses them as an example of what not to do.
Cassey, I think you are wonderful, and you are obviously an intelligent and caring person.
Keep it up!
Lol get off your high horse Cassey and stop acting like you are concerned. Nobody asked you for your opinion. You don’t know anything about this family or their situation. You clearly have a big issue with food yourself and I hope you make your mind healthy first because I think you have some stuff to sort out.
I do not think you should have to justify your opinion. Everyone has one and they are entitled to it. It is unfortunate those who bashed you did not understand in the first place. I think they kind of just took it the completely wrong way and do not truly understand what your purpose and mission is, therefore they took it how they wanted to take it. I think it is important to share your mission in different ways.
People who actively watch these shows and support them are really the problem because they are encouraging their bad habits; not Honey Boo Boo and her family.
Cassie, you are truly one of a kind and I look to you in more ways than one. I am so enlightened when you share your opinions because I generally relate to them and I feel good about that. Please do not ever stop what your are doing.
I agree completely. my little brother eats terribly and is very lazy and it hasn’t affected his physical health yet but it is affecting him mentally, he feels terrible about himself.
anyways; I’m sorry that some people are so nasty about this. I think your response is good but I can assure you that many people on tumblr (the crazy thin privilege bloggers who claim their obesity isn’t a disease- “it’s a size”) will still be mad. but screw them, every body knows they’re insane.
keep on keeping on x
Bravo Cassey! Well-said. Thank you so much for everything you do. I think you are an amazing inspiration. Keep up your great work!!
I have had people tell me that it is no business of mine to comment on people’s health and eating habits. I am not a professional yet but I am working toward it. Health and fitness is something I am very passionate about and you are right, if people like that didn’t exist we’d all be kind of lost. I completely agree with this post and if anyone posts anything negative I will be completely baffled. There is nothing to be negative about. I am so sorry about all of the negative things that were commented on the last post. That was totally uncalled for and ridiculous, but don’t listen to them because they have no idea what they are talking about. Those that call you fake probably know very little about health. You are a wonderful person and a terrific role model.
I love both posts! The bottom line is, the truth hurts. You said NOTHING but the truth and now hopefully people who are getting butt-hurt over your blog can finally get themselves out of denial and start taking the steps that they need to live healthier lifestyles. 🙂
-Jazmine <3
Cassey, let me just start by saying that I love your youtube channel. You actually make working out so much fun and your recipes are delish. (I especially love the banana& egg pancakes!) And I agree with and support everything you are saying about Honney Boo Boo and her family. In my ethics class we studied a theroy called Relativism. This basicly says that we should respect other peoples/groups/cultures way of life and not try to imposse our beliefs on them. There is this idea of “I’m okay, you’re ok.” One act could be moraly bad for one person, but good for another and that is okay because morality is subjective. Their is no judgement and that is why it appeals to many people. However my class took it a step further into what Jesus taught us. (Sorry I don’t mean to preach to you, but it’s a Catholic Ethics class and this is just what I was taught. Feel free to subsitute “Jesus” for “Cassy” or something) Jesus said that we should respect others actions/oppinions/cultures/ect.. but that we also need to step in if those actions are seriously hurting the people performing the actions or others. Imagine if no one stepped in and told Hitler what he was doing was wrong. Before we step in however, He says “not to be bothered by the spilnter in your neighbors eye, while you have a plank in yours.” Basiclly meaning do a little self reflection and improvement before you go accusing others of having a problem/ doing something wrong. I think you have done this step as demonstrated by your story about your grandmother, and dedicating your life to fitness and improving your body. So yeah. Just bringing in a little Jesus & Ethics to support everything you said about Honney Boo Boo. Keep doing you girl!
Before anyone puts anything negative up, please read and consider this; You are on this website because you benefit from Cassey’s passion about health, her desire to change people’s health for the better, and her complete selflessness. She posts FREE workout videos and plans that you would pay serious coin for in a gym or with a PT! If her post hit a nerve with you, thats ok. But don’t hate on her for speaking her mind. Think of this- would you feed your child what Honey Boo Boo’s mum feeds her kids? No. Why? You know it is wrong because IT IS UNHEALTHY. Cassey’s passion on this and other issues is the same passion that fuels her to help change YOUR life by posting FREE workout videos. So you don’t agree with how she said what you know to be true? That’s ok, but lay off on the hating. She’s done more for you than you probably know, and more to stop childhood obesity than you will ever do.
I actually made a conscious decision to stop following u after that post. I am a medical student and I loved your energy and workouts but to be little a child who comes from a rather unfortunate background that can’t afford organic food is unacceptable. Oh and btw thigh gaps are genetic so stop promoting that!
I totally agree with you Cassey!
keep up the awesome work you are doing
I think that people shouldn’t hear WHAT you are saying, instead hear WHY you are saying it and the meaning behind it.
LOVE YOU!<3
Cassey I’m so sorry because some people can’t understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and they called you like that!Shame on them!To me your such an inspiration and you really make a difference to anyone who is here to LISTEN!So keep up the great work you are doing and don’t listen to those who are trying to discourage you!All the best!
<3 Mirela
you are*
Hi Cassey,
I was really looking forward to this post. In my experience you are a thoughtful person who takes the time to pause, consider, and grow from every setback. So I was really looking forward to hearing what you had learnt from this whole experience.
So I’m disappointed that the conclusion you have come to is that if your actions are well-intentioned they must be right. Do you also confront overweight people in the supermarket and tell them what and what not to buy? I imagine not, because it would be rude and inappropriate. Just like doing it in a blog post was.
Being a fitness professional and having passion for health does not give you a pass on treating people the way you would want to be treated. Hair stylists shouldn’t post blogs about how bad particular, real people’s hair is, and financial advisors should not post blogs about how useless particular, real people are with their money. If you had posted a general blog about the US’s problem with obesity including childhood obesity, and how this issue saddens you, and your thoughts on how it could be improved, you would have had full support. Instead though you singled out individual, real people, and stated unequivocally that the way they live is disgusting.
Honey Boo Boo didn’t start this.
The language you used was inflammatory. I imagine this was because you were particularly upset when you wrote the piece. However your new post is along the lines of “I’m sorry if you got upset” rather than “I’m sorry for what I did”. It’s a non-apology.
Seeing the number of responses here I know you’ll have a fair bit more reading to do, and hopefully more reflection and soul-searching. Before anyone calls me a “hater” I am not, I am a massive fan of yours Cassey as are most of the people on here who have taken the time to write to you as they would a friend. It’s your real friends who can call you out on things. I think you are a sweet, intelligent, gorgeous person who has gotten it wrong in this case. If you are concerned personally about anyone’s life the thing to do is get in contact with them privately and see whether they have any desire to eat clean. Not name and shame on your blog. And definitely not then stick to your guns when hundreds of your most loyal supporters say “um, really?”
If you became aware that someone had an alcohol problem and you felt it was your business to take action, you wouldn’t blog about them.
And to those popsters who are saying that Cassey shouldn’t pay any attention to anyone who disagrees with her, I’m asking you just to consider, just consider for a minute, that if so many people are so upset (and some people are evidently really, personally upset) then maybe Cassey could think about it a bit? Obviously not anyone who has gotten abusive, but I haven’t seen many of those. The diversity of our community is part of its strength, differences of opinion will happen, debate is healthy if we can maintain our civility.
Love from New Zealand xC
These “obese people in the supermarket” you are referring to do not place themselves in the public eye as an example by going on reality tv. So yes, it would inappropriate to say something to them. But like it or not, Honey Boo Boo and her family are part of popular culture and thus should be held to a higher standard of behavior than you or me, they are making an impression on millions. They also have put themselves and their lifestyle out there for judgment, and trust me, what Cassey has said about their family ranks among some of the least offensive stuff that has been written about them. Also, someone had an alcohol problem and it was broadcast on tv, i.e. say Honey Boo Boo’s mom did, then yes, probably tons of people would blog about it publicly and feel like they needed to take action. Take Snooki from Jersey Shore for example, another very controversial realitv tv figure (as you can see I have a lot of free time haha). She got a TON of crap for her drinking habits, not because she partied that much more than a lot of people but because she did so ON TV. This situation would be different if Cassey had picked a random overweight family to “pick apart” that did not have their OWN reality TV show. Just my opinion.
meant to say “IF someone had an alcohol problem…” sorry typed too quickly
Thanks Heather, I respect your opinion.
I disagree that the family, by being on reality television, are setting themselves up to a higher standard of behaviour than you or I. They’re not running for public office and they’re not the Pope. I would also point out that the central figure we’re discussing is a child, so hasn’t set herself up to conform to a higher standard of anything. It’s not her fault that the world finds her upbringing so amusing that it’s entertainment.
I’m sure there was plenty of commentary about Snooki’s drinking but I’d argue that most of it wasn’t coming from a place of concern for Snooki, but rather criticism of her i.e. “she’s up there being a role model and she’s wasted it’s a disgrace bla bla bla”.
I agree with you that it isn’t her fault, but I do think the mom has some responsibility here. But regardless, thanks for responding in a kind way. I respect your opinion too!
I don’t think they should necessarily be held to a higher standard because they’re on TV, however they should fully expect to be criticized and critiqued because they are on TV. That is how the world operates. Put a spotlight on yourself, and you should expect both positive and negative reactions, no matter who you are.
Even if something is the least offensive, the fact is that it is still offensive. That’s like saying something is the least racist so it’s okay.
I disagree with you very much. Cassie never said she was going to apologize for the post, she apologized that people got offensive. How can you honestly say that she cannot treat people like she wants to be treated? That’s a cardinal rule of life. You cannot sit there and say you have never talked about someone famous, something you read about them, something you saw on your favorite show, etc. You claim that just because she was sincere doesn’t mean she is automatically right. Well, just because you and others got offended and expected and apology doesn’t mean you are automatically right either. Yes, many people were upset. But you are implying that the majority were upset. I read over 500 comments on Cassie’s page and almost all of them were supportive. Maybe two or three out of every ten was upset, and many were upset about her choice of words, not the fact that she was giving an opinion. Please read her posts again. Cassie never shamed anyone, she pointed out the influence they have as media figure. Also, you day hundreds of people were upset. Five times as many were not, so why should she apologize for her opinion when the majority agrees with her? By saying she needs to do more reflecting, you are assuming you are right that she should apologize. She would lose more followers by apologizing for her opinion than holding her ground. Many of her followers may watch that show and think its okay. Hose are the people she has a right to reach out to and educate them on a healthier lifestyle. I think everyone is being too sensitive because the family is overweight and unhealthy. If she made another about the flip side, saying this model or that actress is skinny but unhealthy and talks about not setting unrealistic goals because of stick thin models, there would be far less people who were offended. Her wording in the original post shocked me because she is usually upbeat and reserved, but I do not think anything she said was offensive, shamed anybody or was condescending. If you are saying you haven’t seen many commenters who weren’t abusive, you have not thoroughly followed the situation and need to reexamine her Facebook page too. From the 500+ comments I read, the majority of people upset with Cassie were the ones being abusive because they were angry. The majority of supporters remained calm and attempted to peacefully discuss the situation. Many of the people who got offended also stood their ground, stomping their feet, demanding and apologize and threatening not to follow her anymore and saying she has no respect. They made it personal, not Cassie’s supporters.
Very well written !
This is one of the most well thought out responses I have read regarding this issue. I agree 100%. Reading this post tonight was a disappointment. I, too, had been looking forward to the follow up to the Honey Boo Boo blog, but was not impressed with the outcome. My expectations were higher for a more mature response from Cassey and accepting fault for attacking a little girl, her family, and their lifestyle rather than just trying to “apologize” for making people feel bad about themselves.
Cassey, the issue it seems most people had with the first post was the judgmental tone and harsh wording used, and instead of owning up to any of that, I feel that you just made excuses. There was no part in this blog that apologizes to the family for the toxic words you used and the superior attitude that was portrayed through your words (which I understand was unintentional, but it is quite apparent it did in fact come off that way to many people since so many got offended/hurt). I understand your point of this post, and I appreciate your drive to help others get healthy. That is an honorable goal. What is not honorable, however, is the lack of responsibility being taken for shaming that family publicly in your last post. This post could have really changed my perspective of Blogilates back to its former motivating ways, but instead I am even more disappointed by the continued lack of respect for a little girl. You owe her an apology, especially considering you went as far as to use her picture in the e-mail and labeled it as a “disturbing image.” That was low and uncalled for, and I cannot believe you did not say sorry for such hateful words. This was your chance to make it right but instead you took it as a chance to only defend your public image rather than think of a true way to make amends for your wrongdoings.
I argee 100%
I also agree 100% haha
Cassey please don’t let the mean people bring you down! It’s ok for people to disagree about something, but it’s NOT okay to personally attack someone when you disagree with them. If people would try to take the high road more often there would be a lot less sad and angry people in the world.. I totally agree with your concerns about the family’s life style and it’s perfectly ok for you to voice your concerns. If someone is doing thing that we all know will lead them to an early death then why should we stand by and say nothing? Keep up the good work! You are making a difference!
I just really wanted to commend you for both your honesty and passion. It was very brave of you to open up a conversation on such an often-touchy subject, and even braver to address the things that you perhaps said in the heat of the moment or that were misinterpreted by others. I fully support your cause and agree with everything you said, and I’m sure that all of us know that your intention was never to try and hate on this particular family. In my personal opinion, I find that some people are overly sensitive to these issues and are themselves too quick to judge your comments before understanding the big picture of what you’re trying to say. I love all of your workouts and appreciate all the passion you pour into what you do. You are such an inspiration, so don’t let this stop you from doing what you (and so many of us) think is right! Lots of love
Yes, Yes, Yes..! 😀 I read this earlier today but made it a point to come back and comment.. I live in a third world country and what you said about the conditions in Vietnam are true of my country too (Botswana, located in the Southern part of Africa). Food is love.. But I wish it was the right type of food. We are lucky enough to have alot of fresh produce and our processed food is not overly processed and laden with fat and fillers. ‘Organic’ is a word scarcely used. I do believe that education on the right nutrition would help tremendously.. It starts here..! Your cause is a very noble one, Cassey. Don’t let them make you think otherwise. .!
This was well said! I can’t wait to be a mom and help teach my own children the importance of healthy lives. I love your passion and I agree it’s super important for people to understand where you’re coming from.
I agree with you 100%! just because she cares about people’s health doesn’t mean she is “fat shaming” or “body shaming” she just actually effing cares… Fitness for people is why she started a FREE blog with FREE workouts and FREE meal plans. She isn’t making money, she just wants to make people healthier and give them resources to do so. She wants to share her passion and something that ALL of us should be taking part in. To pretend this country doesn’t have a health problem when it comes to obesity is absurd. To pretend this country doesn’t have a problem when it comes to the prices of healthy food vs unhealthy food-like-food is absurd. To pretend this country doesn’t have a problem when it comes to shoving pills down peoples throats with unknown/ungraspable side effects instead of healing through diet and exercise is absurd.
While I agree that healthy food is in general “more expensive” than junk. I believe that your food should be your priority because it is your health that you’re messing with when you make the wrong choices. My small family is by NO means rich. We’re not living out of a shelter, but we’re living off of one income while I stay at home with our daughter. We budget LIKE CRAZY, but food is not something that should be scrimped on. Food can be the best medicine or the worst poison, and your health shouldn’t be where you compromise. There are healthy and cheap ways to eat. Average person spends $5 at mcdonalds for a quick and cheap meal when they could go to a grocery store and buy a $2-3 meal replacement bar and drink water instead. And there are ways to save money elsewhere so that you can eat healthier foods -you could give up… say… cable and add $50-100 to your grocery budget. You could stop buying soda and drink water and probably save $5-15 a WEEK to add into your budget for healthy groceries. You could make tons of small changes and trade in your unhealthy items to be able to afford healthier ones. This isn’t about finances, it’s about choices and priorities.
And those talking about Cassey having an ED – GTFO! haha I had an eating disorder for the past 12 years of my life. I have seen high weights and low weights NONE of them healthy. For the first time in my life I am actually taking care of my body by eating nutritious foods and ENOUGH of them and working out. The foods Cassey eats have nothing to do with being disordered, they are clean and nutrient dense. I eat in a very similar fashion – nothing with trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, not too much saturated fats, etc. That doesn’t make her disordered. period.
If you don’t agree with this article you have a choice: you can just go on and hit that un-follow/unsubscribe button. <3
<3 LOVE YOU CASSEY! Thank you SO much for all that you do for your POPsters!
Cassey, my issue with your post didn’t even occur in the post itself – it was in the newsletter you sent out. Now, while I agreed with a large majority of your points, what really nauseated me was when you posted a GIF of Honey Boo Boo playing with her stomach, and you captioned it as “WARNING: sorry for the disgusting image” (or something along those lines). Honey Boo Boo is a young girl, and she, like millions of other girls, just like you and I, has body fat. She may have a little bit more, but nevertheless, she is a CHILD – to label her as “fat” and “disgusting” (whether implied or otherwise) is horrifying. I was very chubby as a child, and well aware of it – it was a terrible experience, and the teasing that accompanied it in elementary school was brutal. Honey Boo Boo may be comfortable in her own skin, but all it takes is people that call her poking at her stomach “disgusting” to tear that apart. While I agree that their family should take it upon themselves to educate themselves about food and living healthier, I think it is incredibly demeaning to shame a child like that to your hundreds of fans.
Furthermore, I appreciate you coming up with ideas to help their family, but your comments about The Biggest Loser put me off completely. If you took 30 seconds to search information about the reality show, particularly Kai’s experience (look for the detailed podcast interview she did), you would realize that the show grossly exaggerates the contestant weight loss journey. Furthermore, the behaviour of the producers and crew is appalling, considering their constant push for ratings, and some of their actions can be considered inhumane (such as forcing the contestants to work out dehydrated so they can score a better weigh-in).
Again, I think you are misinterpreting this. Yes, if she only posted that image with the caption, it would be rude. If you tie it into the rest if the blog, the picture proves Cassie’s point. The child is growing up with a lack of knowledge and choice on how to be healthy, she clearly thinks its funny to play with her belly fat. Embracing being overweight as a joke or something funny is just as damaging as being ashamed of it.
I, personally, think it is awesome that the child likes her body for how it is. Maybe someday she will want to be healthier, I hope for that day, as I think a lot of people do. But I don’t think that her liking her body as it is now is a bad thing. It is people that say stuff like this, that her enjoying her body is disgusting, or damaging that makes her have body issues. What is your life worth living for if you do not enjoy it. I would rather live a shorter life loving myself than live longer disliking myself. Society and these types of thoughts is what causes dislike in ourselves and each other.
The email that was sent out with “Disturbing image” regarding Honey Boo Boo was what upset me the most too. It is unfortunate it was not brought up or apologized for in this post and instead wasn’t acknowledged at all. Very disappointing.
Cassey I completely agree with you!! You are so right!! All of my mom’s family & herself suffer from diabetes. And that’s what made me change my lifestyle bc I don’t want one day to have to buy a million pills for a diseases. I started eating healthier & it has made a tremendous difference. But people don’t realize that they need to change their habits. And that’s so sad 🙁 I have a lot of friends who don’t watch what they eat & eat so much junk. But now that they’re seeing the difference in me, they’re asking me what I’ve done, and I’ve given them recepies & offered to help them. We all need to help other ppl I don’t have a degree in nutrition. But it’s my passion & I read & research. And YOU lady are so much help!! So keep doing what you’re doing ok! Love you Cassey!! <3 xoxo
I friggin admire you, woman! Never stop doing what you’re doing. You are inspirational and motivational to all who will see, listen & learn.
I grew up in an overweight family and adapted naughty eating habits. I grew up to become an emotional/stress eater which I battle everyday. Both sides of my family have high diabetes rate, heart problems, back problems (I unfortunately got the short stick on this one..) and multiple other health issues. My parents, thankfully have taken control over their health & weight for over a year now and they are doing great and looking fantastic. The past year, I have been dealing with emotional stuff and I put on 10,15,20 lbs. I just always felt like I had a grey cloud above my head and a “why bother” attitude. UNTIL I FOUND YOU ON YOUTUBE! 🙂 Because of your passion, spirit and positive energy, I have come to LOVE working out! Exercise is fun and happy now, it’s not a chore. It’s become fun to push and challenge myself. I share your YouTube channel & videos with my friends to help get them motivated too.
On January 1st I made the decision to get happy & healthy. I’ve made a lot of food changes and included your workouts. I’m already down 5+ pounds and going strong! SO THANK YOU CASSEY! <3
i agree with you on everything, and i salute you for having the courage to write articles like this. i am so happy i discovered you on youtube, you showed me a different view on life, and helped many other people. Just ignore thoses haters, your just trying put your view across, i personally dont understand why people are writing negative comments when your trying to save lives!
x
Thank you for your openness Cassey. You are an amazing person…you may have hit some sore spots with your last post but I think they needed to be hit. It’s easier to attack someone else than look inward at yourself. Please don’t ever stop fulfilling your mission on this earth. Much love and light to you!
Well said about looking inward… people will often lash out at others to avoid being honest with themselves!!
Cassey-
I didn’t see your last post as anything bad…I had a similar reaction when I watched Honey Boo Boo for the first time. Yes your opinion was negative, and I can see how people could have pulled out those harsh critiques. But I saw that you only said what you did out of worry and concern for them.
You are 100% right about all this Cassey. Keep fighting the good fight. I admire you so much for sticking to your guns on this, because we need someone to. This is too important of an issue to back down because you hurt a few feelings. Being told you need to change, even for your own good, isn’t always welcome news. I know it wasn’t for me but I am 1000x better for it. Just know that so many still love what you do and stand for and that you can’t please everyone! That’s life!!! Thanks girl!!
I’m glad that people like you, Cassey, exist! I appriciate what you are doing a d have done. People who care and who can make the change. Go for it! Bid fan of you! Anna
You are seriously the single most amazing woman i will probably ever hear about in my life. When i grow up, i want to be like you. You are my rolemodel. You should run for office, because YOU are a lady who can make a change. While reading this, i cried, because my family in India has lost a few too many to obesity. If you visit third world countries, and give people lessons and workshops, you will surely make a difference. I follow all of your workouts and i realize, without you, i would be on the unhealthy side of the table. My mom is a borderline diabetic who weighs fifty more pounds than she should. She has thyroid problems, and worst of all, she refuses to exercise. I want to show her there is a way to become better. You will be that way, i already know it, and for that, i applaud you. Mostly, i cook, so i can regulate what my family eats, but it isnt enough. I need your help, Cassey. I know, im practically begging, but your post about Honey Boo Boo just shows how much you care about the people around you.
Thank you so much Cassey. Im looking forward to a reply <3
Very happy you wrote the post. Continue to speak the truth no matter the cost. Don’t ever become the status quo or allow the opinions off the masses silence your voice when speaking the truth. You will never please everyone and you don’t want to please those or apologize for speaking truth. You will see as time moves forward that it will become harder to have an opinion even if you’re trying to save a persons life. People like seeing others suffer like themselves, people need others to be in the chambers of defeat, pain and bondage with them, that way their not alone. People supporting honey boo boo eating habits show me how much they truly do not like her. It shows me they like her for their jollys and mere entertainment, not because they care the person behind the camera is a REAL person who is truly hurting once the cameras stop rolling. Hollywood is a cruel place, I’ve been there…it’s a place where many are used abused and thrown out with the garbage once they have no need of you. And children suffer the most. I pray honey boo boo family wakes up before it’s too late.
I totally agree with everything you said! It’s not fat shaming to hope that they are healthy and will live long lives, you weren’t saying it’s gross that they’re fat, you were saying that what they’re doing is unhealthy and it would benefit them if they changed the way they eat.
Honestly Cassey you’re amazing and I’m pretty sure everyone who was leaving hate comments have nothing better to do and are insecure about how they’re not as toned and healthy as you are. Like really, what’s it to them if you stated your opinion? I think honey booboo and her family are effing crazy and I doubt they even care about my opinion! so why is everyone getting all upset? Seriously people learn to grow up and not make everything a big deal!! I’m 100% with you on this: THEY NEED TO CHANGE THEIR LIFESTYLE AND EATING HABBITS! Love you Cassey! Now time to do some of your ab workout videos 🙂
Cassey,
Your the greatest most heartfelt person ever, you have so much compassion for a family you don’t even know its great!!!! If only the rest of the world would be as passionate about one another!!!!
I completely agree, people think Honey Boo Boo is funny…NO it is heart breaking… that little girl is a gift and that fact that there is a television show willingly promoting this destruction makes me question the intelligence of humanity! I think that having an obese child is a form of neglect and abuse, much like having an underfed and malnourished child, they are one in the side just different extreme. I completely understand fighting weight and temptation, i’ve done it my whole life, but is an important battle to fight for a successful life!!! You cherish your body and are thankful for what it can do, most people can’t see the value of their body!!! It is something that needs to be addressed! I’m all for education in schools, but like you said it all starts at home!!! I don’t know what the answer is, because we can’t tell people how to raise their children. I think parents need to be educated because the eating habits they were raised with no longer apply. I think this topic is completely ridiculous because people are so sensitive!!!! Honestly the world needs a hard truth and the reality is overweight and obese kids will die before their parents, obesity is a killing disease that can only be stopped by a persons drive and desire. Children don’t know this they don’t understand that food can be a toxin too. its time people along with industry realize that its time for a change.
Thank you Cassey i hope this debate will spark some sort of realization for some one and change their life!!!!
Much Love,
Natasha
So, I just read both of the Honey Boo Boo posts, and I was frankly kind of disturbed that so many people gave you a hard time about this. I’m going to assume maybe some of them are living a similar lifestyle to the one on the tv show and are more defensive and upset that you’re pointing out things that they are doing that are hurting their children? I can’t see any other reason.
Also it is literally your business, as a fitness instructor, to pay attention to fitness and lack thereof.
I agree with you 100%, and I think it’s great that you’re being openly and constructively critical of something that is truly wrong on a moral level. It’s wrong because (in my opinion) we have a duty to take care of the bodies we are given and the ones we give our children, because the mom is basically causing disease in her children, because the children have no choice in the matter, and because we the people will have to help foot the bill of the medical expenses and loss of productivity that not only this specific family but also all the others who are acting similarly will incur. In 2008, for example,these costs totaled about $147 billion (straight from the CDC’s page on the obesity epidemic). Beyond that, it really is heartbreaking to see an overweight or obese child and know that for reasons beyond their control their health is facing extreme risks.
So… yeah. Cassie you’re right and you’re wonderful and you’re really making a positive difference in the lives of countless people you’ve never even met. Don’t let those who were so critical get you down.
Just like choosing to eat clean and exercise regularly, you also have the choice to let the negative comments direct you and your actions. You obviously know the power of choice. These people want you to feel badly- their negative comments are evidence of that. By acknowledging the “hurtful blows to your heart,” you give them what they want. Acknowledge the negativity exists, but choose to return to fighting for what you believe in unscathed.
You go girl.
Dear Cassey,
You are such an inspiration to me. I enjoy your videos so much and I am honored to have such an incredible role model! Keep on keeping on!
Really hope that some people have realized that you are not a total jerk for wanting the family to learn about health. It is your JOB !!! <3
Thank you for speaking your mind and sharing that! It is very important for people to learn about nutrition. When I was overweight I wanted to eat healthy but had no idea how to cook or even what I should be eating. I knew I shouldn’t be eating out all the time but growing up with a single parent we ate out a lot or I was never involved in the cooking process. When I would go to make a meal, I would get so overwhelmed by having no idea what the heck I was doing that I would just give up and not eat. This lead to me developing a case of anorexia. Sure I lost some weight and people said I looked so good but I was most definitely not healthy! I was able to hide my anorexia because if someone made me a meal, especially one that was healthy I would eat the entire thing. After about a year I got so fed up with being sick all the time and feeling overwhelmed that I mentioned to my doctor I had a problem. She arranged for me to see a dietician for 6 months for free. That was when I started to get better. I started off seeing her 3 times a week and then over time less frequently and it honestly saved my life. After a basic evaluation it was obvious that I had no idea what or how much of it I was supposed to be eating. If I did know what to eat and how much of it, I really had no idea what a serving size really was. She broke it down for me and now I cook everyday and eat pretty clean. I have a lot of cheat days but I get better each week.
One of the reasons I chose to follow your blog and I love it so much, is how much you interact with your community of followers and how focused you are on actually educating people. I love that you post meals, how you cook it, why it is good for you all of that stuff. I love that in a lot of your videos with no, or minimal cardio, you remind people they should be getting cardio and how much exercise a week you should be getting.
What you said was very true. The family on Honey Boo Boo are overweight and definitely uneducated on proper nutritional health. They do need to be educated because children do not know what they should be eating. They learn that by watching their parents! It is part of your responsibility as a parent to make sure you are educating yourself on how to make sure you are giving and educating your child on leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad about that! If people do give you negative feedback, it is important to remember that unfortunately there are some people in the world who troll the internet just to post negative comments. Yeah these people really suck. There will always be people who misinterpret what you write. Always. Lastly, you can’t please everyone. You need to just ignore these people. Easier said than done I know, but the amount of lives you save, and change for the better because of your amazing blog, dedication and advice is worth smiling about. Keep being you, while it may be hard to see it at times you are having a huge positive impact on this world and the obesity epidemic and it really really, needs it.
ONE WORD: HOLLA.
<3
As a mother, paediatrician and vegan, I can only agree with you.
I have never seen the show but I don’t think that anyone who has ever watched your encouraging videos could think badly of you.
It’s unpopular to speak truth.
Keep up the excellent work.
I still don’t know how I feel about you commenting on Honey Boo Boo and her family at all, and especially that you never apologized for saying her picture was disturbing, but I did appreciate this post. I can tell you listened, tried, and really do care, so thank you for responding so genuinely. We love you Cassey!
I can see where she felt like it was okay to share her concerns a
I agree with most of your post and I think you’re very brave for taking a stand against something that seriously needs to be addressed. All I wanted to say is that calling Vietnam a third world country is extremely inappropriate. The connotation that comes with using the term “third world” is condescending and derogatory. I’ve been to Vietnam and studied the public health system of the country. Yes it is a developing country, yes some people have trouble with access to food, but this is not true of the entire country, nor can you call it a third-world country.
Sorry blue, but no. I live in Belize, a third world country. I don’t visit, I actually live there and I spend huge amounts of my time volunteering in the country. A cow is a cow, a duck is a duck. You don’t worry about calling a cow, a cow because it could be construde as derogatory, it’s a cow. People need to stop picking over words, that’s the whole reason Cassey had to write this post over again. A developing country IS a third world country, it just sounds like a nicer way of saying it. It doesn’t matter how it looks on paper, fancy words or advertising, it is what it is. If you don’t lke the word, sorry but that doesn’t change what it is. It’s not first world and there is no second world. A cow is a cow.
Wooow Cassey I totally agreeeeeeeeeeeee !! Hahaa and I have lots of projects about health and nutrition this year in school, i’ll make sure to spread the good image of food and the good and healthy way of eating. Love you <3333
Anais from Montreal
*PS haters gonna hate 😉 hahaa stay strong, you're such a good person !
Cassey,
You have no idea how many lives you are changing via the internet! We appreciate the blog, the videos and all the education you provide for FREE. I believe you are correct in both posts and shouldn’t be apologizing for your opinion. That is the bottom line. People shouldn’t take discussions about health as you talking down to them. I know I have a LONG way to go in the way that I eat and excerise. With your help, I am on my way. Thank you!!!
All I can say is that Cassey, you are AWESOME!! I respect you for all your hard work and especially how you are trying to help people and teach them for the better. I’m so happy that I found you! Every bit of advice I take to heart and try to learn from for the new lifestyle I want for myself. I understand how you feel with trying to get family to understand how things are bad for them but do not listen. My mom and step dad are addicted to diet soda and drinks with aspartame. I have been trying sooo hard to get them to stop and understand the consequences but you can only do so much. Please keep up the good work!
Hello!
I feel as though everything you said is 100% honest and true. There needs to be more advocates out there like you that are willing to reach out to people that need help in learning to lead a better, healthier lifestyle. I love how much you emphasize education. As a nursing student I know how important it is to educate people and that it’s the first step in prevention of diseases such as obesity. Unfortunately we can’t always educate before illnesses develop, but even then it’s still important so we can prevent any further illnesses or damage to present ones. Keep doing what you do. It’s the only way people will listen and then hopefully change.
Thanks for clearing things up in this post!
I understood your last post and got that you weren’t meaning to offend anyone, but you came across as a little bit judgmental (probably because you were writing about something you’re passionate about). This post clears things up a bit, and shows why you said what you did in the last one.
Love you, thank you for everything you do for us!
I seriously admire you so so so much, Cassey. You’re truly my inspiration and idol. Thank you for everythingggggg <3
Why don’t you contact TLC and offer to cook for them?
!!!! great.
Cassey, it must hard to speak your mind on the internet, especially since it’s so easy for people to hate, and somehow many people are quick to judge and don’t try to see both sides of the situation. I grew up in a family where the majority of my family members are obese. My older sister was obese since she was a child, and somehow I never really had weight problems. I was never skinny, but I was never obese. I’m not saying that my sister is not smart, or beautiful, or amazing, because she most definitely is and I would beat anybody up who says anything different, but her weight makes me worried. I don’t want her to have serious health issues when she’s 30. I want her to feel happy and confident, because I know she isn’t. And I’m not saying this about every overweight person. I am close to my sister and she tells me she’s not confident about herself, which has gotten in the way of her making friends or being able to talk to boys or even just asking her boss for a raise. Now, to everyone who is hating on Cassey, stop and think about her point of view instead of jumping to conclusions and saying that she doesn’t care or is selfish or mean or anything else. Because what I see in Cassey is a big heart. She goes around trying to give people the motivation to be healthy and happy and she makes it fun! I used to eat junk all the time and working out was discouraging because I hate running and using gym equipment. POP Pilates helped me find exercise fun and I feel so much happier and healthier about myself. I too have had confidence issues when it comes to my body. But if anyone has helped me overcome these issues, it’s Cassey. Now, to all you haters, this is what Cassey is trying to do. She is trying to help people live a healthier, happier lifestyle, and she has definitely accomplished this for me. Instead of people being discouraged by all those unhealthy weight loss pills, and programs that advertise eating certain meal plans, Cassey is providing people with a way to a healthier life with food that is readily available. All it takes is education. If you haters don’t want to be educated by Cassey, then don’t listen to her. Do your own thing, that’s fine. I personally have learned so much from her and my happiness and health is greatly due to her videos and her blog. It’s easy to hate on people when you’re talking to a screen, but remember that words hurt, and it doesn’t take any effort to be nice.
Cassey, I love you and I hope my kind words will show you that you are an inspiration to many of us, even if we don’t all show it 🙂
I wholeheartedly agree. I recently watched the documentary Hungry for Change and there was one particular quote that stuck out to me: “The problem is we are not eating food anymore, we are eating food like products…” -Dr. Alejandro Junger. We, as a nation, are spending so much money to treat the repercussions that this type of diet could have on some people. I know that there are sometimes other factors in play when it comes to health, not just nutrition, but changing one’s nutrition is one thing that we have the power to do, if we only want it bad enough. We can’t change our genetics and some people are not physically capable of exercising rigorously, but nutrition, we can change.
I agree that if you see someone hurting themselves, that you should do what you can to help. This hits close to home for me as well, in so many ways. My mom is a petite Korean woman who grew up with 5 siblings in post-war Korea. She lived very poorly and food was difficult to come by. She worked since she was in the third grade and by the time she was in her 20s was making a decent living and was able to eat more varied foods. She married my father and moved to the states with him, gave birth to my sister and I and became a widower a few years later due to a heart-attack. My father has always struggled with his weight, like his father before him and one of his siblings; they had an abnormally high cholesterol count even as children and had many tests done on them with no conclusion. My father and his father passed away in their 30s, but my aunt hired a personal trainer and began eating clean (she actually became a vegan) and after a couple of years became very fit, trim, active and healthy. My mother and my sister both struggle with high triglycerides. My sister has it under control with prescription medicines, but my mother’s are the highest they’ve ever seen. The doctors have tried rotating several different medications, but it’s not lowering them enough. I offer to cook for her sometimes. She eats fairly healthy (lots of stews, fish, seaweed and kimchi), but also a lot of eggs and oil when she sautees anything (like a palm-sized amount). I’ve bought her spray oil to try to cut down on that, but she doesn’t use it. I’ve talking to her about it, and she’s cut down the amount of eggs she eats (she used to eat ~3 a day, which isn’t the best for someone with triglycerides/cholesterol issues), but won’t budge on the oil issue. My sister also just recently moved into a house with her fiancee who only eats processed foods, fast food and the only “veggie” he likes are tomatoes. It hurts her to see him eat like that, especially considering our family history, but she’s tried feeding him other foods and he refuses and she’s slowly starting to eat like him. Last year she lost 40 lbs. moving from statistically speaking, “obese” to “overweight” and has already gained half of it back and I worry for her health. But, I know, at least she understands what foods are good and how detrimental processed foods can be. I can’t force anyone to eat healthier, but I have been working on educating them, and their health habits are changing for the better. Even if it’s just the tiniest bit of change, I will be glad.
Sorry for my whole life-story (haha), but I just felt like I really related to what you’ve written and I understand where you’re coming from. Thank you for this post! I love that you want the best for everyone, regardless if you know them or not.
I also think that the summing up of the documentary, “One Nation Overweight: Fighting Obesity in America” will interest you (or the documentary itself, if you have time to watch it… it’s on Netflix and Hulu). http://www.cnbc.com/id/36073283/One_Nation_Overweight_Fighting_Obesity_in_America
http://www.hulu.com/watch/152864 (~43 min)
It talks about the costs ($147 billion every year) on treating conditions due to obesity and that “nearly two-thirds of American adults are either overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is triple what it was a generation ago. Together, they add up to a public health crisis that feeds a $60 billion industry of products, services, diets and foods designed to help people lose weight.”
Cassey, for me you didn’t even need a follow up post because what your first post said, said it all. You were right and I knew exactly where you were coming from and could see nothing disparaging. But this post is even more amazing! I LOVE YOUR PASSION!!! And I love that you’re totally against backing down! You are right, people need to care, people need to start a revolution to make change, and that will never happen “minding one’s own business”. The world needs far more people like you!! Keep moving forward! You ARE helping the problem!! 🙂
I totally agree…the world needs more brave passionate people. 🙂
I love how people are saying how terrible Cassey is for “judging” Honeybooboo’s family while they sit and judge Cassey. People are always saying how Honeybooboo’s family are rednecks and white trash and no one says anything about those horrid comments but when Cassey says their lifestyle is unhealthy and they should get help, it turns into a sh*t storm.
And even if you don’t agree with Cassey, it doesn’t justify calling her names and blatantly disrespecting her. If you can’t convey your dissatisfaction in a mature way, then sit and think for a while- find the appropriate words, they exist.
I don’t think she was fat-shaming. I think she was being honest and telling it like it is. The truth hurts but it doesn’t change anything and it’s not Cassey’s fault.
I do think that they need help. Honeybooboo deserves a long healthy life and she deserves to have her mother there with her and not be taken away by complications of a condition that can be helped. I think Cassey did a good thing by really bringing it to our attention.
There used to be a TV show, I wish I remembered the name, where the family lived an unhealthy lifestyle and the kids were overweight so they had people come in and teach the entire family proper nutrition and fun ways to exercise. I think HBB’s family, and millions of other families can benefit from something like that.
Well said, Cassey! I couldn’t have said better myself! There’s a difference between being fat-phobic and wanting people to lead healthier lives so they won’t kill themselves later. If someone you know were going to hang themself or shoot themself in the head or OD on sleeping pills, you’d call 911 and try to help them, right? Helping people eat clean and lead healthy lifestyles is no different.
I get where you’re coming from and I think it’s a good article but it really bugs me when people say that obesity is a disease. It’s really not. People who are diagnosed as obese are not “sick”. Of course obesity can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia,sleep apneia, and various heart problems; all this boils down to the fact that obesity is a CHOICE. Obese people CHOOSE what they put into their body and they CHOOSE to sit around and not change anything.
I understand where you’re coming from, but I actually disagree. I know that not all obese people are “sick” and suffer from serious medical problems, but I think you should watch the first 5 minutes of “One Nation: Overweight” on Hulu where they discuss why the medical community increasingly believes that obesity is a disease: http://www.hulu.com/watch/152864
Yes, the patients understand that part of the problem is self-inflicted, but many don’t choose to be obese. Some are more prone to obesity and many try to get healthier, be more active and eat better and fail many times. For instance, Butler, in the film, has lost enough weight to make 2 people. However, he’s back in th 300s. Sometimes it takes many failures to make this lifestyle change stick. For some, it can be immensely challenging, especially if their current lifestyle is the only one they’ve known since birth. But just because someone is obese, doesn’t mean that they sit around choosing not change anything and eat junk. He obviously, time and time again, didn’t just sit around waiting for something to change or someone to change it for him. Another public example would be Sunshine’s Journey to 199 (a Facebook fan page). She’s been on her journey for a long time and has lost weight, but she’s still considered obese. And their are many cases of obese people, that I know of personally, who’ve had similar situations.
*choosing not to change
*And there are many
Sorry about the typos. I typed this rather quickly.
I have felt the same in the past but I’m no medical professional–if researchers and medical professionals have deemed obesity a disease, than it is one. I consider it a disease in the sense of a mental illness and addiction, quite similarly to someone who is an alcoholic. Food has addictive qualities that many of us might not be able to understand if we don’t suffer from that addiction.
I completely agree. Researchers are finding that 95 percent of obesity is the result of food addiction. Especially since our bodies historically are made to crave more fats and sugars as a survival mechanism.
Sugar itself is incredibly addicting (which seems to be in most food products these days). The more you have, the more you crave. If you break the cycle, then many suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
I’ve even heard of sugar addiction compared to heroin addiction. Our bodies biologically crave sweets; our bodies do not produce Vitamin C, so historically speaking, we would consume it via fruits. Also, it triggers a reaction in our bodies to produce seratonin, which makes us feel better temporarily and our bodies crave more, and so, we in turn crave more sugar. And since processed sugar has no nutritional value, it doesn’t satiate us and after consuming it, we’ll soon feel hungry again. An overabundance of sugar in our system leads to fat gain (“fats don’t make us fat, sugars make us fat”) since our bodies try to balance out the insulin spikes.
I think you handled this issue with a lot of grace and dignity. I respect you greatly for that and even more so for not back petalling and standing up for what you believe in. I agree with everything you said and am proud of you for trying to make a change to people’s eating habbits. I’ve tried to make a change to the way my grandparents eat on numerous occasions by telling them what to eat and what to avoid, but they just don’t listen. They know better, but choose to live the unhealthy lifestyle, because it “tastes better”. Now I provide my grandma with healthy recipes instead and cook for them when I’m at home and they like it! Lecturing people is never as effective as SHOWING them and making them experience other things. I believe that is where success lies.
Keep the good work up Cassey, you are a role model to me that’s for sure 🙂
What is all the fuzz about!? The writings of Cassey are true! I think Its abouse to feed your child to overweight! It’s disgusting and when i read the comments in the Honey Boo Boo post I know that im so lucky to live in Norway where childrens health is in focus! I dont think that everyone should be fit and thin as an athlete, and diversety is good. Some people are thin and some has more weight! Among grown ups there will always be variety in weight and shape! But we make the choises for our self! If a grown up wants to get diabetes, heart problems and so on and so on, fine by me! But taking bad choises for kids is not Ok! Whether you are underpriviliged or resourceful a parent should not take unhelathy choises for innocent kids! And small kids shouldent get to choose either! Everybody knows that most of the kids love unhelathy sweets and snacks!
