Prison Body

Today, I had a very interesting conversation with someone in the rec (recreation) department after inquiring about whether or not we had or could order resistance bands. I was told that the prison was not allowed to purchase any type of equipment which would increase or build upper body strength. This is because they do not want inmates to get too big and become hard to handle should they need restraining. At this facility, we are fortunate enough to have free weights and a few weight machines because we were grandfathered in. However, going forward there would be no additional equipment of the like added. I was also told by someone who was in rec that the food served here was designed to keep us sluggish, tired, and lethargic during the day. I guess this explains why we are served pizza, spaghetti, and bread sticks all in the same meal. This also sheds light on why a lot of the women here are fuller in their waistlines. Fortunately for me I have genetics on my side and my midsection does not hold a lot of weight. However, despite my best efforts to loose weight, I have been unable to move the scales. 

This conversation/revelation lit yet another fire in me. I am determined to not become a victim of this system. For my last few months here, I will be a lot more intentional about what I am consuming and feeding my body now that I am aware that I am being poisoned with food. I am also determined to be an advocate for incarcerated women and men so they not only leave prison with their dignity intact, but their health as well.