Hey Cassey!
2 things:
You are kick-ass. You motivate me to work out and to do better like no gym or P90x has done before. Your generosity of energy, time, and spirit facilitate this commitment to your work and I 100% encourage you to continue doing what you so clearly love, and know that you inspire women all over the world by doing so.
When dealing with negative backlash…
You posting about something you feel passionate about (and which so clearly is connected to the POPster life and community, in my opinion) is brave. I read a comment above that said something along the lines of you not being some kind of fitness robot, with a toothpaste smile, just out to please your followers and fans. You are a person with passion, sensitivity and openness. Again, I encourage you; not only to stand up for what you believe in concerning health and clean living, but to continue to operate from that passionate place that is so distinctly Cassey–lively, inspiring, and unique. Please know that the name-calling and the like are coming from people with deep insecurities; don’t allow them to bring you down. Personally, I pity anyone who reverts to crude bullying–exactly the kind of stuff that you highlighted in this post–to make an argument. I believe those are the people who are fighting a much harder battle with themselves than any of us can imagine.
Keep rocking it! Much love from Miami!
Alex
I think what people have to understand is, that your posts wasn’t supposed to blame the family from the Honey Boo Boo show and that it is not about changing the eating habits of them. I think you tried to put it as an example, ’cause it is a current case that’s well known by most people who watch TV. And also it’s important to distinuish between a TV show and actual reality. I think it would’ve been a good thing to make that clear. To make clear that the Honey Boo Boo episode that you watched is just a peg to hang on that inspired you for your post that in my eyes expressed the wish that people step up and offer their help and education to people who need it and are willed to listen and learn.
I think you wanted to encourage people who already know about healthy living to step up and tell others about it. Not by telling them that they’re a failure and not by forcing them to make changes, but by offering information to those who are willed to listen and to offer their help to those who are willing to take it, slowly and gently, encouraging and not blaming and I think that’s an honourable thing to do.
I haven’t read all the arguments that people commented to the two posts, but I’m sure that some just wanted to show you another perspective and addional topics to think about – which is a good thing and the real basis of a good discussion – but I think there are also a lot of people who just wanna see the bad things in your post, who believe what they want to believe and just remember the things that fit the image they have about you. These people – sadly – do exist and always will be, but that shouldn’t let you get down. A thing that helps in this case is to make clear and unambiguous speech. First thing – which you already did – is to inform yourself and to discuss with other people and even try to see things from different perspectives. Second is to prepare yourself and think about the points you want to talk about. Third thing is to re-read the stuff you wrote and check if things are written in the way you wanted it. It often helps so let it rest for a day and then read it again and think about how people might interpret things. Remember that the things we actually say can differ from what we originally WANTED to say, that the things people hear/read can differ from what we originally said/wrote and that the things people interpret and think about it can differ from what they actually heard/read. In that case it’s really important to think conscientous before we speak to make sure that it’s not taken the wrong way.
What I see here is the following:
You wanna say “Being obese harms your health” -> people see “Oh, she hates fat people”
You wanna say “Help people to learn about healthy living” -> they see “Oh, she’s riding a high horse telling people their dump” an so on and so forth…
And often these poeple are the ones that try to tell you that YOU don’t want to think about their perspectives, but in fact THEY are the ones to do not even TRY to get your point.. And that’s really… sad.
But anyway, just try to make things a clear as possible and keep up the good work 🙂
Thank you for writing this and for everything you do. I admire you so much!
Great follow up post! I thought you were being pretty clear in the first post. This follow up was on the mark too, and I can really appreciate the graciousness in your response to the criticism.
Your posts are great, inspiring!
Keep up the good work!
Angela
I still would like to see what you have to say about the Biggest Loser comment you made when there are previous contestants from the show saying how unhealthy it was. If you care about people you should have looked at that as well…
Claire, did you even TRY to get where Cassey was coming from?
Cassey,
I just hope that you haven’t let these angry, ignorant people bring you down too much. Nothing you said was in any way classist, shaming or mean. The people that are getting angry and accusing you of things that do not exist in your post or your attitude are probably just in denial about themselves or someone they love and aren’t ready to face things that are true. I have been very poor both as a college student and with a single mother on welfare as a child. I know the struggles of trying to afford healthy food and you did not judge them on this. And sorry, but as famous as they are now unless they are just blowing their money on stupid things then they are not too poor to buy healthy food of any sort. It is affordable; I have relatives on WIC (food assistance for women and children) and it does include vegetables and healthy foods… you don’t have to buy organic to be healthy and you state this yourself. Organic is better but not the ONLY way to be healthy. Please, don’t listen to these people. They are just bored and have nothing better to do than create online drama for entertainment. I had a grandmother that was about 5’2″ and weighed around 320lbs at her largest so I also understand the struggles of being obese and how just walking to the bathroom can be painful and put someone out of breath. I understand the complexity of how our habits and genetics play parts in it. But this is no excuse. We need to get out of this culture of “however you are is ok.” No, it’s NOT always ok and it is OK to say that it’s not. Yes, you can be thick, not skinny and be solid and still healthy. But you cannot be obese or even very overweight and healthy. Just not possible and the people that are jumping on you are just in denial if they can’t look at the mother in that family and see that she is obese. I hope you just brush off all of these negative comments and I hope the people who posted them stop wallowing in their ignorance and naivete and wake up and help themselves be healthier.
<3 always,
Tracy
I read your first post and was genuinely stunned by how right you were! Even though I think your lifestyle is a step ”too far” for me (I try to be healthy but not with the discipline you are) I really agree with you about every word you wrote in BOTH posts. Everyone should try and find his balance but you are definitely right that what this family is doing isn’t really balanced at all – and even though I know this is pretty tough to say, but they don’t look particularly happy with their life either.
I really honor you for putting this problem up so all I can say is: Stay strong and don’t let the negative bits get to you too much! You are simply trying to help people with finding their balance – you aren’t trying to force them to do what you’re doing – I understand you are simply just trying to help!
Therefor: be proud that you had the guts to say those things and stand up for them too!!!
I didn’t see the first post, but this made me curious, so I read it. I think it was written carefully, honestly, and rightfully. I admire your determination to continue helping others regardless of what they say to you. You are passionate about your cause, which is to help people live a healthier life, and that is wonderful. Your passion shows that you’re not doing it for the money or the fame, but because you actually care and you’re a good human being. Keep it up!
Cassey,
I totally understand and already knew where you were coming from. I think you are doing a great job and you should keep up the good work, and still know that you have so many supporters behind you!!!
Cassey, the issue I personally have with the post isn’t the fact that an unhealthy diet is bad. Most people would probably agree, but interfering into their life’s with their food choices (as your fans have said it’s “a human duty”) is highly disrespectful. It’s honestly their choice if they want to get help, and not everyone can afford buying fresh fruits and vegetables.
I used to eat like that, but I have BED, and if someone came up to me and told me how I was eating bad that would be so triggering beyond belief and would feed my eating disorder. If someone were to see what I used to binge on, they’d say “Oh why don’t you stop, there are healthier alternatives” I know there are, but binge eating is totally different than knowing what is nutritionally sound. It’s not helpful to go up to every person who is eating bad, or who is over weight. Did you actually know, that shaming people for their bodies and what they eat is actually more harmful? here is a link to the article about the study http://theconversation.edu.au/study-finds-fat-acceptance-blogs-can-improve-health-outcomes-2890
You also don’t seem to get that economics, location, and food prices are a huge factor as well. There was also a time where my family had to use the food bank and our vegetables came from cans. Especially in the winter, because not everyone lives in California where food is more abundant. You may say “but that’s different” no, it’s not. You only know because I’ve told you, other than that it’s not your business.
Also food prices. In the area that I lived in Canada I could get peaches when they were in season for $2-3 per kg. Which is cheap, but when you go to a down two hours away they’re $5-6 for 1kg. It’s also more expensive in other countries as well. I live in New zealand, struggling to find work, and I’m living off of beans, potatoes, and basic things that might not even be considered “healthy” to many peoples standards.
You’d be surprised at how many people don’t actually have the Internet or a computer. People without that kind of access can’t find that kind of information. People also can’t afford a personal trainer and nutritionists. There is also a lot of bad nutritional information on the internet, and false diets. I could go on because the Internet is not reliable 100% of the time.
Again, the issue is not the fact that you said that eating unhealthy is bad. It is, but judging a reality show, and one episode isn’t exactly helping anyone. Especially when you don’t have an understanding about everything else that comes with it like class, mental health, income, etc. There are many factors, and just because “you care” doesn’t mean it’s right. It’s not as easy as “getting a better education on nutrition.” What is more helpful is contacting your politicians about what is in our food, and donating to programs that help educate. Not badgering people on a reality TV show because they’re human too. They deserve to be respected and based on their eating habits.
Also, to Cassey’s fans who would say “don’t be a hater” or something childish. Stop, just because someone disagree’s with you, or your role model doesn’t make them a “hater.” This is how meaningful discussions are made, and that’s how people learn. Saying “you go don’t change or think about other’s opinions!” is idiotic, and mind numbing because if you want to understand something you have to thin about the other perspective as well.
Really well said!
This is a difficult subject with no right or wrong opinion and obviously a subject that a lot of people are passionate about with different understandings. We all know that Cassey didn’t mean anything bad with what she said, but it could have been done more politely. Although Alana’s family has put themselves in the public eye and they aren’t eating healthyly, which is true what Cassey said, it’s not the nicest way to bring someone as an example of what bad habits are like.
And I really agree with the last paragraph from the comment, that people who just say “Go Cassey and don’t explain yourself!” or who say the opposite, that she was completely wrong and is “a child hater” etc are exactly the same – it’s good to have opinions and if you can explain them and stand your ground it is a right to express them.
@ Lucy, I agree with you in a certain degree. I have lived in my childhood in a third world country and have eaten many unhealthy food in childhood. I do agree that sometimes healthier options of food cost a lot more than slightly less healthy options. However, in my personal experience, I do try to eat clean as long as my budget allows. Like you, eating beans and potatoes can be clean too! I think it really depends on the way we prepare our food. If we do not add much sugar, fat, MSG to the basic food, even if it is not the healthiest diet on earth, it is not going to give us obesity and other diseases. In the past, I don’t have enough money to buy fruits too, but I try to compensate that with other cheaper vegetables in season. I believe that if there is a will, there is a way. The problem is always whether people have the determination and willingness to do it.
@ Cassey, thank you so much for your effort in spreading the word! I do believe that people should be informed with information and then they can choose what to do with their diet. And for pork fat, yeah, in my relatives loves to pour this into the rice and eat it with soy sauce. While this is due to historically reason of famine in China many years ago, the habit just passes from generation to generation. Even if we can’t convince the older generation to change, it is never too late to inform the younger ones. And together we can make progress! So, please keep up your good work!
I think you have misunderstood where Cassey is coming from. She is not judging the family on the Honey Boo Boo show or any one who is overweight or obese. Cassey is purely coming FTP
A place of genuine concern for their health. I think it is easy to say healthy foods are unaffordable but in reality that’s not true. As a full time student and mother I know what it’s like to struggle for cash to pay the bills and have dinner on the table, but it’s just ignorance to say that fat and sugar laden foods are all that are accessible financially. Your right that the Internet is not always a great source of information on food and health, but Cassey is not suggesting that everyone should be searching the Internet to sort out there eating issues. She is just suggesting that people need to learn about good nutrition. Maybe this could be done through government initiatives, community health programs, ad campaigns, even just helping out someone in need in your community by giving them a healthy meal you have made or some fruit or vege that they might not be able to afford. There are many ways to make change. Obesity does lead to health problems this is a fact.. Not an opinion or a judgement. This is a controversial topic because of the associations with body image and eating disorders. But this is really about health and I think that’s the message Cassey is really trying to get across.
I think you should re-read what I’ve actually said because I think you have misunderstood.
My partner’s mother is a Doctor (not dr doctor an academic doctor) and she researches on the impact on “obesity.” There are a lot of “studies” that she has found that aren’t really studies, and they’re just “we think this is bad so it must be true” studies. Much like white bread is bad for you studies, there are many backing up saying “no that’s not that bad” but the media likes to make “super foods.” (ex: http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/Wait-What-Now-Experts-Say-White-Bread-Isnt-Bad-for-Your-Health/140324.html)
There are a lot of studies out there that aren’t mentioned in regards to excess fat (even morbidly obese) that are positive. There is some facts there (ie: fat around the organs and etc) but the studies that say “excess fat is a horrible thing” are bias a lot of the time because they’re funded by advertisement companies.
Here are a few articles and studies that prove otherwise
http://www.obesitymyths.com/myth4.1.htm
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-myths/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16567152
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1467-789x.2001.00023.x/abstract
http://www.who.int/social_determinants/resources/articles/hpjadec2006.pdf#page=100
http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v34/n6/full/ijo201041a.html
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.co.nz/2006/11/obesity-paradox-1.html
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.co.nz/2006/12/obesity-paradox-2-how-can-it-be.html
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.co.nz/2008/02/how-weve-came-to-believe-that.html
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar06/health0306.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/health/14obese.html?_r=0
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/533543/?sc=dwhn
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.co.nz/2007/12/parents-know-best-when-it-comes-to.html
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-05/uomh-uom043010.php (you know what helps curve and stop bullying? Teaching children that everyone deserves respect regardless of size and they aren’t worth any less. Weight loss in that situation can lead to shame about their bodies more so at an earlier age)
Again, to say that the obesity “epidemic” is all bad is actually non-intellectual and shows the lack of understanding about health. I am not saying everyone who is fat (which isn’t an insult, fyi) is healthy, no. There are some that are healthy and some that aren’t, same with thin folks too. What I’m trying to point out is that body sizes aren’t an indication of health, and eating habits don’t translate to how much mass you have.
Remember, that the diet industry is a 30 billion dollar a year business. Be more worried about how these companies are making biased studies to benefit their wallets, because it’s not benefiting people or children a whole lot.
I think that body/diet shaming is a big problem(especially in low income areas I mean I’d feel pretty shit if someone were to comment on my diet because I can’t afford healthy food). Sedentary jobs, limited fresh food and longer hours doing non-parcipitory and in-activities such as television and computer use have taken their toll on people the world wide, yes, but that isn’t reserved for morbidly obese folks it effects everyone.
The question really is why are we wasting time and worrying about fat because there are so many reasons behind someone’s weight that isn’t just strictly diet and exercise. I’m 5’4, 220lbs, I’m considered “morbidly obese” by the bmi (which is flawed), but I am as active as my diet allows me to (since I can’t afford extra food to keep up with my calorie loss). I’m healthy (my doctor said my heart rate is impressively good). The real issue should be questioning the diet industry and volunteering to events to help people and their nutrition. Not ragging on a reality TV show because all you’re doing is rallying and saying “I agree!” but not actually doing anything.
Lucy, I’m from NZ too! I find eating cleaner is A LOT easier when I have the money. But then, that’s because I tend to eat a lot of meat and whey protein rather than vegetables, which I’m trying to eat more of haha.
If you like them, you should buy courgettes, as they’re super cheap at the moment too. Also corn on the cob. Lemons too 🙂
People that just encourage Cassey without any thoughtful input are just as bad insulting her without any thoughtful input. The comments are a discussion board, and so should be for discussion, not for encouraging either side of the argument with no reason behind it. But I do think she meant well, and I think some people looked for insult within the post.
I find it frustrating that you phrased it that Cassey “interfered” with this family. She’s not barging into their home and throwing away all of their food. She used this family as an example to initiate a discussion about nutritional education.
It’s directed to Cassey yes, but it’s also directed to her fans who say “YES IT’S A BATTLE WE MUST FIGHT!!!!!1!|
Amazingly written. You’re doing great things and your hopes to educate people on healthier lifestyles are admirable. I hope all these people who are labeling you as a ‘fat-phobic’ will find a way to open their minds and come to learn something from your messages. Keep it up, you have a lot of support around you regardless of those who think otherwise.
Cassey,
You’re awesome! You make me love working out. Keep up the good work. Thank you for what you do.
Hi,
I just read your follow up blog, and I really respect that you’ve gone to so much trouble to ease over the anger an misunderstandings that some people have aired over your first post. However I really think your first post was clear and well intentioned, just the same as this one is. I think you are correct, but I still think you’re going to get negative and mean posts in response to this follow up. Don’t take it to heart! Just like Honey Boo Boo is in the public eye and is out there for people to criticize, so are you. The difference is you’re really trying to make a positive difference. So stuck to your guns, keep your chin up and keep going.
I personally believe that what we have in Western Society today is an epidemic of too much choice. You go to poor villages all around the world and all they can get is rice or maize bread. Evey day that’s what they eat (if they’re lucky) and a lot don’t get to eat 3 times a day. They eat what is available and then that’s it. Contrast that with our culture and we not only get to CHOOSE when to eat, we get to CHOOSE what to eat. It’s so sad that while we have so much food available to us that is good for us and our bodies, we choose to eat so much crap. We are so lucky to even have a choice in the first place. I think part of our society’s problem is education but also I think it is a problem of gratitude and thankfulness (or lack there of). I think some of us need to take a step back and realise the blessing that the very option of healthy food is, and then choose it out of gratitude. Might sound a bit funny but that’s what started me on my lifestyle change last year.
Hey Cassey! I just want to let you know that you should write whatever you honestly feel. After all this is your blog and quite frankly if I wanted to read a post that is “politically correct” and tiptoed around people’s feelings then I would read a political speech on obesity. You write exactly what you feel and that is one of the things I admire most about you. The way this family is living their life is disgusting and the child is too young to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy eating therefore its the mother’s responsibility to make sure her child eats healthy. I mean what parent wouldn’t want to help their child grow up as healthy as possible. So to all those people to are complaining about this post being offensive maybe you think its so offensive because you think some people can’t help being obese and while this might be true, everyone can make healthy choices. That is all the original post was about- the mother’s inability to make healthy choices for her and her family. Cassey stay true to yourself and keep helping people make healthy choices because you are the one who is truly making a difference.
This post was one of the best things I’ve ever read. I think you are right on every single point, it’s not about being fat, but about the health problems that come with it! People who say that you just hate fat people really don’t get the point. You really CARE about other people, and that’s what I admire about you. Many people don’t realize how bad it is to be overweight, and I think it’s amazing that you are making people aware of that. Though you may get lots of hate, remember all the people that love you! I mean, it’s time that someone steps up and does something about this! Keep on going with your amazing work Cassey!
Cassey Ho! You are amazing and very much right! Do not listen to haters- you poked into a sensitive spot and nobody likes that, hence some of the nasty, alibistic comments….
Keep doing what you do, because you helped some of us to start taking care of ourselves and for that, I am very thankful!
I culdn’t say it better my self!
You have helped me a lot!
I can never thak you enough !! <3<3
Totally agree with you also !! Cassey you are amazing.
i agree with you and feel quite sympathetic that you have to be oh so careful with your word choice, because really, it is about their weight. they, oops sorry, their internal organs, will not function as intended in the human body with that amount of excess weight. a few, 10, even 20 pounds overweight is understandable, but once you reach a point it is pure gluttony. there are special circumstances of course but for 90% it is laziness and habit. it is beyond shameful that they are glorifying these habits to provide entertainment and earn a few dollars, but that is probably why the family won’t be changing anytime soon.
I completely agree with you, and I always did agree with you especially when you wrote your first post. You are obviously coming from a loving and caring place and anyone who fails or failed to see that is jumping the gun. I honestly look up to you and your workout videos and recipes are helping me overcome my health issues. I am at a normal weight but I have been struggling with an eating disorder and you are helping me overcome that and I am so grateful, so Cassey forget the haters people will talk down about anyone who speaks their opinion popular or not, we all know deep down inside you are NOT a body shamer or fat phobic or a child hater, you are a Pilates instructor, and a healthy individual that wants to help others become healthy, especially those in the public eye who may become potential role models for the growin up generation.
It all boils down to what you want for yourself. I you want to be unhealthy thats YOUR choice. People who care will try to help but its their life regardless.
Hi Cassie!! <3
People will ALWAYS have their opinions, good or bad. Please don't ever let the negative opinions about your character or who you are as an instructor get to you or bring you down. In my opinion, I think you are an AMAZING, INTELLIGENT, EXTREMELY HELPFUL, MOTIVATING, INSPIRING, CARING, STRONG & VERY BEAUTIFUL individual. You are one of my main role models for healthy living and I thank you for all the effort and hard work you put into what you do. I support all that you have said in this post and admire that you are standing up for what you believe in. It's too bad that some people can't see that you are merely trying to bring awareness to unhealthy lifestyles. It is only by first acknowledging the problem that it can begin to be solved. People do not realize that it is NOT your intention to create tension or hate.. It sucks when people miscontrue what you do/say, but as long as you know what's up and you've made yourself clear, then that's all that matters. Keep doing what you're doing and always keep your head up because you're doing the right things. BLOGILATES FO'EVA!!! Love you!! 😀
No offense, but your holier than thou approach to this makes me want to throw up. I get that you want to help, but to basically fat shame, and then back up and be like ‘oh, I don’t mean any offense’ isn’t cool. If you want to put your nose in their business don’t pretend to try to be helping them, they didn’t ask for your advice to my knowledge. It actually appears more like you want a little more lime light and figured you’d use this family. Shame on you.
Work on just helping those who ask for it, not attacking those whom don’t. If they’re happy with their bodies, or aren’t making any active changes to get healthy that’s for them to decide. Also to assume they ‘don’t know how’ to be healthy is ridiculous, they’re just as capable of looking it up, it’s their choice if they want to do something or not. It is not your job to try to DO something about it, you are not God or anything special to them. Let them live their lives how they seem fit, and you live yours how you deem necessary.
@Rebecca,
honestly… shutup!
You say “Work on just helping those who ask for it, not attacking those whom don’t.”
I say= Look at your own post you HYPOCRITE!!!
You say “Let them live their lives how they seem fit, and you live yours how you deem necessary.”
I say= Look at your own post you HYPOCRITE!!!
If you don’t like people’s personal blog posts, don’t read ’em. Get lost and go write your own…
I feel as though your reply is pretty defensive and rude. You cannot say it isn’t any of her business because it actually IS her profession. She actually took the best approach I could’ve dreamed of about this. She isn’t fat shaming (although being fat is a physical manifestation of unhealthy living) nor is she being snobby. As a person who is struggling with being plump and living on welfare in a place where healthy foods are scarce, I back her up 100%. Besides, the main reason the show is still around is because that family is so shameful it makes people feel better about themselves because they are the worst example of an American. Now keep in mind these are my words, not hers.
What about Honey Boo Boo who can’t ask for help yet? Cassey shouldn’t be concerned for a helpless child? That’s basically what your saying…
Cassey, I think you’re 100% on track. Don’t even let these negative comments get to you, I think you’re so great and I adore your blog and YouTube channel. I think it is time for America to really open their eyes and realize that yes, you can choose the way to live your life, but a healthy lifestyle will lead to a longer life and therefore more fulfilling life overall. Honey boo boo honestly is going to need help. I feel bad for the girl, being so young and in the spotlight at such a young age.
yup! agreed.
Cassey, thank you for that post. I’ve been stalking your blog for about 3 months now, and that post has affected me the most. I’ve been trying to lose weight for a year, but it’s only been effective for about a month, thanks to your blog. I’m eating more healthily. I’m stronger too. But thank you for that post, because now I”m not trying to lose weight for vanity. I”m losing weight for MY PERSONAL HEALTH. Thank you so much.
I”m just a teen, and I’m getting there. I’m getting to that healthy weight.
Its heart-breaking that people were that hurtful to you. I just want to be another reminder that there are LOADS of us that feel your love and love you right back and are inspired by you daily! <3
First, I love you Cassey, it’s great to see someone actually care about health. I’m a seminanny for this nice woman I work for and all she feeds her kids are fried fish sticks, mac n’ cheese, rice, and chicken nuggets. When she gives them fruit, it’s one or two grapes or strawberries, and she says she’ll wait until they are older to teach them about good nutrition. It’s hard to see because I can’t say anything or I’ll lose my job, but seeing someone as passionate as you makes me hope she’ll someday come around. Coming from a family that promotes bad health, it is wrong for parents to let their kids eat whatever they want, relearning new eatting habbits is almost impossible. Luckily I married a determined chef who wanted to help me learn to love vegetables like he does, but I know many out there aren’t as lucky as me and will face even more difficulty than I have.
Now, what I’m going to say is… going to seem horrible to a lot of people and if you don’t approve the post because of this I understand, but I need to get this out. To start, I’m really big into biology, evolution, survival of the fittest, blah blah blah. The way I see it, they are willing to eat themselves to the point of heart attacks(before my husband started schooling for a chef he’d eat 2 packs of bacon/day), obesity, and so one and are unwilling to learn from ANYONE because they don’t want to learn otherwise. Our attempting to force them to learn when they don’t want to is wrong. It is hindering our own evolution, and weakening our species as a whole.
The thing is you’re not helping them or anyone by ridiculing them and making it seem like they have no control over their lives or they are too uninformed to better themselves. Continuing to showcase fitness in a fun way like you do is a better way of teaching people to be healthy. Ranting about how awful someone or their actions are doesn’t help at all. It’s not what you said, it’s that you said it in the first place.
This is IT!!! I agree with Cnj. I looooove you cassey, I really do. I feel like you’re a close friend of mine. that’s why I think I can tell if I disagree with you.You can’t change people by making fun of them. You have to support them. show them you love them, skinny, fat,muscular, whatever. share positive things with them. I feel like you don’t like them personally (which I’m sure is not the case)
I know you are very focused, dedicated (and I love that) that’swhy you want people to eat healthier.And you’re right. But you won’t make anyone change by implying you are better than them. Not “yeah, you eat sh*t, you’re soooo fat, your diet is disgusting (sounds like you are disgusting?) I’ll show how to change because I know it” thing Show your concern with care and love
sorry for my bad english.will do you workout tomorrow 🙂
Very well written. Don’t worry about the haters. Sometimes the truth isn’t easy to hear, or read for that matter.
I love you and love what you do. don’t change or apologize for nothing.
I’m so happy you wrote this Cassey! I agreed with your first post, but this one I love even more. What people don’t understand is that you are a fitness professional. It’s your life! You’re not talking about their morals or how much they love their kids you’re talking about fitness BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT YOU DO. You’re 100% correct. Obviously just watching the show you can see how much they love each other. You’re just trying to make sure they make lifestyle changes so they can love each other for 20+ more years. You’re such an inspiration Cassey and I’m so glad you didn’t just back down to those negative comments. Keep doing what you do because we all look up to you. Remember, people are more inclined to leave a negative comment than a positive one, so remember for each negative comment there are probably 10 others that feel positively. And for every positive comment there are probably 100 people that feel the same way.
Cassey, I think you were absolutely clear in your meaning and intentions in the previous Honey Boo Boo post. You are always respectful in your opinions. You have educated me in fitness and clean eating, I am very grateful and sing your praises every chance I get.
Hi Cassey!
I completely agree… I think this was the most important blog post you have ever written. I applaud you for your courage and your unrelenting passion for the health and well being of others. You are such an inspiration to me and so many other people. You should really be proud. You have changed so many people’s lives, mine included, with your positive attitude and spirit. I read your blog almost daily, and when I don’t I feel lost somehow without your kind, intelligent and thoughtful words on fitness and nutrition. You’ve even inspired me to consider a career change at some point into diet and nutrition.
I just want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for all of your hard work and for sticking your ground no matter what. You’re the best Cass… Totes amaze in fact! 😉 keep on shining bright beautiful!
Hi Cassey!
Just keep doing what you feel is right! I’m so glad you’re all into nutrition and health (as a fellow nutrition/kines major myself). Everyone has the right to their own opinion, but just don’t let anyone keep you down!
Have a lovely rest of your day!
Josie
Cassey, I must say I hate reading blogs, especially when the posts are monstrous in length, but yours is the only one that I will voluntarily go to and click through to make sure I have read all of the posts. You’re a great person – instructor and overall, and I just wanted to comment this to let you know that. You have the right to speak your mind (and I agree with what you have said). Good for you for standing strong and explaining yourself well, despite the hateful comments that you received from the last post.
Sending you love and happy thoughts!! Keep doing what you’re doing 🙂
x Victoria
Cassey, again I support you 100%! This post was perfect. I totally understood what you meant by the first one, but to those who didn’t understand I think this post makes it perfectly clear. You are absolutely right. You are a fitness instructor and it IS your job to make a difference in people’s lives. I admire and respect you and think you should have done nothing differently. Keep up the good work!
So well handled. Not even diplomatically but with honesty. Can we please go on now ? Do what you do best – the workouts please ?
Hey Cassey,
Before I say anything, I do want to let you know I agree with your position. What I did not agree with was how you had addressed the problem. It was more of the tone you took than the message you were portraying. Just watch out for the tone of voice you carry. I truly believe that is what is got you into this pickle. I think you have wonderful intentions and you are a great instructor. The only opinion to worry about is Honey Boo Boo’s family. If they have a problem with what was said then yes an apology/explanation may be needed. Otherwise forget what the crowd is saying and continue with your goal to making the world healthier.
With love, Karen
I think you made it clear in both posts. I honestly didn’t think you were fat-shaming or anything like that. You made it clear, (in the first post, also!) that you just want to help these people so they don’t die before they can even meet their grandchildren, like you said.
It was just your opinion, which wasn’t a bad one at all!
Not sure why there is so much controversy. This is a fitness website, if you didn’t come here for help, motivation, and/or inspiration, then what are you doing here? I understand that the last post may have touched a bad nerve, by calling Mama June morbidly obese, but Cassie was just trying to make a point – it’s a medical disease, and June isn’t helping anyone or herself by eating tubs of butter and sugar. If you don’t like what was posted, then don’t read it. There’s no need to call Cassie names, because then, what makes you so different from her “judging” June and Honey Boo Boo?
Absolutely! Cassey is here to help people realize their full potential and the benefits of eating right, working out and feeling good about our bodies. As an incredibly fit woman Cassey definitely knows a thing or two about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. People workout to help improve their lives and turn to fitness instructors like Cassey to help them along the way. You’re absolutely right Doris, judging Cassey and calling her names for speaking her mind is just as bad as “judging” June and Honey Boo Boo.
Keep up the great work Cassey! I love your workouts for your energy, optimism and belief that EVERYONE can be healthy if they choose.
The problem with all of these reality shows is that there is a television network willing to pay these people a ton of money to be as over-the-top with their behavior as possible… AND there are millions of people who will watch it! I’ve been sickened by this show, just from seeing the commercials, since it first aired. I absolutely will not watch it and support the network making money from something so awful. It’s like a car accident… people just can’t look away! There is a reason that the US is tops in the obesity column. You are absolutely right to worry for their health. Most generally, children will follow the example set for them by their parents.
I am happy to say that both of my daughters are healthy and active. An example that my husband and I have set for them. In fact, I’ve been doing your workouts for several months and I turned my oldest daughter on to your workouts about two months ago. She is now following your fitness calendar every day after school and has improved her fitness level even more which will help her in her upcoming tennis season. I would not be able to live with myself if I had led my children to be obese and unhealthy. It is the job of the parent to care for and nurture their child. I don’t want to fail at my most important job!
Keep up the great work, Cassey!
Cassey,
I cannot tell you how much I agree with and look up to you! I had the same reaction when I first heard about Honey Boo Boo. I only saw a short clip of the show, and I was disgusted with their living style for the same reasons as you — they don’t understand how to fuel their own bodies, and that is definitely not ok.
And Cassey, I want to let you know that you are my biggest inspiration. In fact, you are the person who inspired me to major in nutrition in college (I was recently accepted to my top choice school!) and with posts like these you bring more excitement to my future because I know that I can make a significant impact on the health of people simply through eating well.
I commend you for your responsibility in handling the absurd comments written by people who were clearly too quick to judge. It would honestly be so amazing to meet you one day, and I really hope I can! You are my absolute inspiration. Keep being true to yourself, because that’s the person I so look up to.
Thanks for being you!
~Colleen
Cassey, you made your point clear to me in the very first post about Honey Boo Boo, but it’s sad that there were people among who didn’t get that. Taking care of your health is extremely important, and you cannot just be like “I don’t care!”. It’s good to see that there are people who think the same way of this as I do, because I happen to have the same opinion of this as you do.
Hi Cassey,
Keep doing what you are doing I am totaly behind you
Cassey love the work you do, just wondering though….Have you reached out to this family and offered your expertise?
What I want to know is why so many people who are/were following a blog and or Facebook and what not about HEALTHY LIVING and changing your bodies for the better, freaked out so bad about her last post? I read horrible comments on another blog but it was just a bunch of fans of the show, not people who were following her or even knew what she was about. People who want to better their bodies by doing her videos, but then complain about what she said about food are total hypocrites in my opinion. Also loved all the negative comments about her being negative and then the ones saying she was calling them names and then calling her names. Really? People need to chill out and maybe think before they react.
Just because it’s a TV show doesn’t mean it’s not real life too. Those are real people doing real disgusting things to themselves. But it’s not just that family you know. It’s a reflection of the way A LOT of people live. It’s not like they are the only overweight family in the world, but it’s one that has been publicized. So why shouldn’t it bother people who make it their lives to teach healthy lifestyles? I’m sure Cassey isn’t the only one who thinks it’s gross and wrong either, she’s just one who let it out. Because she’s cool like that!
Instead of just defending this one family, we take this time to realize there needs to be a way to help out communities where people are “stuck” having to eat like that because of a lack of resources. Including lack of nutritional education and available better food, as so many people were “kind” enough to point out.
Keep up the good work Cassey! You made a HUGE difference in my life and so many other’s. I lost 60 pounds doing your videos and learning to eat better and inspired my friends and family at the same time. I didn’t even try, they just saw my transformation and were like, WOW I want to change too. If people don’t like what you have to say, they can quit following you and go eat cake while watching Honey Boo Boo. Haha. Just remember, you can’t help them all, but you can and do make a difference. And that’s pretty damn amazing.
Thanks for clarifying Cassey. I think, to be fair to you, what your last post said wasn’t exactly offensive in itself, but it came close to the tone of many articles that are. I totally agree with what you wrote here. Being obese does not make you a bad person, but it does put your life in danger.
For my part, I do try to encourage my loved ones to develop healthy habits. I convinced my brother to take up running, I’m teaching my boyfriend to cook, and I do some “personal training” for two friends once a week. I’m keeping a journal about how I stay healthy in Mississippi in case it’s ever useful for someone else.
I just wish I could do better. I wish I had the money to set up grocery stores and educational programs in the places that really need it. There are a lot of people that are arguing on here that good health is not expensive, and I’m afraid I have to disagree. My food budget is bigger than it was when I lived in England, yet I buy less food – produce is just more expensive, as is good quality meat/fish. I was taught how to shop/cook within a sensible budget and still be healthy, but a lot of people have no idea. Even if they do, they’re trapped by their circumstances: no grocery stores close by, produce is already old, food stamps stretch further with processed food, etc.
And it’s just such a sensitive issue. I think a lot of people are open to hearing that they need to get more exercise, but not that they need to change their diet. I didn’t grow up with processed food or fast food (not that it doesn’t exist in the UK, we just didn’t have it at home) so I don’t care for it. But for a lot of people it’s “normal” food, and it’s “weird” that I snack on nuts/seeds and cook all my own meals. I think maybe that’s why your post hit people so hard. In the South at least, when you attack food habits you also attack culture, as well as bringing up issues of class and poverty.
Thanks for sparking a discussion.
Cassey, I think it’s AWESOME how much you care about the growing obesity epidemic. My older and younger sisters are both clinically obese while I am at an average weight due to a healthier lifestyle.. I started doing your Pilates videos almost two months ago and with a lot of encouragement, my younger sister has finally joined in. I’m trying to educate her on better eating too, because at 18 years old, she is on the verge of diabetes and other health risks. I can totally relate to your family situation. Thank you so much for being an inspiration to us!!!! We both look up to you, you are such an inspiration and we love you!!!
Cassey,
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read both posts and agree with both posts. People are slowly killing themselves with foods like pork fat, butter, etc and when people care enough to speak the TRUTH to help not hurt. Others chime in with insults and other rude,hurtful comments. I have stuggled with weight my whole life and when I found you channel I was at my lowest point. I am proud to say you have inspired me to change my health and overall well being. I enjoy working out now and do POP CARDIO and HIITILATES daily. I have returned to school to further m education in nursing and nutrition and I truly believe my new found confidence is because of your help and guidence to your POPsters. Please continue to speak from your heart I know myself and many other will always support and cheer for you. Thank you. <3
Cassey,
I think you were very clear in BOTH posts. Nothing you said was offensive, and you did not owe anyone an apology. I think some peole have difficulty facing the truth about themselves, and it does not give them an excuse to make hateful, ignorant comments to you. Tara Stiles wrote something very powerful a few months back… She said when someone writes a hurtful comment to her she forgives and deletes. I love that advice! It upsets me that ANYONE would think you had anything to apologize for. Your posts are always well thought out and intelligently written. You are a wonderful person, and I commend you for all that you do to promote health. You always do it in a friendly, nonthreatening way. Your personality is perfect. Whenever I read public comments, I find so many hateful comments. It is really unfortunate. I hate seeing you apologize to people who are so hateful. They owe you an apology, but if I were you, I would just “forgive snd delete” and continue being you. Finally, I have to advise you to get more sleep. You advocate health and well being to all, and sleep is a big part of that. Keep being the wonderful person that you are, Cassey!
-Jodi
Hi Cassey, first – I approve of what u said and from the beginning u didn’t sound (to me) negative about the people, only about the level of their knowledge of nutrition (which is obviously not very high; with any income you can bake turkey Without butter). I agree that we should teach kids nutrition at school (as well as psychology, maybe some yoga and other stuff for balanced life). Second – sometimes people just want to be where they are. One should be ready to accept what u have to say. If people are hurting themselves its the choice to be respected too. With children -yes, they don’t make any choice, but I tend to believe each one of us was born in this or that family for a reason. In some post u said u were a chubby kid (if I’m right…) and overcoming that probably helped u become who u are. Just saying. Do your thing through approval and love. World can be a better place. Someone eats pork fat and its not in urr power to change that (it is for 0.01%) while being the best at ur classes and teaching for kids and at schools is 110%.
I love that ppl really think that its fat shamming someone because you want them to be healthy…..what is wrong with you ppl. First off why would you not want to help someone if you could….knowing somthing is bad for you is the forat step at making it better if your not educated how can you make informed decisions? Maybe this family is informed maybe they know.full well how harmfull the food they put in thier bodies is however I don’t think it should be displayed all over the tv like its a good thing. If its their choice to eat that way thats fine to each hos own if they know full well the consequences. However when your in the public e.ye i think its irresponsible to glorify eating like that. It’s unhealthy and leads to so many health problems it horriblevto think children could be watching this thinking they should eat lile that too so they can be like te girl on tv. I’d also like to say that I think its funny how some of the ppl commenting on this are bashin cassey for her opinion but they are still giving theirs…..ummmm hold up a min if you can say what’s on your mind shouldn’t she be able to too without you bashing her because yes you are able to gove an opion even get into a heated discussion without goin for the jugular. No need to put cassey down nd there is jo need to be so dramatic saying o I’m never reading your posts again…if honey boo boo said all skinny ppl are sivk and need help and are gross to look at and need to eat more like me would you stop watching the show??? Atkeast caddy has some good points and is trying to help in the way she knows how to create a healthier america. You go cassey! Maybe your clean eating is a bit too none pizza and cheeto friendly for me but i love some og the recipies you have and the workouts are amazing Wheb i have time to do them you have hellped me and i know allot of other ppl the ducky part is that one bad comment can take years to forget keep ur head up girl your awesome and an inspiration
Cassey, you are totally right.
Very generally, people in America taboo subjects like weight, so any things that are said concerning it are like OMGADD WUTTTT?!? If only Americans had the luxury of someone giving them a wake-up call, and them happily accepting that wake-up call, when they’re on the wrong track. But that’s not how people take it.
It really is disheartening when people are making all of these bad food choices at every single meal, and they definitely need to be helped. Not helping them, and not judging them even in the slightest bit, is like letting a drug addict continue with their drug addiction, while you just feel sorrow for them but don’t try to help them out. Deep down they need help, obviously, but if that onlooker doesn’t say anything, they will just die.
This post was really well written. Great job Cassey. Although I didn’t believe your last post was anything bad it was very good of you to reply to it for the people that did take it the wrong way. Although some of the things that you got called.! Shocking.!
Anyhow after you said people need to be educated I was wondering if you could do a post about the foods. I mean I know the difference between healthy foods and unhealthy foods and the food pyramid and all that. But know nothing about all the vitamins and minerals and how much fiber or sodium or anything else you should include in your diet. And I know that highly processed foods aren’t that great for you. But why.? I have just kind of gone with what people say you shouldn’t eat rather than actually knowing what I am doing. So I have no idea if I have been getting the right amount of all the little things (minerals, vitamins, fiber etc). Luckily I am pretty good at sticking to it anyways, I have lost 26kg (57pounds) and have 6kg (13 pounds) more to lose till at my goal weight. However my parents and brother are over weight, and I am trying to help them but don’t know enough about healthy eating to help them stick to the change, which also makes it hard for me when I come home to visit, or spend my uni holidays at home.
Anyway thanks for everything you do for the POPsters Cassey. You are an amazing caring person and don’t let anyone tell you different. I mean look at this blog and your youtube channels. Not many people in this world would give up there time to put up free work out videos, the work out calanders and food and health advice.!
Much Love
Hi Cassey! I share the same passion as you, to share with the world what they don’t know about what they are putting into their body. I lost my grandmother earlier this year to cancer as well as other issues found while hospitalized. It was then that I dug in and did some crazy research about food and natural medicine. She, too, wouldn’t listen, and it was only because of how she was raised. She thanked me for caring so much, but only wanted to follow through with whom she trusted, which were her doctors. They pumped her with meds that wouldn’t allow her to eat greens. This enraged me!! So, I finally started college and am studying Dietary Nutrition. I’m not sure exactly how I want to enlighten the world about food and nutrition, or if I want to go into Natural Medicine, but suggestions would be lovely! Also, I am a mother of two, and when I had my first child I did not know of these things I am so passionate about now, and I fed him horribly. It has been such a struggle to get him to eat right, although he is 3 years old. Again, suggestions and any help would be lovely! Thank you for all you do, you are a mentor!
Hi Cassey,
I really didn’t see the need for a second blog, but I think what makes you unique is that you care about every single post out there and the impact that you have on people. I truly hope that you keep saying what you feel is right and what is on your mind like you have been doing so far. You know you wouldn’t be where you are if you were not truthful to yourself and everyone else (nobody likes a censored blog by the way). This is YOUR blog and a great one! Keep up the amazing work!
About your topic, I have to say I was fortunate that my mother has always been very health conscious and I didn’t have this problem growing, BUT when my sister moved out of my mother’s house, she started eating unhealthy and has become overweight (sigh!) So, it really depends on the willingness of a person to be and stay HEALTHY. I wish she could watch your videos and follow all of your workouts but she doesn’t speak English and you don’t speak Spanish!! ( I think). So, back to business, when are you going INTERNATIONAL? Is your DVD going to be translated to other languages (trust me, Latin-Americans are very used to voice-over or subtitled shows)? Wouldn’t that be AMAZING!? The sky is the limit Cassey! Please consider me your first supporter!
Love,
Your Hispanic Popster!
Hi Cassey.
To begin I would just like to say I LOVE your blog. Your posts always inspire me and put a smile on my face. I think it is so sad that you received such a negative back lash from your last post when all you were doing was sharing your opinion. I agree with you that it is hard to see people have such a bad attitude to food and their health and it does make want to help and educate them on what is healthy and what isn’t. I think your approach to food, exercise and a how to lead a healthy life style is spot on and many people would do well to listen to your advice and follow your tips. Don’t let negativity get you down and continue to do what you do as you help so many people and I love reading your posts!
I have just started my own blog and I hope to include some posts in the future on healthy living, food and exercise as they are all things I am passionate about. You are a very inspiring person. Please check out my blog at http://www.caramellacouture.blogspot.co.uk.
Holly xx
Let me first say that I usually never write comments, but WOW! I am in shock that people would respond so negatively just because of your post. I agree with you that the family needs a health reform. Sure, they are doing it for ratings, but doesn’t mean it should be condoned! And yes, everyone eats unhealthy every so often and that’s not the problem, it’s doing it to the EXTREMES that they are on tv just for ratings (or not) that is being criticized! I’ve tried watching honey boo boo in the past, and I could not believe this is what our country views as entertainment. Now here’s an idea, Cassey, you should be on tv instead and turn this obesity epidemic around with lifestyle modifications!
Hey Cassey,
Thanks for making this post and standing behind what you believe in. You’re such a great role model for young women! Regardless, people will still try to find something negative to say, but don’t let that get you down! Parents need to be more aware of what is going into their child’s bodies. I think being healthy is more important than being thin. I think that Honey Boo Boo’s family should have already known that their life was going to shown to the world. Of course, this is also a “reality” TV show, so most of the shenanigans are probably acted out. Intentional or not, her mother needs to be more aware of her family’s nutrition. Love you! <3
Dear Cassey,
Whatever other people are saying, I just wanted to say, I completely agree with what you said, and what some of the people said astounded me, because to me you seem to be right.
SO STAY HAPPY AND IGNORE THE HATE!! <3
Lots of love, Ella
I love everything you have said here and in the post. My family isn’t the healthiest (not as nad as Honey Boo Boo’s family but still not very healthy) and if we were put on national TV anyone as the right to point that out! And I wouldn’t get offended and I don’t see why their family would get offended and people would be so defensive about you pointing out that they are killing themselves slowly by eating the way that they do. You are pointing out and very helpful fact that could point them in the right direction to change their lives in a very positive way! Don’t let anyone’s comments bring you down because of that. It’s like a doctor pointing out that drugs are bad for drug addicts and that it would be good for the drug addicts change their life around and then people getting mad about that? Makes no sense, and I don’t find that judgemental at all.
Thanks for being suck a wonderful advocate and motivator Cassey! It’s sad that health, fitness, and nutrition are sensitive subjects to so many people. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to blog about these things with the sincerity and grace that you convey in each of your posts. I 100% believe that knowledge is power, and by providing us with current information, resources, insight, and a way to communicate with you, you are giving us tools to change our lives for the better! So thank you again!
Cassie, honey, YOU ROCK!!! You couldn’t have clarified any better for those seeking out a battle. Keep doing what you love, teaching and inspiring by being a role model who cares!!! Much love~
While I was concerned about your last post and found it a little fat-shaming, this post showed that it wasn’t your intention at all! You’re simply concerned about their health. And you’re also correct when you said that education is key-if people knew how bad some of the food that they eat can be, I’m sure that they would want to eat healthier! I applaud how you approached the comments from the last post. Very professional! Thank you!
At the crux of every major problem/epidemic/controversy is a constant struggle to find the appropriate rhetoric for discussing the problem and its solutions. Any forum that provides for honest discussion and debate on such dilemmas is important and needed. I may not agree with everything that you or your commentators have said, but I appreciate the dialogue.
Yes – socioeconomic difficulties exacerbate existing discrepancies in health. Furthermore, health and food-related attitudes outlast changes in such status. For instance, my mother was raised in a lower class home where their only income was from my grandfather’s blue collar job. As a result, their eating habits were premised on dollars – not calories. As an adult, my mother has lived at a comfortable income and my father has always provided more than enough for us – but we still ate the same way my mother did when she was a child. We are taught to cook by our parents and our conception of food as love and comfort outlasts economic woes. If I do not make a conscious effort to re-learn how to approach food and cooking, my children too would learn the same habits no matter what my income may be.
Fitness and nutrition are like any other industry – there are many different approaches and opinions, and every trainer and nutritionist brings different attitudes to the table. This isn’t a bad thing – it’s how we as a people make ourselves better. Conversations and debates on public forums such as this are how we educate one another and connect as human beings. If we are being good people, both Cassey and those of us who read these posts will all take away more knowledge or understanding from this discussion. Making personal attacks or shutting off a willingness to listen to one another is how we halt progress.
Cassey – I applaud your passion and your effort to provide a free and open nexus of information on health and exercise. Is it perfect? No. But any and all information and encouragement is a good thing. We as consumers of your website have to be smart and engaged enough to take from your advice what works for us and find other sources of information for what doesn’t. Do not be discouraged and do not take the bait. Constantly work to improve and maintain your optimism: that’s all anyone can do. Rhetoric and debate matter. This is the value of reality TV to our society as a civilization: it sparks discussion from which we can learn and improve. Otherwise it’s just another source of wasting time. So please – keep the debate going.
Thank you.
Hi Cassey,
I like your posts and the earnest way that you care. I totally agreed with you. As a health-conscious vegan (and also with family from Vietnam!) I must deal constantly with people who get offended when the topic of eating healthy comes up, especially people who use food to show love, even at the expense of others’ well-being. I’m also passionate about helping people get healthier and I get so sad when I see how much some people struggle with weight issues and health problems, when such problems are often so preventable, especially if we start eating better in childhood. Keep up the good work!
-VG
Cassey , this was well-written!
You wrote what you meant, you wrote what you implied, from the original Honey boo Boo post.
I greatly appreciate your apology and do understand that when you wrote the original Honey Boo Boo post, it was in response to your immediate reaction from the episode you watched. We have the ability to give ourselves time to think about what is the point we want to make on our Blog, or on our Social Media outlets, so that we write exactly what we imply. If you leave your posts up to the interpretation of the readers, and assume that everyone that reads your post will understand the underlining implication, then you are almost 100% guaranteed to not successfully achieve your goal of the topic.
I can almost associate with your situation that involves your cousin; my sister is morbidly obese, but she she has zero health issues, eats a healthy diet and walks. My sister was bullied in middle school and high school for her weight, she was called many foul names and the sheer lack of disrespect for another human being astounded me. I did not like when you referred to June as “the morbidly obese mother,” instead of just calling her June, because it reminded me of when my sister was bullied. The context in which you chose to use those particular words, was not being used as a medical term. “So I watch the mom who is morbidly obese make a turkey.” “Seeing the morbidly obese mom continually feeding herself and her children toxic food kills my soul so badly.” The words “morbidly obese” is a medical term, but you do not refer to someone as morbidly obese, in place of their name. Thank you for taking time to reflect, and for getting different perspectives in response to your post ; not many people would give themselves that opportunity to learn.
Cassey,
Thank you. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for explaining your previous post using it. It’s hard to talk about the obesity problems across the world. My family lives in the Philippines and it’s very much in the same boat as Vietnam (or at least, your family’s experience in Vietnam). They think “eating clean,” is depriving to children because, 60 years ago, they were fighting for their lives and starving to death. And the obesity is a serious issue.
Having lived all over the world and seen the issues facing the global society in terms of dangerous obesity, I applaud you for taking a stand and saying what you SHOULD be saying as a health/fitness professional.
YOU GO, GIRL!
Cassey, I feel terrible that you even had to write this letter explaining yourself. I just watched my Grandmother die a few weeks ago because of her terrible food choices. She was going to have to be on dialysis 3 hours a day, EVERYDAY to live. She decided against it and made the choice to give up. My entire family is overweight including me, due to the way we grew up eating. Yes, Mexican food is delicious, but when my 2 children were born, I decided I did not want them to struggle the way I do with food. I rarely give them sweets, or any of the other unhealthy crap out there and they don’t even ask for it. We started eating clean about 2 years ago and haven’t looked back since. When I give them a choice between McDonalds and ‘mom’s home cooked meals’, guess what they choose? MY cooking! The other day someone offered them glazed donuts but they saw bananas sitting on they table and they asked for bananas instead! That person was astonished they made a healthy choice all on their own! It has taken me YEARS to learn how to eat healthy. I have lost 20 lbs eating clean, working out and training for 5k and 10k races. My husband has also lost weight and he has completed 2 Ironman Triathlons (among tons of other races). We think it’s important to show our kids how to live healthy and be active. The people who are bashing you are in denial. They think these people are happy? I guarantee you every time they try to tie their shoes or get winded walking to the mailbox, they feel how unhealthy their bodies are. Trust me, I have been there. Thank you for having the courage to post what you did. I have 30 more lbs to lose to be at my goal weight of 120lbs. I know with YOUR help, I can do this!!!!!! 🙂
Cassey, I agree COMPLETELY with what you have said. You are not a body shamer. I as well have met skinny people who are extremely unfit, inflexible, weak, etc. I have met obese people with 7:30 mile times. But what Honey Boo Boo and her fanily are taking part in is not healthy. Sure, it isn’t our problem; it’s their lives so we should let them do what they want.
But imagine if the entire world acted this way.
I can almost guarantee that the haters on your last post dont care now that Honey Boo Boo has no medical problems, but tomorrow when she has heart disease or cancer, they will care. But then it will be too late.
Mama June does love Honey Boo Boo, but she’s inadvertently hurting her. I think someone should ENLIGHTEN her as to show her what she’s doing to her daughter. And if Mama June really loves her daughter so much, she will want to make a change.
I’m sorry that people are mistaking your passion and concern for hate.
Cassey, ever since I started reading your posts, I’ve been getting healthier everyday. I’m in college, but still live with my parents who’ve been Paleo for the last few years, but have never really taken control of my health. But now I make sure to eat a certain amount of fruits and vegetables, and take care of my body. So thank you! In regards to these posts, I think that you are fantastic. I agree with everything you’ve said, this family needs to be educated in how to eat healthier. Don’t listen to these negative people who just want to take away your opinion. Keep doing you Cassey, you’re AMAZING!!
Hey Cassey.
Just wanted to say that i agree with you. You’re a wonderful person, don’t let anyone bring you down.
I love youu and the work you do to help people, like me getting an healthier lifestyle. 😀
Cassie,
I have never commented on your blog- ever- even though I do enjoy reading it..
I love that you have created a plan for yourself, have principles to follow, and are willing to state rights and wrongs. I am a scientist, and have researched nutrition for years. I’ve seen many experts get so overwhelmed by the details of nutritional science and discouraged by the infinite theories of healthy living, that they loose their passion and opinions. They say, “Well, there really is no right answer to nutrition. Everything is theories. For every one theory, there is another that disproves its principles. I cannot say with absolute certainty that being fat is worse than being thin or that Cheetos are bad for a person’s health.” I loathe this attitude in nutritionists. If I want to see an expert in nutrition- about my health, about carbs, about obesity, about anything!- he or she better have answers! What the hell have you been studying for if you don’t have an opinion? It’s an education gone to waste! And, how cowardly is that? To fear that someone might put your theory down? Science exists because people have challenged uncertainty. Even Socrates who said that the more he learns, the less he knows, NEVER gave up making conclusions. And he studied the meaning of life!- there is no theory more complex and uncertain than that. There damn well is a right way to eat, a better way to life, and rules about health. You have discovered yours and, in fully believing that it is a better way to live, you are spreading your theory to others.
I congratulate you on this entire post. I am very happy you stated the facts, stated your principles, and stated your intentions. And for what it’s worth, I think you are right.
Joy
Love your post, Joy! We need to look at the issue of obesity from a sound, researched and logical perspective–not an emotional one.
Cassey,
I truly think you are an inspiration and that you are an amazing person. As many have said before, you need to focus on the positive comments and not so much on the negative comments as they are the vast minority. I’m currently in medical school and it makes me so sad to think about all of the illnesses our generation faces and to be the physician to have to help heal people. For all those stating that these people live in a food desert, I don’t buy that. Do you think people back in the day had grocery stores everywhere? No way! They had a garden, they butchered chickens, they raised their own food. I don’t believe that anyone is so poor that they absolutely can’t find some way to eat healthier. I’ll go ahead and say it, this family on TV disgusts me. You didn’t say that, I did. I can’t understand idolizing people who destroy their bodies like that. This was random, but I just want you to know that I think you’re amazing, I love your workouts, I recommend them to everyone and you’re truly the best!
Dear Cassey,
I’m so proud of you for sticking up for yourself and your beliefs. It’s so very difficult to do that when so many people are telling you that you’re wrong. And you have a lot of people watching you. I feel very strongly about this as well and to see someone with a voice use it for good really makes me happy. You’re such a positive influence in my life wether you know it or not, that I can only hope you continue down this path and help out other girls like you’ve helped me.
People will see what they want to see and people will say what they want to say no matter what Cassey. I just want to say thank you. Thank you for caring about them, but more importantly thank you for caring about me and giving not only myself but my college roommates a happier and healthier life.
Thank you.
Cassey, thank you for posting this. This has made me realize that I need to talk to some people in my life about the way they are treating their body’s. I have a friend who is already over weight and now she is pregnant and she eats nothing but junk and drinks nothing but sprite. I am now going to work on a nice and caring way to tell her the consequences of this so that I can see a happier future for both of them.
Thanks so much!!!!!
🙂 Megan
Ps I love your videos and you inspire me everyday to try a little harder!
Hi Cassey, I totally understand where you are coming from and feel the same way as you. This county has an epidemic in childhood obesity and we really need to have better education on healthy eating and more gym class in school and also better access to healthier foods. We are seeing kids with Type 2 diabetes and thats not normal or good! I’m sorry for all the hurtful things people say about you when you are just expressing your opinion which everyone is entitled to so ignore them and stand up for what you believe in!
Cassey,
Thank you for being such a fantastic role model. This is one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever had a chance to read, and thank you for standing up for what you believe in. Never give up on spreading your word, you are changing people’s lives every day- even if you’re not aware of it.
Much love!
This is the first time I’ve gotten to comment on your posts and I would just like to say that I honestly couldn’t agree more.
I came from a household where though we HAD access to healthy food, we didn’t eat it very often. My mother was a mystery shopper for McDonalds, so subsequently, that was most of what I ate. I know she loved me and wanted me to be healthy, but because of her job and having to taste things from hundred of McDonalds, I developed high cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies by the age of 7.
The thing about it is…I was an active child, I wasn’t overweight, I was quite skinny, but the malnutrition alone was bad enough. Even though I didn’t gain fat, I gained health problems.
Since then, I’ve spent most of my life feeling dependent on food. Eating bad things, eating too much, and eventually I developed a binge eating disorder because I was ashamed that I needed it so much. When you eat foods like that, especially when you grow up with it, you body craves it, it goes into withdrawal when you don’t have it, and you end up eating more and more and hating yourself.
I’ve been fighting with it exclusively for the past few years, and though I still allow myself to cheat, I do my absolute best to fill my body with healthy foods. It makes such a difference. Not just in your health, but also in how you feel about yourself. Not only do I have more energy, but I’m not depressed, I don’t hate my body, myself, nor do I have to eat in secret anymore. I’m not ashamed of myself anymore because I know I’m doing the best I possibly can. ‘
I still have a long way to go, from 210 to 160 in 2 or so years. Your videos and passion have helped inspire me so much, helped get me out of some ruts, and overcome them. I hope you keep working hard and ignore the people who try to put you down. You are a wonderful inspiration. Thank you.
I think it’s so sad that positivity (when describing an attitude) has come to mean you must approve of absolutely everything a person does. Popster-Poster Elizabeth described her experiences as an opera teacher, encountering students who had an incorrect understanding of their own talent. Recognizing that someone isn’t a good singer doesn’t make you a heartless monster, bent on tearing down children for generations to come. I used to be a horseback riding instructor and a French tutor, I can tell you that it *is* possible to correct someone without thinking less of them as a human being. Having been on the receiving end of cruel instruction myself (“you’re stupid, you’ll never learn this,” etc) I am absolutely determined to be as loving as I can to my students- WHILE I correct them. A person cannot learn if no one ever tells them they’re making a mistake.
Cassey is teaching people. I read through her first post on Honey Boo Boo half a dozen times, and I didn’t see one instance where she sought to tear down the child or her family. Sure, she was passionate about how seeing this lifestyle angered her. That’s a good thing. There’s hateful anger, but there’s also justifiable anger, where you see something wrong happening and want to fix it- not for your own benefit, but so you can help lift that other person up. Cassey said she was disgusted by the show (reasonable), by their diet (also reasonable), but never once did she say she was disgusted by a member of the family.
I think this follow-up post is brilliant. She didn’t back down from her original stance because she has absolutely no reason to.
Additionally, I would like to comment on some hateful responses directed toward individuals who are on the other side of this debate. Please, stop it. Calling them toxic, trolls, or encouraging them to leave defeats the purpose of fostering a loving learning environment! If someone wants to leave it’s their own choice, and if they ever want to come back and have another conversation I’d like to think they’d be welcome to do so.
I just read the first post trying to see what “hateful” things you said… I couldn’t find any…
In fact throughout the original post you constantly clarified that body weight isn’t the problem, the diet is the problem. People can’t necessarily control their weight, but they CAN control their diet. Watching that show it is CLEAR that that families weight problems are strictly diet related, not genetic.
And I think that is why Cassey commented on it. Because when you see someone making choices that are obviously bad for themselves, you have to hope that they are just ignorant, and you have to try to educate them.
Heck, I feel like my post right here is more offensive then her original post. Please someone, explain to me what was hateful about her post? Maybe a few of the sentences are harsh out of context, but in context, they are surrounded by clarifications and proof of her sympathy and understanding.
ANYWAY what I am trying to say is that Cassey is awesome, so people need to calm down and stop putting words in her mouth.
I really think what you are doing is amazing, although some people may disagree, but then again not everyone will always agree with everything but either way personally i have enjoyed your videos and am glad i stumbled upon them because they have helped so much. thanks 🙂 your motivation is truly something 🙂
Hey Cassy,
You are so incredibly strong and I don’t understand how some people could have taken what you wrote and flipped so much to make you sound like an awful person. These people should know better! I agree with everything you have to say. These people need help and the people who watch this show and think its ok need help too. To think the kind of life style that honey boo boos family lives is ok need help also. The people who got upset over your post need someone to blame for their lifestyles and why their overweight. They can’t accept the fact that they did it to theirselves and are able to change their habits. I’m not trying to make anyone upset or anything like that, but Cassy, you’re an awesome person and there’s no other reason why someone would take your opinion and accuse you of being the list of things they called you. They’re just people who are upset with themselves and don’t understand. I just love you so much Cassy! You are an inspiration and if anyone can’t see that then they need to step back and really look at you and how much you do care!
Always,
Pennelopy <3
Cassey. I hope you take the time to read these all again so that my true feelings are not lost.
You had nothing to apologize for the first time, but I respect your handling of it not only with class but with dignity and integrity for your passions.
You do good in the world. You make people better.
Most posters on a website contribute little to nothing.
Keep on keeping on.
@GirlGettingFit
Hey Cassey,
I knew you meant well, sometimes it’s hard to state things unless they are blunt. Can’t sugar coat everything in life. As a bigger chick myself I know the temptations are hard to get over, esp. if you grew up with them easily accessible. Growing up my family ate as “healthy” as they could…wheat bread skim milk…veggies more than meats… my down fall though was their “support”…or lack there of…they made me paranoid to eat…and with that I set my body up into starve mode. That paranoia coupled with my depression..is a BAD COMBO…I would “eat my feelings” in Little Debbie’s and Junk when no one was looking but then not eat at all around my family. A few years ago I started to try harder to lose weight the right way…but from years of doing it wrong and not getting support from my mom ( whom I live with currently ) it has been one failure after another. When I’d go out with my friends they would always fuss at me for not eating my food and making them look like “pigs” ( I would always go home with a doggie bag they would clean their plates) yet I weighed more than them. Now I do my best to eat right (hard when no one else in the house does) and exercise. If anything Cassey you have inspired me…and though I’m having to take rather small baby steps to achieve my goals. I’m still trying…sometimes we need to hear bluntness in order to wake up!
You are amazing. Bright, sensitive, caring, and genuinely lovely. I adore that you stand up passionately for what you believe. You inspire me to want to be a better, stronger person!
Hi Cassey, I think your first post was very clear and I think people saw what they wanted to see. And sometimes people just wanna attack. I think calling you names was out of line and a horrible thing to do. If they didn’t like what yi wrote they can just not go to your website anymore. I think your first post was spot on and I’ve said worse things about Honey Boo boo and her family in my loving room you were so brave to put it out there for everyone to see. It is not honey boo boo’s fault that she is overweight it is her parents. I think June truly doesn’t know how to cook healthy, she has to know that isn’t not healthy but doesn’t maybe know where to start for a change. I think you are fantastic and I KNOW you change people’s lives. I love you! Much love Teodora
CASSEY WE LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE WONDERFUL TO US!! haters can be haters, but the people out there WHO LOVE YOU SOO MUCH outweighs those haters!! >< you are doing such an honorable and courageous thing to the world by sharing us your fitness and opinions about healthy lifestyles :} you've changed so many people, remember that 😀 love you, CASSEY!<3
Cassey,I think you are the genuine person on Earth,your passion for life and health is so inspirational.I think what you are doing is great.It’s unfortunate that everyone can not understand what you are trying to do.I think both of your post on honey booboo ,was sincere and full of concern; I didnt see any fat hate in it. Cassey your are blessing in my life and I thank God for you.Stay motivated because when your trying to change the world you always have opposition.
P.S. Im 16, and Im also trying to live healthier but because Im slim with a family that mostly overweight/obese.I get bash for trying live healthy.I stop caring because of you.Thank you! 🙂
The World needs more people like you.
“I want you to know that if you see someone hurting themselves and their family (intentionally or unintentionally) you should try to do something about it. And if not directly, then try to find an alternate way to help them. Be a good human being.”
Oh dear. I’d like to think that I’m a good human being despite the fact that I don’t try to interfere with other people’s lives. I’m going to have to continue to respectfully disagree with you Cassey. Still too much assuming about a family you watched during a 25 minute show. And this attitude that I’m getting from this post that you’re going to do whatever you want because you are passionate about it? I can’t stand behind that.
I think I’m going to have to just stick to the workouts.
While I understand not interfering in people’s lives, I think that this family has also chosen to put itself into the public eye…we’re all given a view (albeit through the distorted lens of the camera and the producers) into their lives. I think we have every right to say something when a show watched by tons of people is not only promoting an unhealthy lifestyle, but I would argue making a total mockery of the people. Cassey is acting out of concern. The producers of that show are more interested in making money by allowing the family to be seen as a bunch of buffoons by the rest of America, rather than trying to help them and perhaps use their resources to make the show a positive example.
Of course obesity issues do not exist in a vacuum (to respond to the graduate student’s comment), but Cassey cited the example of her own family – she realized that there are socio-economic and cultural reasons behind many families’ poor eating. But there are socio-economic and cultural influences behind children’s lack of preparedness for school, lack of achievement in school, tendency to become involved in dangerous lifestyles, lack of access to medical care…the list goes on and on. Just because the causes are complex, does that mean we can’t address the issue itself? Rooting out and fixing those factors is a long, slow and absolutely worthy process, but there is no reason we can’t also focus on more immediate fixes for the problem (like the class Cassey is about to teach at the Boys’ and Girls’ club).
In fact, I think it is an insult to people to say that just because they are living in difficult circumstances, they are incapable of making one positive change. It’s an insult to their intelligence and their desire to do what is best for themselves. It’s a cop-out to say “well the causes are very complex…” and an example of intellectual snobbery and our own latent sense of classist superiority to think we understand people too well to be able to help them in a simple, straightforward, and concrete way.
Cassey – you are amazing. You got me into Pilates, and doing your workouts during my hectic day has given me so much energy and joy, as well as greater self-esteem because I know that I am getting stronger and increasing my endurance. Whenever you feel passionately about something, there will always be people who disagree, but I know you will keep doing what you believe in!
You can be concerned about people without judging. That’s my problem. Judging the people on the camera and judging the people who don’t take your position on the topic at hand. And as I already stated, this ‘I’m going to do whatever I want’ attitude is not okay. This is clearly a closed system. I feel like I’m wasting my time.
I get where your coming from. I just don’t think that people should stop doing her videos because they disagree with her.
I have a question. If you have gotten to the point of being concerned about someone then you have already judged them. You have already looked at whatever it is that they are doing and JUDGED that it, at least in your opinion, is not the right or best way. Otherwise, how or why would you be “concerned” if you have not already judged that something they are doing is probably not the best. There is no way at all to go through life and not judge anyone. Anytime anyone forms an opinion about someone or something they are doing it is based on a judgment they have made. It is how you approach it and thus relate to the person that can make it negative or positive. You cannot HONESTLY say that you don’t judge people.
I love you, Cassey. This is beautiful. I completely understand and agree. Your passion is amazing. Keep it up!
I can’t stop shaking my head right now. You still don’t get it. And I don’t believe you spent more than five minutes looking into the other side that many people pointed out or you would have discussed the classism your post displayed. You would have addressed many of our points about how they most likely cannot get access to healthy food because of their low income and the simple fact that they live in a fricken food desert. And lmao if you think your classist, hateful, fat shaming post is helping them out in any way. You think they’re reading that crap and ~~learning? No ma’am they aren’t. All you’ve done is shame people who have less than you and you’ve done nothing to actually help them, which is something you lie about being so passionate about. Get real. If you cared, if you really wanted to help, why not put your energy into writing letters to HBB’s congressmen? Asking for more and cheaper access to healthy food? Doing something actually productive other than sit behind a computer and ignore your immense privilege while you tear a little child down?
Instant unfollow across all your platforms.
You are a ridiculous irrational person. America is in an epidemic state of obesity. More people now die from over eating across the planet than malnutrition. (Malnutrition levels have not lowered) so you do the math.
She’s not “shaming” anyone. You need to remove your head from your behind and realize she’s trying to do a good thing here. Low income doesn’t mean you cant make healthy choices. Jellied yams with butter? they could’ve just made yams. It’s not just about low income. It IS about health and nutrition education, which is what Cassey is trying to do here. At least she’s trying to do something. What you are doing is hating on a person who is giving her PROFESSIONAL opinion on a nation-wide debate. News flash: She’s not the only person who feels this way. The show causes a lot of controversy and just like a lot of other people have already, Cassey can discuss her opinion. She should be able to do so, however, without people like you attacking her in her comments. She didn’t “tear a little child down.” If you honestly believe that, then that’s just a shame. She’s doing a great thing here.
I don’t know, but to me it sounds like you are the hater. She didn’t write anything offensive in her post, not a single rude thing. Did you even read the post, saying she isn’t doing anything productive? She’s writing this post early in the morning, getting ready to help kids fight obesity? At least she is trying to do something. It’s very easy for people that are not doing anything to sit back in their comfy chairs and judge those who are actually trying to do something, change something for the better. Before you dramatically un-follow all of her platforms, think about yourself for a minute. You are hating on a women that has shown that she has an ability to make a change in people’s lives, a woman that has a passion for others. Clearly she doesn’t have the power to go and change and stop obesity and fix all of America’s poor nutrition problems. Our GOVERNMENT, even the First Lady, are trying to do something, and even with all of their privileges they can’t fix the problem of obesity in the U.S. Why don’t you take all of your complaints to them, not this woman who is trying to do her part. What have you done, that gives you the power and assurance in yourself to put down this woman?
I have a loooow income I pay bills with most of it and what’s left I use on gas and food and guess what I can make a healthy meal for my self and my husband with the small amount we have to spend in food just like I can make an unhealthy one actually the healthier version of a meal is usually less costly I can easily make a baked chicken with frozen veggies or a salad and some red potatoes on the side maybe its bot the healthiest choice in the world but just because you don’t have much money def doesn’t mean you have to slather everything you eat in butter and buy canned veggies and sugar coated candy. Saying you eat unhealthy because you don’t have.money is an excuse not to mention that honey boo boo’s family gets paid quite a bit to do that show I’m gona say I think they have enough to buy some good food.
Um, excuse me. Honey Boo Boo and her family do not have “less than Cassey.” They have more, if anything. The show doesnt broadcast it, but Honey Boo Boo has actually made HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS from that show. The producers won’t let it be aired because they want to make the show more dramatic. Honey Boo Boo’s family can actually afford more healthy food than Cassey or I EVER will.
Also, Cassey’s post wasn’t a fat shaming post. It was meant to be a wake up call. If Cassey was trying tonbe rude or evil, she wouldn’t have offered to help them. That post was tremendously helpful as a WAKE UP CALL. Notice how almost all the positive comments on this post come from obese people. We dont feel offended over Cassey’s post; we feel grateful that someone cares about our health and life span so much.
Rose you wrote, “Get real. If you cared, if you really wanted to help, why not put your energy into writing letters to HBB’s congressmen? Asking for more and cheaper access to healthy food? ” well what if she has written letters to HBB’s congressmen? You don’t know. Please don’t be so ignorant.
1) I think they could afford better food now considering that the television network pays them for full-access to their lives
2) Its not classest – vegetables are actually cheap, most students tend to avoid buying meat as that’s what costs more
3) Obviously the post was aimed at Honey Boo Boo’s mother, not the child herself
4) Cassey is a source of inspiration and she always says to stay at a size that makes you feel happy – but if you are clearly obese its going to have severe health implications
5) It takes more than one person writing a letter to overturn health laws and food nutritional requirements – America is used to eating this way
You are clearly the one who has not tried to see it from Cassey’s point of view. You also clearly have a chip on your shoulder concerning class.
Dear Lord, you’re ignorant.
I respectfully disagree Rose. You are correct in saying the government should do more to provide low income families with cheaper access to healthier foods, but that is a change that is not going to happen overnight. What Cassey is doing with her website provides people with the tools to make a change right NOW. Have you taken the time to look through some of her recipes? Her banana pancake recipe, for example, only takes 2 ingredients. Bananas and eggs. That’s it. Those two ingredients for a healthy breakfast cost less than the giant brick of butter they used on the turkey. Healthy eating does not have to be expensive. And the money saved in medical expenses down the road will be astronomical. Cassey is not “fat shaming” anyone; she is addressing a very important issue in this country and she is giving people the resources to make a change. If you don’t understand that then it is best for you not to follow her sites. In my opinion you are the one sitting behind your computer attacking someone who is trying to make a positive change in the world. We should have more people like Cassey who care enough to help.
P.S. The family on HBB makes upwards of $50,000 PER EPISODE. So clearly education is the issue at hand, not money.
Oh, come on! Even if we ignore the fact that the family is getting ten-thousands of dollars per episode and that they definitely don’t have to suffer from poverty: Even when you’re living on a budget and don’t have access to the high-end grocery stores, it IS definitely possible to live a healthy lifestyle! No one says that you have to drink expensive coconut water all day or that it is nessessary to eat only the best of the best organic foods to live healthy. Sure, you can if you want and if you can effort it, but no one says that it is a nessessary factor to be a healthy individual. There are enough foods that are a lot healthier than the things mentioned in that TV show that are cheap and affordable. Maybe it takes a little work to compare prices and to choose things that are healthy and fit your budget, but don’t tell me that it is an impossible task, ’cause that’s simply NOT TRUE! And I think that this is exactly what Cassey wants to show here: Encourage people to spread the word and to offer help people who don’t know better! Show them what healthy foods they can effort and if it’s nessessary show them which foods are the healthy ones.
I also definitely do not agree in the point that Cassey’s post promotes “fat shaming” or however you wanna call it. It’s not about people having a few extra pounds and it’s not about telling people that they are worth less than anyone else because of it. But it is a fact that obesity (not talking about “a few extra pounds” here!) affects your health! It damages your joints, it can lead to heart desease, diabetes, high blood pressure… and the list goes on. This is a fact and even if you don’t like it, it’s true. And we’re NOT talking about body image here. If someone feels happy and pretty the way they look, perfect! But this is not a post about body image, it’s about health and you have to distinguish these things.
And maybe you haven’t noticed, but this post wasn’t adressed to people who don’t know better and it wasn’t supposed to help people by telling them that they’re dump because of it. This is a problem that can’t be solved by one person alone and so can’t Cassey. But what Cassey does here is to encourage people who already know about healthy living to step up and tell others about it. Not by telling them that they’re a failure and not by forcing them to make changes, but by offering information to those who are willed to listen and to offer their help to those who are willing to take it, slowly and gently, encouraging and not blaming.
Hey Cassey! Thank you for doing your part in speaking out about this issues…and as you said, it’s also your job! I too have overweight family members and their lifestyle and eating habits have also affected their children as well. I have felt completely helpless, by having to stand by and watch my sister, niece and newfew make choices that affect their health. They know where I stand on eating right and exercising, but I don’t over step my bounds because its a sensitive subject (as we have well seen here) and people can get really fired up! Non the less, I worry. All I feel I can do is be a good example and be there to answer questions for them…much like you do for your community. Sometimes, being passionate about things we feel strongly about, can cause others to take what we say and feel wrong. However, I am so glad that you took a stand and said something. When people get defensive, that means they feel convicted about something as well, and all you did was step on some toes, but hopefully sparked some emotions that might cause others to rethink their choices.
Hope 🙂
Hi Cassey!
I am 16 and I’m overweight, but I’m doing something about it. I am only 5’3” and I was headed for being over 200 pounds in 8th grade. I decided to do something about it. Diabetes runs in my family and I am already hypoglycemic (my blood sugar can run very low, it’s been as low as 30 before). However, a lot of the people I go to school with are still really overweight and some of them obese, and its because they don’t know any different like you said. A lot of people think that children should be left alone and that they shouldn’t worry about their weight. To a point that’s true but I really wish that my mom would have decided to start living a healthier lifestyle when I was younger. It will be way easier on kids if they learn healthy eating and exercising habits at a young age because then when they are teenagers (like me) they will be less likely to play video games and eat pizza all day. As a kid who has always been overweight I really don’t want to see another kid grow up and go through what I have as an overweight teenager with health problems. Someone needs to speak up and try to help people come to lead a healthier lifestyle instead of just saying America has a weight problem someone should do something about that. So those people who say that we need to leave kids alone aren’t always right. Yes it hurts when someone tells you the truth about your weight but so does working out. I feel so much better when I work my asthma doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it used to and I haven’t had blood sugar level problems in a while. Keep up the good work Cassey, your helping a lot of people!
Hey! I have hypoglycemia too! And I’m 16! I’ve done the same thing. Working out with Cassey’s videos has been a LIFE SAVER.
Stay strong girl! Keep working hard!! 🙂 <3
I don’t know, but I think majority rules in your comments. If they actually have sound advice without name calling – then I’d say listen…but otherwise, I say ignore those negative posts as best you can. Maybe I’m too easy going, maybe I have a different view on life than other people, but to get hell-bent over your last post was a little ridiculous in my opinion. If the family were eating healthier and still obese and still in love with their body, I do not believe this conversation would have even started. It would be a positive one complimenting on body image…but they’re eating horribly, and that’s the issue. And if followers couldn’t see that after how long they’ve been following you, then they’re not really following you. No one needs to be happy go lucky all the time, we’re human for cripes-sake.
I adore you Cassey, and thank you.
Doing the right thing for yourself and for others is usually the opposite of what most people are doing, so keep it up! You’re a great person. I am so glad that you feel the same way I do about what’s okay to put into your body and what actually equates to having a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes I feel so alone and a little alienated by my lifestyle, but you always remind me that there are others out there that feel the same way I do. Thank you for caring, Cassey!
-Carly M.
I agree with you 100% Cassie!
I read your previous post and this one, I think you were very clear in the previous post on what you were getting at, and I am sorry you had to deal with all the haters. Some people just think that everything said is either for or against someone/thing. Almost like they live their lives waiting to be offended. *HUGS* I think you were right, if you see someone hurting themselves and/or others, try and do something to make it better. You wanted to make sure they knew what they were doing, and if it was ignorance driving their decisions, educate them so they can make better ones. I have felt the same way on several occasions watching shows with people making what I thought were poor choices.
I was going to say exactly the same thing, but because I don’t think I could say it any better, I’m just going to say that I agree with Analisa completely.
I also appreciate that rather than try to defend yourself or address the negative comments directly, you instead chose to expand and clarify your previous argument. That tells me that you stand by your words and your beliefs with conviction and grace, without back-pedalling or pandering.
I didn’t read any animosity in your previous post, and your closing statements asking about what to do to help others, to me, is what really made your point clear: that you are here to help and want to inspire change in others. I don’t think we could ask any more of you than that. <3
I agree! Keep it up lovely, lady.
Wow, I am speechless Cassey! I’m sure this comment will get lost in the hundreds this post is bound to receive. I just want to take the time to say that how you handled this Honey Boo Boo incident has made me love you even more.
I agree with your original post and was shocked to hear people were responding negatively. (Though I could see their points, I thought diet was one of the many reasons to watch HBB.) I am astonished when you repeat what some people have called you…disagreement is NO place for invective remarks. If you disagree with someone you don’t hit them and call them names-we learned this is preschool. I think what I’m trying to say is, don’t take these comment to heart. I realize it’s hard, but you don’t deserve them.
You wrote this post with as much eloquence, passion, and respect as could be crammed into one incredible article. (And all at 3am? I salute you. And as a writing/grammar freak might I say that this was expertly written!!) Cassey, I hold the highest level of respect for you, and am in awe of how well you handled the situation. If anything, this has only made me want to be your best friend MORE ! Can we be bffs???
Love ya,
Rachel 🙂
Well said!
Hi Cassey-
I’m a health policy graduate student who’s focusing on childhood obesity. My background is in sociology, and I have dedicated years to understanding what factors lead to obesity and other poor health outcomes. I think it would serve you well to educate yourself on social stratification and its effect on health. You’ll find that health disparities do not exist in a vacuum.
Similarly, I’d caution you against using a reality TV show family as a case study. Yes, their national presence makes them a prime target for being turned into an example. However, they are nothing more than actors hired to blow up and encapsulate a particular cross-section of America. The problems Honey Boo Boo’s family address are certainly pervasive, but please remember: one family cannot serve to substantiate your whole case. Please remember that, just as Honey Boo Boo’s family is in the public eye, you are, too; it’s in everyone’s best interest to present quality information. A TV show is not that.
I’m glad to hear that you’re addressing the childhood obesity epidemic. Like I said earlier, it does not exist in a vacuum. Accordingly, education at home is not always the most effective route in ameliorating and reversing these poor trends. There are so many factors impacting obesity (and so many points of intervention!), and, as I’m sure you’ll find in your readings, there are better places to reach adults and children.
I hope this proves somewhat helpful. It’s always best to take an inquisitive, scientific approach to issues and, as much as is possible, take the emotions out. You have a great platform for affecting change–use it in a responsible, calculated way!
Rebecca
well said.
Agreed! I would love to have an educated discussion about childhood obesity with you. @rebecca
I’m always down for a good health policy/obesity chat!
Hi Rebecca. Your post is very well put. If you hadn’t have said your a student in health, I would’ve assumed you were a health professional of some sort. I do think education is only one aspect to obesity, but there is so much more that contributes to it. I’m not from the US so don’t know this family, but was saddened by Cassey last post, especially with her posting a gif of the little girl.
Hi Saima,
What a great compliment! Thank you!!
I agree–the gif saddened me, too. There are so many out there of Honey Boo Boo and her family. Some of them are funny, but in this context it felt more mean. 🙁
Rebecca,
I agree with what you are saying. I am sure the information you have found is amazing. It actually makes me very curious, as a nurse it has always interested me. With that being said though I am not sure what was accomplished by the post. This is not where I come to find academic information on disease processes. I hope it is not where you come expecting an accomplished discussion on sociology. As an educated person part of what you are taught in school is how to interpret sources for what they are. I am not disagreeing with what you are saying though. I am sure there is much that we do not know about social stratification and its effects on health. It is just the fact that the name of the webpage is BLOGILATES… it is a Blog where opinions are posted… not scientifically arranged information regurgitated after years of study… Secondly, it is under a section called “feelings”, a word in itself describing something that is subjective…. Lastly, it is titled “Look What Honey BOO BOO started” do I have to go on? If you choose to follow it then do, if it does not suite your taste buds then leave, that is the beauty of this source of information.
Nothing against what Cassey’s blog is about, I love it for what it is. A great site for videos on Pilates. It is still a blog, meaning there will be opinions, not always facts included. The fact that this post annoyed you and others annoyed me. Just like you said about the show Honey Boo Boo, “Please remember that, just as Honey Boo Boo’s family is in the public eye, you are, too; it’s in everyone’s best interest to present quality information. A TV show is not that.”, this is a blog not a a class on health policy. Use what you are learning in your masters program. I am sure you are having to look up many sources of information and have even gone through a class on how to look up credible sources. I am just not sure what you are expecting. I have my bachelors and am preparing to go get my masters but have already gone through a class for just that purpose.
The fact that she is at a camp right now helping children to exercise should tell you that she has an interest in helping. So, based off of what I know about humans, even though I do not have a degree in sociology, telling someone that “I think it would serve you well to educate yourself on social stratification and its effect on health” on their blog, that they created for the soul purpose of living a healthy lifestyle will probably not be very successful. Whether it was meant to be helpful or not you will not accomplish anything by telling someone what to do on their own blog where they are supposed to be able to post their opinion. I feel am being hypocritical by even posting this message I just do not know how throwing around your educational accomplishments and years of research served any purpose here.
.
Hi Nicole,
I hear what you’re saying, and I in no may meant to throw around accomplishments or sound elitist. My point was simply that a more well-rounded, thorough look at the issue would have made for stronger argument. Yes, this entry is a “feelings” post, but even when presenting feelings, I’m a firm believer that it should be done to high standards. Putting rage and fury out into the blogosphere for a wide audience of impressionable young people to read strikes me as irresponsible. Frankly, I’m not sure what Cassey’s post accomplished, as merely ranted about a TV show without providing logical solutions…
Rebecca,
I definitely agree with your point that if the topic was more thoughtfully laid out, and presented with actual facts it would have made a much stronger argument. I also do believe it is unfortunate that it is presented to a younger group of individuals that still need time to form an opinion of their own. I do not know what a sixteen year old me would have thought about this post. I am a very logical thinker but it took time for me to develop that. I don’t think her post really accomplished much of anything. But it’s still her opinion and unfortunately just like television shows that follow around a family who’s opinion that turkey tastes good with butter covering the entire bird, it’s out there for everyone to see. Yes, one seems more aggressively negative than the other but both don’t paint a good picture for our youth on how to approach childhood obesity in our society. They are two extremes, with little evidence. Do I think I either will be the last straw that causes the destruction of our youth..No. Just like you said this issue does not exist in a vacuum. It is a big problem that needs attention but in the right places. With that I wish you good luck in your graduate program. You could be an individual that truly makes a difference on this very issue. It’s large job 🙂 but you sound confident and intelligent.
It makes me feel good there are passionate people out there just like me that really hope they can do something good for future generations.
This is a truly awesome post and you’re so right. We are here to help not to mind our own business and especially those should do that who have influence on others like you. That’s why you are my rolemodel 🙂
You are changing the world, how many people can say that? Keep it up!
I knew exactly what you meant from your first post! I can’t believe people had the audacity to criticize you. You are so wonderful and inspirational! I know how you feel too. It makes me so angry to see people close to me thinking that food=love. And the kids have no idea it’s bad for them! And then they’re stubborn and spoiled and eat like that their whole lives and then maybe even raise their kids that way. It makes me scream inside every time I see one of them finishing off a 3 liter bottle of soda for the day! Omg! And of course I can’t even say anything because they’ll just think I’m being a food snob. It hurts me
Cassey,
Just wanted to let you know that since I found out about your workouts last summer, I have been making slow but steady progress to living a healthier lifestyle. I think about what I eat before I put it in my body, my grocery list is now purely fresh and whole foods, and I cook for myself almost everyday.
As someone who is very motivated to make a difference, I think it is really important that you know HOW MUCH of a difference you make in people’s lives. You could easily charge for all of your expertise, but instead you make it accessible to the whole world, for free.
I hope you never lose faith in your impact because of negative comments made by people quick to judge. You are doing a very incredible, selfless thing and I know for a fact my life, my energy, and my overall well-being are being drastically improved by it.
With regard to the negative feedback on your post about Honey Boo Boo, it is easy to see that you put a lot of thought into your words. I think there are a lot of people who read one sentence and tune out the rest, and unfortunately it can be really hard to show those people that your words were rooted in compassion and good intent. But anyone who took the time to read everything you wrote is well aware of where you are coming from. Even if someone disagreed, you made it very clear that you were just expressing yourself, and the manner in which you did so was in no way offensive.
Thank you so much for all you do, you truly make the world a better place!
Seriously Cassey, I don’t think you had anything to apologize for. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I enjoyed reading the honesty and emotional “rawness” from your first Honey Boo Boo post. Though, I understand why you made this follow up post… I probably would have done the same! People are so touchy ans easily offended. Yeesh!
Anyway, you’re awesome and I love your blog. You’re a motivation to many of us who are trying to live a healthy lifestyle! Keep up the good work!
Hi Cassiy, I’m a young mother of four beautiful kids. Right before I came across your youtube videos, I was going though a lot of negativity with other mothers. They attacked me In every way that mattered most to me, myself as a mother, wife, and person. I consider myself a happy, laid back person and the fact that it bother me for a long and hurt so deeply left me also frustrated. I started working out because the stress started to affect me daily. I instantly fell in love with you and your videos, the way you engage with your viewers is unique and so entertaining. I try to workout before the kids get up but sometimes it doesn’t always go as planned. My one year old loves to hear your voice and attacks the iPad, I realized it has to be kept on a higher surface if i wish to continue and finish your workout. I’m a runner, and your videos give me a great strength training workout. I remember coming across some negative comments and getting angry with the way some women(and men) think that it’s okay to attack one another with such hatred. Your such a good hearted person that the words they choose to use against will hurt but keep your head up and one day you will realize and remember your one Amazing Woman. A woman who does so much for so many and I for one am very grateful. Thank you ps keep on shinning 🙂
Hey Cassey!
First of all I just want to say that I think your original Honey Boo Boo post wasn’t offensive at all I mean everyone was getting their panties all in a twist because you were speaking your mind about poor eating habits.
Honestly though this post really hit home to me because I’m kind of in the same shoes as Honey Boo Boo…
I’m 13 and weigh about 165 pounds (I lost ten pounds thanks to you though!) because of poor eating habits that started at home. I wasn’t fed fruits and veggies when I was younger. I grew up eating fried foods, cakes, and just plain unhealthy stuff, yes it tasted good and made me happy but now I’m obese and borderline diabetic. My family has a history of congestive heart failure, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Of course I wanted to lose weight because c’mon what teenage girl doesn’t? But it isn’t about weight it’s about health. Thanks to your blog and youtube videos I have been eating clean with more fruits and veggies in my diet and making healthy meals for my family 🙂 Although I’m not near where I want to be I feel better, I’m getting stronger, and feel awesome!
My point is I completely agree with you we need to teach people how to live healthy lifestyles especially younger ones like Honey Boo Boo. If we don’t who will? People need to recognize the dangers of poor eating.
It all starts at home.
Keep doing what your doing 🙂
Love,
You little popstar in Colorado
Cassey, you are an amazing person and such an inspiration to me! Thank you for being wonderful you and sharing your passion with the world! <3
This “fat shaming” stuff is getting out of control.
well said cassey!
thank you for the motivation <3
Do you guys really think that Honey Boo Boo’s family do not understand that they are not eating healthy? Of course, they do, and so do their viewers. Haven’t you seen the episodes about their concerns and desire to lose weight? But the way they eat is entirely their choice. They want and choose this lifestyle. Helping someone who wants help is an honorable thing. Interfering with the life of those who don’t want help is something different, though.
The family is in a cycle of eating that it is very difficult for them to break. It may be “their choice,” but simply choosing another lifestyle is not so simple for them after years and years of upbringing. Clearly if there are episodes “about their concerns and desire to lose weight,” they do want help in some form. That is where everything that Cassey said comes in. Even if, as you claim, they don’t want your help, would you leave someone to drown just because they thought they could swim on their own and didn’t need your help? What about someone addicted to drugs, would you leave them alone? This is the same. What Cassey said is right, these people are killing themselves and they need help.
It’s a well known fact that you will never be able to help a drug addict or an alcoholic unless they actually WANT to change.
And, since we’re talking about healthy, recipes made with splenda, egg whites, and protein powder scream restrictive ED to me, not health.
You realize that egg whites and protein powder are extremely rich in calories and nutrients, right?
Yes, I do. But if this is what all your recipes consist of, it’s pretty sick. I used to have an ED and I can spot a restrictive eater miles away. I am not claiming the author of this blog is, she seems like a healthy and fit girl, but I would not recommend her recipes to any young girl because this is a good way to screw up your perception of food. There is nothing wrong with eating whole eggs, butter, and full fat products, as long as everything is in moderation.
I would first like to say that no ED is alike, and there are different things that people struggling with this will “allow” themselves to eat. I cannot speak from experience, but it is clear that neither can you. Now, I’m a vegan and therefore do not eat eggs, but that does not mean that I do not realize the benefits of eating the egg white over the yolk. If you do not know, maybe you should do some research before making these false claims.
I would also like to add that protein powder is a great way to add extra protein to your diet, without adding a bunch of extra calories. Because I am vegan, it can sometimes be harder to obtain the amout of protein that I need, and adding this to my diet is an easy way for me to ensure I am getting an adequate amount to build up my muscles after working out. Don’t get me wrong, I do not see it as a meal replacement, but rather as a supplement that should only be taken once or twice a day max. Please, PLEASE do your research before pointing fingers and telling someone that they are promoting something that they are clearly not. Open your eyes and realize that childhood obesity IS a big problem, and that it is only getting worse. Education is so important. Cassey, you go girl!
First of all, everything you’ve said I can say back to you. You don’t know anything about me, so why do you assume I haven’t done my research? I’ve done my research about ED more than I would ever have liked to. Because I actually had it. Trying to cut calories EVERYWHERE, replacing sugar with splenda, eggs with egg whites and so on all the time is not healthy. Been there, done that. Healthy lifestyle should be about real, whole foods, not weird replacements. Butter, sugar, eggs, whole fat products – nothing wrong with them, as long as they are used in moderation and coupled with an active lifestyle. I’m a vegetarian, by the way, so I know it can be problematic getting the required level of protein. I am also not pointing fingers at anyone. I never said the girl had an ED. In fact, I think she’s perfectly healthy and fit, but I would never recommend her recipes to anyone, especially young girls. And who’s pointing fingers at Honey Boo Boo here, after all? Child obesity is a problem, but I really don’t think that watching one episode of a silly reality show should produce such an outrage.
Whether they want your help or not, it doesnt really matter. It’s still an honorable thing. It’s their choice because they probably dont know any better. If more people were like Cassey, maybe Honey Boo Boo and her family would’ve changed their diet a long time ago. It’s about time someone tried to help, not just for Honey Boo Boo’s family, but for obese kids everywhere. Cassey’s doing a good thing here and the people who are hating on her are just stupid and have nothing better to do.
Cassey, don’t even pay attention to the people who are hating on you. Clearly they’re too dumb to understand that you’re obviously not hating on their bodies, you’re trying to assist them in health choices. You are doing an amazing thing and I was truly moved while reading this. If more people were like you, America would be a healthy nation, rather than one of the top unhealthy. I am a rower and since I have found your blog, blogilates is a big part of my everyday routine and has made me a stronger rower. I truly appreciate what you do for us viewers. You are a true inspiration and a role model for me, my friends, and teens everywhere. I hope more people start to understand what you’re trying to do here. You’ve made me enjoy working out and getting in shape. I can never thank you enough.
Thank you so much for everything you do!
xoxoxo
1. Childhood obesity is a real problem, there is no denying that. 2. If some people disagree with the author it does not mean we’re hating on her. We just have different views and have the right to express them. Nothing wrong with that. 3. Calling other people “too dumb to understand” is ugly and disrespectful. We’re having a discussion here so let’s allow each other to express our opinions in a civilized way.
It’s our human duty to help them. Imagine if the entire world shared your viewpoint; we’d all be dead by now. As you said, her family DESIRES to lose weight and become healthy. We want to help them achieve this goal that THEY want. The way they eat is their choice, but they dont know the other options out there. We need to show them healthy food that is also delicious (something they’ve never been exposed to before). THEY DON’T KNOW THAT FOOD CAN BE HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS. IT’S OUR JOB TO EXPOSE THEM TO THIS. Then it is up to them to follow through.
Well, this is simply condescending.
If I watched my family slowly kill themselves with their diet, happy or not, I would hope to death someone would interfere. They’ll probably keep it up for the show, but no matter how hard it’d be to give up I’d want that for them.
Sure, it would be great if they decided to be consistent with their diet, lose weight, eat healthy and sought help for that. But, in the long run, we cannot make people do what they don’t want to do. And we definitely cannot do this by preaching and condescending. Anyway, Honey Boo Boo is just a show, we have no idea what goes on in that family in real life, so I’d like to leave them alone. Childhood obesity and obesity in general is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed but this is simply not a very productive way to do it.
How is making the issue known to people not productive? Sure, some of comments are pure garbage. But some if it is very interesting and thought provoking.
Btw, I had an ED too. I agree with you when you said that a person can’t change unless they’re willing to. That’s 100000000000000000% true
hey cassey! PLEASE READ THIS! this post made me cray .. but in a good way! so i used to be overweight and obese … i had the same though as the honey boo boo: “i don’t care to be fat, i’m happy eating” .. but a year ago i was diagnosed with insulin resistance.. that mean that i have a pre diabetes… i started to take medication to control my sugar in blood and i started a new diet.. it was a huuuge challenge… i’m not going to lie.. but i made it! i made it and a big part of that was because of u! i used to hate sports, run or ant relating things… but u make me love sports and to be healthy! thank u thank u thank u!
Your passion shows in your writing. Preach!
P.S. I am also looking for an organization to give free ballet lessons (and eventually Pilates, too! Starting my training in February) to kids and really adults who might benefit from them. I’m sure you’re going to get a ton of comments but when you have a moment I’d love to hear how you found yours!
Have a wonderful day 🙂
Cassey you are my role model! Since i started doing your workouts i saw real changes in my life, my body, my humor, everything! You keep me motivated and i’ve never felt the way i do now. I used to be self conscious about my body but thanks to you i now feel comfortable and i can finally say i love myself. Thank you for everything! You are the best trainer in the world and such an inspiration. Much love from Peru.
I don’t think this blog post was necessary. Too many people out there like to troll and unfortunatly you allowed yourself to be a victim of their idiocy. I don’t doubt the mean words hurt you – they were supposed to.
Your true friends and fans don’t think you are any of those things. You are not as successful as you are because people honestly think you’re superficial.
What you did was state facts. The facts were that the family in questioin are overweight due to an unhealthy lifestyle. It is not your fault that we live in a society that feels every fact should be sugar coated and fudged just a little bit so that nobody can cry “racisim”,”prejudice”, or who knows what else. People are creative – there is always going to be something mean and nasty to say to someone who will listen to it.
Keep being awesome, Cassey! Don’t give the trolls anymore reason to feel they can continue to attack you. What you do for thousands – if not millions – of people is amazing. I’ve seen the results of what working alongside you at home can do. You’re good at what you do and not at all a cacomorphobic monster.
Hi Cassey.
I appreciate all you do for people. I think you are right, some people just don’t know that they don’t know. My cousin is living with me and whenever he is trusty he has the choice to go for a bottle of water but he decides to drink a soda because it tastes better, it has gas, it has also water. He says so, I hardly see him drinking water. But soda actually makes you more thirsty, for example… Coke, it does help to quit the thirst but minutes later you would be thirsty again. So you keep drinking it.
Another day in my dad super market, I saw a lady buying ice cream, chips and more ice cream to feed her … I told her: why don’t you better pick some babyfood, this has to much unhealthy things.
And she just turned around, paid and walk away. I mean, the baby need some real food!
My aunt says that a soda called ‘Fresca’, which has this grapefruit kind of flavor, is good because it has grapefruit but she just doesn’t know about all the artificial flavoring and all that.
I hate when I go to restaurants and choose a salad, they all start like: why don’t you eat some thing else? Are you trying to get skinner? Why would you even eat this!
And I’m just like: because is healthier people!
And when I go to McDonalds with my family. I prefer not to eat because its all processed and yucky! They tell me to get a salad from McDonalds but they think its fresh made. It’s already stated that their salads have even more calories than the burgers. There’s no way I eat that!
You cassey really helped me. One year ago (and I mean 2011) I was in risk of overweight, it wasn’t a high risk so I didn’t care about it. Later, I knew about your channel and it made me want to start better life. I mean, I have almost always eat fruit and all that but I also ate ice cream and chocolate and soda almost everyday. It’s not that good, so know I see a chocolate or ice cream, I turn my face away.
I want to help my cousin to eat healthier. I want to help his wife because she is pregnant and the baby need sunlight and some walking from her mother but no matter how much we insist (me, my sister. My mom and dad) she would just stay in her dark room, lights out and watching gossip girl or vampire diaries. Eating way to little and forgetting she has to eat for two people.
I can’t tell you cassey how much YOU have impacted my whole life. Doing pilates is know part of my day routine. And whenever I don’t do them I feel guilty. I have some day without done or some skipped workouts that I am trying to finish during weekends.
I love all you are doing for us and for society. Keep doing that.
Love from Costa Rica. 🙂
Hey Cassey!
You are such an inspiration and so positive! I agree with everything you said in your last post and this one as well. Thanks for having such a positive outlook on life! Your quote “train insane or remain the same” stays in my head all the time 🙂 I believe that we should teach people of the choices they can take (I.e. fast food vs. no fast food) and let them make the choice! Please post more because I love reading your posts!
Hi Cassey! I think it’s wonderful you’re helping people realize how important being healthy is. You help so many people, so don’t even worry about people who leave nasty comments. We love you 🙂
Glad you wrote this followup post. It seems more you. While all of your points in the previous post were valid, that post just seemed kind of negative and uncharacteristic of you. I do have to say that I myself was beyond upset when June made her two daughters engage in a raw collard greens eating contest to the point where one of the daughters threw up. Its sad because the daughter loved olard greeens and after binging on them to the point of nausea, she probably wont eat them again for a very long time….one of the only healthy and whole foods the family sees, all because June didnt want to cook collard greens so “that was her out.” I dont know how much of the show is real or scripted, but i hope that was scripted :(. All in all, you had great points in your last post but your delivery could have been more “Cassefyied” 🙂
I think it’s absolutely amazing what you’re doing Cass!! I couldn’t agree more, the family on Honey Boo Boo NEED health education, and it’s so sad to see that they possibly won’t get it. Your videos and your blog posts are the reason I lost 12 pounds last year (still losing) and I was 16 at the time, now 17. Was I overweight? No. Did I look overweight? No. But was I healthy, or fit? Not at all. I had too many YOLO meals and wasn’t thinking of what I was putting into my body. But by reading your posts and watching your videos, I became healthy AND fit. I can now proudly say I’m 124 pounds, which is perfect and still healthy for my height. I run, I spin, I do yoga, I do pilates, I lift weights, etc. Bottom line, I got educated. And it’s because of people like you. That’s when it hit me that this stuff you teach your followers and subscribers should be taught in our school systems. Had I known this long ago, i wouldn’t have let my body get to such an unhealthy state. My point is, don’t stop what you’re doing because a few people aren’t thankful for the work you put in, because there’s so many of us Popsters who ARE grateful. Thank you Cass 🙂
Thank you Cassey for voicing your opinion. I hope people start to listen to your cause and that it can spread to everyone. I really wish the ignorant people in this world start listening because it is hurting many across the country and it hurts to see it. I have a very healthy lifestyle and by leading by example my family has started to change. I love reading your blogs, it keeps me motivated out of swim season to stay fit and in shape! Thanks again for sticking to your guns!!
Cassey, I just want to tell you that I totally support and understand you. What you are doing is great and you are a rolemodel for me in so many ways! Not only fitness but also healthy eating and now even standing up for others. And if some comments on here were mean or even meant to hurt you, I am really sorry that those people do not understand you and your motivations, because I truly believe that you do everything you do do out of love for other people. You care and that is what makes you a wonderful and lovely and absolutely worthy person! Thank you!
Cassey, you weren’t out of line at all! I just want to make that clear. The media makes fun of Honey BOO BOO and her family all the time, but they never put out any good suggestions that could help them; instead they mock them and make SNL skits to mock them. I in no way thought that you were mocking them or being to harsh; you were speaking the cold hard truth, and everyone was thinking what you said. I myself can get carried away and write from my heart instead of my brain, but that just means you care deeply about this little girl and her family’s health. Never be ahsamed to speak your mind; that is why we live in America! I applaud you! NEver stop fighting to make our beautiful country even more beautiful by toning people’s butts in shape. Keep on keeping on!
Hey Cassey! I read your last post and this post fully and I never got the impression that you were being anything other than concerned and supportive. I NEVER read anything that I viewed as negative, fat shaming, etc. I’ve never seen the show besides snippets here and there, so I to was appalled when you talked about the Thanksgiving episode. I can see why it affected you so deeply and you felt compelled to write about it. You can never make everyone happy. There will always be those that find fault in what you do, but congrats on sticking to your convictions. You are an amazing inspiration to me and thousands of others. You introduced me to burpees and love/hate you for that and will always be eternally grateful!! Thanks for watching out for us, pushing us to do our best, encouraging us to never give up, and blessing us with your knowledge! Blogilates for LIFE!!
xoxo
Cassey, the world is lucky to have you 🙂 Keep doing what you’re doing! <3
Cassey, I think everything you’re doing is wonderful, and I love how you’re raising awareness to an issue that most people seem to glance over. I feel like people don’t take obesity rates seriously, the way our society bashes health food and glorifies unhealthy food, it’s just wrong. And it’s nice to know that there are fitness experts out there who are well aware of this issue. I’m an aspiring personal trainer (I’m 17) and I just wanted to say that you inspire me to no end, and without your blog and your workouts and YOU, I’d have minimal guidance in my fitness journey and my healthy lifestyle. I love you Cassey, and thank you so much for everything you do. <3 Don't let the negative words stop you.
Hey Cassey!
I normally don’t make comments on blog posts, but I figured this would be the right time to. I fully appreciate your passion for health, fitness, and bettering the lives of others. With that being said, your posts about Honey Boo Boo definitely resonated with me for only positive reasons.
As a child my mother and father fed me all the wrong types of food. Butter on broccoli, butter on corn, butter in the potatoes, McDonald’s when there was no time, etc. I don’t say this to put my parents down, it was just how THEY were raised. They learned from what they saw their parents doing and figured that it was the best for their children too. My parents don’t know much about nutrition and I never thought they were doing anything wrong. However, I became overweight, sad, insecure, and hated my body. I dealt with health issues that children (I was around 11 when I started seeing a doctor for these things and I’m 20 now) shouldn’t have to deal with: high blood pressure, being tired all the time, and all the negative aspects that come with being obese.
I reached 300 pounds and I moved away to college to get a degree and hopefully better myself. Now that I was away from home I COULD cook for myself, workout, and LEARN about food. I now have almost lost 130 pounds from EDUCATING myself, just like you said in your posts about Honey Boo Boo and your family in Vietnam. The reason I’m commenting is because your words are doing more good than harm. Obesity is not only a physical epidemic, it’s an emotional one.
I seriously hope people read your blog posts and see that you only want people to live healthier lifestyles so they can love their family even longer. Of course Honey Boo Boo’s mother and father give their children the love they deserve, but I know if they knew that they would die because of they food they’re consuming, they’d change the path they are on.
Thank you for your inspirational words, Cassey. I really appreciate all that you do.
As someone who has been obese all of my life nothing she said was offensive. It made me re-evalute my eating. People are being offensive to her when she wants to and has helped.
Cassey, you’re an amazing person with a very big heart. I love how you’re so caring and kind. =)
I applaud your insight. It hurts all of us when people are obese. Our medical costs go up as a result even though we are healthy or in my case on the road to being healthier. As a country we don’t like prevention. We don’t realize “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The only thing that I didn’t like about the original post is about the Biggest Loser. I think that show is awful. I would like your insight into that show. Thanks for all you do!
Dear Cassey
I am sorry for the hurtful comments that you have been receiving! Anyone who has been following you for more than a day should know that you are a nice person! Thank you for your workouts, they make me feel so good!
Love from Denmark
I had tears in my eyes while reading this. You are such an amazing person Cassey and you fight for such an important cause! You are the last person who deserves hate You are such an inspiration to me and hundreds of thousands of others all over the world, and you deserve to be acknowledged as the fantastic woman you are! You are beautiful and just fenomenal to me, Thank you for being such an amazing role model <3
Lots of love from Norway.
(PS, just throwing an idea out here: You should make a mini TV series on nutrition and exercise, that should also become a part of physical education in schools, that way, children who don't get the proper knowledge taught to them by their parents, might realize what needs to be done in their home and start making healthy choices! It might be going way over our heads, but If you get in touch with influential nutritionists that are well known, and schoolboards, it might actually be possible, and I think it would help a great deal.)
I am obese. I follow you because I know you care about me. I do my best to work out to your videos, I cannot keep up with you, but I don’t feel “less” when I have to modify an exercise, because you encourage me to do so. You don’t push me too hard, but you tell me that I am doing a good job and that you are proud of me for hanging in there and making an effort to change. Throughout my life, fatty foods have been used to pacify me when I have been upset or stressed. I was never thin or athletic as a child. I remember having a third pork chop and finishing off the mashed potatoes when I was in elementary school. Bread and butter–plenty of butter–were always included with meals back then. My mom got a clue a while later, and we began to eat a bit healthier, but I had already developed wrong thinking about food. And periodically I have been able to focus on exercise and healthy eating, but without a support system of some sort, it is really tough for me.
I am 45 years old. In a few months, I will graduate from college with my degrees in elementary and special education, and I want to be able to tell my students what healthy eating and an active lifestyle change have done for me. I have joint pain. I have GERD and a hiatal hernia that are aggravated by many foods. I have high blood pressure, and although I am not yet diagnosed with diabetes, I am at an extremely high risk for it, as most of my family are diabetic. IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR ME. And it is time to choose something better!
Cassie, I have never, ever, enjoyed working out with a bikini model before. When I hurt, I begin to feel self-conscious and then I give up because it is all-around unpleasant. But with you, I feel like I have someone who really cares for me, pulling for me to make it–to really succeed. Sometimes we voice our true feelings and people take those things personally. But you have a calling to help those of us who need help. And because you are doing that, I have hope.
Wow, this is so encouraging and inspiring! I’m rooting for you, as I’m sure the rest of the popster community is, too!
I grew up the same way…and I completely agree with Barbara. You are so positive and inspiring in your videos. I, too, would feel self-conscious during workouts until found your videos. They make me feel like you are right in my room talking to me and I usually talk back to you while I work out. You give off such a positive, fun and encouraging vibe during your videos. I don’t feel “shamed” or less than you when I do your videos…I feel stronger and better about myself. I usually have not felt that way after workout videos but yours inspire, push and motivate me. <3
way to go Barbara! as you said: it’s not too late, and you’re certainly on the right track.
i’m sending positive energy over your way so you can keep up that good (but tough) work, you got this! 🙂
xoxo
Cassey, I applaud how you continuously want everyone to be as healthy as possible, and respect you for having the courage and honesty to write both your first and last post. I’m sorry some people took it so badly, but you’ll always have those people, and I’m sorry they didn’t take the time to see your side and reaction the way you did! We need health advocates like you to speak up! Keep being awesome 🙂
Cassey I totally understood where you were coming from. I also have that burning desire to share something so great like healthy living in order to help people. Don’t let the negative comments get to you, you stood for your opinion and that’s what’s important. You’re a human being, and you make mistakes and sometimes humans say things that other people aren’t always going to agree with. I think everyone reading or taking a part in this discussion must care about healthy living, even one bit. I think I can’t only be speaking for myself when I say, I love eating healthy and working out because it gives me energy and when I say it makes me feel amazing, I mean it. In addition, that passion for healthy living is sometimes contagious, and I have had friends and people say that I’ve made an impact on their life through my example. It feels great to know that I’ve helped people. That being said, I think your intentions were simply coming from a place of love. In the midst of all that however, came frustration. It is actually frustrating to see someone slowly killing themselves with the food they eat, and not even realizing it. Look, I’m not saying that what you said in the first post necessarily represent your loving intent. BUT, if you didn’t care or love at all, you wouldn’t even be sitting here making videos for free for all of us, or even be writing this follow-up post. While that post could have been found offensive, I think some people just failed to look at the truth. Have we not all at some point tried to influence someone on the greatness that is living healthily? That is what your whole mission is, and that is what you were trying to do in the Honey Boo Boo post. This isn’t even just about Honey Boo Boo anymore, it’s about the truth that is healthy living isn’t something a lot of people are even remotely aware of. People aren’t taught the importance of taking care of your body, not for physical reasons only but because you need to take care of it. You have one body, you can choose to take care of it or you can choose not to. Although, taking care of it is a LOT more worthwhile. I’ve noticed that the values of healthy living are so scarce in people’s heads that when I would eat healthy or refuse a cookie because I honestly didn’t want it, people would say “why won’t you eat it? Are you on a diet? You don’t need it, you’re already skinny”. It’s so sad that when people eat healthy, other people think there’s something wrong. That is so SO sad that people view it as some kind of foreign concept, and that people look at it as something that is done for only aesthetic purposes. Cassey, I am so glad that I’ve found you because you have helped me a lot, and I want to say thank you. You aren’t perfect, no one is. But just keep standing for what you believe in and I promise you that everything will be alright in the end.
Hannah,
Thanks for writing this! I get really frustrated when I’m trying to eat healthy and i’m out with a bunch of people and they’re unsupportive, telling me “It won’t hurt..” When this happens, I feel like I’m not understood. My friend was buying snickers cuz there was a two for one deal so she asked if I wanted the other. I said okay and before I could even open it she said “And you can’t only eat half of it!” That really upset me.
Cassie! I didn’t know people were giving you crap for your last post. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your last post and I don’t think you said anything wrong
Cassey, I am so glad that you wrote this.
There will always be critics, but just know there are so many more people that support you. What you said in your last post was not over the line at all. When I was a kid, all the way up into preteens, I ate in a similar way that the family in Honey Boo Boo eats. Sugar and butter on all the vegetables, jellied cranberries, fried foods. I was a chubby kid, never so big that my doctors worried, but chubby enough to make me self conscious and by the time I was fifteen, resort to bad eating habits such as not eating, or throwing up foods I knew were bad for me.
Last year I was tired of the extremes of bad health habits, I decided to start working out, and eating better, but I was (as you said) uneducated. I educated myself through you. Your blogs, your work outs, last summer I felt better than I ever did. I would run for 25-30 minutes a day, do pilates for 30 minutes a day, and I found I had so much energy I never wanted to stop moving. I was always doing one of your challenges, or just dancing around. sometimes while watching tv instead of sitting on my butt, I’d run in place or just be hopping around. Not only that but I started changing the way my family eats.
At first I just cooked for myself, but as the year went on, I encouraged my mom to help me grow a garden, with squash, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli and cantaloupe. I started doing the grocery shopping and actually found that fresh vegetables and fruits were cheaper than most things at the store, certainly more cheap than a thing of oreos. I started cooking for the whole family. Leaving the salt, sugar, and butter out of it. Every week I’d cook a Sunday dinner, that would include one YOLO desert, mostly just sorbet or fruit salad, but they never seemed to notice the difference. Your blog and videos (workout or vlogs) didn’t only change my life, but also helped me change family and their attitude towards food. I’ve even started to create healthy versions of their favorite foods, like burritos, or sloppy joes.
Now, I have a baby on the way, and ever since I found out I was pregnant, my mindset has been, eat healthy now, start this kid as early as you can, I’m a student of psychology and research has shown that the foods the mother eats while the child is in gestation will likely be the kind of foods the child wants as it grows up. That knowledge helps me choose a couple of carrot sticks over a cupcake, however sometimes the cravings get very strong, and I don’t deprive myself of YOLO foods, I just don’t eat them every time a craving comes along. If the craving can be killed by carrot sticks dipped in a little peanut butter, then why go for a box of nutterbutters?
I have lived in the world that you’re describing, and I would never wish it on anyone else. And I stand behind you in your fight against obesity. I understand that being skinny does not make you healthy. That weight sometimes can lie to you, but I’m not talking fat or thin, I’m talking about putting good foods into your body, working out for at least 30 minutes daily, and loving the body you’re in.
I eat healthy, I still work out through my pregnancy, and I was still a little overweight prior to my pregnancy, but I didn’t care as much about how I looked, as much as I cared about how I felt. Energized and strong, not as many upset stomachs, more clear skin, healthier nails and hair. And all I really changed was my diet (water in place of soda, cauliflower in place of cookies), and I got up and exercised. A small price for feeling as good as I did. And you’re the one to thank for it all. So thank you, from me, my mom, and my husband, for helping us to educate ourselves, and for always being true to your purpose.
Cassey great post with great clear points. I 100%agree with you. It’s sad how people can’t see the problem in their own health. And if they can they need help! And that’s all your trying to do! Your an inspiration to me! Such a strong, beautiful, open minded girl that knows what she’s talking about! I’m 15 years old and have been doing your videos for a year now! They’re great! Thank you so much for being someone I can look up to! Not only for your fitness but also your own thoughts that I agree strongly with. Love you Cassey ill always be here through it all!
Hi Cassey! I’ve been doing your Pilates videos for a little over 2 months! I’ve lost 11 pounds. So thank you for your optimism. There’s no way that I could have EVER lost that weight or gotten a hold of my hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) the way that I have. I’ve always been a regular weight, but blood sugar problems run in the fam. I was destined to have it. But thanks to you, it isn’t destined to control me. I eat healthier, and I haven’t had any severe lows, shocks, or fainting episodes since! My ACT composite has gone up 2 points because I can focus more during the test. 🙂
Anyways, I’m one of your more quiet followers. I read all of your posts, I just don’t comment. You see, I believe that everyone is entitled to an opinion. I also believe that no one’s opinion is perfectly worded. Sure, there are some things you could have said differently in the first post. But the fact that you were willing to share your opinion with so many people…It’s truly remarkable. What’s even more remarkable is the fact that you were willing to clarify your opinion when that wasn’t ‘good enough’ for others. To me, that shows your dedication to your profession and your advocacy for healthy living. 🙂
I don’t think that you sounded hateful. I think that the people who were insinuating the hate, who were calling you names and insulting you- those are the haters. They aren’t bad people, they don’t have wrong opinions. They just decided to bring out their message through hate. And that, in my opinion, makes their entire argument invalid.
You said what you said out of love and passion for healthy living. Other people can get over it. They’re just jealous that you have the ability to change people’s lives, and that you do so. Don’t let them get to you. That’s all they’re trying to do.
Stay strong!
<3 <3
Cassey! I’ve been supporting you throughout, even since the first post of Honey Boo Boo. I personally haven’t seen the show, but have always had the same viewpoint as you. I am so sorry about your cousins, i hope they start a better lifestyle soon, and I understand how you don’t want people to make the same mistakes.
I am really glad that you actually stand up for your beliefs, and PLEASE do not get upset by the hate. Different people, different opinions, different views.
You’re YOU! embrace it 🙂 x
Love,
A friend and a dedicated Blogilates fan.
Hey Cassey! I’ve never commented before but I’ve been following your blog and Youtube videos for a while now. Your post is so right on and hits a little close to home since my fiance and I plan to have kids in the next few years, and our big priority is to start them off with a healthy lifestyle. We know in order to do that we have to be healthy ourselves which is even more crucial with a family history of diabetes and heart problems on both sides. Anyways, I just want to reiterate what so many other comments have said: you are an inspiration and a great motivator to advocate for health and fitness. Keep it up! On that note, reading this blog post gave me the extra motivational push I need to hit the gym today. 🙂
Cassey!
I think it’s sad that you had to even write this post. I understand that people took your last post the wrong way, but I don’t think they actual read what you were saying.
I 110% agree with you about Honey Boo Boo. That entire family is going to have SEVERE health issues, it might not even be in the far away future but rather in a few months or a couple of years.
I read some of the comments that were posted on the first post regarding this matter. One person stated that they don’t have the funds to buy proper nutritious food…. Honey Boo Boo and her family have a TV SHOW! So I can only imagine what kind of money they bring in for allowing cameras into their home. Instead of high fat, man made food they could be eating fresh salads and fruits but they don’t.
I have seen the show before as well. I saw the one where they had a family photoshoot and Honey Boo Boo’s mother stated that beauty in on the inside. I believe that is true, it is all about how YOU are and it will reflect what comes out of your eyes etc. I mean everyone is beautiful. But in this case I think she uses it as an excuse NOT to eat well, and NOT to change her life style.
I appreciate all of your words in this post, and I am so sorry that you had a negative backlash against you.
I love all of your videos, and you are helping me towards a better lifestyle – I appreciate you!
Much love! Keep doing what you’re doing – you’re amazing!
XOXO
I’m getting my Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics and I agree with everything you’re saying. Something we learn in our lifecycle class is the importance of teaching pregnant women about nutrition. First of all, because they will want to make the healthy lifestyle change for the baby, second, because it will carry over once the child is born into both their lives as well as the family’s lives if the mother is doing the cooking, etc. I learn so much about childhood obesity and all the complications these children have later on in life, and it’s sad because it’s very preventable.
I love you Cassey ! You’re right about this. It’s great to see people like you defending causes and fighting for their beliefs.
Much love ! Thank you for everything
xx
Cassey!
I’m so sorry people aren’t understanding youre trying to help them. i just wanted to let you know that i get it, and I appreciate everything you do. I share the same passion–perhaps not as intensely, since you’re so dedicated–to teach people to be healthy and happy. Im going to study to be an exercise physiologist. I wish more people could come to realize how much better your life can be if youre healthy. Keep spreading the word–eventually they’ll listen. And there’s a lot of us who are all already cheering you on.
Much love!
Loved both of your posts on the issue Cassey. I think you worded it beautifully and clearly!
Excellent followup, Cassey. I admire you standing by your opinion AND clarifying form those who took offense to the first post. You’ve handled this with admirable grace.
This comment will probably be lost within the vortex of the other hundreds of comments, but if by chance you do read this, I want you to know that this post was absolutely profound. As a personal trainer, I also am passionate about fitness and nutrition education, though I could never quite package my feelings about it into one concise reason as to why I cared so much. If you had only wrote, “If you saw someone hurting themselves, wouldn’t you step in to help?,” that would have been enough. You really hit the nail on the head with that simple question; I believe it can bring about great change if we ask enough people.
Your post also resonated with me, because I am currently writing my senior thesis on the potential legislation of nutrition in America in order to curb the growing obesity rate. I am analyzing how legislation regarding smoking came into place, and comparing that research with the current obesity situation. The two health epidemics actually have quite a bit in common, which goes back to your point about how unhealthy eating will hurt/kill you over time. One book I’m reading is called Food Politics by Marion Nestle; you may want to check it out if you have time.
This is the first blog comment I have ever made, which says a lot about the inspiring words in your post. Keep it up! I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
I completely agree with you! I didn’t read any of the comments from the last post you wrote and was surprised to find this post today that you had to defend yourself for what you said! First of all, you are right…these type of shows Are what we Are showing america and giving kids the impression it’s ok to eat/act like that. Second of all, this is your blog, you have the right to speak your mind without anybody being offended! I love your workouts and think your an awesome inspiration! Don’t let people get you down!!:):)
I totally agree 100% with everything you said in this, and your previous post. That family needs some help and it’s very unfair to that little girl. Losing weight/being in good shape isn’t just about looks, it’s about your physical health!
Cassey, I just want you to know that you totally rock. You’re brave and amazing for voicing your opinion on a touchy subject AND dealing with the backlash. A true inspiration. Thank you for being you.
Love you bunches,
Kaitlyn
I never leave comments on blogs, but your passion is inspiring. I also feel so strongly about the need for more education in this country.
Keep it up girl
Bravo Cassey ! I fully support you and what you do !
I want to be a nutritionist so I completely understand your point of view and your “duty” 🙂
Hey Cassie !
I think you’re living bad times right now. A lot of people are very angry at you. But you have to think that a lot of people understand totally what you meant too !! I didn’t feel spite or hate at any second when I read your last post. You just shared with us your shock, your pain for this family, and I so understand that. You tried to stand up for their health, their body and their minds.
People want you to be the perfect pilates robot teacher who smiles all the time and never have a negative opinion. but you’re human like us all and you have the right to be shocked and the take position on many subjects ! Just so you know, I’m with you Cassey, don’t let them hurt you ! You’re amazing, because you give the power, the faith, the confidence to people, like me and my friends ! You didn’t want to be mean, and for me you didn’t sound like it either. Maybe some of them leave the boat, but thousands of people stay with you and love you !
Love you Cassey, keep going !!
Sorry, but I saw NOTHING unacceptable about the first post and am really surprised a huge stink was apparently made out of it.
To clarify people, pounds of butter being put on food IS GROSS. But not a judgemental gross- it’s gross for your BODY. Have you seen dried up fat / butter ? Like if you leave it out the next day? It’s sticky and heavy and gross. That’s the stuff that goes in your body. There’s no sugar coating the fact that in excess it can kill you and clog your arteries.
And aside from the fat – think of all the high fructose corn syrup! It’s seriously in EVERY can or box of food you buy. I have Crohn’s disease and you have NO IDEA how much healthier I am and how much better I can cope with the disease by eating clean and not putting obnoxious amounts of fat, processing, or corn products in my diet.
So the major lesson of the day: Obnoxious amounts of Fat + Processing consumed in your body = detrimental to health. It’s not an attack on people that choose to eat those things- it’s just facts. Honey Boo Boo’s diet sucks, it’s unfortunate she’s not educated on good nutrition, and it’s a shame her mom isn’t either. That’s that, so what’s the big debate? I jest don’t get it.
You tell em Cassey! Don’t listen to the haters cuz the ones that love you mean more. Some people just get mad when they hear the truth. Its really to bad…
LOVEEE YA.
It’s actually rather ridiculous that people gave you such a hard time over your honey boo boo article. I watch the show and while it is entertaining and all, when it comes down to their lifestyle and health choices, I am pretty disgusted. I have not spoken to one person who thinks their lifestyle is ‘normal’ or healthy, so I don’t know where all these haters are coming from. Sorry you had to deal with this, Cassey, you are such an amazing person! Xoxo
I understand what you’re saying. I do. But I can also see how some of the things you said could be taken as hurtful comments. I also think that education is needed in this area. My family and I would not have made the mistakes we made had we been properly educated. I am just now (almost an adult) learning how to feed my body. Thank you for being so passionate 🙂
Hi Cassey! I don’t really understand all this noise about Honey Boo Boo. I think you did great, when you wrote that first post. No one should get offended by the post but learn! I mean there are so many people who might want to take that next step and be healthier but they don’t know how. You wrote that, because you care! I want to thank you for all the hard work you’re doing! I’ve never been overweight but i did eat unhealthy and my energy levels were so down. Then I found your blog and I’ve never felt better. Be proud and keep on doing the hard work for better lifestyle!
I completely agree with both your posts. I’m so glad there are people like you who are willing to speak their mind AND help others!
I’m thin, but I definitely don’t eat very healthy. This school year I’ve been eating healthier and getting more exercise. Since I’m leaving for college next year, hopefully I can use it as an opportunity to make healthier choices!!!
Thank you for inspiring me!
LMAO at this “apology”
Hey Cassey!
So During lunch after you posted the earlier blog on Honey Boo Boo my friend and I started to talk. I loved your last post and felt that people needed to hear some of what you said. What I was sad about, and what my friend and I talked about was how its not the child’s fault. Parents should take some of the responsibility for their child’s unhealthy habits. That being said, eating healthy cost A LOT of money. My family (4) spends, not to brag but to show a fact, $600 on fresh, organic, nutrient filled foods that nourish your body and are clean eats! Families like Honey Boo Boo’s may not be able to afford that! But then again, they can afford sparkly little dresses and beauty pageants. My question to the parents is , “what really matters? Your daughters health, or pageants that won’t do anything to her but make her look at herself in the mirror and critique herself and other girls.”
Another thing, schools, are part to blame for the obesity and unhealthy eating of thousands of children! There are many ways in which schools can make their food healthier. I wouldn’t say stop serving the hamburgers, because that may be the only thing families can afford, but include a salad, or put in healthier snacks in the vending machines. My school has those healthy vending machines where all their is is all natural and organic food. Even not pasteurized or chemical induced apples! The problem is that eating healthy IS EXPENSIVE. It would be harder for public schools to establish healthy eating than private schools because private schools typically have more money to spend than public. But what I say is that do a fundraiser! Many parents would love seeing healthier foods in the school systems, and, although I am not an adult, I believe that parents wouldn’t mind giving some money to a school that would benefit their kids lifestyle. BUT, parents may not have money to give, so what do you do? This has been a topic that has been a controversy for a long time! But if parents cared, they wouldn’t mind skipping out on two or three pageants and using that $500 to go buy some healthy nutritious food and donate some to their school.
Thanks Cassey for you thoughtful and inspiring insight on this topic!~
XOXO McCall <3
Cassey Im so happy that you stood your ground on this topic. I have learned that when people lash out at you for telling the truth, its usually because they are hurting within themselves. People will often pick out things from what you said and turn it into an attack without looking at the intent behind the words. You obviously care about the well being of people. Your entire blog, twitter, youtube etc expresses that. For someone to think that you were bashing people who are obese and what not is a misjudgment of your character on their part. You really dont owe anyone ANY explanation. The fact that you gave one anyway, however lets me know once again that you care about people. This is not just a blog where you sit behind a computer and dnt do anything with your life, this is something you live out and practice, and for that I would like to say THANK YOU!!
Cassey, good for you! Keep on doing what you are doing. Sometimes the truth hurts, but people need to hear it.
The thing is..when that family signed up for the show they had to anticipate criticism. I think it is ridiculous that people are yelling at cassey and leaving the community over an opinion. Not just an opinion, but a very good and common opinion..about HONEY BOO BOO. Thats ridiculous. It was just a post to relate to us and entertain us while also relaying a positive message. Her JOB is to help people get healthy ad that was her point with that post..to help everyone on this site to realize that that should not be any ones life style. Everyone should be thanking her instead of all of the hate. Yes she criticized the people but so does almost everyone else in the world. At least she did it to help prove a point. She is concerned about the child..definitely not a “child hater”. Cassey is such a positive and happy girl why anyone would want to upset her or cause any problems in her life is beyond me..
Thank you Cassey! You are a true inspiration. Thank you for standing up for all of us advocating a healthier lifestyle. I do agree with you, in many cultures food = love and more food = more love. It’s a tough mindset to shift. It breaks my heart to see people eating the wrong foods without restraint. These are totally self-destructive patterns and they don’t want to hear about it. Proper education about proper nutrition is really what is most needed. Thank you again! We love you!
Yes! Cassey this is why I love you! I agreed with your last post too. You are such an inspiration! I’m trying to become a personal trainer and nutritionist myself, and I also feel strongly about childhood obesity. I love how passionate you are about it. Stand up for what you believe in! You’re such a motivation! 🙂
Hey Cassey,
Thank you so much for posting this. I love what you both in post and the last about eating healthy. My mother is Southern, so growing up meant fried bologna, steaks cooked in grease, butter on butter on butter. I am STILL recuperating my body and mind from the damage it has done and I am 30 years old! I haven’t lived with my family in over 12 years. It’s hard to get rid of the mental damage more than anything if that’s how you learn to eat. Families like honey boo boo’s NEED help, and they won’t know it until someone sits them down and explains that it’s not about vanity or fat shaming or anything like that, but it’s about health and taking pride in that. I am happily a mostly vegetarian and eat clean for all meals mostly. However it is hard to get past my past! I appreciate blogs like yours because you know people have in them to do, and you are positive and impactful. I love that I have found your blog! Super big hugs and high fives, Cassey.
I am so happy you did not let the mean comments take away your passion. If only everyone reacted to critic like you did: Listen, Think, Analyse and finally come to your own Conclusion.
Maybe your best post ever.
Hi Cassey. Thanks for the clarification. When I read your first post, I was really off put, not because of your underlying message, but how you wrote it. It felt very negative and out of character, so much that I was wondering if I should continue following you. I’m part of this community because it’s supportive. I don’t want to be lifted up by putting anyone down, no matter how much I disagree with their choices. I love how you reframed your argument, so that it’s positive and powerful. Your time and devotion to accessible health is incredible. Continue to speak from the heart.
Nm,
Your failure to understand Cassey the first time shows a wonderful misunderstanding on your part. Evidently, you have a need to advertise how much you are afriad to leave this community that has been supporting you physically and emotionally. It is truly unfortunate that you suffer from your own misperceptions. Good luck in the real world.
s6milerun,
I didn’t misunderstand Cassey, but you’ve misunderstood my post. I felt, (operative word: “felt”) that her initial post, especially its intro, was negative. I won’t bother to rhetorically analyze what she wrote, because enough people have done that in a very sloppy way. My point is that the real world is saturated with trolls, cyberbullies, negativism, and intolerance for different opinions. I am a part of this community because it’s been constructed as a positive, safe safe, that’s singularly focused on health–it IS escapism. There are many other “health” sites that spend too much time putting “fatties” down, and if I wanted to be a fatty hater, I would be following them instead. And if this site was going to go down that path for whatever reason, I, like many others, wouldn’t want to be a part of it. As I said before, I don’t want to be lifted up by putting other people down.
Think about all the new readers coming to her site, especially after receiving the JaNewary calendar from friends or those who have body image issues who feel afraid to participate in health living because they don’t fit the image. People make the decision to stay of leave a new site within seconds. It would a shame if people assumed that this was another hater site based on one post.
So it’s great that Cassey chose to take the time to reach out those she inadvertently alienated with a single post. It’s a shame that posters like you discourage her and others from engaging in meaningful dialogue. She has explicitly stated that she wanted to explain what didn’t come through in her last post and I am glad she did, because she can reach out to more people to spread the message of good health. GOOD WORK CASSEY!
♥
I’m really glad for your new post! Not that I felt offended or sth with the last one, but it’s really good to read that you didn’t step back from your opinion – because you’re right.
I’m not acquainted with the “american way” of life but I think here in Germany the discussion wouldn’t be that harsh – don’t know why tbh. Maybe we’re not that easily offended by talking about being obese…?
Furthermore I do thinkt hat you’re doing it right! You’re encouraging other people to be as inspiring and motivating like you’re and spread the word of healthy eating and exercising! Keep going, you’re stunning!
Thank you Cassey for your drive and motivation to spread the fitness and clean eating message to anyone who’s open to listening:) Don’t take negative comments by brooding trolls to heart – the truth usually hurts, and many don’t like to be confronted with the bare facts. Please keep continuing to do what you do best, inspiring and empowering the rest of us!! Lots of loooove <3
Cassey,
I think you are absolutely wonderful. The people who are saying such awful things, meh, for a lack of a better term, screw em! These people LIVE to put people down. They feel so awful about themselves that the only thing they can do is bring others down to make themselves feel better. And hiding behind the internet makes them feel empowered. It’s like the office B word who tears down other women. She doesn’t say it because it’s true, she says awful things because she has some deep seeded issues with herself. I think you are wonderful and I am so happy I came across your site! Your personality is beaming and it’s actually the reason why I have stuck to your videos. I think that people these days are sooooo easily offended over such trivial things. I read both articles and I found nothing wrong with either one of them. I see obese children waddling their way around and it disgusts me honestly. Not that they are fat but that the parents aren’t taking the right steps to ensure their children has a healthy lifestyle and a healthy future. My opinion is that obesity has already become an epidemic in this country because fast food is so easily accessible and people don’t know or were never taught how to take care of themselves. As for me, I am healthy and I am happy with my body. ( Thanks to your videos!)
I have for the most part maintained the same weight for years. But then, I acquired a desk job. Over a span of 6 years, I gained 20 pounds. Now to some, that might not be a big deal but I felt awful! I was so unhappy with how I looked and how I felt. I since have made the lifestyle change to lose the weight and become healthy. And Cassey, I have used your videos to help me do that! I think you’re wonderful. Thank you Cassey for being an inspiration to so many people. 🙂
This post had to be written. You have a reputation to uphold and money to make, so of course this was going to be posted.
That being said, I felt like you didn’t actually focus on the very rude things you said. The very hateful comments you used referring to the family. In fact, you only apologized that you alienated some of us, and explained that your post came off the wrong way. I think most of us understood your driving force behind writing the HBB post originally, but also recognized that you let yourself turn into a hateful bitch over it.
I think this apology was very generic, not really apologizing at all for the things you said.
For the time being, Cassey, I am removing myself from this community. I’m still angry, and that’s doing no one good. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you have learned from this.
She shouldn’t have to apologize for the things she said. Your response indicates that she’s not allowed to vocalize her opinion, but you’re allowed to vocalize your opinion of her being a bitch. Does that seem right to you?
That’s not what it is at all. I think it’s important that we all have our different views and perspectives- on everything! But when that view is expressed in ways that are hurtful to others and are not done in a respectful manner, then there is an issue. As I’ve said, if Cassey was going to keep some of her followers (who as I’ve said and will continue to say, help her earn that great salary she earns). She doesn’t want to ruin her reputation, so yes, she did have to.
I beg to differ from you. First off, there’s no reason as to why Cassey should be saying sorry. The truth hurts, not sometimes, but always. The reason you think she came off as a “b****” in the last post is probably because you knew it was the truth yet you didn’t want to accept it. Second, I hate how YouTubers are always put out as people who JUST want to make money. If you saw the tremendous amount of work it takes to be a YouTuber, you would not believe it. Honey Boo Boo is a character we all love to see due to her loving family and her personality. But do we love to see her in the unhealthy way she is? I know I want to see HBB grow up to be a successful individual and live a long life because she deserves to and that’s what Cassey hopes to see as well. That will only happen if she lives a healthy lifestyle. This is why Cassey put it out their to tell you that hey its okay if you’re struggling with weight or any other body concerns because even stars like HBB do too. But that’s not the end of the world for you. Everyone just like HBB deserves to change their life. TLC is not promoting health to the kids at all, if they did something to protect her and her family’s health, not only will she benefit from it but also the kids who watch the show will realize how important health is. If you still want to be ignorant about the truth, go ahead and don’t subscribe to Cassey. She has all of us here to support her. Love you Casey!
I can handle the truth, that’s not the issue here.
SO SICK of you who are saying those of us who disagree can’t handle the truth, are haters, we’re jealous. NO. We don’t like the way Cassey attacked this family.
Wow, this feels very offensive. Two wrongs don’t make a right. The only ‘hateful B!Xch’ is the person looking back at you in the mirror. You are right, you are not doing anyone any good. Good riddance!
Hi Megan. I also felt Cassey’s first post wasn’t supportive, and it’s good that you want to reclaim your calm by stepping away for a while. I’m choosing to keep my subscription because I think Cassey’s rebuttal was a good start, and in light of all the positive energy Cassey has put out there in the past, I’m willing to give the community another chance. I’m hoping that the Honey Boo Boo affair is only a misstep, and not a trend.
Good, leave the community because your comments are toxic!
Honey boo boo and her family are vile repulsive pigs. Yeah come at me bro
the whole point of the post was to CLARIFY what she meant, or did not mean, by the words she said in her last post. NOT to take back what she said, because it is an important issue that need to be addressed.
she even stated “I am not going to fight back at every attack that was made or explain what I meant in every sentence I wrote. Rather, I am going to take this opportunity to tell you what didn’t come through in the last post. ”
for example, many people THOUGHT she was calling Honey Boo Boo and her family “disgusting”, which is UNTRUE.. “Let me make that clear. HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY ARE LOVING PEOPLE. Now, let me make THIS clear. HONEY BOO BOO AND HER FAMILY NEED HELP IN LIVING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES.”
and although this is a business, it is CLEAR that Cassey does NOT do what she does for the money! she is truly passionate about her work and about helping others live a healthy, fit lifestyle!
i can tell this post was extremely well thought out by Cassey. and i appreciate all the time she has put in to thinking, discussing and writing it! she really just wants everyone to understand how important and detrimental poor eating habits are/can become.
anyway, Cassey, THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing this post!!! I think it was very well stated, and planned out. and I hope many people understand where you are coming from and see that you are really just trying to make a change in the world! <3 🙂
Megan you are over reacting. She did address everything with proof and good points. If you can’t handle the truth , about overweight obese children and adults, then you need to educate yourself of it before ever coming back to this community. Feeding your children a bowl full of corn with 2 cups of butter on it, yeah I feel like that’s a problem. If you put it on national tv , your eating habits, your exercise habits (a.k.a. None) then your automatically letting everyone into your ‘business’ so it is Casseys business it is mine and it is yours too. Just I think your leaving a really great community for a really odd reason.
She didn’t address the fact that her choice of words was hurtful and inappropriate. Again, this has nothing to do with “not being able to handle the truth”, that is every person here who agrees with Cassey’s argument against those of us who don’t. We’re not necessarily angry at her driving force, but for the way which she handled it.
No, feeding your children terrible food is not healthy and does not promote healthy habits throughout out. Enabling a child to eat food that is harmful to their health is not the proper way to show them that you love and care for them, nor is allowing a television show to be made about a family good for their development. No matter what the show is.
From what the show actually broadcasts: Yes, the family could possibly practice better nutrition and begin to exercise. The family could also possibly work on their bad habits and integrate new habits. But to be downright mean about it is not the way to approach the subject, attacking does not create change.
Leaving the community is not because my views are different from Cassey’s, that doesn’t bother me at all. I’d be a very lonely person if that was the issue. It has to do with the way she handled both posts, and I can’t stand behind someone who doesn’t take all responsibility for what she did. “Look what Honey Boo Boo Started” no, Cassey started the problem. Not HBB.
Megan,
You should take into consideration of how GREAT a person Cassey is. I feel like a lot of people who got upset are still looking for something to be mad about.Nothing she said was to be an insult, and she even apologized. She said nothing but honest and heartfelt things, she really couldn’t have been more kind.
I can’t see Cassey as being a great person when she’s said these things. She wasn’t honest or heartfelt, she was still blaming us! She really couldn’t have been more fake.
she doesn’t need to apologize for what she said, she needed to clarify for some people. What she said was not wrong, it just needed to be more clear. You can remove yourself from this community. But you are removing yourself from love, support, and for a stupid reason.
Buh BYE!
This is CASSIES blog. She is allowed to post her own opinion. You have no right to say what she can or cannot say. She does so much to help unhealthy people, its her life. So when you sit here and bash something that she has made her life effort why dont you go find another hobby. seriously. The way these people live their lives and eat is unhealthy and thats what she was saying. And you making the comment about Cassie having to make money or whatever…this is her passion first and job second. Look into her blog before you become a jerk!
Cassie you are such a strong,beautiful, and inspirational person! Please keep it up!!
I’ve been a faithful follower of Cassey for a very very long time, so don’t try acting like you know more than I do. I loved the person I thought Cassey was, not who she really is. And yes, it is her job. That’s why she has to keep people happy by apologizing. Less subscribers=less $$$$.
Clearly, being part of the POP community was a hobby, but she screwed that up.
Good job cassey, I know it must have taken a lot of strength to sit and analyze why people reacted the way they did instead of just saying they were all jealous or being mean, not that they had any right to say those things to you. I think you did a really good job getting across your point and you get tons of bonus points in my book for caring enough to not only write one post but two just to try and soothe ruffled feathers. I know you must get a lot of hate since you write and live in and around a very sensitive topic to a lot of people. people who can tend to lash out, and I just want to say keep on doing what your doing.
Cassie, you’re fine! Your posts are always full of information, and yes, love. I am overweight and struggle daily between old habits and the need to embrace change. I have found nothing wrong with your taking a stand to shake people up for portraying in the public eye (and therefore, advocating) a lifestyle thats going to impact not only their own health, but their children, friends, family and all others lives to simply not progress.
What makes all of this so ridiculous to me, is the promotion through these dang television channels to allow these people to walk about loud and proud, and portraying life in the USA as a reflection of themselves. I can say this because as a gal from NJ who now lives in Canada, people will measure me, at first glance, by what they know of life in the US, from knowing of shows like, Jersey Shore, Honey Boo, etc. I can’t say that I blame them, because there are too many shows like this on the tube these days, and its time to put a stop to it.
Hang in there, and keep doing what you’re best at….inspiring all of us.
Much love, maureen
You really are a badass Cassey. Love you.
Well done! you are awesome and you inspire me to try harder to take better care of myself
I didn’t comment on the last honey boo boo post, but the only problem i had with it was that you didn’t take into account that they might not know better and they seem to be pretty poor. In the US it is cheaper to buy junk food then it is to buy healthy food. I know working as a grocery cashier in Canada that it is easier to price match and coupon with foods that are bad for you as opposed to fruits and vegtables. I think that you shouldn’t have directed the post at Honey boo boos mother but rather at the TLC for not helping the family with their nutrition, instead just video taping. A lot of families may think and cook exactly like her, and TLC just further promotes those bad eating habits.
Cassey’s whole point was that the family didn’t know better and she wanted to educate them as well as others. Maybe go re-read the post and that will show. (I am saying that in a kind way.) 🙂
Education on nutrition doesn’t exactly help when they don’t pay for more then what they need. All the money they make from the TV show goes into trust funds for their kids and grandkid.
They get paid about $50,000 per episode… you really think they can’t afford healthier food :)?
Actually it’s between 2,000-4,000 per episode – which would be about 40,000 (max) for a 10-episode season. Which is the average salary of an Office Manager in Georgia.
Actually, according to a couple different articles, it looks like they about $6k per episode, but after the second season started, their salary was increased to between $15k-$20k per episode.
http://hollywoodlife.com/2012/10/01/honey-boo-boo-pay-raise-tlc-salary-more-money/
I hope that with that salary, they can afford to eat healthy 🙂
Actually – TLC gave them a large raise in October 2012. They get paid 20,000 per episode. I agree with Laura! They have the money to buy healthy food, but they are making wrong choices. They just need to be properly educated on what they are ingesting.
I read an article in October 2012 saying that they started on approximately $2000 for each family member (more than most families earn) but they’re now up to $15000 – $20000 per family member.
Beautifully written Cassey, so motivational. It is so hard to watch things like poor eating choices and the impact on health. Xoxo
Casey you’re an inspiration! Way to stand your ground in an eloquent way. I never doubted you, but I’m proud of you for this! 🙂 much love to you. Thank you for sharing your love with us, even among dissent and negativity.
I understood on your last post and I understood on this post. I wrote a college paper this last semester proposing that the government should educate people better and ban commercials that advertise unhealthy foods; especially ones targeted to children. Just like smoking commercials are banned. My professor disagreed because he thought people are individually responsible for their choices. I feel very strong that the food industry is in this to make money, not to provide food as fuel. I also feel strongly that history is repeating itself. Right now we are fighting the same battle as the cigarette battle. Everyone used to smoke, women, kids, teachers. No one knew it was bad for you. People put up a fight when others wanted it banned. Now smoking commercials are banned and their are rules involved. I feel the same for processed foods and sodas, etc. Its a money maker and people are falling for it.
Love you Cassey, I trust you. I know you have great intentions and just like a friend I will have your back, because I know you have mine. Keep up the great work!
-Jessica
Three words: THANK YOU CASSEY!!
Nice Cassey! I don’t usually respond to your posts, but the Honey Boo Boo thing hits close to home for me too. Growing up, my maternal grandmother watched my little brother and me every day in the summer so my parents could work. Food is how she knew to show love too. I’m talking fried eggs, whole pounds of bacon, biscuits and extra gravy for two kids ages 3 & 6.
My grandma had TONS of health complications ranging from high blood pressure to heart disease, all stemming from her weight and eating habits. And now, my mom, brother and i are all struggling to get to healthy weights and live healthy lives so we don’t suffer the same way she did. My mom says almost every day that she wishes she would have had someone to teach her about foods and nutrition before she had kids.But she didn’t, and here we are.
I’m afraid for that little girl too! And i think we NEED more people like you, dedicating themselves to making sure others have a way to learn about keeping themselves and their families healthy! I love your blog and what you do. I’ve lost ten pounds since following your blog and I’ve learned all kinds of yummy and healthy recipes! Keep doing what you’re doing and voicing your opinion. People are only negative when the truth isn’t something they want to hear.
Get it girl!
Cassey-
While not everyone understood where you were coming from, you WERE SO RIGHT!
As someone who works with kids everyday, it’s SOOOO important that we teach kids to value healthy living. We’re role models for children and we teach them to value: education, honesty, hard-work, integrity, caring for others… so it’s important that we teach them to value healthy living as well. It can be near IMPOSSIBLE to break those habits once kids get older so it’s important to instill those values NOW.
Denying that child obesity isn’t a common problem or an important problem is almost denying the truth. GO TO A PARK, GROCERY STORE, MALL OR SCHOOL. Kids these days aren’t living super healthy. And it’s sad for the kids not just because it can affect their self-esteem but because imagine being a kid who can’t play tag or a kid who constantly has to poke themselves with a needle; TOUGH LIFE FOR A KID.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE… if you value healthy living or exercise and teaching it to kids. VOLUNTEER. Find a school, Boys & Girls Club, or other local youth-serving nonprofit and come teach fitness classes, play a game of dodge ball or run a healthy cooking club. Together we can create positive change 🙂
Just wanted to say that you shouldn’t let any of those negative comments get to you! You do such an amazing job of educating, inspiring and motivating people to lead healthier lives. Of course you should stand up for what you believe in! Life is too short not to be passionate and try to help other people- because that is what you do: you help others in a positive way! Whenever I’m feeling lazy or need something to do, I go onto youtube and start doing one of your workouts and I IMMEDIATELY feel happier and more positive. When the workout gets tough (and it always does 😉 you encourage us and smile through it, which always motivates me to push through! I’ve always found fitness enjoyable but for me, you really do make working out even more fun! I always look forward to your new videos and I LOVE your healthy recipes (esp the banana pancakes!) You are an amazing teacher and you will always have students who will want to learn from you! All I can say is keep doing what your doing and infecting others with your passion and positivity!!! You have already changed so many peoples lives for the better and we love you!!!
Everyone has the right to an opinion. What you think and say about Honey Boo Boo and her mom are correct. What other people need to understand is you are educated to the MAX about health and fitness and all you want to do is help! You care about people that are unhealthy and that are killing themselves slowly. Whether you have family that is unhealthy or not you still know that living an unhealthy lifestyle is not safe. You do your job for a reason, because you care about everyone’s health. I think what you said is so true and I respect that. Hopefully everyone else will to! 🙂 You go Cassey!!! I respect what you do not only because it helps me be healthier but you enjoy doing it!
Everyday I look forward to your positive, beautiful energy to boost me up to reach my health goals….you can’t please everyone….be true to yourself…your heart…. you are healing people through empowerment…shine bright and know contrast equals growth. Some times people are not ready to face the truth…but they will see your light when they open there eyes……… much love
Fantastic post, Cassey! It was incredibly well written – clear, concise, and strong. The time and effort you put into this really shows. Hopefully the people who had such a problem with the first post will read this one and better understand your aim for the other. Debates can be very good things (not when the debating – for OR against – includes abusive language), they highlight problems that really need to be talked about. This is definitely an issue that needs to be dealt with, and I’m so glad that you’re able to participate in the Clinton Foundation’s activities. Have a great time!
And, as always, thank you so much for all you’ve done for us 🙂
Well said… Glad there was a follow up post
Cassey, thank you! for standing up for what you believe, not letting haters slow you down, and to keep pushing forward! You didn’t deserve ANY negative comments you got. You are such a hard-worker and you have such a great heart. <3
GREAT post! I didn’t read your original post to be offensive and I think it’s pretty sad that a few people attacked you the way they did for it. Obesity and childhood obesity is a sensitive subject, but it IS a huge problem and it needs to be addressed! Our general population is SO terribly unhealthy. We are the first generation that we are not expected to outlive out parents. One in three American children is either overweight or obese. 60% of us are overweight. It’s causing all sorts of health problems and we cannot continue to keep turning a blind eye to it.
THANK YOU for posting about this, the only way to raise awareness for something like this is to turn light on the issue, even though it makes people uncomfortable. Change isn’t easy. And I didn’t see anything you wrote as an attack on anyone. Keep doing what you’re doing – if it convinces ONE person to change their habits, it’s worth it.
I get what you mean about passing from generation, and it’s sad. When I was younger my mum put bigger portions on my plate and when I turned thirteen and got into secondary school, I realized I was bigger and I didn’t like what i saw in the mirror. I was determined to change and it started from there, eating cleaner, smaller portions and exercise. it has been hard work and I have lost weight over the years and I found your channel and I got more strength and determination tog get rid of the fat. i have seen so many changes for the better. Thank you! I don’t blame my mum I suppose I blame what happened to her and how she was taught about nutrition. But you have sent a clear message out about what your message was. Well done!
Thank you Cassey for being so brave to say what we are all thinking! You are so inspiring and I completely agree with what you have said. I wish these people wouldn’t write these negative comments, you don’t deserve it.
Cassey, I completely supported that Honey Boo Boo post. I did not see it in any way, shape, or form as trying to shame them or being a “fat-phobic”. You were simply just pointing out an unhealthy life style and trying to use it as an example for what people should not do. I feel like you tried to convey that you understand their life is their decision and you respect ther choices. That post made an impact on me, but in a very positive way. I really hope people would understand that every one has different views on things so they might take offense or something of that nature. I think it was a very good post because you pointed out the fact that they glorified unhealthy living, and that’s not something that’s okay to do because many people watch that show. I hope you are confident in that post still because it was a very good one and you spoke yourk mind on something.
GREAT post! GREAT message! We love you Cassey, and if people don’t like what you have to say on YOUR blog/website they don’t have to look at it. <3 They're probably just in denial about their own health and well being. For a lot of people eating like this has become their addiction, their disorder, and when confronted with an addiction many addicts lash back. This isn't about "fat shaming" or "body shaming" this is about HEALTH and LIFE/LIVING. If people can't grasp this concept it is a true shame. <3
Wow, people are hypocrites, they have a go at you for apparently “name calling” by calling you names and throwing insults at you -.- cause that makes sense 🙂
To the people saying “you shouldn’t judge people” … if you are saying you have never judged anyone then you’re LYING, it’s human nature to judge people on appearances and at some point in our lives we have all looked at someone without knowing them and judged them, FACT.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with promoting a healthy lifestyle and caring about people enough to have a passionate rant, the truth hurts and a lot of people can’t handle it, so they lash out and get defensive.
Anyhow Cassie you’re awesome just the way you are don’t let anyone tell you otherwise ;D
Love You Cheeky! 🙂
xox
Casse
I LOVE YOU!!!! seriously though Cassie, I really support you and you’re the best trainer I’ve ever had!!
Yes!
Food and weight can be such a sensitive issue for people that they react without taking a second thought, and on the Internet is so easy to just bash and insult.
I know what you mean, I have family too with obesity problems and the worst part is that they don’t want to listen when you try to tell them and teach them a better way. Now my cousin too suffers from obesity and depression, fortunately she does want to change and is changing her diet with the help of a nutricionist. Sometimes no matter how many degrees and years of education you have, you still don’t know what’s good or bad for your own body. I’m thankfull there’s people like you to advocate for this and help us all understand what is best for us.
And what I love the most is that you always make me smile and convince me that I can do your workouts and have a healthier life.
Here’s something I wanted to say about the initial post, but couldn’t wrap my tongue around at the time:
I’ve been studying and taking Opera lessons for the past ten years, and have been in several shows, reviews, solo performances, and other showcases. I’ve also taught voice lessons on-and-off throughout the years. So when I hear an untrained vocalist claim to be a good Opera singer, it makes me cringe a little bit. It’s easy to say “You’re a bad singer, you should just stop”. But that’s wrong. It’s my duty as a trained singer and teacher to (gently) approach the misinformed and help them see what they could do to be better singers. Simply telling someone that they can’t sing, especially if the person loves what they do, is a crushing blow that could have devastating, long-term affects.
What I’m trying to say is that Cassey lives her life in pursuit of health and longevity, and by doing her online workouts and her in-person classes, she’s showing that she wants the same for the rest of the world. If she didn’t care, she could just think “You’re fat. You should just go away”. When in her career has she ever said “You’re fat”? All she ever promotes is “If you don’t feel good about yourself, here are the tools you need to achieve your goals!”, and she promotes them with enthusiasm and cheer at all times. Healthy living is her business, literally. So when she sees someone who is living unhealthily, she has every right to approach them and say “If you’re interested, here’s a different way to live that might make you feel better.”
You don’t tell a slower student that they’re stupid. You don’t tell an aspiring actress that they can’t act. You don’t tell a heavier person that they’re heavy. You think they don’t already know that they’re having a difficult time? It’s people like Cassey that we need more of. Someone who cares enough to point someone struggling in the right direction, to extend a helping hand. People are so quick to take offense nowadays that they often mistake helpfulness and caring for nosiness and judgement. You don’t have to accept the helping hand, but you shouldn’t criticize those that offer it.
Very well said 🙂
Exactly!
Hit the nail right on the head! Great reply 🙂
Amen!
Cassie- awesome post- I’ve never commented before but have been following for a while and I figure you deserve more of your fans writing comments than the trolls 🙂 I really admire your positive and honest outlook and your workouts are killer- you are such an inspiring person!! I completely agree with you on this post, only I might not have been so nice haha- that tv show is so gross- glamorizing obesity, ignorance and superficiality over anything else. ANYWAY just wanted to give you my support- but also- if you read this- I would be rally interested in seeing you do an article on the biggest loser. On one hand I love the show because it motivates ME to go workout and does show people that they can make healthy lifestyle choices and exercise no matter their age or weight. On the other hand- I can’t imagine losing weight that fast in that manner- with so much pressure is a good or healthy thing. Just wondering your thoughts from the fitness/health standpoint. Thank you for all you do!!
Cassie, I think your next song should be Bust a Move because people should always take a stand for their passions. I think it should be a cardio workout…
Oh Cassey you have no idea how much I love you. Not only for doing this but being so sincere and actually trying to help people. I feel bad because of all the abuse you got from the earlier post but you know what? You go girl! Keep up the good and important work. There’s not many people as brave as you in this world. We definitely need more people like you and doing your videos, writing this blog, giving us tips for healthier eating and lifestyle are gonna make more people into similar to you. You are a saint for doing what you do!
Cassie, your next workout song should be Bust a Move because we all need to make a move and take a stand on our passions. I’m thinking cardio….
Hey Cassey! I love you for writng this. First of all- it’s no secret that they are overweight and unhealthy, that actually plays a big factor in why they are so famous. Most people sit at home and make fun of their lifestyles, and then they slam you online for speaking up about the dangers of obesity. And, like you said, it doesn’t have anything to do with their weight, it’s a health concern. And the saddest part is that Ana just had a baby a few months ago, and she’ll be brought up eating food that has been slathered in butter and sugar as well.
This is why you’re my favorite blogger. I love that you really respect your readers’ opinions and acknowledge them in a thoughtful and reflective manner. Major kudos. I really agree with your stance, by the way. You’re right that obesity is a disease that NEEDS to be addressed. We can’t be silent about this issue just because commenting on the weight of other’s is considered taboo. In the US, more people die of obesity than hunger each year.
There are people in my family who eat like they Honey Boo-Boo family, and I used to as well. It wasn’t until I was almost heavy enough to be considered obese that I decided to try doing something about it, and now that I’ve lost almost 60lbs and my BMI is around 19-20, my family makes fun of me, says I’m “too skinny” and “anorexic” and tries to feed me junk whenever I see them. There is this culture in my family (and possibly some of you have lived with this too) where being an obese weight is considered “ideal” and “beautiful” and that being lean and athletic is seen as “scrawny” and “disgusting”. I see my family less now because they constantly harass me about it; the only one who has bothered to ask me for any advice about food and health is my older sister. She had her gallbladder removed a year ago and she’s always trying to find new foods that are mild enough for her to digest. Her problems began because she gained weight rapidly after she began working in her career field and ate mostly fast food because she was busy, and her body couldn’t handle it. I do worry about the health of my family, and I think some form of real health education is in order. Many members of my family do suffer health ailments, and I really see my 54 year-old mother as having only 5-10 years left by the way she treats her body and neglects to visit a doctor. People all around the country and the world need help. I want to help my family but I don’t know what I can do. Help!
I didn’t comment on the other post but I’m glad you cleared it up. I just think you need to be careful because a lot of young girls do look up to you and I do think you body shame in some of your posts. Xo
I would have to agree with this comment. I know you don’t ‘body shame’ intentionally, but it sometimes comes across like that- like in the previous post. But this post, you talk about knowledge and knowing about whats healthy or not. So with that, I liked that you cleared that up… Okay, this is kinda not related, but I have a question. If we (I) can’t afford the healthier option, what do we (I) eat? I watched mszjackiechu on youtube and she said get your finances in order first because it gets expensive. I am not obese or overweight by any means and I know what’s healthy or not.
Cassie, you are a courageous person and hero who fights for mankind to be a collective success. It is so obvious that you are a wonderful role model and leader. Don’t lose sleep over those who get in the way of your good cause to lead people towards a wholesome lifestyle. Normally I don’t post comments, but I wanted to step in to remind you to keep up your fighter spirit and generosity of heart. Thank you very much for working so hard -too hard-for all of us.
Hi Cassey – All I can say is: 2nd Amendment Rights.
Freedom of speech people. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and it shouldn’t have to be a debate every time you post something. You don’t have to like anyone or anything and should feel free enough to talk about it. While your readers do have the same rights to voice their opinions, you shouldn’t have you “re-post” what you actually meant.
Your an inspiration to all of us and I think you should keep on with your bad self! Yes, I just said that. Lol. Thanks for all you do for us. Don’t ever stop being the true you for anyone lady!
I think you mean 1st amendment. The 2nd amendment is the right to bear arms. But yes, freedom of speech! You rock, Cassey! I appreciate seeing women actually stand up for what they believe and I think you are providing an amazing example!
Aw, someone beat me to it, lol. Sorry for the redundancy below.
2nd amendment is the right to bear arms- first is freedom of speech 🙂
The second amendment is the right to bear arms.
Just a minor correction: it’s the First Amendment that gives us the right to free speech. The Second Amendment gives us the right to bear arms. 🙂 I read your first sentence and I was like “Whoa! Where is she going with this??” Then I read on, and it made more sense. 🙂
I agree with your post all the same, though.
1st amendment, genius. -_-
I am on the petite side, although I’m not nearly in as awesome shape as you are (!!), and I find this happening to me as well. I know many overweight women who are always talking about wanting to lose weight or live healthier, but then I see them eating enough calories in one meal from McDonald’s that you should eat in a whole day. Yet I can’t say anything, because I’m skinny and “just don’t understand.” I can’t say anything about helping people live healthier because then I just seem like I’m being callous, which is what some people must have thought you were saying. There is such a taboo against helping “fat” people find a healthier lifestyle, yet I hear comments all the time directed at me saying “Why don’t you eat a cheeseburger!” or the like. Someone close to me even insinuated that I had an eating disorder in front of a large group of people, which made me want to crawl under a rock and cry. Why is it okay for people to say harsh things to thinner, healthier women, but yet we all are in denial about obesity? I believe that everyone should love themselves, but I also don’t see anything wrong with someone like you, a FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, trying to help people find the best and healthiest person they can be. And some people aren’t interested in that help, and that’s okay too. But you shouldn’t be attacked for your post, and I feel horribly that people could easily say such hurtful things to you.
Cassey, I think you’re amazing! I’ll continue to support you no matter what because I know you truly love and care about the Blogilates community!
“Like”! 🙂
Cassie you never deserved any negativity at all. Child obesity hurts me too because I was obese as a child. My highest weight was 165 when I was 4’10. Today I am a kickboxing instructor who weighs 115 and is 5’0. I remember the hurt and being made fun of. I remember doctors always being scared for me. They blamed my mother even though she’s extremely healthy. Usually I don’t blame the parents too much because they do not have complete control over what the kid eats. For example, my mother would constantly try to get me to eat healthy and I would go behind her back and eat candy bars and sodas. But I do blame honey boo boos mother for her overweight children because she is constantly showing them sugar and butter. It sickens me because of my own past health problems. But today I am happy and proud to say that I lost 50 lbs. hopefully that family will choose the healthy path too
There should be a “like” button for this blog 😀
Heck yes, Cassey! This, and the original Honey Boo Boo post, are brilliant, and one hundred percent true. People who are accusing you of being a judgmental pig, a child hater, etc., are completely in the wrong. This is your business, because, as you pointed out, it literally is your business! Also, if people are doing the wrong thing, there is no reason you shouldn’t call them out on it. Being blunt, but honest, is better than avoiding telling someone they are killing themselves.
Good for you Cassey for standing up for what you believe!
Childhood obesity and obesity in general is a serious health issue, and as someone who watched as their grandmother wasted away from heart failure and diabetes, it’s refreshing to see you speaking out so strongly on a subject that most people consider a lifestyle choice more than the disease it is! Never stop fighting for what you believe (I doubt you will); rocking the boat is better and reaching out to help someone is always better than just staying silent to avoid conflict.
You go girl!!!!
“If none of us stood up for what we believe in and tried to right a wrong, wow how stagnant would this world be.”
Brilliantly put Cassey – and you are 100% right! People like you, with your passion are what CHANGES this world! Not people who “mind their own business”
“Well behaved women rarely make history” 🙂
Well said Ms. Cassey! Ceep on with your good work!
You rock 🙂
I’ve never posted a response to any of your blog posts, but the nerve of people criticizing you for talking about a very real problem fired me right up. There’s one thing I wanted to point out that I haven’t seen anyone mention…
Because this is a “reality” show and not actual reality, the producers need Honey Boo Boo and her family to do ridiculous, contrived things in order to keep their viewers interested. It is possible, I suppose, that the family truly eats this way when America is watching, but more likely than not, they do these ludicrous things for ratings. This is troublesome for 2 reasons. 1. She’s setting an example of what’s “ok” for other American families. 2. She’s selling out her family. And while she may use the money to create funds for her children to go to college (this is also debatable), she’s doing so by damaging her child. Honey Boo Boo is not old enough to separate a tv persona from a personality. Her mother is carving out in her daughter a personality that is attention-starved and ignorant to health. Honey Boo Boo is not going to realize that when the cameras are off, you should stop acting a certain way and start eating your veggies. This is becoming engrained in her.
If her mother truly isn’t educated in health and really does feed her children this way, someone should call social services. That’s not an exaggeration. This is a form of child neglect or even abuse! There is a way to get easy information on health! For those people who say “maybe they can’t afford healthy food,” this is simply a lie we have been told by our society. Certain cultures, Indian and Chinese, for example, sustain themselves on rice, veggies and beans…very nutricious and very easy! we are fooled into think junk food is cheap, but it’s not! A box of mac and cheese costs a dollar, and so does a bag of carrots. There are ways to be healthy without spending a lot of money. To eat the AMOUNT they do and still be healthy would be expensive…but they shouldnt be eating that amount anyway. If they have the money to compete in beauty pageants and buy dresses and makeup, etc., they are not poor. When you are truly poor, you cannot afford to have a basement full of supplies that you bought from coupons. You live paycheck to paycheck.
Anyone defending Honey Boo Boo’s family needs a serious wake up call.
I loved this post and I even agreed with the last one. The truth definitly hurts and it seems that people are extremely overly sensitive when it comes to topics like this. Why? You can’t deny the truth and I guess people just don’t like to hear it. Well I thought this was well thought out and I’m glad you spoke out and stood your ground. Keep your head up Casey and keep being you because you’re helping more people than you’ll eer know!
If no one hates you, you’re not doing your job.
I believe there are some factors that aren’t addressed here. The lower one’s socioeconomic status is, the harder it is to eat healthy. You can get a whole meal for $3 at McDonalds, and that meal is not going to be healthy. A garden salad is now on the dollar menu, but you can’t eat a salad for every meal. I think our education should start focusing on families who can’t afford the types of healthy meals often touted by health advocates. We should be educating people on how to eat healthy with the food budget they currently have. Because a lot of times, those who have little money look at all these suggestions for healthy meals, go to the store, see how much things cost, and give up. I think that would be a lot more effective than what we’re currently doing, though we should continue that too.
That’s not a criticism of you though. That’s just one of the things I think we need.
That said, I’m obese, granted I have PCOS, so it’s a little more complicated than healthy eating. I didn’t say that to argue with your post. I just wanted to say that even as someone who is technically unhealthy, nothing about either of your posts was offensive. In fact, I saw both posts as extremely caring. You saw a family you desperately wanted to help, and you did the only thing you could and put those feelings into words. There’s nothing wrong with that, and no one should tell you there is.
If no one hates you, you’re not doing your job
All I can say is that I am so thankful for you caring and going out of your way teaching all these people how to become healthy and motivating them, and spending days and hours working to make us better people. I’m 15 and I rarely leave my house due to anxiety problems and over the passed few years I’ve turned into mush, I’ve become so out of shape, losing breath from just standing up, not sleeping properly, having so many problems, but I decided I wanted to change and you and your videos have helped so much, it’s not even what’s on the outside, it’s being healthy on the inside atleast at first. I went from eating my depression away, to being happier and not stuffing my face with junk every half hour. I don’t get the chance to workout every single day but eating healthy and occasionally doing exercises from your channel has made me feel better. Your motivation is what so many people need when they aren’t strong enough to force themself into working out and getting their heart beat fast and losing weight versus giving up after the first sit up and just drinking a glass of pop, eating some chips, and watching a tv show because they don’t have the strength to keep going and they’re bored. Why so many people got upset about the post is probably because it hits them on a more personal level, and a lot of people are ashamed or denying the fact that they are out of shape, or dont really know. because they don’t know how to change. And it’s not really a topic that alot of people are confronted with rather then them just thinking about it to themselves.
Well said cassey!! I’m glad you stood up for your opinion and didn’t back down from what you believe in. No matter what you say or how you say it there are always going to be some people who get offended so dont let it get you down!! Love you cassey!!<3
I read both posts and I didn’t see anything negative about what Cassey wrote. In fact she stated nothing but the truth. I’m pretty sure every fitness instructor or health advocate feels the same way she does or cares the same way she does. Why?! because it’s their JOB to inform people about healthy living and to point out what isn’t good health. & I’m sorry to say but Honey Boo Boo and her family are far from HEALTHY! Funny thing is this isn’t the first post I have seen about Honey Boo Boo and the way the family feeds her. I have come across plenty of other sites who happen to have a post about the show and what they thought about it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, whether it’s good or bad. But after reading all those posts about Honey Boo Boo the message they all were trying to point out is that the family is living an unhealthy lifestyle and that’s what it comes down to! I don’t feel as though Cassey was judging, or would I even say she was shaming fat people. To me she simply was pointing out the obvious. People get so emotional and offensive and then feel a need to try to put down Cassey negatively because deep down they know she is right but don’t want to accept the reality of the situation. I don’t care if the family doesn’t know any better or if that was the way they were raised. Its killing them. And someone needs to step in and inform this family about it. It could potentially save their lives! I would hate to see Honey Boo Boo’s mother have a heart attack or stroke and leave her motherless over something that could have been prevented. Something the family could have simply made a change in. & Unfortunately in this situation that change won’t come until something life threatening happens. That is the way most people change. So until then we will continue to see the family gushing down pounds of butter/sugar/ketchup/mayo etc until they see for themselves that it’s unhealthy. I’m not judging the show or the family they seem like good people. I applaud Cassey for her passion in health and being able to help so many people in making better lifestyle changes.
i didn’t reply to the last honey boo boo post. but i’m glad you were also forced to have to write this post. it’s true — i’m not the picture perfect image of health, but i sitll try my best to eat healthy, with a splurge every now and then. But for the most part I try to eat the best I can. A girl i work with, she’s seriously overweight and she knows it. and she’s tried weight watchers MANY times, and she never sees it through. but i’ve always been commending her every time she tries to start again, tries to eat better, when she tells me she’s lost 3 pounds, even 1 pound, i high five her. Because I so badly want to see her get healthy. yet she keeps failing, but i’m gonna keep rooting her on because i know she can do it, she has to do it, if not for her health, but for her kid’s!
What is a “YOLO meal”?
I suspect it’s the type of meal I’m having more often than I should, lol. 😉
You Only Live Once meal
You Only Live Once! So it means enjoy a meal once in a while that is exactly what you want to eat – calories, fat, etc. aside… and ENJOY IT!!
YOLO means “You Only Live Once.”
I commented on Instagram & was less than (for better words) happy about your previous post. I think what started out as unbiased post turned into something much more personal for you. Its your opinion, like we all have ours. I have followed you, devoted hours & hours to working out & now have my entire family & all of my friends thinking I have a disorder. They say I’m anorexic (my dad), that I’ve developed an unhealthy relationship w/food, that my skinny little body could blow away in the wind….maybe their right. My sister did some vids w/me & thought you were a bit obsessed w/skinny, w/thigh gaps, w/outer beauty….the bikini competitions didn’t help much in convincing them otherwise. I am a 35yr old mother who at 5’5″ weighs 111lbs. Because of YOU, I drag myself to run 3-5 miles a few times a week, because of YOU, I do pilates like its a religious habit, because of you, I’ve changed my entire life….for better or worse. Maybe I feel like I have to compete w/all the young, tight-skinned “Casseys” of the world, when I SHOULD be doing it for me…idk…I think you are body-obsessed & put a VERY STRONG emphasis on outer beauty….I had to get that off my chest.
About food. I recently had facial surgery & lost almost ALL my molars. I can now only eat soups, mashed potatoes & soft foods….I’m DYING!!! Not b/c of pain, but because I can’t eat candy, chips, all the things I love (I personally have never eaten fruit other than apples & watermellon…Its a texture thing-I CANNOT stand mushy foods, ie: bananas, peaches, etc., I gag when I’ve tried. Same thing w/a lot of your meal prep options-hello vomit). So my whole life foods been my enemy-NOT b/c of a disorder, but b/c I just don’t LIKE it. Maybe Honey Boo Boo’s family is like me-maybe they just DON’T LIKE all that healthy stuff. I will say in your defense, I have crippling rheumatoid arthritis that I developed at 8yrs old b/c I wouldn’t eat fruits & veggies (I grew up on a self-sustaining 40 acre farm where we had gardens, our own chickens, cattle for meat, etc., ALL ORGANIC). I hated that food then, still do today. Now, I take fist-fulls of vitamins & pain meds just to be able to walk. I now have a son who at 7yrs old, takes after my picky ways & is very, very skinny-just like his mama. I give him processed foods b/c if I were to give him a pear or carrots, he’d starve!!! What about people like us, those of us who have very unhealthy eating habits, but otherwise take good care of ourselves? You mentioned the car analogy- I take GREAT care of the body, the fuel just isn’t the top-of-the-line premium gas YOU put in your tank. What you would tell/critisize me on, quite frankly, scares me. I have many (not-so-nice) things I wanted to say, but your opinion is just that….YOURS. Just like mine is mine. I will end in saying, you can’t judge a book by its cover….so stop judging & start accepting not everyone WANTS to exercise 7hrs a day, not everyone wants to eat tofu & kale, not everyone wants to weigh 100lbs. We live in America “land of the FREE”. If someone chooses a different lifestyle than you & your cronies, its OK. You can’t expect EVERYONE to be just like you (would you really want that)?
I don’t know where to start. I think that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, and with your body. Cassey’s aim is for everyone to be the healthiest that they can be, not to follow her workouts and push themselves into the realm of unhealthy. I think that you need to get some help, if not for your sake, then for the sake of your son. There are ways to get your nutrition and health on track. Also, Rheumatiod Arthritis is not caused by poor nutrition. From the University of Maryland Medical Center website, the causes of RA: “The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis is most likely triggered by a combination of factors, including an abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility, and some environmental or biologic trigger, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes.” I have Crohn’s Disease, a sister disease to RA, and grew up eating a variety – healthy and unhealthy foods in moderation. Please get some help so that your son can grow up healthy, and so you can be there to see your grandchildren grow up. I wish you all the best.
What a sad post. I think you need help. Maybe start by realising that these are your problems that you need to address, and stop projecting them onto people like Cassey.
LOL
Great job standing up for your position, Cass! I agree 100% with what you’ve said. No matter what you do and where you go in life, PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS GET OFFENDED. Even if you do your very best to word things, there is a type of person who takes things the way he/she wants to take it and will slam you down for it (name-calling was just uncalled for on their part). Don’t give up! The world needs caring and proactive people like you! Obesity is a difficult topic to discuss without being misinterpreted as making fun of or judging the people who are the subject, but it really is the most preventable disease-causing factor in the human body and I’m glad you said something about it in regard to the TV phenomenon, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. We can laugh all we want at the humor, but at the end of the day, I do feel sorry for the yes, loving family, however, one with malnourished members. Thank you again.
This is a great post too. People need to know how
They live effects their family. My dad is 500 lbs or
More so he use to tell me if I was gaining weight tell
Me I was too fat while sitting in his chair and eating cookies
Dipped in chocolate pudding at night. My mom either
Ate nothing ever and weighed 90 lbs or ate nothing
But chips and lasagna or what you am call it which
In our family is canned spaghetti hamburger cheese
Hot sauce by Ortega and sourcream there is also onion and lettuce
But it’s not healthy. For “fruit” we had juice or canned fruit cocktail
Or like a canned fruit with cool whip. Really people have no idea
When they think people enjoy living like that. Honestly it awful. School is awful
You get picked on and cry everyday. You don’t feel beautiful or happy. Everytime
You look at the scale you cry and go eat something
Because you don’t know what else to do. Or starve yourself on 300 calories a day
And exercise 3 times a day for 3 hours each. I also use to make myself puke. I cried and
Cried and finally I found this page after 20 years of crying
And hurting myself. I use to tell my dad I like myself the
Way I am but the truth is no one like that is happy. I couldn’t look in
Mirrors and I didn’t want to take pictures and finally I have a
Healthy diet and workout program. Thank you so much cassey for
Saving my life :), Everytime I say I love you I mean it.
Everytime I stand up for you I mean it :). You are the 3 best thing in
My life after my husband and baby. Lol. Please be happy all
The time. You deserve it.
Cassey, I just wanted to say thank you. You inspire me to be healthier and exercise more. I love how you care about others so much and it just proves how passionate you are. Just remember there going to be rude comments and I just wanna tell you that you are one of the few people that know how to handle comments like that and thats fantastic. I love you cassey! You are the best fitness instructor ever!
Hey Cassey!
First off, let me say you are a million times nicer than I am! Second, I love, love, love that you took a step back, looked at the situation from both angles, and still came out with the same conclusion! Too many times in life do people get harsh feedback, and end up being pressured into falling against their beliefs and passion in order to not offend anyone. I’m so super proud you’re standing you’re ground and doing what you know and love! You’re intentions are clearly 100% good, and you rock for sticking to it! When people get angry about something, they assume that being offended gives them a right either to say nasty things about another person or to completely invalidate someone else’s opinion. When i get angry about something, it usually means that the criticism touched a nerve and i need to step back and look at it. I agree almost completely with you, up to the point where you excuse honey boo boo’s family from accountability. People lack in accountability, especially about their health and weight. When someone is obese, or unhealthy even, becoming healthy for them is full of excuses. Or they commit to becoming healthy, but don’t do the work. 99% of the time when you get to an unhealthy place in your life, it’s YOUR fault. Yep! Let the hating begin! But hey, YOU are the only person who can let themselvesget that way. And when it comes right down to it, her mother KNOWS how she should be feeding her children. In everyone we have a sense of natural knowing, it’s what tells you that the chicken you just bit into isn’t good, it’s what tells you which food you ate that made you sick. As a stage mom, her mother knows what healthy eating looks like, she sees it in all of the competition. On top of that, her family has a TLC show, they can afford to improve their healthy eating. they have access to television and books, they can read about nutrition. I am positive that there have been countless efforts from good people who have wanted to teach them nutrition or get them active because of that tv show. The only thing that’s lacking from them is the accountability. Accountability is different from blame, this is where many people get upset. They need to be accountable for themselves, and their life choices. On top of that, we as people of a health community need to not rob them of the chance to be accountable and honest. By stating that they may be uneducated about nutrition, we’re giving them a way to make a million more excuses. This is what it comes down to. They know what proper nutrition is, i am positive about this. You have to live under a rock and then still be unconscious to not listen to your body and know that the reason you wake up feeling tired, unmotivated, and sick, is because of the food you eat. They also have access to getting more educated about proper nutrition. They have the means, almost EVERYONE has the means, to purchase, or grow, or get access to healthier foods. We just do. It all comes down to their willingness to be honest, and accountable for what they’re doing. It comes down to them CARING about themselves, or their families. I so love your Passion, and i understand that as an instructor with a large following, you would not want to push the issue too much, for the risk of becoming ‘unlikeable’ or offending anyone. But hopefully in your less public life, you, and everyone for that matter, can respect people enough to hold them to a higher standard for their higher selves and allow them to take accountability for their actions.
Now i’ll prepare myself for the shitstorm! Ha!
You go girl! Love ya!
Cassey, you have no idea how much I wanna give you a hug right now. I actually thought that your first post was completely right, couldn’t see why anybody could get offended, but with this post… wao. YOU ARE AWESOME! I completely agree on everything you see. People like you make this world a better place. And yeah, if everybody that is somewhat interested in health would help (or try to help) somebody that maybe isn’t that educated into it, we could really make a dent in this problem! <3
I am new to your blog and have enjoyed reading it. Although I did not read the comments to your first Honey Boo Boo post, I read through this one, including the comments, with interest. I was surprised to read that you had been heavily criticized for your first post since your post was directed towards characters on a TV show…..and yes they are characters. “Reality” or not, they are paid to say and do outlandish things. People would not tune in if there were not something to then talk about and yes, criticize. Just like you feel passionate about wanting to help people who are, in your words, killing themselves with their choices in nutrition, I have an inclination to criticize people who fill their mind space with trash TV. My new year’s resolution is to be less critical….I keep trying. I come to your blog by choice, and enjoy your take on the world. You are not knocking on my door handing me a pamphlet on healthy living. You obviously hit a nerve, and that is a good thing. Good writing makes people think, and discuss. Don’t apologize for posting your thoughts, on your blog, that is read by people who are there by choice. There is a difference between healthy debate and nastiness……kind of like a “reality” TV show and say….the nightly news. 🙂
Well said Cassey!! <3
Cassey,
You are awesome. I think you definitely hit the nail on the head with this post. I know I didn’t find anything remotely offensive about your last post. You were/are speaking the truth and that’s hard to hear. When someone speaks the truth, controversy arises. When Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address for human equality, it sparked anger enough to fuel the Civil War. When Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech, he was shot for it. These two men were speaking for what they believed in, and what they believed went against what everybody else thought. Obesity is rampant in America. You are fighting to change that, so it was only natural that you received some backlash for what you said. HOWEVER, you did not deserve the extreme negativity that some people gave you. You were coming from a place of love and honesty, and I’m not sure how some couldn’t see that. You are a wonderfully sweet person, and all of us POPsters love you! Keep fighting the fight to make America a better, healthier place! We’ll be right here with you <3
Cassey,
I was appalled by how many people threw YOU under the bus for that last post. Some people cannot be mature enough without using really harsh words and sayings to make you feel bad. And maybe some of those people eat as bad or worse than Honey Boo Boo & her family, so it hit home for them. Either way, you brought this matter to attention just as it needed to be. I love the show and think it really is something else. They’re all sweet and innocent and an extremely loving family that still appears to do everything together. However, when it comes to them eating, it really makes me sick. Like Honey Boo Boo saying that eating mayonnaise straight tasted like vanilla ice cream…and eating it straight out of the tub. I feel that is exactly why all of them eat so poorly is because they don’t know not to. And we have ALL been there at some point in time I feel like. It just takes one person to change things for everyone. I still have trouble eating clean, so I am not pointing fingers at them. I have just realized it is about making better decisions. I have learned about carbs, calories, fat, etc through the Internet and talking to others, and duh watching your videos. I tried to start out this process before by cutting out everything and just eating what was on one of your diet plans. For me, that was extremely hard to follow because I felt like a smoker craving nicotine. Now, instead of craving pasta when we go to Olive Garden, I can’t get enough of the salad! Through people like you, you help others make better decisions to create a healthier lifestyle. You were never being mean about the family. You simply stated they need some sort of lifestyle change that will be unfamiliar to them. It all has to start somewhere! You are such an amazing instructor and motivator. You are a genuine person that makes working out fun. Seriously I can’t help but laugh ad smile during your workouts because you aren’t trying to be some perfect person that can go in and do 2048202 reps and not get sore. You definitely have helped me and clearly hundreds of thousands of others into being healthier. Thanks for everything, Cassey!
Never ever change because the popsters love you!
Alexis
The reason obesity has become everyone’s problem is that everyone pays into healthcare and obese people are now costing us billions of dollars annually in health services related to their obesity. For anyone making the comparison to smoking, THAT is the difference. Smokers pay higher healthcare premiums because it is accepted that they have a much higher risk of hospitalization and disease. Unless I’m mistaken, obese people do not do this. Also, one in three adult Americans is obese. I don’t know the exact number of smokers, but in my personal experience, one in three people does not smoke regularly. It is a much more common problem.
To say that other people’s unhealthy lifestyles are “none of our business” is to bury your head in the sand. We have become too sensitive to hurting other people’s feelings by saying they should lose weight, and we are literally paying for it. So not only is obesity an issue because I don’t want my friends (a couple of whom are obese and it is absolutely because of the way they eat and don’t exercise) to die early and painfully. It is also because I don’t want to pay the consistently increasing cost of treating people who dug THEMSELVES into these early graves.
I know this is going to upset a lot of people, but it’s just getting exhausting being told that the status quo is fine because we can’t risk shaming anyone or hurting anyone’s feelings. The fact is, the obesity epidemic is a matter of public health. We can’t just ignore it because we’ve become a country of people who can’t hear anything slightly negative about themselves.
Words are tricky and everyone will interpret in their own way, but anyone who knows you and what blogilates is about would know that you would never body / fat shame or bash anyone. It’s a hard topic to talk about and you’ve done well, but people are quick to misinterpret and get offended, especially on the internet… Trust that we know you’re coming from being passionate about health and please ignore those who don’t know this… you are strong (your sweetly torturous workouts are proof)!
I read the first post, and honestly felt like you wrote nothing wrong or anything that could cause a reader to get mad over something the nation agrees to. I’m humiliated that as a fellow Georgian, people are seeing one family and overall judging how the rest of us are. I don’t watch that show because I get so mad. How can one family be so unaware of how unhealthy they are? I don’t think income or education has anything to do with health. Some may say so, but I’m seen low-income family pick fresh vegetables over frozen processed foods plenty of times. And you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that eating high calorie foods covered in butter, fat, sugar, whatever are making you fat. I get the family is caring towards one another, but wouldn’t it show more love to try and get your kids healthy so they can live a longer, happier life?
Hey Cassey – This is my first time sending you any type of comment. Although, I follow you on facebook and every where else. Not that you need this comment (because you have tons of support on here already), but I have no complaints about either of your blogs. I think you’re right when you say many people just don’t know that what they’re eating is so dangerous. They simply innocently don’t know that they are killing themselves. I have been getting excited by the fact healthier lifestyles seems to be becoming more popular. People seem to be learning more about what they should be putting in their bodies. It’s changing what’s being carried in the stores and I understand the fight you’re trying to fight. You’re fighting for our health… let me take this time to say I strongly appreciate what it is that you do. A lot of people are just looking to start a fight. It’s obvious you aren’t going to anyway – but never let them bring you down.
For someone who advocates a healthy diet consisting of mostly ‘protein pancakes’ and so called cookie recipe which honestly is not a cookie. You really can say whatever you want but I wouldn’t be taking nutritional advice from you. You take things to an extreme and after just watching one show its really unfair for you to judge the show. If you follow the show the Mom is trying to lose weight and the family is changing their lifestyle gradually. If you visit any family on thanksgiving you would see the same kinds of food at their table and honestly I think its unfair to impose your choices on others.
Personally I think your post is just a ploy to get more viewers.
Cassey,
Any post that took hateful jabs at you-and that’s exactly what posts that tell you that you’re fat-phobic, could potentially cause a suicide, are a fake, etc. are- for trying to shed light on a sad, unhealthy situation were made by people who clearly have issues of their own. You didn’t call the honey boo boo family names, or distort the truth about the situation; that family, as a whole, is unhealthy. Don’t let anyone shame you for trying to better the world you live in, for caring about what’s right, rather than being a media/attention/ratings/fame seeking drain on society. Keep doing what you’re doing, please!
Sending <3 & light your way,
Cassidy
Way to stick to your guns Cassey. Constructive criticism. You’re not bashing anyone. Simply trying to educate them. HEALTH does not equal SKINNY, and you’ve made that clear. There’s nothing wrong with a little junk in the trunk as long as your car’s being fueled properly–you made that clear too. Eating healthy is an individual thing too…not everyone lives the same life or has the same body, so yeah, they would tweak it to meet their needs…but I agree that Honey Boo Boo’s nutritional needs are not being met, and that if she continues eating this way she will most likely develop serious heart issues, cardiovascular issues, diabetes (which causes a mess of other complications), not to mention the effect nutrition has on physical and mental development.
Yeah, it is their choice…but it’s also a seemingly uneducated choice. I have no idea if they know what they are doing or not. I think what you are getting at is yes, if they want to continue this way after being educated about the importance of nutrition, then fine, whatever, case closed. But there is a major difference between an educated decision and an uneducated decision. I’m getting the vibe that you would just be more at ease if that family had a solid understanding of nutrition. That is what I’m getting from you.
Love your passion. Stand up for what you believe and defend it. Way to go Cassey. Keep it up.
Well. Everyone reads text in his/hers own intonation. I didn’t find anything offensive in the previous post mainly because it seemed to be about what choices people make not what they are born (skinny or not). I don’t know what the exact situation in America is but where I come from nobody thinks that a lifestyle like shown in the show could be acceptable. Why it is considered terrible to physically abuse kids but slowly getting them sick is not ( please, don’t get this one wrong).
Best wishes and thanks for the great job 🙂
Well, to start with, the argument that no one should have an opinion on how this family eats/lives/talks/dresses is invalid. When you agree to get paid money to have people watch you on a television show, you have essentially invited EVERYONE to have an opinion about you. You gave your opinion Cassey, and don’t let anyone tell you their opinion is more valid that yours. Rubish.
*rubbish* Of course my first comment on here has misspellings! ha!
Well said Cassey!
I wish I coud make some profound statement echoing what you’ve said, but I can’t. What I can do is thank you for being and advocate and leader! Bad things happen when good people stand by and don’t speak up. I look up to you more and more each day because you continually inspire me and challenge me. Never stop, Cassey!
You know what! Thank you for these posts… this show saddens me and I try to talk about these issues too but it doesn’t seem to important to others. Also, screw that whole “it’s none of your business.” If Honey Boo Boo and her family didn’t want you in their business, they should have thought of that before they decided to let you view their business on your own tv.
You’re just doing your thing
I completely understand your point, but it is up to the person to decide what they feed their kids good or bad things. It is no ones else business to tell them what they can and cannot eat. That is controlling other peoples lives. Do schools not teach proper nutritional health anymore? If a person is so set in their ways, sometimes no matter how much you try and educate them, they won’t believe you and its a lost cause. But ultimately it is up to the person to choose if they want to have a big greasy meal its their choice as an adult and no one elses. Yeah its sad, but well, would you really want to live in a society where everything is controlled and you don’t get to make your own decision on anything?
In my opinion (coming from someone who was a counselor for many years) it’s a form of child abuse. I think the show is disgusting.
But what’s more disgusting? The family or the fact that it’s on the air because that’s what people want to see. By watching this child abuse and the destruction of lives, people are supporting it via ratings.
“None of my business? Pshhh. All of my business.” You go, girl!
Hey Cassey! I don’t understand how people could have even gotten mad at the previous post. I applaud you for making a post about it because I agree obesity has gotten way out of hand. I live on a military base and all I see are overweight people always eating out and not working out or doing something to better their bodies. I have heard numerous complaints about why there isn’t “special parking” right next to the front door of places because it is to hard to walk an extra 5 feet. It saddens me that people don’t realize what they are doing to themselves.
I wish my entire family would be able to see what they are doing to themselves as well. Everyone except my younger brother and my dad are considered overweight. My mom has changed her eating habits and exercising recently and has lost about 20 pounds and I applaud her for that. But she needs a kick start again. Once I am able to move back home i can help her make those better choices or be able to work out with her.
I am working on going to school to become a nutritionist. Living a healthy lifestyle is what I strive for and educating others has become my passion since I first met you on YouTube over a year ago.
I wish everybody would just calm down about this subject. If you don’t like what Cassey has to say, don’t read her blogs. It’s as simple as that. Yelling at her and calling her mean names won’t change her opinion. Can’t we all just be nice to each other?
Anyway, I love you, Cassey, anf sharing my opinion on the matter isn’t important to me. All that matters is you help me live a healthy life style. See you next workout!
You go girl . We are right with you ,behind you ,front of you and besides you . All my love
Harsha
You’ve tapped into a really important conversation that needs to happen NOW. I applaud you and your courage for this follow up post.
Hey Cassey! I love that you wrote this! It clears the air with many people, and now everyone knows what you meant! Its hard not to just pour out our feelings the second that we hear or see something that we feel so strongly about; but dont listen to the negative, rude names that you were called by others. Your a inspiration!(:
-Kadasia (;
Hey Cassey =)
The truth hurts, yes. But sometimes it must be told, for the better good. I was in more or less the exact same situation as Honey Boo Boo. I was a massive overweighed child and it kept going thruout my life until I was around 28. I had massive body disfunctions and was probably very close to diabetes and god knows what other issues. But I got the harsh truth from friends and from pictures that were posted of me on FB. The truth hurts, yes, but it is nesseceary. Someone always needs to step up and take the responisbility for someone, if they refuse or are blind to do so themselves.
I was bullied at school mentally all the time, and even when I was out on town having fun with friends strangers were bullying me sending me snyde comments and remarks and it was anything but fun. This is just how alot of people are, sadly. And Id hate to see Honey Boo Boo struggling through the same issues. And you said one thing that really hit me, cause it was an enlightment to me when I started getting directions on how to live healthier: I thought I knew, but turned out, I didnt know anything at all. All my truths about food and health.. completely messed up. So They dont know they dont know, it’s the worst truth of them all.
Altho I did manage to get my health and life on track with health coatches and finding your first video on youtube it thankfully all changed for me. And I know better now. My parents are somewhat of the same as your family. They dont know health as much, and they were both overweighed, and my dad suffered from a stroke and 2 heart attacks. I kept telling him how to eat and what not to eat, several times cause I worried about him. But if things didn’t come out from a doctors mouth, it wasn’t real. Even tho he had seen my transformation and was boasting to all of his friends over my achievements. My mom was thankfully more willing to learn. But not until my dad had his second heart attack did they start realising how they were damaging their bodies and started following a new healthplan that the neutritionist for heart diseases had made them, did things start to happen. What’s more annoying, is that the list they got, the mealplan, included everything I had told them to start eating for 4 years.. well at least now I know I know better. But too many out there are stuck in the same situation as I was. And I really do not envy anyone to go through that.
Love ya <3 And thank you!
I LOVE YOU CASSEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(p.s I rarely ever comment, just read) and you are amazing, so beautiful inside and out!!!! 🙂 🙂 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Cassey, I am a 51 y/o woman who is inspired by you. My 25 y/o daughter who is currently in Germany for her PhD studies also does your videos. You have helped her to lose inches and gain confidence. You are truly “mulitgenerational”. Regarding your original post on Honey Boo Boo, I figured you would get some offensive comments, as you did not fully explain your intent. You come from goodness and unfortunately folks who are looking to criticize, will. Perhaps a New Year’s resolution for folks should be reflect v. react. Thanks and I wish you all the success you deserve.
I love the fact that you even made a post about this show. I came from a family with all different kinds of incomes. We all know the difference between right and wrong…. There’s too much information out there. I was about 60 + pounds overweight and I know why! I can’t explain how much fast food and extra large drinks through out the day I had. Even when I didn’t have a lot of money, the dollar menu was my friend. But I stopped making excuses and started doing something. Diabetes runs heavily in my family and I didn’t want to get it. I have a 6 year old cousin who’s mother is overweight and the child is very big for her age. She eats three orders of 5 piece chicken nuggets and fries! I know money doesn’t grow on trees but it can all start at home by actually cooking decent meals. I’m not judging anybody or their situation but I’ve been in the same situation before. Working together as family and supporting each other is the best way to go!
I’m really glad that you wrote this second post. I understand the concept of educating children and their parents regarding healthy food options/better food choices. However, in the first post, it felt like you were attacking honey boo boo and her family, which I didn’t like at all. (I’m not saying this as a fan of the show. I’ve never had the time or interest in watching it) she is just a child and , like you said, maybe her mother was just raised to cook this way. with all things said, thank you for rewriting this post. I really enjoy you workouts and foodie videos and it has helped me make better choices, not only for me, but my son as well.
I agreed with Cassey from the beginning, with her first post about HBB. I think you got your point across here what many didn’t understand before- that Cassey is trying to educate us about a DISEASE! It’s like any other health professionals giving us advice to not OD on sugar because it can lead to diabetes. People understand diabetes as a “disease” but forget that obesity is one too, and tend to just lump it with “being fat”.
Now I’m a fan of Cassey’s because I’m ALWAYS looking for fun ways to work out (it’s the only way I’ll work out to be honest- I’m not a runner or a gym-er or anything like that and the only fitness I pretty much did was tennis clinics and lessons because I enjoy it)
But I am not a clean eater. I feel like that puts me in an approachable medium that a lot more people can understand (cause Cassey, you’re part superhuman). What I’m saying is that I totally get what Cassey is saying, and not because I’m a super duper healthy person- but because I’m an average person. It just makes sense. She’s being a teacher, and no good teacher would say “oh that student doesn’t understand the lesson, too bad” yknow?
Cassey, thanks for sharing such a personal family story, it was really cool of you.
And thanks for all the fun workouts and healthy eating tips you provide everyone with on a daily basis! I ordered your DVD yesterday and I’m so excited :))
Love ya 🙂
Hi Cassey!
I think its a bit weird people actually calling your earlier post as an opinion. I think it was FACTS not opinions said. The honey booboo girl and her mother was just an EXAMPLE of whats going on in the world and so many countries, not just america. Im from finland and even we have conversations (on TV etc.) about obesity here. I guess some people see it as a tabu and maybe thats why they react so weird on the subject. But when there are problems (not just obesity, im talking about ANY problems) that have solutions then what? just keep it as a secret?
So Cassey keep on the good work that you do! I just loooove your workouts and also thanks for having a worldwide delivery in your online store! i just love the train insane tank and the cropped grey blogilates shirt that i bought. <3
Cassey, I am completely agree with you, and I hope that if not all people, maybe some of them will follow the helthiest way after all 🙂
You really are an inspiration for me!
Thank you for all your work and keep going no matter they will think,
Love from Quebec xx
I can´t understand how people can be so mean to a person that only means well. Cassey, you didn´t deserve one single mean word. I´m so sorry for the people who sent those nasty comments!! Your the most intelligent person I know when it comes to healthy living and training. You have nothing to be sorry for, you didn´t write anything wrong or bad.
I wish I would give you a big hug and say thank you for everything you are doing for me.
Your one of the reason I want to recover from my ED! And I m on my way to become free. Lots of love Cassey!! <3
Cassey,
I don’t think you were wrong at all. You were blunt. Everyone is being extremely blunt in their comments. It’s not crime to be worried about something you so strongly advocate. You’re right, if no one will educate them, then you want to try.
It’s time to stop tip-toeing around people and get your point across. There’s no need to be insulted because you aren’t sensitive on something that someone CAN change. They CAN change their diet, they choose not to.
Do you thing. Don’t let people put you down.
-Bailey
OUTSTANDING!!!!! You are 1000000000000 times right. I live in an area that people live off of fried foods, sugar, grease, and nothing healthy!! Its very sad bc our grocery store has a very limited amount of veggies bc people wont buy them. I saw a magazine in the store one day that talked about the honey boo boo family, and it even stated that her mother was feeding her like that for ratings and money. Now this might be true and it might not be but still!!!! I work in a school system and I see how parents can hurt their children without meaning to (and sometimes they mean to 🙁 ) but it is our job as humans to help others. I always talk to people about eating healthy sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt but I cant say I didnt try. Thank you Cassey for everything you do and some people just want to hate bc they dont understand. You have my support and with more people like you we can change the world!!! :))
Great points 🙂 You are an amazingly positive and inspiring person, that’s was very plain to see when I watched your first video months ago. There is a difference between constructive criticism and negative outlooks, and I hope you don’t let the latter get you down! You motivate me to set my own personal goals and push myself to reach them – not to be perfect, but to be me! And thank you!
Hi,
I appreciate this apology post. However, I read through some of the comments on the previous one and someone predicted that an apology would come, but said it would simply be so people would continue to like you.
Here’s a little tip for getting people to like you: Along with this apology post, reach out to Honey Boo Boo and her family, who you’ve bashed so heavily. Apologize to them. That will prove that you truly are sorry.
On another note, don’t take reality television so seriously next time. That family is happy and has plenty of fun. They just don’t have the same type of fun that you do. They have a different lifestyle than the one you’re used to. How would you like it if they bashed you for eating rabbit food and saying “like” in excess? They don’t concern themselves with your eating habits, which align themselves with a different culture than theirs. So don’t concern yourself with theirs. Next time you want to bash bad eating habits, don’t mention where you realized that people eat a different way than you. Just write a post about how bad butter and canned food is for you instead of bashing a sweet family that enjoys their lifestyle. Maybe post a recipe for a “healthy” Thanksgiving meal. Encourage people to be healthy instead of discouraging them to be unhealthy. There’s a huge difference.
I grew up in a setting similar to Honey Boo Boo–southern, loves butter and all things fried, and we get our exercise by participating in all sorts of redneck activities. That’s why the post about Honey Boo Boo hit me hard. I enjoy your exercise videos (many of them are good for college girls, which is what I am), but now I will always remember that you judge people based on their weight, what they put in their mouths, and even their income level.
Butter and canned foods are bad for you in excess amounts. Which the mother constantly promotes. They barely get any exercise. I really don’t see your point on being offended on this. If you really did live this way growing up then I would think that you would be all for promoting health. I was an obese child and it was terrible. Is that really what you want for this family? Cassie isn’t judging, she’s caring and supporting. So if you really think these “judge mental” for caring and promoting health then get your head out of your butt, it’s not a hat.
Honey Boo Boo is a nickname but her real in Alana
Cassey,
As a fitness professional and nutrition advocate, your job is not just to train and help the people who come to you and ask for your help on the road to a healthier life, but it is also to advocate and INITIATE the discussion about healthy living and education. We don’t expect scientists to keep quiet about their discoveries because “no one asked them” and it’s “none of their business”– this is quite similar. People are just more sensitive because the topic is so personal for the individuals that it affects. I think that is the root of the problem with the entire discussion, both yours and the (lack of) discussion in the US. If we didn’t have to worry so excessively about how a discussion on obesity would emotionally affect people, the discussion would have been so much more prevalent by now. Instead, we are tip-toeing around the topic because we might offend somebody. I find that truly sad. There are ways to present the information, the PROVEN FACTUAL information that we know based on scientific research, that should not offend people but uplift them. It is very frustrating that with all of the information we have had for years, there is still such an excessive problem of obesity in the 7th richest country in the WORLD (http://www.forbes.com/sites/bethgreenfield/2012/02/22/the-worlds-richest-countries/). It is absolutely ridiculous that someone like you, who has the knowledge and the passion, should be silenced for advocating an issue that is literally killing our population. It is so frustrating.
But, I’m so glad to hear (not that I am surprised!) that you didn’t back down on your beliefs. We need professionals like you to keep spreading the word– you have the credentials to back you up, so never worry!
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: keep developing a tough skin to deal with the backlash that you did. You will probably always face this in being an advocate for this cause. The world is filled with people who listen with their hearts rather than their brains, and their sensitivity can cause them to react emotionally rather than logically. But keep pushing through it, and I think it’s quite obvious how many supporters you have! 🙂
<3 Shea
I totally agree with this post, Shea! The topic is really hard to discuss!
It was nice to not see as many negative comments on this post than were on the other one. But about the negative comments, Cassey, don’t let them discourage you. There’s always gonna be a few people who disagree. You can’t please everyone.
But the majority of us have your back, and you need to focus on the positives. Love you Cass, this post was wonderful and a great way to clarify things.
<3 Gabby
You said ‘Vietnam is a third world country where having food on the table is a privilege .’ That is such a generalised statement which makes the country sound poverty stricken. I really hope you have the relevant economic and other statistics to back that up. Now if you said your ‘relatives in Vietnam are poor and view having food on the table as a privilege’ I may understand.’ Many third world countries are not as poor as many first world natives think.
don´t worry cassie! you didn´t say anything harmful! some people just can´t understand why someone should offer help
I agree 100% with what you said. But what I find rather sad is that I think a lot of people know just how unhealthy the familys lifestyle is, yet they keep on watching the show as entertainment. We laugh at these people for their lack of knowledge without thinking about their futures. And what does that say about society?…
Hola!! no se si podrás leer esto ,pero mi opinión es que tienes razón ,esa niña si necesita ayuda ,sus hábitos alimenticios son terribles lo que puede perjudicar su crecimiento y lo peor es que la gente celebra eso .
Ojala puedan cambiar ,se que es su opción vivir así ,pero si alguien los pudiera orientar sería fantástico.
Abrazos desde Chile .
Hey Cassey!
I can understand that some people were offended by your last post.
To all of those who did: I hope you forgive Cassey! She didn’t mean to offend somebody. She simply stated her opinion and tried to explain why unhealthy eating habits like those you can see in the show need to stop. As a role model for fitness it really is her duty to educate us. It had nothing to do with adjudging somebody.
Personally, I think you shouldn’t hate Cassey just because she says what she thinks. Looking just at the health problem you can’t argue with her. Everyone of us knows that sugary and fatty food leads to severeal diseases including obesity.
Why should we just accept this? Why shouldn’t we do anything when we see that this is happening in a lot of households?
I don’t want to blame somebody. I just want to see a change. I’m sure we would benefit from a society that pays attention to fitness. Even if it’s just reducing some fat and sugar.
That’s why I’m here. That’s why I trust Cassey. She already helped me getting fitter by showing me how delicious clean eating can be and how much fun working out is.
Thank you very much!
I agree completely with everything you have said about Honey Boo Boo. Most people don’t know that what they are eating can be harmful to their bodies. I know that I didn’t until I found your wonderful videos and blog! I’m just going to say that anybody that says bad things to you is just stating their Opinion; and while opinions matter, it matters more that you are a loving, caring person who is passionate about educating people about how to take care of themselves and their families. Keep up the good work Cassey you are changing so many peoples lives for the better. xoxo
One of the best reads of my life!! This here post is exactly why so many people love you for what you do and how passionate you feel about it. Never change Cassey, ever.
Well Caseey, I’m always on your side… Because from what you share with us, I can tell that you are a wonderful and caring person. You care about the health of each and every one of us, and hell, you even changed our lifestyles. But I guess the last post you wrote on Honey Boo Boo, or whatever, was a tad… rude. “Oh. My Gah.” That’s a bit of a rude reaction to seeing 2 obese people, no matter how you look at it. Nevertheless, we’re all human, so maybe it just came up as natural thing to post that on your blog. I still support you. We all do.
And besides, this blog was amazing–it must have cleared up all conflicts that arose before. I was heartbroken when I heard about your reaction to the hurtful blog comments. I don’t agree with any of those by the way. And plus, it would really be great if you don’t get hurt by those comments. Anyone can say anything on the Internet, right? I also was saddened upon hearing about your cousin’s family in Vietnam. It made me thing, “Wow. So this is why Cassey started this healthy lifestyle promotion. It’s amazing how she actually acted to make change and voice her thoughts.” I wish them the best too. Hopefully, someday, they could learn from you.
As for Honey Boo Boo, unfortunately, just blogging about it can’t make a difference. Who knows, if you could get in contact with them, you may be able to help improve their lifestyle. I have no idea who Honey Boo Boo is, but… you know, it could work. Sending an e-mail, sending a letter… Maybe all of us popsters could help out too.
Anyways, We really appreciate your undying enthusiasm and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle for everyone. People like you are needed in this world, who are currently suffering the highest obesity rates in history. Thank you.
God bless.
Sarah
I wish your first post about honey boo boo was as articulate and thoughtfully written as your follow up post.
I am proud that you were not sorry for saying what you feel. Truth hurts and isn’t always easy to say or hear. You live in America where you can speak your mind and have EVERY right! My job as a teacher of first graders I have to say things to parents sometimes that aren’t always rainbows and unicorns but as a commitment to my JOB I HAVE TO just as you must for what YOU DO!!!! KEEP IT UP! People that want to live healthy and help others do the same agree with you! Who knows, your post could have hit home to some who needed it! I am glad I found you and follow you! I support you and love what you say and do for the people like me that want to live healthy! THANK YOU!!!!!!!! <3
Wow! I have read both articles and i am glad you decided to follow up. I wasn’t offended by the first one because I have followed your blog and done your workouts. I know you are a positive passionate person. That being said, the truth hurts. Maybe that is why some were offended. To respond with so vehemently was hypocritical. They felt offended….so instead of having a conversation about it, they will offend and attack you?! We can disagree and still be respectful, and I did see some of those comments too. I want to share that I am halfway to my weight loss goal of 65lbs. I can’t believe I ever let myself get so heavy! Now, I enjoy food more and LOVE working out! One of the most awesome results of this, watching my 5yo daughter! She chooses healthy foods, but wants an occasional treat. Which is great because she knows the difference! At our gym, they offer fit kids. An awesome way for her to be active! Her faves leg raises, planks, and mountain climbers! Keep doing what you do! Sometimes, the truth hurts, but its what we need to hear.
I like your blog and adore your videos. You’ve inspired me and so many others to get healthy and take better care of themselves, and for that, I am extremely grateful. You’ve been a huge help to me, and I plan to continue supporting your efforts.
With that said, I still think you’re wrong as two left shoes for putting your two cents in on this family in the way that you did. Yes, people are entitled to their opinions, but there’s a way to go about it. You received criticism for your last post because the way you went about expressing your feelings (or concerns) was distasteful. Yes, distasteful, as is the subsequent post. Why do I say that? Because you came across (and still come across) as presumptuous, snobby, and judgmental, and that is insulting to not only the subject of your posts, but to people who may identify with them and./or have the same issues. Did it not occur to you that your readers may be hurt what you had to say about that family? Did it not occur to you that these people would think you were judging them? And I understand that you’re a fitness instructor, and that you had good intentions, but that hardly qualifies you to comment on the lifestyles of people whom you’ve never met. It’s not your place to lecture, to speculate, or put down, and that is exactly what you did, and that is exactly why you got such a visceral reaction. I think you should have just apologized in this post, instead of trying to justify what, on its face, is unjustifiable. Just some food for thought.
Dear Elizabeth,
How is it that if you tell simple FACTS turn out to be criticism or opinion? I believe it is a -fact- that eating that way is bad. Cassey just used the honey booboo episode as an EXAMPLE. Understand? She didnt bash on them or judge them or anything else bad. She simply told the fact. And you guys take it as so offensive and almost make it a TABOO when in -fact- the subject affects NOT only america but the whole world. And Cassey brings these subjects up because that includes her job. Fitness is her job and fitness, my friend includes nutrition, health, workouts etc.
I cant even understand how you can call Cassey “snobby” or “judgemental” after all she has done for us? FOR FREE. Think. About. It. My. Dear. >:(
YOU GO GIRL!!!
Cassey, thank you so much for being persistent and making it your duty to educate as many people as you can about leading a healthy lifestyle! I’m so happy to know that I’m not the only one that has a dream of speaking with Michelle Obama (and maybe Barack) about the obesity epidemic among children. I can’t believe the audacity that some of the posters had on that last post! Everything you said is 100% true. People are afraid and reluctant to face the facts. If you have time, watch the HBOs series: “Weight of the Nation: Children in Crisis” on Youtube. It’s a really powerful insight into the food industry, and how the children of our country are being affected by the system. I know the past few days have been tough for you, due to the many hurtful comments that have been posted on the last post. It really sucks to know that some POPsters will turn on you or leave even after ONE controversial post. But I’ve been through the controversial posts before and I want you to know that I will always stick with you because I love you, and I’m proud of everything you’ve done, and everything you will do!
Oh and to those people who say its ‘their choice to live their life that way’ — umm you’ve missed the point entirely. You can’t make a choice if you don’t know your options. They are probably ignorant about what they’re doing. That’s cassey’s whole point. Now anyone can live how they want, yes, but if you saw someone living by jumping in front of an oncoming train, would you think someone ought to help them know what they’re doing will lead to something terrible???!!
Cassey-
I love and support both of your blog entries on this subject. I can, however, see why some people would be shocked and upset by the first one; it is blunt and honest while talking about a subject (obesity) that is usually addressed by the media in a way that is too focused on political correctness to be effective. Of course we are all sensitive about our bodies and the judgments that others make about them. As much as we like to deny it we all make these judgments about ourselves and others every single day. The major difference is that we don’t often see our immediate reactions, thoughts, and judgments in print. However bluntly stated, I think it was important that you posted your opinion on this. Although it was offensive to some it did get people talking and thinking critically about an important public health issue: obesity.
I will come out and say that I have only seen one episode of “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”, and that I watched it for my own edification so that I could speak at least somewhat intelligently about it. I do not claim to be a HBB expert, but through watching the show I will say that I find it to be incredibly, unapologetically exploitive to people who appear to be genuinely nice and kind-hearted. Although many are saying that the Thompson family (and their story) is not about food and obesity, the episode I watched, and from the sounds of it the Thanksgiving one you described, was centered around the family cooking and eating food that is widely considered even beyond the health-fanatic community to be overly indulgent. I think that the food choices and eating habits of the Thompson family are featured on the show because they are over the top and incite reaction (whether it be amusement or- yes- disgust.) There is a reason that their meals are featured on a reality show and mine are not; TLC isn’t sitting here videotaping me eating my apple and drinking coffee because that is not interesting, sexy, or absurd.
I live in West Virginia- the second most obese state in the nation. I was lucky to be raised with a very healthy relationship with food and the knowledge I need to make responsible, respectful decisions regarding what I put into my body. I do realize, however, that not everyone has been lucky enough to have parents that instilled these attitudes in them as children. I think both of your blog posts, however blunt, came from a place of concern. You speak the truth: Momma June IS morbidly obese, and she IS teaching her children some pretty toxic habits when it comes to food and nourishment of the body. This does not make her a bad person, nor does it make her unintelligent or a child abuser, but it is pretty obvious to see that this is an area that this family could use some guidance. Many have pointed to the fact that fat can be healthy: OF COURSE you can be healthy and slightly overweight. You can also be healthy and slightly underweight or unhealthy and of a normal weight. However, I doubt that anyone can find a doctor who will say that morbid obesity- the clinical term for being 100 or more pounds overweight- is healthy. Our bodies were simply not designed to handle the stress and strain of that much extra weight. Momma June may not have health issues now, and might not even develop them in the future, but no one can argue with the fact that being morbidly obese puts her at an increased risk for a long list of health problems. Sure BMI is not always the most accurate means of assessing overall health, but scientifically it is more likely to be inaccurate the other way (e.g. labeling athletes with extremely low body fat/high muscle content as overweight.) For those of us with pretty average body composition it works as a good guideline to tell us if we are at higher risk for certain diseases.
Now the question of whether or not it is your (or anyone else’s) business- again, I think the answer is yes. You are a compassionate fitness professional who is concerned not just about the obesity of this family, but the strain the obesity epidemic has put on our country. America is often very split on the issue of outside interference- on a large scale by the government, but on a smaller scale through the media/your blog- in our everyday lives. The general attitude is that if our actions only affect us than others shouldn’t interfere, but some issues, like obesity, DO affect everyone: our healthcare costs are rising and for the first time life expectancy is actually falling in some states. That is INSANE! Public health impacts everyone. People are quick to villianize smokers, drug addicts, and alcoholics for what they are doing to their bodies but we are much more sensitive and politically correct when talking about weight. Being fat doesn’t make you a bad person and isn’t always indicative of some inner short-coming, but we are unwilling to talk about our weight in real terms because there is a stigma that is upsetting and hurtful to some. Instead of using words like “fat”, which have negative connotations we side-step the issue by using terms like “curvy” or “voluptuous” (which drives me crazy- you can be overweight and curvy or underweight and curvy…curvy is a set of ratios and measurements, not a PC-term for fat.) This political correctness makes it difficult to see the seriousness of the problems we are facing as a country with regards to our weight. As a whole, we ARE killing ourselves with our over-consumption and over-indulgence. The American attitude of freedom, usually a good trait, is actually hindering us here. As a whole, we need someone to step in and teach us what a proper serving is and why nutrition is important. Take the NYC large soda ban as an example. This was a measure put in place by Mayor Bloomburg as an attempt to combat obesity. Although I certainly don’t see it fixing the problem (we still have inactivity to deal with) the public backlash from this incident was crazy. The attitude was that of “take my soda, take my liberty!” but what no one is saying, that probably needs to be said, is that nobody (NOBODY!) needs a huge soda. We need water. We need food. We need nourishment. We do not need a huge vat of sugar and chemicals, and quite obviously, many of us cannot handle making the decision to enjoy YOLO foods in healthy, moderate doses. 40oz of soda (even diet, in my opinion) is over the top and unnecessary.
We need to approach this problem in a way that is real and serious but also compassionate. I don’t think shows like Honey Boo Boo glamorize obesity, but on some level they do normalize it, which can be just as dangerous. I believe the Thompson family are good people, and where they can learn from people like Cassey about nutrition and fitness, I am sure they can teach us all other lessons as well (putting their income from the show into a college fund? AWESOME and AMAZING use of the money they earn from their reality show. Bravo!) Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Everyone has something to offer. Cassey offering fitness tips and recipes is her using her strengths to educate and empower the public; this is responsible and admirable.
Wow- I didn’t realize how long that was!
I’m a 100% with you Casey, my husband and I choose not to watch that show because it makes me mad and sad to see that lil girl I’m a mother to two healthy beautiful kids and I refuse to give my kids candy or soda or junk in general because I want to set a healthy example for them, I have my daughter in ballet so she can stay active and I see exactly how you feel some people take things waaaaaaay out of line instead of understanding were your coming from it’s not your fault what’s so ever your a health and fitness instructor you have the freedom to speak (which I thought we should anywho) it upsets me also cuz nowadays I think alot of people think being heavy it healthy if your skinny right away that means you have an eating disorder you can’t win I get slammed with the way I eat and look by people but I see how they eat and how they look and I just laugh and let them speak cuz I could say worse but the food there eating is already doing damage … But anywho I am with you 100% and I think your such an awesome person and don’t let those nasty comments get to you because you know where you stand with your statements and you have every right to make them 🙂
Agree 100 percent!
Cassey is awesome 🙂 I wish I could tell the rest of my family that same thing, that they are hurting themselves in the long run, and they should look out for their health. anyway, it’s inspiring <3
Cassey,
All I have to say is AMEN. I’m thankful for people like you who aren’t afraid to stand up for our health. Don’t apologize. You’ve done and said nothing wrong.
I really appreciate the way that you took your criticism and reacted to it, which is why in sorry to say that you are still wrong. You are clearly passionate, and that is great! If someone comes to you or your blog looking for help its is amazing that you are so willing to help them. But it’s not okay to openly critcize someone else, especially publically, for the way they choose to live their lives, and it’s not okay for you to encourage your followers to do the same. I don’t care if its not healthy for them, it’s their choice. If you saw a stranger in the street smoking would you stop them and tell them that it is unhealthy? No, it is their choice, and it is none of your business. The fact that this is a television show makes this more complicated. They made their private lives public, so yes, they open themselves up to criticism. So go ahead, critcize. But it is not okay to tell your fans to do the same to anyone they see not living “healthily”. That is a personal choice, and even the best of intentions can lead to eating disorders and other physical and mental problems. Even if it didn’t, it’s still none of anyone’s business. Unless someone asks for advice, please don’t give it. Really, from the outside we are in no position to judge how healthy someone is or isn’t. It is a manifestation of your thin privilege that you think this is okay, and you need to realize that.
Casey was simply trying to help. And I personally don’t think someone should be criticized for trying to help. She is a fitness instructor so yeah, it’s kinda her job. The fact that her opinion upset people doesn’t mean it’s WRONG. It’s simply her opinion. Your opinion isn’t wrong either but the fact that you plan out said “you are wrong” was hurtful even for me to read. I can’t even imagine how Casey feels. We POPsters are here because we love Casey and we support what she does. Her opinion isn’t wrong, nor right, it’s just how she thinks and she was trying to help. I proud that she has the courage to step up and say “hey that’s unhealthy, but it’s ok. Would you like me to show you a healthy alternative” . It may not be her business in your eyes, but she made it her business and her job. Don’t tell her she’s wrong for that.
Intention does not absolve people of blame. Her opinion is not wrong but the way she chose to express it is. She didn’t have “the courage” to do anything. She said the same thing that most people do when they laugh at this family, only she did it under the guise of “helping them”. The herd mentality people on here are exhibiting is disturbing. You can like someone and appreciate what they do without thinking they are completely above criticism. People can be criticized for helping when they do it in a hurtful way, it’s a simple as that.
I’m a smoker and PLENTY people stop and tell me its unhealthy and it will kill me. And yeah its aggravating to hear but it CAN and probably WILL kill me if I don’t quit. I get aggravated because it IS the truth.
Good comparison. People are getting mad because it IS the truth. Why is it so important to defend a families unhealthy eating habits that are portrayed on nation television? You realize people watch this and probably think its OKAY to eat like that?
I totally agree, Amber.
There’s room for exercising judgment here, too. Maybe you wouldn’t go up to a stranger and say “hey don’t eat that sundae, you’re already overweight.” But why wouldn’t you tell a friend or family member that you’re concerned with his/her eating habits and ask if you can help? I went to all-girls school and we had a LOT of training about how to do this when we thought a friend had anorexia, but no one ever says anything about obesity,
And I *do* think it’s different to criticize people on TV. They know that they’re giving up privacy in exchange for cash and attention. You can’t blame and shouldn’t criticize the kids, but the adults are fair targets.
As I mentioned in my own post, no one ever expects professionals (in any industry) to keep quiet until they are asked. That is not how anything works. No one would expect a cancer researcher to keep quiet about something he discovered until he was asked, nor a historian who discovered a history-changing document to keep quiet until someone directly asked them. No– professionals in any industry are expected to speak up because they have the knowledge, education, and credentials to do so. They owe it to the community to INITIATE discussions on topics that many people are afraid to start. It is their job, their right, and their duty. Literally nothing would ever get done if we all waited around to be “asked” before we spoke. As a teacher, I’m certainly not going to wait on my students to ASK me to teach them about literature because that will never happen! It is my job to initiate the discussion for the topic about which I am passionate; I owe it to my students just like Cassey owes it to everyone.
Huh, that’s funny, you say cassey is “publicly” criticizing this family….well for 1 she is a health advocate, and 2 this is her blog and she can post whatever she deems necessary to get the point across about healthy living. **In regards to Anna’s comment: (Oh well you wouldn’t go up to someone on the street telling them they shouldnt smoke)…well maybe not, but THATs a complete stranger! This family made THEIR lives the WORLDS business when they signed up for the show and let the cameras make spectacles of them. I’m with cassey and the other ladies 100%. Keep with your passion cassey, if it wasn’t for people like you who dedicate themselves to health education and fitness, I think a lot more people would still be eating themselves down the wrong path.
She isn’t coming from a place of “thin privilege”. Cassey actually used to be unfit and unhealthy herself. She is coming from a place of knowledge. Just because she isn’t unhealthy doesn’t mean she has to keep her opinions to herself. This is not a news organization, this is a fitness and health blog. Therefore, neutrality is not a requirement.
Furthermore, Cassey is right. If you love someone, you tell them when you are concerned about choices they are making, especially if they are hurting themselves, right? For instance, cutting is a choice. You make the choice to cut yourself to deal with your feelings. I know, because I used to do it. If anyone had known about it, would they have been in the wrong to bring it up with me, and tell me there are other ways to deal with my feelings? I have a feeling you would say no, they wouldn’t be in the wrong. So how is this any different? Honey Boo Boo’s mom is killing her. People who choose to eat this way are killing themselves. Period.
This is childhood obesity she was mainly talking about. Not just the entire family in general. Honestly the way the mother feeds the children should be considered abuse! Boo boo isn’t yet big enough to cook for herself or even have the choice to be healthy. Therefore it is her mothers job who stuffs her with crap. I was an obese child and it was the most horrible thing in the world. It was not a choice because I was so young. Btw smoking killed my father a year ago through cancer. I’m amazed at how closed off you are to helping others. People like you make me thank The Lord for people like Cassie.
Hey Cassey,
So I read your original post and I wasn’t to happy with how you worded it but it didn’t outrage me nor did I feel the need to insult you and you choices. I am glad you posted this follow up to clarify your point, but I would like to give you a bit of perspective as far as how their life is. I am actually distantly related to her and I remember when she was born (Honey Boo Boo). Coming from a similar type of family there are a few choices that she makes that I don’t think you can recognize due to your location. I might be wrong and you have lived in Podunk rural Georgia before, but there is something different about living there. The diet that this family eats is slightly exaggerated for tv, but a lot of it is common ‘southern’ food. Think about how Paula Dean cooked for so long and you’ll have an idea. But the only issue is that the ‘healthy’ alternatives that people living in the suburbs come up with don’t work. When you rely of game meat or things you stock in the pantry, eating healthy isn’t the first priority. I live in a suburb of Atlanta and have my entire life, my mother however grew up in a part of Georgia where farmers don’t sell food, and the closest grocery store is 90 miles. My mother is now obese but she wasnt growing up. He family was poorer than theirs and she barely got any food. Growing up I ate a lot of the same stuff that Alanna did, as did all of my cousins and most of my friends in that area, but because we live in a suburb we are able to get better food, and continuesly get it. So please take that into consideration, visit rural Georgia before you plan on helping her so that you can use what they have instead of what you are used to.
And please don’t think I’m downing you, I think you are an awesome person, and I personally enjoy watching your channel and reading your blog, but I have always questioned if you realized that some of the uber healthy stuff you eat is because of your location.
Thanks,
Heather
One of the biggest issues with what you are saying, and what you have said, is the point of view you addressing this from. You seem to be holding this (fairly classist) assumption that people have access to the same resources as you. As far as I am aware, this family is very much part of the lower class. Meaning, even if they were able to get the education required, they don’t have the means to start eating in the way that YOU see fit. Eating healthy in a “food desert” is not an easy task. Especially when, as you do in your previous post, you shame them for eating fruits and vegetables from cans/bags. I feel that your comments were ignorant and that you are dismissing valid criticisms. You are not a doctor so you are not able to advise people on how they should be eating; shaming people for their choices does not help them to make change, empowering them does; and condescending to low income people for what they feed their families, WHAT THEY ARE FORCED TO MAKE DO WITH is inappropriate. Helping people requires more than saying “the way you eat is disgusting, can’t you see that you gross person”; in this country it requires systematic change: widespread education and a way for people of all income levels to have access to healthy foods and better options. Do not kid yourself that you are helping anyone with this, please; it’s a way for people who are doing the “right” thing health-wise to congratulate themselves.
YOU FOUND THE PURPOSE GOD PLACED YOU WHERE YOU ARE!!! Really glad for youuuuu!!! 😀
I am very disappointed in the POPster community for thinking such negative things about you. I feel that you truly are an inspiration, you do what you love, and (because someone said that you shouldn’t make an example of any one person or family) you used an example that everyone could see or relate to. I understand that you weren’t being mean or making fun or fat-bashing. The fact that some of the POPsters are saying that you’ve become skinny-conscious bothers me. I don’t see that. You do what you love, and what you love doing is inspire people to achieve things that they wouldn’t have felt able to achieve without you. Because of you, I can finally get three and a half miles in on the treadmill, I’ve lost fifteen pounds, I eat better, i do some form of pilates every day, I’ve been able to help my parents eat better, and I feel great about myself for the first time ever. I couldn’t have done any of it without you, Cassey. I think what you’re doing is amazing, and you have my support 100%. I liked the idea someone had earlier of you cooking for Mama June and HBB. Maybe you should contact the show. You could help them learn to live in a way that is both healthy and fun, and you could teach them that healthy food doesn’t have to taste awful. You truly are amazing, Cassey, and I’m proud of you for standing up for what you believe in. Thank you for everything you do for us POPsters, and thank you for showing that you’ve got to go against the grain sometimes to make a change. There will be people that will get mad or offended, but you’ve got to keep trudging through. Love you, Cassey!!!!
Cassey,
I find it admirable that you are passionate about childhood obesity. You focus on nutrition and education, but obesity is also an issue of poverty. Many poor urban and rural areas similar to the town where Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is filmed are food deserts, which are communities with limited access to fresh and affordable foods. If you ever get a chance visit a supermarket in a low income community and compare to one in a more affluent neighborhood. You’ll be amazed by the stark difference in the selection of fresh foods. You’re right education is important, but it will serve little purpose if people do not have access to good foods.
http://www.foodproductdesign.com/news/2011/11/disparities-in-obesity-affected-by-socioeconomic.aspx
I read this and I thought “What did you say last time!?” So I went back and looked. At no point were you abusing them for their size in the previous post – you even cautioned against it. Both posts were well written arguments for healthier food and life style choices and were filled with logic and compassion. I don’t think you did anything wrong. Keep up the good work.
I agree again with everything on thos post and I understand you. Every little difference can help. And we should I understand that this is your blog, and you may write things you feel strongly about. Thats what blogs are for. And we should all understand that if you were able to help her, you would. And I fe sorry for HBB and her lifestyle. It’s sad and I wish it was changed.
I love you, your blog, and your workouts (even the ones that make me hurt for days). I have only heard positivity and encouragement from you, and can’t imagine that you would ever say anything to hurt someone else. Some people just want to pick fights, and I’m so sorry that they had to pick one with you. Your popsters love you!
Hi Cassey ! I can’t believe anyone would say something like that to you! Sometimes people are just looking to pick a fight. You’ve always taught people to love their body and have expressed nothing but positivity that has helped an enormous amount of people. I recommend your videos to everybody and my mom used some ideas from your gang am style video for her Zumba class. Your amazing, don’t forget that!
Hi Cassey!
You have no need to apologise! Your totally right and I feel sorry for Honey Boo Boo. Personally I’ve not seen the show as I’m in the uk but I think I’d rather not. I am slightly overweight and as a child my parents weren’t totally educated about nutrition which was not they’re fault, they thought they were doing their best by us. It wasn’t until I left home and started my adult nursing degree that I began to learn the dangers of being overweight. My mum was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and it worries me that I will follow in get foot steps. I know that MY HEALTH IS MY WEALTH so have educated myself about clean, healthy living and am losing weight the right way. I totally respect what you do and think your amazing. Keep doing what you’ve doing, your helping people change their lives for the better! 🙂 xxx
Hi Cassey,
I can really relate to your cousins! As someone who has been overweight nearly their whole life, from a family who often shows love through feeding, I wish I’d had someone like you there to help me out! Your posts really struck a chord with me. Thank you!
Becky
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/09/28/how-to-cook-like-honey-boo-boo/
http://www.examiner.com/article/honey-boo-boo-s-unhealthy-diet-takes-its-toll-as-she-falls-asleep-on-dr-drew
I decided to look this up, and I totally agree with you. I know some people think you’re being mean to her and her family, but seriously, some education about nutrition can definitely help. Even if they just change their eating habits a little bit, it can help a lot. But I guess they won’t change because they’re successful on TV and want to stay that way. But the thing that made me gag probably the most was Honey Boo-Boo’s Go-Go juice. Part Red Bull and part Mountain Dew. And she puts it in a huge water bottle. I really just can’t anymore. I’m glad someone agrees with me. I know a lot of people are going to hate this comment. Sorry, it’s just my opinion.
It’s insane that people found these posts hurtful. Everyone is way too politically correct about everything. You keep doing what you’re doing, Cas.
Wauw, to me you seem like a true and honest person. You love the way you are and you love what you do. Not being affraid to share you’re thoughts and your opinions is brave in a way. I like your poppilates video’s and how they motivate me to get up and exercise. But even better is to know that the person who makes the video’s loves what she is doing and really cares about the world and people arround her.
I don’t know you in person, but I think I can say that you are a good person. I really don’t understand why someone could name you a child hater or judgemental pig. I think that what you should do, by everything you read: Put it into perspective. I guess you know yourself pretty well by now, because writhing about your own live forces you to think about yourself and about what matters for you. So when you read something, look at yourself and make a decision: Is this true? (does this person see something that I missed?) Or is the comment not worth the trouble?
I live in The Netherlands and I am a teacher. Last year I thought children in there teenages about food and health. But the teaching methods always focus on healthy foodgroups and healthproblems. I think, that when the focus lays on how healthy food can make you feel better about yourself and make you look healthier and prettier, it will address to more people. You are doing great by letting us see that healthy food can change you and give you new positive opportunities! Keep being a good human being – people love you for that! And most important, it is what makes you happy, isn’t it?!
Cassey,
I’m very proud of you for standing on what you believe, sometimes our words can get the best of us of even just misunderstood but your heart is there and we know you care. One person or another will always have a negative attitude towards you no matter how much sense you make. The world needs Jesus and until they have Him in their heart they will never see the light in things. Keep moving foward and just do and be the best you can, you have A LOT of people who stand behind you. God Bless You!!! *Monika from N Georgia, YEEEHAA!
Hey Cassey, in the two years I’ve been following you nothing has been such a passionate or truthful account of the purpose that drives you. The message I always hear is care for your body, fuel it with nutritious food, make it work (really hard if you want incredible results) and above all love yourself by caring for yourself. People that said negative comments must not understand what you stand for and try to inspire in everyone that finds you. Stay strong to what you believe in, you’ve saved so many of us, inspired us and shown us how to be healthy and love ourselves and also shown us what dedication and strength can achieve. GO CASSEY!
This post was well thought out and I think got your point across to those that didn’t understand. I think that the people who commented about suicide and fat hating probably only skimmed the post. I thank you for taking the time to actually get more incite before re-posting. It shows you are the bigger person and you can overcome others pettiness. But in the same instance these people but their lives on television and people are going to take notice of everything that they do and how they act….don’t want people to talk about it? Take it off the air! Ps that picture makes me want to throw up….that much mayo should never be in a house at the same time!
I am with you girl! OMG! I have friends that love that show. I can’t stand to watch a second of it! For the very reasons you can’t.
Now I am not slim and trim but I make most of the meals I eat, I have celiac which makes absorption of nutrients difficult and I work out with weights and run. My relatives are from Boston and rural North Carolina and neither side ate well, were always heavy and rarely exercised. My 5’2″ mother fought her 250 pounds as long as I can remember. In North Carolina, they used lard to cook most things. Unfortunately it doomed my cousin to an early death. At 38 he had a massive heart attack and died. My grandparents and most of my other relatives died from complications after strokes.
That little girl doesn’t know better yet and maybe the mother doesn’t either but she is capable of learning. Unfortunately the show is glorifying this lifestyle and they are making money off of it. That little girl’s future is in jeopardy and who is going to take care of her when either she or her mother fall ill from this lifestyle? The TV producers and audience will move on to the next ridiculous thing when they can’t make money off of them anymore.
Preach on sister!
Cassey you are not alone! <3 Popsters got your back 😉
love u! xx 😀
Cassey, I love that you’re trying to make a change! It’s great that you try to help people making the right choices. But i don’t think you can help honey boo boo’s family. They obv don’t want help. they want to live like that…. And that’s the problem: many people don’t care about being obese& sick. They want to eat what they like, without thinking about the risks.
But I like that you care for those families and that you not only post your feelings about this, but also really make a change. Like this event for obese kids. It’s a great way, to help those people who actually WANT help and CARE about the consequences.
♥
I missed your first Honey Boo Boo post, but after reading this one I get the gist of it. If there could only be more passionate people in this world, such as yourself…My mom is obese and it kills me to see her this way. Your post has given me some of the inner strength I need to help her (or at least try to). Your words are truthful and so meaningful…you go girl!
No need to apologize. I dont think you worded anything wrong in the last post. You were bringing attention to an important issue. Maybe as a follow up you should do a post on ‘eating clean on a budget’ to prove that there shouldn’t be any excuses. I understand that for some people with certain lifestyles its tricky to have access to fresh produce but maybe you should show them how. You are the kind of person that can inspire change on a massive scale. Not all of us are in positions to do so, you are very lucky and you should take full advantage of that. Were lacking in modern day role models. You are one!!!!!!!!!!
Casey I absolutely love and appreciate what you do. My dream is to one day help educate the world about health and basically the power of holistic nutrition. I admire you so much,wish i could work with you!
keep it up
xoxo Izzy
I’m sorry but I agree with Karin. But I do love the workouts and your positive attitude towards everything. I know you clarified that you have the right to say something towards the family of Alana (honey boo boo) but I still think you shouldn’t say anything towards it. I know their life is full of unhealthy foods and stuff but you were name calling and it disappointed me so much.
I’m so sorry that people were ugly to you. I knew where your heart was in the last post and I’m proud of you for speaking out. Thank you for your passion! You inspire me to be healthy and happy 🙂
BEST POST EVER. Being fat is not the same thing as being obese. Obesity is an illness. And it will kill you slowly. My dad is, and it hurts me like hell when I’m trying to speak to them and he continues eating and saying yes with the head. His illness (hypertension, etc) are going worse. And he won’t listen. Even doctors say he needs to do something.
I’ve been always fat, not obese, not ill, but a bit fat, you know, my belly was not beautiful, etc. And since I began to take care of what I eat and enjoy working out (MASSIVE THANK YOU TO CASSEY) I may be a little fat still, but I feel healthier, happier, and full of energy.
So I don’t think Cassey should shut up about this. Even the goverment is alerted, right? (I’m not from the USA, so sorry if they aren’t, but I’ve heard so). Everybody knows smoking will kill you, well, eating bad everyday will kill you too. And it’s so sad these kind of situations: somebody wants to help, and make a change, and everything he/she hears are insults.
I love you Cassey, you’ve helped me a lot. You can’t even imagine how much. And I try everyday to help others too now.
In the end, what matters is you want to HELP for the best. It’s a reality check for some us and so many of us appreciate what you are doing.
There will be more haters coming your way Cassey, FOR SURE, but don’t let them get to you. You have STRONGER fans cheering you on!
So glad you exist via online <3
love from taipei
Omg Cassie, I’m so glad that you posted this. Don’t listen to anybody who tries bring you down about standing up for what you believe in. I recently wrote an article on obesity, and when I was interviewing people they basically said that “being obese is how people are now so we need to accept it”. And I was like, do you hear what you’re saying? If the child abuse rate increased and it was “the new norm” would we say “well that’s how people are now so we should accept”? Heck no we would take custody rights away! The issue is that since obesity is “the new norm”, people think that standing up against it is being politically incorrect, or they don’t want to offend anybody. I think that standing up against it is preventing an epidemic! Smoking used to be the number one preventable killer; now it’s heart disease linked to unhealthy lifestyle! I try to live as healthy of a lifestyle as I can. I stopped eating meat (because I find it most suitable for MY health), I eat more fruits and veggies, workout more, etc. But I feel like an outcast! I’m 18 so a lot of people my age don’t really care about their bodies and I’m constantly being criticized for being HEALTHY. I don’t think it’s right that I feel like an outcast for taking care of myself. Cassie I highly respect you coming out and saying this. And don’t try too hard not to offend people because regardless of what you say SOMEONE is going to be offended….and sometimes people need a little tough love to change!
♥Rachel
who tries to*
Rachel,
I thought you made a really interesting point that I hadn’t realized before– I think you are right when you say that the obesity epidemic, while incredibly obvious in America, is tip-toed around because it has a higher risk of being offensive to so many people. According to the Food and Research Action Center website, 68% of Americans are overweight and 35% are obese– 31% of children are overweight and 16% are obese! (http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/)
I think that if it were not something so “personal” that can affect people’s self esteem and self image, greater strides in fighting obesity would have been taken in the US by now, like you said with smoking. Most people who smoke are not going to lose self-esteem if someone tells them that it is an unhealthy habit– but obesity? That is much more sensitive to most people.
But, I think it’s really sad that it seems we as a country are allowing that sensitivity to overrule what we know to be true: obesity is a problem and we KNOW the solution.
Anyway! Just thought you made a really interesting point. Is the article you wrote published somewhere? You should post it 🙂
Shea
I didn’t comment on the last post but all those comments about fat shaming and so on really surprised my.
You have my support!
Hi Cassey. I completely understand what you’ve said in the post about healthy living is not about body shaming. I myself try to educate my sister on making healthy choices for her and her children. I also want to say that because of you and my bf my own health & fitness levels have completely changed in the past 2 years so thank you for the initial inspiration. However, I was saddened by your last post, at first I thought it was naive of you but after a moment I realised that I have been less and less inspired by you. I do think you are body/skinny conscious and accept you have had your own weight demons to battle with, but in your videos n blogs you do talk about how to shape our bodies much more than you talk about health and longevity. Your bikini competition pics I found were concerning as the weeks went on you got skinnier and skinner to the point I could see your ribs, that is not healthy.
I hope your not disheartened by my post as its not my intention..just wanted to view my thoughts and concerns.
P.s I really hope the ‘old’ Cassey returns.
Xx
Cassey, I completely agree with you. Maybe you should cook for them. If you contact the channel, maybe you could do something. Good luck
You are 100% correct! Don’t let the haters back you down from a stance that is true. You would be remiss and a total coward if you allowed the bullies and naysayers to silence you.
Somebody needs to speak out about the fact that Honey BooBoo (I refuse to watch the show) is *not* being cute when she sits will jars filled with mayo. There is nothing cute about her gigantic belly. There is nothing funny about the family eating tubs of butter and never eating fresh veggies.
That young ladies arteries are being clogged and she is being set up for diabetes. Good for you for speaking out against this nonsense.
Thank you for your passion Cassie.
I do not believe at all that you were being judgmental, rather that you were reacting passionately to right a wrong situation and HELP not HARM! I hope people get that you are not being judgmental but you just have a strong passion for what you do and a desire to educate so people can live full, happy and healthy live.
Continue doing what you are doing.
Thank you for being a positive influence and for doing everything you do with passion and purpose.
🙂
Casey
“If you don’t have haters, you aren’t doing it right”
As someone who has spent the last year on a journey to learn how to be healthier and teach my children how to be healthier, I commend you for this post. I was simply following what I was taught and doing the same in my family now. Now my children have begun to be healthier and eat better while my husband and I have lost over 60 lbs together. We are living more for our family now.
You have helped our family.
Thank you for doing what you do!
Nicole
That’s why I chose to follow you. I’ve written it many times on comments and emails to you, you’re an inspiration. You do something you love doing and you do it for a living. And the most important part, you don’t let anyone get to you. You believe so strongly that what you do is the right thing that you don’t let anyone make you second-guess yourself. And when it comes to such “touchy” matters, you don’t keep silent just because it may affect your business if someone gets ofended. You speak out loud and try to make those same people understand what you’re talking about and what’s good or themselves. YOU CARE. That’s why you’re a sucess. That’s why we follow you.
I once again thank you for caring about me, for inspiring me, for letting me know what is good for me. For all of us!
Hey Cassey, I love you and your videos and your workout clothes and your personality! I work in a school and understand your grief. I think education (home!) needs to be better on making healthy choices and what fuels our bodies. I think a lot of people don’t understand and it is a very sensitive topic to discuss. However, I’ve seen my family learn and now we are all eating healthier (with some YOLO meals). 🙂 But it is a hard process, stepping into the health food store for the first time and going what is all of this? How do I eat it? I guess it starts with eliminating some bad foods and replacing them with yummy healthy foods. It requires effort and will power but after a few weeks, it feels like a lifestyle rather than a choice. I love my healthy body and I learned that fresh healthy foods taste so much better than processed foods. My digestive track thanks me too!! 🙂 Keep fighting the good fight and never give up. My husband and I love you and your work. He even impersonates you sometime… which is hilarious. Have a super fantastic day.
Well said Cassey! I believe you are amazing and an inspiration! You have every right to express your opinion, and you did it in a positive manner 🙂
Very, very, very well spoken. It’s a shame that as soon as someone so much as says something about helping visually unhealthy people get their lifestyle back in shape (literally also) everyone is so quick to shoot them down and bash them. It’s just like promoting obesity and saying that it’s “just how someone was supposed to be”. That’s no different than if Cassey saw a dangerously underweight person and said that he or she needed to eat more to get healthy only to have a stream of people shoot her down and saying that she’ hating on skinny people because “that’s how they’re supposed to be”. People are not overweight and/or eat a lot of extremely unhealthy foods because they are born like that and supposed to be that way, it’s the way they were brought up or choose to live their life and it’s not good for their bodies! Christ.
I’m not going to go into a lengthy comment here. But what I will say is that I see the childhood obesity epidemic everyday. I am a teacher. One of my students cannot tie his shoes. Not because he cannot master the strings, but because he cannot reach his shoes while they are on his feet. Keep fighting and I will too.
Love,
Tiffany
Dearest Cassey,
No matter how some respond, I feel you only express yourself from love and integrity, and you obviously and truly do live to help inspire good in others. Please do not feel you have to explain yourself so much. At the end of the day, defensive and angry people hit back at what and whomever seem to be in front of them. Your responses always handle these reactions with grace and love. What more could you ever do to help people…? You are right in that it is these people who may need the most love and extended olive branch. For this, I am even more in admiration of you and what you have taken on as a life mission. Thank you, sab xo
ps you are spot on about HoneyBooBoo. I wish i could help that child, too. It will be a long road ahead, especially after a few years of that neurological and nervous system destructive drink they feed her, to hop her up. That should be against the law, and I wonder why it is not!
I will say however that you are a wonderful person and I am so sad that people would go so far as be chilling an truly hurtful to you for speaking your mind. It is sad that at this day and age people have to go out of their way to hurt people to get ones point across.
Hi Casey,
I totally agree with everything you said in your previous post and this post. Your so right about educating others on a healthy lifestyle and how important eating good healthy foods are to one’s wellbeing.
I love your workouts and reading your blog posts. You have wonderful tips on keeping strong fit and healthy.
It’s horrible that you had to receive negative backlash on your last post, because some people are bitter and unhappy.
Keep up the great work and keep sharing your honest opinions on your blog.
Love the response! Way to own it and not back down. I also appreciate the clarification, because I was one of the people who was put off and surprised by the previous post. I appreciate what you said and the perspective that you provided. Regardless of whether we agree or disagree about something, I would hope that there would continue to be a mutual respect (maturity and tolerance is agreeing to disagree, in my opinion). Never stopped appreciating you for what you do, or the business you have built over the last few years!
I really don’t understand what the big deal is. People are saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything”, yet then they come right back and insult you. I dont think you’re setting an example of this family… I think that it’s not something anyone is going to change, as they’ve made a living being entertaining because of the way they live. I think it’s important to consider things like what you’re doing in Palm Springs which is really something that is making a difference.
Basically it’s fine for everyone to have their own opinions. I think that if I was someone like honey boo boo I would be so happy and thankful to meet you, someone who openly cares about my weight and my lifestyle. However in actuality I think she likes mayonnaise too much to care about eating clean… And that’s fine too. Im an advocate for fitness and healthy living, much like many of us in this online community are. However, we like what we like and sometimes we have to accept that we’re not going to be able to change everyone’s view on what type of lifestyle they should be living.
Hey Cassey!
I am quite new to your blog but I admire your passionate about healthy lifestyle and working out. I am 23 old student from Slovakia and overweight. But I am trying to eat healthy and work out as often as possible. It is not just about being thin and having ability to buy really nice clothes that fit me, but mainly I want to be health and feel good! Lets face it, NO ONE who is overweight actually feels good. I do not believe anybody who says “I love myself and it doesnt matter to me how much I weight.” They might mean it, but deep down in their souls they have to feel, it would be better to weight less. It is better for everyday life, there are tons of situations when being overweight or obese makes life tough.
I was shocked by some of really negative comments I read under your last post. I have to say, these people who could write such hurtful things are nothing but dummies!!! How they can say you are fat shamig! It is obvious you really do care about people, about their health and that their not knowing and thinking they are not doing anything wrong IS just WRONG.
I absolutely agree with every single word you wrote in both your last posts. It is very important to educate people about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
I have never seen Honey Boo Boo, but I think I am gonna watch and maybe write something about it on my blog. As well as about healthy lifestyle. I want to learn more about nutrition and want to help people. I myself have a very good friend from university, who is (dont want to say it, but it is truth) obese, she says nearly every day she should start eat healthy, but she hasnt yet and she doesnt listen to anything I said to her. And I want to help her so much.
So, what I wanted to say is that I admire you and I hope you will continue in helping people and that you will succed in educating people to live better and healthier!!! 🙂
Love you and your blog
Cassey, we love you – don’t let the critics get you down! I agreed with all of your points on the previous post and I can’t believe that people got so vicious about it.
In the UK we’re slightly luckier (healthy eating is on the curriculum and the government promotes it heavily) but there are a LOT of people who are worse off and CAN’T eat well, relying on food banks and the cheapest foods available in shops. In Liverpool, poverty is a huge problem. I work in a soup kitchen every Monday and even though my student budget is super-slim, there are so many women and children who would give anything for it. Some of them only eat a couple of times a week. Some have scurvy, I’m not even kidding.
I am a libertarian, but it just hurts to see shows like Honey Boo Boo where people could afford to look after themselves and don’t, then present that as a form of entertainment. It’s so distasteful.
“And what, Socrates, is the food of the soul? Surely, I said, knowledge is the food of the soul.” – Plato
Keep spreading your knowledge and passion and there will be many more to follow. People like you are not just an inspiration, they are a motivation to change oneself and others around them. A healthy lifestyle and responsible food choices are not only to shape the body and mind but also essentially shape the environment. Cassey, stay true to yourself and keep leading the way. People that want to listen will hear you! I am very lucky to be able to live all the way on the other end of world yet be part of your community – thank you for sticking up for your beliefs and keep going!
P.S. Whatever bodily drug you have in your system in order to come up with wise and moving worlds like that at 3 in the morning…ehm, please ship em ova !!! 🙂
I’ve only discovered you and pilates recently but I already love you!
I feel your sincere passion in wanting to help others and I’m with you on this 100%! I don’t see anything mean about your previous post and can’t help but feel that too many people just got overly sensitive and/or defensive. You keep doing what you’re doing, girl! Ignore the haters.
And thank you for all those lovely videos!
You really are incredible. People need to understand how food fuels the body and the right way to do this. Members of my family, including myself have suffered from eating disorders at both ends of the spectrum and you learn in hospital that the key to nutrition is to enjoy your food, in the right portions (either bigger or smaller). I have to say that if nutritionists etc are giving this kind of advice then surely it cannot just be an ‘opinion’. You are 100% spot on here cassie. And to be honest, even if you weren’t it would still be your OPINION, which I’m pretty sure we are all entitled to right?
Bottom line here is cassie, you’re an inspiration to many. Don’t let people bring you down.
Hi Cassey…it’s been awhile since i have posted or followed anything really because I kinda lost my mojo but I wanted to comment on this because I am a mother who has to constantly try to feed my kids the right foods. It is not easy because of different reasons. I do however understand the importance of feeding them a good healthy diet. I come from a family who didn’t have a whole lot of money and we still don’t and so that sometimes makes it hard to buy the right foods. Honey boo boo’s family doesn’t like to live beyond their means which I wouldn’t either If I had the money to do so. I still however think that you can still make right choices when choosing your foods, like the butter,ketchup,spaghetti thing was just something I would never give to my kids or myself. The kids tv shows actually try to educate them in healthy eating and at school as well so they do get some education with that wether o not you choose to listen or act on it is up to you. I try my hardest to make the right choices for my kids and myself, I have seen what it can do to your health so therefore i know that what your tying to do is great. I think more people should try to educate families and young kids on healthy choices.Anyways my point is good job in taking a stand and doing your best to try to spread healthy to people:)
Thank you for your honesty. You inspire.
I love you Cassey. For being passionate about your message and for caring about everyone. This started such a big debate, because I believe it hits close to home for many people. Thank you!
Awesome response! There should be more people like you out there! I am so happy to have found you on Pinterest 🙂 I’m hoping to be able to inspire more people to eat healthy and exercise like you do.
Nicely Put.
I really mean that. This is really well expressed. Love you, girl!
You are right calling morbidly obese a disease. It is a complex disease that causes damage in almost (if not every) area in the body. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I think the anonymity of replying to a post is no reason to attack and be unprofessional in the way one opposes and wants to rebuttal your opinions. Stay strong and keep doing what you are doing!
Cassey, until I met you I didn’t have a proper role model. You are amazing. I love you so much! We are all behind you!
Cassey,. from far Italy I can just say that what you do is simply amazing.keep on rocking and don’t let yourself be hurt by such mean people. you’re not just a pretty face!
love
Well said Cassey! People that were offended by your post need to realize that is your style of writing – if they don’t like it they can read something else! I am sorry that you had people calling you names and making personal attacks – not called for! Thank you for your hard work!
Keep doing what you do! I support your view on both of your blog posts and I admire you for handling things well.
Love you Cassey!
I don’t think you should have to apologize about your passion for helping others reach better health and fitness. Sometimes the truth isn’t popular. The truth hurts and nothing is more frustrating than standing by and watching a train wreck when you have the power to change the course of the train. I am a nurse and I listen to people who are ignorant to facts and believe in old wives tales. It is my job to educate and inform, so I try to do this as best I can. I believe that you are only doing what you are trained to do.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion; we hear them constantly in the news and on television. Don’t apologize for having an informed opinion, an educated opinion. If people want to place their lives on display for others to watch, they have to expect that people will discuss, judge, and debate it. I believe the United States has an amendment called “free speech”; you are exercising that right.
I personally haven’t watched this show and have only seen commercials advertising it, it held no interest for me because I felt I had nothing to gain from watching it.
Please don’t let negative comments ruin and destroy what you have worked so hard to achieve. Your videos are motivating, inspiring, and most of all a great service to everyone who is seeking better health and fitness. Keep up the great work, Cassey!
Cassey, I can’t believe you got hate on your last post! Aside from the fact that you’re wonderful and spectacular and amazing, nothing you said was out of line and deep down I’m sure a great majority of, well, everyone recognizes the dangerous lifestyle they are living on that show. Your concern is genuine and we can see that and we love for your passion. I feel bad that you had to make a follow-up post to clarify.
Cassey,
Thank you so much for this post, your last post, and really everything you do! I completely agree with your position! I suffered from childhood obesity for years. And like you said, I honestly didn’t know that what I was eating was actually causing it. I thought that it was just the way my body was built. Was I stupid? No, I was ignorant to the fact that what you eat could affect you in such a huge way! I also didn’t really realise that what I was eating was so bad in the first place. “I’m a vegetarian, anything I am able to eat must be fine for me!” Was my train of thought. When I was 18 I went to the doctor and found out that I was obese
I was terrified! I thought about all of the health issues that would be my future if I didn’t change. So I started with small changes. I drank more water and cut out soda; I stopped eating so much processed food, etc. I also started doing yoga to ease my body into being active. Pounds were basically melting away. I became so much healthier! Then I found Blogilates! Oh my goodness, Cassey! Your knowledge and passion for health has really helped and motivated me to keep the changes that I have made and to really educate myself about what I do and what I eat! Today I am 20 and 124lbs, which is in my normal bmi range!
Exactly like you said, obese is NOT a synonym for fat. I understand why a lot of people feel that it is though, because that’s how I felt before I got my life in order. Obesity is a medical condition, and it is important for people to know that! You have never tried to hurt people necause of their weight, you are trying to help SAVE LIVES!
Thank you, Cassey! You truly are a wonderful person that only tries to help! And thank you for helping me on my own health journey! No matter how in shape I am, your workouts will always kick my butt!
<3
Ashley
Ashley,
Just wanted to comment and say how awesome and inspirational your story is! I can’t imagine how hard that must have been to so radically change your ways. Congratulations on your progress!! 🙂
Shea
I agree- you are inspirational! Congrats on your commitment to health and best to you in the future!
Cassey,
Thank you for being so brave in sharing your honest opinions! A lot of times, people think it is ok to criticize someone for being to skinny, but the fat issue is kept hush-hush, as if there is a different set of rules or status quo to maintain. You inspire millions and I agree with you 10000%. It isn’t about saying that they are disgusting people, it is just their eating habits that are disgusting. I hope TLC can intervene and write a show where they are a nutritionist. To air a program like that, when many many Americans watch the show, then the viewers will watch and learn as well. As awful as it is, people idolize reality tv stars, thinking if they do it on tv, then it is ok. This isn’t about the shock value of exposing the lives of this family. It is an issue that should be brought to light, and like how I opened, I commemorate your bravery in touching upon an opinion that’s my have but suppress.
Xoxoxo, Lauren
I don’t understand how anyone could call you a “body shamer”. You taught me to LOVE my body and give it what it needs!
i second every single word you wrote, Cassey, both in this post and the last.
hey!
Your post wasnt a way to offend people it was to get them to realize how important nutrition is. Honey Boo Boo was just a good example of people who lack the knowledge of proper nutrition. I know for me, my mom always wants to feed me with lots of oil, fried and sugary foods. She also has that same moto food = love. I still try everyday to change her eating habits and thankfully i do the grocery shopping now and it has helped! your opinion was caring about honey boo boo and her eating habits now and to come. Your such a caring and sweet individual dont let anyones hurtful comments get you down.
Those people clearly need to realize why they freaked out and misinterrpretted your post. Everything in your post was true, they dont know about proper nutrition and its sad.
I agreed with your previous post and I agree with this one. However, I don’t think anyone is allowed to actually help this family because if they got healthy, then there would be no entertainment for the masses. TLC loves trainwrecks, so if you fix the train, they don’t make money. I sometimes wish they would cancel their show, so that MAYBE they will be able to get the help they need.
Hi Cassey! I’m sorry you received so much hate for your 1st post on Honey Boo Boo, but in the end I think it was a positive thing because it pushed you intro writing this post. It helped us to get to know more about you and how passionate you really are about overall health. I think this time, your post was spot-on and really came from your heart. We love you Cassey no matter what and you’ve done a great job not minding your business because guess what? Each and every one of us popsters was educated by you at some point- whethe it was from a new exercise move, a new recipe, a muscle name, something about nutrition….I know I’ve learned all 4 and more! And it’s made me a healthier person 🙂 Thank you Cassey so much and this post made me love you even more! <3
Although i totally agree that it is very important to live a healthy life, i don’t think it’s okay to use any person as an bad example. It is not classy. If you don’t have anything nice to say, just say nothing at all.
Do you really believe that your post about this honey boo boo helps her and her family?
Or is it just to say ‘look, i’m doing it the right way’? So you and your readers feel better about themselfs?
In my opinion it has nothing to do with love but with bashing others. No good, never.
You will receive my unsubscription.
What example should she use? The point is to help others if they may not know how they are living. They are living such unhealthy lives and others along with them. Hey maybe they way she said it was not in line with how u may have said it. But she hit the nail on the head. Obesity is an epidemic and its affecting our country. If someone needs to be told something important, sometimes u can’t be nice. Oh honey don’t eat that. Oh it’s ok if u feed your child awful foods. Not its not and she needs help so she can help her family. I’m not perfect. And neither is Cassey and I don’t ever hear her claiming to be. But hey she should feel good about what she does. That’s the whole point so people can feel good about themselves. Inside and out. What is wrong with being honest? She was not bashing them
Karin, you raise an interesting point. While I won’t get into the semantics over your use of the word ‘classy’, you should realize that this family is profiting from the prostitution of their lifestyle. And if these people are comfortable with welcoming millions of viewers into their home and benefiting from it, be it celebrity or money, they are justly in the realm of public criticism.
Cassey didn’t surmise the entirety of this situation with a couple callous words or phrases. She spent a good amount of time articulating how horrifying it is to see a family dig themselves into an early grave. You may see Honey Boo Boo as an endearing, harmless pop culture darling-of-the-moment, but many of us are upset or offended by their reckless lifestyle because we are essentially watching the demise of a very young innocent girl. This country faces a very serious food epidemic, and I’m glad these posts have incited such polarizing reactions. We have a forum to talk about this stuff, and isn’t that what this is about?
If you unsubscribe to Cassey’s site, at the very least, you should subscribe to a more proactive and socially progressive school of thought. You also spelled ‘themselves’ wrong.
Wow.
Apparently it IS pretty normal to ‘bash’ someone [here] for being different, not being the same as others or, in this case, about my spelling.
English is not my first language. I’m not from the us /uk /aus etc. So i bag your pardon if my writing is not perfect.
That someone is not doing ‘it’ the way you do it, does not give you the right to put the other down. That has nothing to do with helping out. That’s just arrogant. So was your comment about my spelling.
I bag your pardon.
Karin,
Of course you’re entitled to your opinion, but I just wanted to leave a comment to say that typically when there is an argument or debate, a concrete example is needed for the argument to be clear and understood by the receiving audience. I think that using the family as an example wasn’t meant to be bashing, but used as a jumping off point for a larger, more broad discussion on childhood and adult obesity, as well as the dire need for education about how to make healthy decisions.
Shea
Well said, Cassey!
I understand that some people may be upset about your previous post or feel that you come on a little strong, but you are passionate about what you do. And you feel like you have a duty, so I’m really proud that you stand up for what you believe in, and keep standing up for it when people are giving you a hard time.
Everyone who follows you on a regular basis knows that you speak from compassion and love and are really trying to do what is best for us.
cheers,
Kelly
Cassey I’ve only been following you for a couple months but I think your wonderful. You seem like a genuine person that is very passionate about what you do. Sometimes people don’t like to hear the truth. I’ve always felt that if the truth hurts maybe you should change it. I thought your original post was well done and nothing but the truth. Some people, especially online, just look for things to argue about.
I want you to know that thanks to you being the wonderful “fake instructor” that you are I’ve already lost 5lbs and I am feeling better about my body then I have in the year since having my first kid. The fact that you post your videos for free just because you care is great. Keep up the great work! you know who you are and what you stand for, nobody else’s opinion matters!
No one had “haters” for having mediocre feelings and thoughts. Those people said those negative and mean comments because you are so passionate about your job and role in life. But that’s exactly why so many of us love you and read every post you write, do every workout you tell us to and try to lead healthier life. Because of you and your passion for us! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Very grateful for people like you. 🙂
You’re amazing and I love you!
I agree with Charmaine! Keep showing us your knowledge about health and fitness!!! Keep sharing your passion and enthusiasm !!!! you are doing an awesome job Cassey and I haven’t enough words to tell you THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Cassey,
I agreed with your first blog 100%. The most disturbing part of Honey Boo Boo, in my opinion, is that a network thought it would be entertaining to our Nation to watch an obese mom make her child obese.
What the????????
Ahhh the morals of America and their reality shows.
Seriously you are my role model. Not just fitness but in everything! I’m 17 and grew up being fed like your cousin and became really overweight & insecure. I have followed your videos since I was 15 and my body, mindset toward food, skin, health, attitude has all changed so much. I just love how passionate about health you are and our world truly lacks passion & inspiration like you give. Its contagious. Because of YOUR passion others feel impassioned/ inspired too. And I LOVE how bubbly you always are in all your vids because it helps make working out so much more fun. Seriously thank you SO MUCH for being so real and beautiful inside & out. <3
Hi Cassey!
I think alot of people did read your post wrong, it might sounded a little provoking, I’m not going to deny that. But you are showing that you wish the best for everyone. And I am so sorry for what people have said to you and I am really ashamed that people would say something like that! Because they are probaly mad at you for the things you said, but they are more wrong to reply to you, that you cause people to commit suicide. People take things to personal and they shouln’d, you should be able to speak up your mind. And I really love you for that! You are a real person!
Love you!
hey Cassey!
This blog post is just another reason why I love you so much! You stand up for your views, and I totally admire that! You were so sassy and fierce! Haha you go girl!
You are just such an inspiring person, and I would really love to meet you someday, give you a big hug and say how totes amaze you are! hehe 🙂
Please come to Australia again soon!
Anastasia
Cassey…you rock!!!!!!!
All you want to do is help people and encourage them to improve their lives through being healthy. Since when was there something wrong with acknowledging the fact that there are people out there who need the help. Keep on doing what you do because you are fab and so many people including myself LOVE YOU!
Cassey,
Thank you so much for expressing your concerns because we all are aware of what us happening in the world today. The fact that people are unaware of how unhealthy food can slowly kill you. We have adds in Australia that have pictures that warn us about our health if we use a product that involves smoking on cigarette packets but they do not have it on a McDonalds burger wrap. In fact they have the nutritional information which many people don’t know how to read! And seeing something that has nutritional information can also trick the mind thinking well it only has that much so it’s just this once, it should be ok. Where are those warning signs for fast food! People not only drink or smoke to deal with their emotions but they deal with food. I do it. Most of the world does it. What you did was express your frustrations. Yes people! We are frustrated! That the government doesn’t try hard to put a stop to obesity! Health can cure many things. Yet instead people get fed pills to stop what they probably created! Diabetes ! Anyway cassey ! You let it out because what you let out is already in everyone’s minds, they just don’t express it. Yes maybe people took it the wrong way but it may have also woken people up. These people who took it personally are insecure and ashamed because they know the truth , they did this to themselves. And they live in a life where they choose to create excuses when all they need to do is put on their shoes and walk. There’s a video on you tube. A man was told he would never walk. He decided to
Continue doing yoga, and by 8 months he was walking. By a year he was running. Your mind is your worst enemy. You may make excuses but if a man can make himself walk again, the. What’s stopping you to start walking even if its painful. The pain roll go when the weight falls off. The very start of your new life will be hard, but this man who could walk was in pain, but he was consistent and kept on trying .. Then he started to run, as you will once you just start to walk again. It will change your life..
Nice posts. I agree. I grew up not understanding nutrition and health and my mom still lives that way. Once i began to learn my eyes were opened and I couldnt believe I was never taught this. Im from a small country town and most people have no education on this. Now I continue to try and share this with my family because I want hem to be healthy but its a process! Maybe if there had been some website like this when I was younger my lifestyle would have been much healthier. Youre a fun, young, motivating instructor for so many people, especially youth! keep it up.
Hey cassey! I totally support you on this battle! You have no idea how much you have changed my life and my family’s life too! thank you so much!
I think that the negative comments were quite ridiculous. I mean, most of you live in countries where overweight is such a huge health problem and there is this American show where they make the thousands of television viewers believe that it’s fine to eat like that, it’s even funny, cute and cool. Have you ever thought about that these people are role models/bad role models to the viewers?! To me this whole show is so embarrassing, awkward and totally disrespectful and ignorant… there are millions of people who struggle to survive because they don’t have enough to eat and then there are these “celebrities” who act like food was a toy! It’s truly ABSURD that people on here (who are apparently following this blog because they care about health) are defending this show!!
Go Cassey! Great post!
Cassey, this is a very well written blog post! I agreed 100% with your previous blog post about this and this one as well. Obesity, however, affects more than just the family and individual. It is not only a huge health concern, it is also an economic one. I honestly don’t know how our economic system in the US is going to handle the massive influx of newly insured people in our healthcare system (although I do believe healthcare should be a right not a privilege). As I told my daughters, imagine what would happen if virtually everyone one adopted eating clean and a physically active lifestyle–not only would it likely enhance the quality of their lives, but the the question of how we (as a country) are going to pay for national healthcare might not be a question at all. It is not only a personal or family issue, obesity is a national issue. It really is everybody’s business because, in the long run, we all pay for it whether it be with our own health or with our wallets. My mother told me the story of one of her friends (morbidly obese) who has HBP and diabetes. He still eats very poorly and has not intention of changing his eating habits. His feelings about it? “I always thought I would die young.” That may very well happen, but he’s not the only one paying for complications until his death. In a way, we are all responsible financially for healthcare including his.
I couldn’t agree with you more! It is absolutely a national problem that effects our entire country! Maybe if more people understood that and spoke out we wouldn’t be in half the mess we are
Always got my support Cassey x
Well said
never read the original post and probably won’t, I live in England so haven’t seen the episode but I’ve watched clips on YouTube and totally agree and after reading you’re blog I’ve decided your like a healthy superhero protecting people from bad lifestyle choices 😀
It’s people like you who push on and do what they are most passionate about, despite the hate and the challenges and the opposition, who will eventually change the world one day. You’re getting lotsa negative feedback and criticism because you’re doing something right. A lot of people find it easy to just bash and stream out tons of hate without even bothering to learn first. They are so quick to attack the person and the action done without bothering to know the motives behind and what brought that action about in the first place. It’s easy to judge, but a lot more difficult to open your eyes and understand. People said “mind your own business” and stuff like that? Do they even bother to learn and understand why you do what you do?
If I may, I’d like to share something with you that my mom shared with me when I was a sophomore in high school. I came home crying one day from school (I was bullied a lot back then), and I told my mom I never wanted to see that place ever because the girls were just so mean. So she asked me, “Do they feed you? Do they clothe you? Send you to school? Do they contribute in any way to your well-being?” And realizing then that the answer was no, my whole perspective changed. 🙂 People who do nothing but throw hate-bombs are only there to build your character. Don’t let ’em get to you. 🙂
Love from the Philippine Islands,
Regina
First of all,
THANK YOU!
You have really helped me in many ways. I’m trying to eat better and to be more active and you motivate me everyday.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote.
<3
Artemi.
Cassey, you always are able to say what I am thinking. I think you made it really clear what you meant and why you think like that and I think you are just great!
You are an amazing person, trainer and yes… friend. I feel like you are my friend because you are honest, open and just so kind! And friends are there for you no matter if they say something where you agree or not.
Thanks for this awesome post and let us see even more about you, your thoughts, your passion and your soul!
Love you so much!
You help me so much!
Best wishes and hugs from the Austrian Alps!
Hope you feel better now!
Very kind, informative and eloquent Cassey! People need to see and hear the truth. Thank you for taking the time to care.
Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and so is the work you do! You are living your passion, and that is wonderful. Like so many others, I LOVE your exercise DVDs and recipes! Keep up the good work! And thank you!
Hey Cassey ,
I completely agree with everything you are saying , I have known many people in the past who have weight problems because of the way they ate when they were children Becuase their parents simply couldn’t say no ! One story in particular is this girl who was in my class when I was about 9/10 , she always had such a huge packed lunch filled with chocolate and crisps and not a bit of fruit in site and at the end of school her mum would bring her a packet of crisps , a bar of chocolate and a fizzy drink EVERY DAY ! I still knows this girl and she never goes out to party’s or to the beach and she told me that in the past she’s been in changing rooms of high street shops in tears because nothing would fit her and she just wanted to have the same kind of life as all the other girls. She also told me that when she was about 16 her mum deleted her facebook account and said she wasn’t allowed it back until she had lost at least 1 stone , this actually made me feel really upset for the girl as it wasn’t her fault that her mum didn’t feed her well when she was younger, it was her mums fault ! As my mum always says “We create our own monsters” . I feel we should set a good example from a very young age with children and teach them that bring healthy is a good thing !
Also , you go girl! No one should be criticising you for wanting to make a positive change to a child life !
Good response ! 🙂
I agree. It’s not that we are picking on those with bad eating habits. I’ve been picked on for having good eating habits, but I don’t let it bother me cause I want to be such a good example that people do see the difference! Those same people who comment on my clean diet also comment on how I don’t get sick and how I don’t go to the doctor other than for physicals and how I’m not on medications! They need to learn to make the connection and understand that the junk that they are putting in their bodies day after day is affecting them in negative ways.
You have my support and I hope the “haters” will be able to understand that we just need to educate those around us and help them find a better way to live.
I wasn’t going to get involved in this debate because I didn’t understand how so many people had misunderstood what you said before, but the fact it was so bad you needed to write a clarification post makes me just want to tell you that everything you said before was true and even if it wasn’t, you’re allowed to express your opinion!! I hope everyone sees now that you meant it in the best way – you’re awesome and I was so sad to see people accusing you of being fat-phobic. Keep doing what you’re doing 🙂 x
I think your response is perfect. I admire you for clarifying your true intentions of your first post. I think that you’re right, we need to bring health awareness to families or this cycle will continue. I am a teacher in nyc and we teach a nutrition unit. It is great and the kids really get into it, but when they go home, what is cooked as meals is out of their hands. That’s why I agree with you that there needs to be some type of family training or awareness of nutrition and exercise. Not sure what the answer is but I admire your passion for helping people to be the best version of themselves!!
That was great Cassey! STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN! We’re right there behind ya agreeing and supporting your cause, hard work and convictions!!! Good luck at the Boys and Girls Club today!
You are so inspiring. It’s amazing to know that somebody out there cares for other people’s well being. Don’t take what negative people say, to heart. It means nothing and never will. What you do is an amazing thing, and you’re an inspiration to many!
I agree with both posts you made. I couldn’t agree more.
Keep doing what you’re doing. 🙂
I love you!!! 😀
I totally agree with you, Cassey. I have been a nurse for over 25 years and a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for over 10 years. If we as a collective society don’t do something about “our” unhealthy lifestyles, we will be in big trouble. We will have more than half of the population hugely infirmed and no one to take care of them and certainly not even government monies (presently elderly and severely disabled use the majorityof the Medicare funds) to assist. Well, if all of these folks who are heading down the path of diabetes and hypertension, they are at risk for renal failure needing possible dialysis (Medicare will be their insurance) and stroke (if deficits large enough, their insurance will, too be Medicare) and many other debilitating diseases. We, as a nation, cannot afford their medical costs! You are right, it starts in the home. But, once you are old enough to make your own choices….you choose your own path. Do what you will, but don’t expect MY TAX DOLLARS to pay for your poor choices. Be a role model for your children and others. Eat healthfully, exercise (move – do anything, get off the couch) and practice some mind/body exercise (praying, yoga, meditation, quiet time). Just be the best you can be!!!!!
This is why I love you Cassey. You are so inspiring and such a genuine caring person. I am sure that you have changed countless lives around the world, and I don’t think you realise just how loved you are. Thank you so much for being you.
Beautifully spoken Cassey! My mother is the same way, I try and try and she never really accepts the fact that she truly is hurting herself by having all these fatty foods and sugary drinks. It is the hardest thing to try and educate her about her eating habits and how she should change them, but by no means am I ever going to stop trying or giving up hope. Does this necessarily mean I’m hating on my mom? No, I just love her and want her to live a long and healthy life.
Cassey, I think I want to be a fitness instructor because of what you do. I can feel your passion and determination practically reaching through my computer screen and shaking my shoulders frantically!
This is what our world needs.
Well said Cassey! You are passionate about what you believe, you want to help people and you do! There will always be haters, insecure and jealous people. Stay true to who you are and don’t change for any one. If people don’t understand what you are and were trying to say, well maybe they don’t want to understand. We all have total respect for you and you have helped so many people around the world! Thank you for being you! 🙂
Lots of love from Melbourne, Australia.
Hey Cassey, I totally agree with both of your post and I understand. I know you weren’t trying to be mean or anything like that. Please don’t take the horrible comments to heart! I love you Cassey!! <3<3
I think you handled this in a good way. You took the time to read and think about what other people said and trying to understand their point of view and you clarified without being defensive. I’m impressed, that is a hard thing to do.
Good luck with your educating!
Hey cassey!
I wasn’t actually going to comment on this or the previous post. I see that you get hundreds of posts, so I think, I don’t need to post, anything I want to say has been said.
The reason I changed my mind is because I realised too many people do this. Nothing will change if we continue to sit idly by.
This is the main reason I respect and love what you do. You are not only educating a crazy amount of people, you are inspiring others to speak out and educate too. You are only one person and can only reach so many people, those people need to reach out and educate more. That is how change will happen!
Almost everything there is to say about health and fitness has been said sometime, somewhere by someone, and yet there are still people uneducated about healthy lifestyle choices.
So I am commenting on this, to give an extra push to what you are trying to do and change. If everyone does this, change will be so much easier 🙂
Thank you for being a strong, determined, educated and passionate person. And thank you for sharing that with us.
Lots of love from NSW , Australia!
Xoxojaimie
Cassey, A to the MEN, sista! You are completely correct! People don’t know what they don’t know! Shout it from the roof tops, girl! Some will hate (and that’s okay…it will come regardless) but then some will rise up and take action to live healthier lives. Focus on how many people you have touched and those whose lives will continue to change for the better…”You is kind, You is smart, You is IMPORTANT!”
HAHA yes i like this
Couldn’t say it better!
Dear Cassey, I love the way you handle the situation.
It must have made you feel really sad when people are saying nasty things and stepping on what you believed. I, too, believe that it is important to know how to eat right and healthy. I totally support you ever since I subscribed to you! Keep doing what you doing! These children need to be educated on what goes into their mouth and eventually their body! Love you Cassey! Hope you feeling alright! 😀 *HUGS all the way from Malaysia!*
You’re a star Cassey 🙂 Brilliant response! I’m inspired to help other people now 🙂 <3
I cannot believe the hate you received from the last post, I completely was with you 100% with both. So much respect for you speaking your mind and trying to change a generation. True inspiration. Lauren x
I just love you. Never worry about the haters. There are so many people that love you to death (including me, someone you don’t even know) . Those who misinterpret you have obviously just not come to know you and what an amazing and inspirational person you are yet. I love you!
GO CASSEY.. Most of us know how good was your intention.. You are really doing a good job! When many people see that and laugh at their back, you really took an initiative to speak wat has to be DONE. You are doing them good and to many people who are unknowingly used to that custom. CASSEY ALWAYS YOU CANT SATISFY EVERYONE. Every good work will have opposition, only since its good. Go ahead girl. I never write comments section , but felt really bad for you after reading your post..so just wanted to cheer you up 🙂
I really appreciate your honesty, especially concerning your family story. I also think it was good that you thought about this whole topic and the debate for a few days, so that you could understand everyone’s position.
In my opinion you are admirable for your efforts to help people. That is such a good thing, a lot of people need help. (Well, everyone needs help, sometimes).
Keep your attitude and your strong belief and will! There are not many people that show and stand behind their positions that clearly. You are doing a great job!
well said Cassey. it was upsetting seeing all the attacks towards you for something which I interpreted as harmless unlike other people !
but the people who wrote the mean comments towards you for your post must really not understand you. those people who take time to read your blog, watch our videos and generally listen to you know that you have only good intentions and aim to help others.
lots of love to you Cassey, you shouldn’t stress yourself out too much about the audience who clearly don’t understand you.
Casey. Oh my. I don’t really have words to say from reading this post except that it brought me to tears because you are truly the most inspiring person I have ever come across.
I cannot wait to come to a meetup of yours and give you the biggest hug ever and jus meet you in person because you are just a one of a kind individual and leader and instructor and friend. Thank you, bless you for this post. It opened my eyes even more about wanting to help or be passionate, and it brought out the best in you. I’m literally crying rn because you’re just so wonderful and maybe you should write a book one day. I don’t mean a huge long novel, or right away because you are allllways quite busy (which is great) but just an organized writing of all your thoughts and everything you live for. Just one day, even if you’re retired! Idc when!!!!
I love you sooo much Cassey. THANK YOUUU
aww love u too! hug.
I ALSO FORGOT TO SAY GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN WITH THE KIDS YOU’ll be awesome!!!!!!!!
OMG YESS that would be so awesome if you wrote a book! I just know it would be SO INSPIRING!!!
Hey Cassey
I fully agree with you one your points (I even relate to the strokes and stuff), but your writing skills are perhaps not the best. I understand you were really worked up when writing this entry, and probably even more so with the previous one, but you have to really look over your posts before publishing them. Think about who’s going to read them, how they’re going to interpret it, and most important, PLEASE BE CONCISE. Because your post, it was long, repetitive, very emotional, and that’s not exactly the best way to communicate your points to us popsters.
Please, really be concise and careful, and thank you again for bringing this to light!
Cassey’s post was actually very eloquently written. So what if a word or two was mixed up out of that entire, emotional post? You made spelling errors in your little comment….
“I fully agree with you one your points”
LOVE YOU CASSEY! WELL SAID AND WELL WRITTEN!
Actually, I agree with Eve. Overall, a bit more brevity and a little more focus on being concise with the ideas presented would have benefited in this situation. At no point did Eve say Cassey made spelling errors (a petty point you made, Caroline) or that she mixed up words; she actually was giving Cassey constructive criticism for future circumstances of this sort. In light of the events, being both clearer and shorter might have helped the audience interpret her points better.
Really?!?!?!?!?! I see quite a few errors in your response Eve. Cassey doesn’t need to be told what to do at this point, she wrote from her heart and that’s exactly the BEST way to communicate with her Popsters! I could write a whole lot more, instead I will zip my lip because it’s not worth my time.
Thanks Cassey for EVERYTHING that you do! Love you!
“So for those of you who think I should mind my own business, it’s not happening. Ever.” You go, girl! 🙂
Well written and i like that you stand to your opinion! Also I’m moved by your personal story. I agree to 100 % that you should find a way to help them! I used to be an obese (this is a medical term!! SIGH) child and teenager. And it was not fun. I have been made fun of very often. And I often cried. Thankfully I found a way out and today I’m a 20 year old student who eats oat meal for breakfast instead of toast with nuttella. Who watches Blogilates videos instead of reality TV (okay, I still watch it sometimes..). Who still loves cake and ice cream, but enjoys in moderation instead of eating an entire jar of ice cream as snack.
So, Cassey: THANK YOU for taking courage to shout it out loud 😉 and have fun with the kids!
Totally different topic: How was your birthday?? 🙂
I don’t understand why people feel the need to get personal. Don’t let it get to you! I also feel that this post clarifies a lot. I think that the previous post could have been misinterpreted – but hey, that’s often the case when you say or write something.
I still love your workouts, recipes and blogs. Keep on doing such a great job!
Very well said. I agree 100% with everything you said, and I’m really sorry you had to listen to all that negativity! You’re a wonderful person who has helped so many- just keep doing what you do best, because we love you for it <3
I’m happy that Cassey took the time to read a comment of mine on facebook (she liked it! woo!) and it seemed to me as if she used a few pointers from me 🙂
Cass, people are afraid of facing up to their own problems. I suspect a lot of the people who took your blog post badly were offended because they probably saw themselves as the target of your protest, not just Honey Boo Boo and her family. You have every right to say what you think, ESPECIALLY since you know a lot more about health and nutrition than others. If you can’t take what Cassey said because of your own problems, then that’s obviously a sign that you need to change something in your diet/exercise regime.
Cassey you are awesome !
For every bad comment there are 5000 good one is and we know you mean well ! By the way I totally agree with you ! It’s bad to ignore and great, really great to care. I hope you have fun teaching your class ! 🙂 Don’t take the hating messages too much to heart, some people can’t help themselves when they don’t understand. Thank you for being during my struggle to lose weight.
love love. x
This blog post is perfect. I’m sorry so many people misunderstood your previous post, but how anyone could argue with this I have no idea. You are awesome!
Hey Deary,
Seriously, I commend you on being who you are, and what you have said. The problem with todays’ world is, we misinterpret everything, because it doesn’t seem to be in our favour or “GOOD” for us. I think you care even MORE about the little girl, then the people who just turn their TV’s on, and watch the child, for entertainment. Also, love that you decided not to react so quickly to all the comments, must be hard to hear such things, but it can only make you stronger right!
Proud of you!
Deepti
P.S. Haven’t been able to workout, and I miss you!
You’re awesome, Cassey!! 🙂 xoxo
Omg, I share the same name as Honey Boo Boo? Didn’t know that!! (Not from USA, evidently..)
I support you all the way 🙂 <3
Hey Cassey!
First off, I loveee your videos! Very inspiring. Anyways, I don’t see what the whole big fuss was! It is so true on how people are hurting themselves with food and it’s a good thing you and others are around to care sooo much about someone else’s lifestyles. I myself am trying to …change my families eating habits and what not and believe me it is not as easy as you think it would be!! Anyhoot, have a beautiful day, night or morning and I will be reading and watching more of you!
Stay strong
Ashley 🙂
Hi Cassey
I agreed with everything you said in your first post. You can’t please everyone. You were being your self and gave your honest opinions. People misinterpret your good intentions. I’m a big fan of yours. I love what you are doing to educate us on fitness, health and nutrition. Keep up the good work! xx
I couldn’t agree more with you Cassey! Change is key if you’re asking me personally, and most importantly learning what a healthy lifestyle actually means. You inspire me to CARE! <3
Cassey,
I just read both of your Honey Boo Boo blogs, and I totally agree with you!
I love how you’ve created this fun and supportive to help people be their best self.
No one is born with all of this knowledge, but how are we supposed to learn if people who have it aren’t sharing what they know to help others? I love that you’re so passionate about preventing obesity. It is a disease that people can actively prevent, and hey…. we only get one body so why wouldn’t we give it the nutrients it deserves.
I love your videos because I’m always learning something new, and you are so motivating and inspiring.
Don’t forget, when people tell you to mind their own business, don’t be offended, … really you are minding your own business. This is the business you’re in, helping to share your knowledge about living a healthy lifestyle with as many people as you can, and that is something to be truly proud of!!
Much love xx
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS POST. It’s about time we call people out for their DISGUSTING habits regarding food (yes, I said disgusting. Honey Boo Boo and her family have disgusting habits and there is NO debating that.) I can’t watch that show because I feel like I’m watching a family commit a slow suicide and it makes me sad. As Americans, we need to all wake up and realize obesity is an deadly epidemic.
I love this post and I loved the original post. Thank you for providing us with FREE ways to work out and giving us your time and energy for FREE (people please remember we do not pay Casey to use her products so if you don’t like something just leave. It’s not like you can ask for your money back since you are given it for FREE. If you were paying her I may think you had the right to voice your anger towards her but your not.)
I COMPLETELY AGREE 100% with BOTH of your posts!!
I WAS THAT CHILD!
My mother cooked for us SIX DAYS A WEEK. Not because she had to, but that’s how she showed her love for her family. Did my mother make the best choices for us?? NO! It wasn’t because she was fat. My mother was skinny her entire life, so she didn’t know any better!!
My mother didn’t know that fried chicken and white carbs would start adding up over the years. She didn’t realize that macaroni & cheese and ribs wasn’t a good Saturday meal. But she did the best she could with the information she had.
My Becoming obese at the age of 10 was a difficult thing for her. She didn’t understand it. Her side of the family never had those problems.
The difference between my mom & Honey Boo boo’s mom? My mom TRIED to become educated. She took us all, herself, my sister & I to weight watchers so that SHE could learn a better way. She knew what she was doing wasn’t the best thing for her children so SHE FOUND A WAY to educate herself.
That’s what upsets me about this show. The mother doesn’t even try to understand the best way to feed her children.
We didn’t have a lot of money. We didn’t eat a TON of preserved/canned food & but we still had our fair share to save a dollar here & there. My mother did cook every single night. If she had cooked a bit differently, would I have still been an obese child? Who knows. But it definitely would have given me a different relationship about food.
At age 19 I started working out.
At age 24/25 I FINALLY changed the way I ate to live a healthier lifestyle.
At age 31, do I still have an unhealthy relationship with food? Yes, yes I do. It will always be a struggle for me.
Education is key.
So don’t bash Cassey because she “doesn’t know” personally what it’s like
I KNOW AND I AGREE 100% WITH HER POST!
I WAS THAT CHILD!!!
Preach, preach, preach sista! You haven’t ever really gotten controversial on your blog. I LOVE that you are sharing your voice. You have a ton of followers and a platform to actually use your knowledge to make real change in this world. You come form a place of love and peace and with good intentions. So KEEP ON SPEAKING. Do not stop. Fight. Fight hard for a better world and what you believe in. You are inspiring more good in people than you will ever know. XOXOXO
Well said, Cassey! You’re making the world a better place. Stay awesome!
I cried when I read this post, and Cassey, I had no idea about your family. I’m really sorry 🙁
Hey Cassey, amazing post. I completelly agree with it. I know you had lots of bad comments on your first post about this, but it was because you were misunderstood. this post is pretty clear. thank you for posting it.
I’ve just read this and the previous article – I don’t think you needed to justify the first one! I am overweight and am completely aware that it is of my own doing, so don’t think that people need to get on their high horses about it! You were only pointing out that it was the diet that was bad and for the children, who don’t have any choice in what food they eat. I’m in England and the NHS have a campaign called change4life to try and highlight the importance of a healthy diet for the whole family and that it’s little changes that we all need to make.
Great post cassey.i can’t believe how someone could call you a pig!!!you are such a wonderfull person and you do all these things for free,just so we can get stronger and fitter ever day! My life is so much better since i follow you and do your workouts.i feel so much better about myself and i have more energy.thank you cassey!you are amazing!
<3
Cassey you have such a loving and considerate heart for others. I honour your determination to help our world become a healthier one. I Love your servanthearted nature and how you are always trying to make people happier. You are a proffessional and it is completley your duty and place to stand up, encourage and educate others in this very important matter. I love you and think that you are fantastic! Stay true to yourself and your values despite the harsh words of others.
Lots of Love from Australia!!!
Hey Cassey!
I had no problem with your first post. I was shocked to hear all the hate you were receiving! It was merely a post about the need for education and nutrition. You just have to understand people are projecting hate onto what they read in your blog post when really it comes purely from love. I get that. POPsters will get that. Just keep your chin up!
Great post Cassey!
I also agreed with your previous post and I hope that this post also makes the ‘haters’ realize that bitching on you makes nobody better, a lesson that a lot of people obviously still need to learn (please do not confuse good constructive criticism with bitching because yes, there is a big difference.)
Keep up your good work!
Love from the Netherlands!
“So for those of you who think I should mind my own business, it’s not happening. Ever.” – Thank you so much for saying this. It’s good to see that there are people out there passionate about changing the world even when there are those against you. Also, I just read the post that this was in reference to: you said nothing wrong.
Haters are gunna hate…. That’s why we have to stand up for what we believe in. You go Cassey!
Hey Cassey,
I met you in London last summer when you took a class in London. I have to say, even in that very sort meeting, it was clear you cared for each any every person in that room. More than that, in fact, each and every person who read your blog.
Why do I mention this? Well, Cassey, it is obvious to me that you are not ‘fat shaming’. This may be something that happens on tumblr. I have never seen it. You are simply explaining your thoughts based on stimulus material. Anyone who fears otherwise is projecting onto your writing for their own reasons…which could be numerous!
You make an excellent case. Education into a healthy lifestyle will save money in the long run. This is not a new idea; a group of doctors in the nineties actually started issuing prescriptions for food that could be redeemed at a local market, as they realised many of the health problems they were seeing were to do with poor nutrition. Rather than prescribing drugs to deal with the consequences of the poor diet, they tackled it directly. When their state funding office found out they were outraged and demanded an end to this practice. The doctors stood their ground and fought and are still campaigning today. It is the same issue you raise. Fundamentally nutrition affects health. Why tackle the symptoms when you could tackle the cause.
It isn’t about looking down on people who don’t have a healthy lifestyle… It’s about promoting it. Cassey you inspired debate and raised the profile of an issue…. Good for you!
Love from London!
Xxxx
aww love u rebecca!!!!
Love you, Cassey! Xxxx
I agree with you on everything except when you say “you can be thin and unhealthy, and overweight and healthy.” That is simply not true. While I do agree you can be thin and unhealthy, the truth is, if you are overweight, you cannot be healthy. Yes you can be overweight and working hard to lose weight by eating healthy and exercising, but you will still be unhealthy until you actually get to a healthy weight. Being overweight in no way, is healthy. That’s like saying a recovering anorexic is healthy because the person on the road to recovery. Yes they are GETTING healthier, but she/he won’t actually be healthy until they are at a “healthy” weight.
I have to disagree with this comment 100%. You can be thin and unhealthy, for SURE, and you can DEFINATELY be overweight and healthy. Why? Because I am overweight and healthy. I am considered obese and I do not have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a high heart rate, anything wrong my with heart, and I eat well and exercise. I don’t have diabetes, it doesn’t kill me to walk up a flight of stairs; hell, I can even run!! A “healthy” weight is contradictory. Why? Because females have boobs. And booties. And thunder thighs. If I took ALL of those things off of my body and was completely flat, I would be much closer to a “normal” BMI than I am now. But, I am in no way, shape, or form unhealthy, as it were.
There are different levels if being overweight. One of the best examples of this is Arnold Schwarzenegger. At his prime he was actually considered medically overweight. Being fat and unhealthy is different than having a higher BMI.
You didn’t read what she said. She you CAN be overweight and healthy…..
I absolutely agree with this reply, and disagree to the original comment!
I’m overweight, but just did a blood test and & full body check with my doctor, and I’m perfectly healthy at 21. The extra weight is from my “assets”. I can run 10K races under 55mins, 5K in 20mins, lift with the boys at the gym! I have a bit of loose fat all over which contributes to the weight part as well, but it doesn’t bother me as I’m comfortable with it at the moment. My family has a history of high blood pressure and obesity, but I’ve always maintained a healthy diet with exercise – but can’t avoid those extra kilos.
Thanks Courtney! I love this reply: my boobs, bum and thighs are the heaviest bits of me!!! I have a relatively flat tummy, slim ish arms (they’re not flabby) and I can run a mile without stopping. but my BMI still tells me I’m overweight. Not by a lot, but it’s enough. Granted I could eat better and do more exercise but I’ll never be skinny.
Thanks for this post. I was quite shocked with the negative comments from the previous posts. I thought that the whole purpose of our post had been to raise the awareness about the issue. Also, I dont understand why TV in the US shows such things (maybe its to get viewers to watch), but like u had said, it makes people who dont know what is a proper diet to misinterpret it!
The information that u provide on your site and the youtube videos are very educational and its free! I dont know much about lower income families in the US and how they live but the other day u had shown the cost of a chicken lettuce wrap…to me it shows that a healthy diets doesnt have to be expensive.
It would be great if simple information could be provided to people who need to know the basics (adult and children!).
Good luck teaching pop pilates to the youngsters! Im sure they will love it!
Just received your email and straight away read this inspirational post! I couldn’t agree more with what you have said! I’ve felt so sad for you because of the horrible things some people have said, and you making this comeback and being strong is amazing, and inspired me to stand up for what I believe in too! You have so many fans who love you and will always follow you..
Lots of love
Sophie x
“Most people would rather deny a hard truth than face it” – GRRM GoT
I think the people that are hatefully commenting on your posts are those who would rather deny the truth than face it. Keep up the good work Cassey.
Thank you Cassey for this long post, you’ve pointed out the most important points of how people should really, I MEAN REALLY TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES. My friend who was really skinny once (when she was still in the netball club), started to gain weight when she went to Melbourne, and I’m truly worried about her because eating tons of macaroons and not watching what she eats isn’t going to help health at all. Have tried all the reminding, and was really being careful not to hurt her feelings but… I guess she’ll have to decide on her own whether if she wants to start living healthy or not. Nevertheless, I consistently sent her workout videos of yours to help her find motivation so she could back on her feet, hoping that she’ll find strength and motivation from your enthusiasm :).
Best wishes and stay strong 🙂
It’s like you have a gold mine and are giving it away and people criticize you for it. How bizarre. Seriously, being healthy and having endurance and energy for every day life (as long as you are lucky enough to not have a serious medical condition like cancer etc) comes from eating right and exercising regularly. The only way for some people to change is to hear the truth, it may be met with great resistance, but to not say anything at all seems to make it ok. And it’s really not ok to not take care of your body..
Your last post was fine, and this one is even better. I was shocked when I read that you were receiving hate, because I can’t see how anything you said could be construed as fat shaming. You were clearly expressing a concern over their health. It would be wonderful if the Honey Boo Boo family could take part in one of the healthy weight loss shows that you have in the US, to educate them on how to take care of themselves.
You have always been an inspiration, not only with Pilates but with motivation and healthy eating. Please don’t let some negativity put your spark out, we need people like you!
Emma
P.s love the DVD! Thanks! Xx
Well said Cassey, if people still have degrogatory things to say to you after this then that is their problem, not yours. In my opinion, you did not need to justify your previous blog post in the first place but you have done it with a lot of dignity. Helping people to live a healthy lifestyle is your passion and you are amazing at it, you most certainly have helped me a TONNE! That said you have helped so many people by just caring, nothing else, because so many people don’t care.
Chin up Cassey, you are amazing!
xxxx
derogatory*
You are a loving hero. It’s sad that some people don’t understand that.
Eloquent, elegant, thoughtful, supportive, passionate, considerate and true. There are so many sentiments that I agree with in this post, so congratulations on writing such a wonderful response to the criticism you have received.
There would have been an international outcry if the mother had been shown giving Honey Boo Boo cigarettes or alcohol, and I struggle to see how bringing her up for years on a diet of toxins is wholly different, and therefore cannot understand how anyone could suggest that they be left to display such an unhealthy lifestyle to the public and be held up as good examples. Saying this, I equally don’t with them to be publicly mocked and ridiculed, so in all honesty I think that the producers of the programme itself are also disgusting for perpetuating the culture of the modern circus. Anyway, I digress; the most important thing to focus on right now is health, and the truth of the obesity epidemic.
Overeating is an eating disorder treated in Rehab centres, just like alcoholism or gambling addiction, and I admire you for seeing it as your moral duty to speak out when you see people harming themselves and their families in such a way.
Right on Cassey! You shouldn’t have had to elucidate your meaning for those that got their knickers in a Trudy over the subject at first, but you’ve done so in a most eloquent and awesome way, backed up with personal stories and facts! As a health care professional, I can tell you you’re 100% right about the long term effects that kind of lifestyle has on your body (Oh hey, heart disease, fancy meeting you here!). Keep crusading, listen to the constructive feedback, ignore the haters!! <3
I read both your blog posts Cassey and I feel like I know you so much better now, in a good way! Love your work (and work-outs) and totally support what you are saying! Keep up the great work! You are amazing and don’t ever change!
xx Chau
Excellent post Cassey!! You were able to put into words exactly how I feel! I am really interested in health and nutrition and I am studying to become a dietician. Everyday I try to get my family and friends to eat and live healthier but most of the time I fail! It can be very difficult to get people to change their eating habits and it pains me to see people badly. You have encouraged me to keep trying. Thanks
ps. love your workouts, so much fun! <3
I can’t tell you how impressed I am with how you’ve handled this entire situation. It’s amazing how strong and passionate you are about all of this. I hope this post clarified some things for those who took offence, but I definitely think it did 🙂 Have fun teaching those kids later, can’t wait to read about it afterwards. xx
Cassey, I think you shouldn’t be afraid to start controversy in your blog. This is a taboo, you can say so by the way we all reacted. And unfortunately, it’s almost like sex: some people still have risky sexual conducts because sex is a taboo and is not sufficiently discussed.
Basically, people who are saying to let Honey Boo Boo and her family eat the way they want are implying that we should let the ignorant stay ignorant, just because they are happy! Isn’t that a form of oppression?
Think about this, Cassey: whenever you try to speak up you will be criticized and accused (sometimes, you’ll be abused too). But this should reaffirm you in your beliefs.
xx
I support you all the way Cassey. And I couldn’t agree more; when i read your first post on this topic i was really glad for not being the only one to think it is absurd. i mean, even the whole show is ridiculous – but that’s another subject.
please don’t take those awful comments too personally, people really tend to say horrible things when they’re given different opinions about something they “enjoy” (and i must use ” because those shows are brainwashers, and i cant even understand why people watch them ugh!) and you’re such a cheerfull and bright person, i really don’t want you to be sad about those comments..
much love x
You know what, Cassey! I totally agree with you… I had never really watched Honey Boo Boo before so I decided to watch the Thanksgiving special after reading your post and omggggg it horrified me! Not the people, not their personalities… but their actions in regard to food. Lately, I’ve been getting healthier and watching what I eat because I know that the best time to make a healthy future for myself is whilst i’m young. I couldnt bear to watch the food prep because it was honestly really gross! They do seem to lack knowledge about healthy lifestyles and food .
Good on you for posting your blog! Haters will always be around, looking for something… anything… to pick on! I admire your courage, dedication and you’re basically the ultimate inspiration! Don’t let something like this stop you from being how you are.
Lots of love and admiration from Sydney, Australia xx
I think this was an entirely appropriate response. Before having my son my own food education was completely woeful; I was overweight, I struggled with infertility, I was unhappy, and I felt like crap/
At 23.
Now I eat paleo, I live primal, I love exercise and I do it all because my son is WORTH being healthy for, and WORTH bringing up the best way I possibly can. Education is the key, and I think what you’re doing is great. I understand the spirit in which you meant the original post, and I think this is exactly what people need to hear.
She’s a a pilates instructor, a health educator; what do people expect? Shows like that normalize bad eating habits, which eventually put a horrible strain on medical systems. Learning how to eat well and exercise can help prevent this, it prevents the problem rather than trying (expensively, and often failing) to cure it.
Keep it up, Cassie. Between the awesome recipes, constant positive energy, amazing (FREE) videos and ongoing education, you’re doing an amazing job, thank you 🙂
You go girl!
great blog cassey. i think you’re brave for taking a stand, and saying things that are difficult for a lot of people to hear, but are so important. thank you for continuing to be an inspiration.
Hey Cassey, ever since my friends told me about your youtube videos I have slowly being trying to better my eating habits and exercise routines. Life is busy and breaking bad habits is super hard, but I am making progress because of you. This post just proves why you are a hero to many – you tell it how you see it and back it up with evidence. You are an incredible inspiration and I personally love what you are trying to do and doing. xx
Dear Cassey,
i think this is one of the best posts i’ve ever read. I totally agree with your statement. Keep up the great work, you’re such a good person! Much Love .xx
A lot of things get misinterpreted over the net; other people choose not to look at it in another person’s POV.. Your point was clear in the previous post, and was made clearer in this one. It’s good that you didn’t just go all, ‘I don’t need to explain myself’. You’re a true role model, at least, you’re definitely mine.
Go to sleep Cassey!!!
Beautifully put.. Your passion for this shines through clearly.
So happy for this post so all the misinterpretations can be put to rest.
<3 and thank you for all that you do and all that you care
Cassey don’t worry too much about all the haters comments. The more famous you get and the more people will love you and your work, the more haters will appear as well. That’s just how it goes.
You are very passionate about what you do and sometimes I find it a bit extreme, but hey – that’s your job and your passion – of course you are extreme! And it’s good that you are! I don’t always agree with every word you say, but you know what? I don’t care! We are all different people with different thoughts and different lifes.
And it’s not fair that people all of the sudden hate you and talk bald about you just because of one blog entry they didn’t agree with. You’re doing a really good job and your workouts rock! I think you’re motivating and helping many many people.
Don’t let yourself get off track because of some nasty comments. You can’t please everyone in life. The most important thing is, that you’re pleased with yourself. XXX
Well done Cassie. Couldn’t agree with you more. You handled this with dignity and maturity and I hope against hope that your message gets through to everyone.
Hi, Cassey
I just wanted to say that I read all your posts and I love your workouts and I think you are absolutely correct, child obesity is a major issue and saying that it’s okay for kids to eat every they want might lead to very sad consequences. Anyway, it is just my opinion)
Love from Ukraine
You go girl. Love you.
I love you, Cassey. 🙂
I respect you so much for speaking up about this even though you have been attacked. <3
We need more people who are passionate about life and are prepared to help others achieve their goals. Cassey you are doing a great job as ambassador to the Health, Fitness and Wellbeing of not just people in your own country but also on the other side of the world.
I’m in Australia and i just would like to say *Stay strong* *Be true to yourself* and you know what? It doesn’t matter who you may be there will always be someone who wants to cut down the *Tall Poppies* Haters gonna hate.
I wish you all the best Cassey xx
GO CASSEY! This was a good post and I think those who misunderstood will now understand why you were so passionate about this. Didn’t doubt you for a second girl even when I saw all those posts on Tumblr.