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Monday, April 6, 2009 |
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| Nothing to Fear |
Hey FGs!
You know, lately I've had the opportunity of talking with and getting to know some girls who have dealt with eating disorders. And I have heard so many girls talk about dieting, weight, and their bodies to start to see a common thread, or the root of so many struggles - a fear of our bodies.
It sounds like a strange concept. But when we get to the age of growing up, our bodies get to be very unpredictable. Life begins to follow a similar pattern. But when you forget that your body is absolutely unique and works differently than anyone else's, or your ideal body is something much different than your own, sometimes your body can feel out-of-control. Add in celebrity photos, gossip, and life drama, and suddenly your body is a beast that needs to be tamed.
Diets, in my view, while sometimes seemingly "healthy" or "normal," are often a way to keep our body in check, because we're scared of what might happen otherwise. What if we let go, and suddenly gain 25 pounds? It reminds me of this commercial I saw last week for face care with the slogan, "Discipline your skin." That's so often how we approach caring for our bodies, like they need to be kept in check. Now, that's just fine for the model in the commercial - she can get paid to discipline her body. But when it's your own life, real life, it's not so fun.
It can be hard to believe, but your body does not need to be controlled, or in any way feared or punished. In that way, we are no different from each other - every body needs to be cared for and has the ability to know what it needs. Take good care of you.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: body image, dieting, eating disorders, fab gal, listening to your body |
posted by Fab Gal @ 10:47 PM   |
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Monday, March 30, 2009 |
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| No Boys Allowed? |
Hey FGs!
Okay, so I know that this is (usually) an all-girl zone. But today we are going to talk about boys. Just for a bit. Because you know what? They might be a bit more like us than I thought.
Whenever people talk about eating disorders, they talk about girls. And it's certainly true that the majority of people with known eating disorders are girls. But you know, as I learned today, boys deal with body drama too. Just... in a different way. Of course, boys don't get pressure to be stick-thin the way girls do. But more and more, guys feel like they have to be muscular, built, lean-mean-fighting-machines. They may not count calories or run for miles like a girl - instead, they might center their days around protein-packed meals and countless hours weight-lifting at the gym. Either way, it can become an unhealthy obsession. The other difference is that they might not get chances to talk about these struggles the way girls do, or even really understand what their struggles are. What boy wants to admit to having a "girl" disease? That sounds worse than cooties.
The reason I thought this was important was because it made me realize this: girl or boy, eating disorder or no, we are all people. We are all unique, but in some ways we can be so similar. And recognizing that can make it easier for everyone to get the support they need.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: boys, eating disorders, fab gal, weight issues |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:22 PM |
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Friday, January 23, 2009 |
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| Hey Mama |
Hey FGs!
Be honest: Do you ever try to pretend like you aren't really that much like your family? I know I try to do that sometimes. I love them, but... they can be a little crazy. I think at times we like to pretend that they don't affect us, or that maybe we're just to cool one who was really adopted, and actually belongs to the genes of some rock star.
But at the end of the day, it's amazing how much they can shape who we are. Like, I was talking to this group of girls about their body struggles, and I was amazed how often they mentioned how their family somehow changed the process of it - either (unintentionally) starting it, or thankfully, being the ones who set them on the right path. And then I was reading up on it, and the experts say it's true. Sometimes family "rules" (like the ones I mentioned the other day) can set you off on the wrong path. And at the same rate, especially when you're young, your family is a necessary part of making positive changes.
And I'll admit that at first, this info didn't sit with me. I mean, I'm still really young. But what if I want to have kids one day? Will my problems mess them up? And what does this all mean about my family right now? But here's the reality check: Life isn't perfect, and your family may not be a happy Brady Bunch clan. But there is one very important factor in the equation that can affect change - that's you. Being aware of your own abilities, issues, and needs will help. Being a positive role model - for your cousins, sisters, or even parents 0 might just be the change. And being open and honest could be just what you all need.
What are your family relationships like? What are some "rules" that haven't been working? How has your family affected you in a positive way (or you to them)? Leave a comment to let me know!
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: eating disorders, fab gal, family, relationships, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 1:54 PM |
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Monday, December 22, 2008 |
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| The Sweetest Season |
Hello FGs!
So the holidays are here! Time for family, music, giving, and yes - lots of sweet treats. It's funny, but I think every time I've turned on the TV or opened a magazine lately there's something about overeating (and dieting) through the holidays, the calorie counts of egg nog and gingerbread men, or how much weight people gain on average during this season. Talk about a ho ho whole lot of stress - I haven't even made it to Christmas dinner and I'm almost wishing I could skip to New Year's so I could make the resolution to lose all of this holiday weight I hear that I am going to gain.
It's true that there is a lot deal with over the holidays. And maybe sugar cookies and  holiday goodies don't make for a balanced meal. But being overly preoccupied with it isn't healthy either. There's a lot of conflicting messages - first there's all of the delicious recipes, but then there's how bad all of these treats are and why you shouldn't have them. Throw this on top of everything else at this time of year, and it can be a lot to take.
Okay, so that's the problem. What's the solution? Well FG, I think that the smartest thing you can do is keep it in perspective. There is no way, no matter how many candy canes you consume, that you are going to gain 10 pounds over the holidays. And you absolutely deserve to have a wonderful time without worrying about sticking to a diet or avoiding once-a-year treats. And with whatever you deal with this holiday - food, family, or otherwise - remember: no expectations, no reservations. Things may not go perfect, but if you allow yourself to ditch the rules and be as happy as you wish, they will be very merry.
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: eating disorders, fab gal, holidays, stress |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 10:24 AM |
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Monday, July 28, 2008 |
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| Eating (dis)Order |
Happy Monday Fab Gals!
I was flipping through one of my many magazines a while back, and I was struck by this ad. It had a picture of this cute, healthy-looking girl slurping on a smoothie, and next to her was a list of what she had for lunch. Random. But then in the corner, there was a little note, and it said this: "Eat what you want - when you are truly hungry. Stop when you're full. And eat exactly what appeals to you. Do this instead of any diet, and you are unlikely to ever have a weight problem, let a lone an eating disorder." (The ad was for the National Eating Disorders Association, a stellar group BTW).
But it made me think, Duh! Shouldn't it always be that simple? Maybe for some it is. But if you're someone that's ever had an eating disorder or been an obsessive dieter or have even just been really mad at your body, it isn't easy at all. I bounced back and forth for a while between loving to eat and barely eating at all. Especially when I barely ate, I thought about food constantly. How many calories are in this? How much do I need to work out to burn that off? It's all very calculated and controlled for someone with that kind of problem. I think "disorder" is a funny word for it, because it's very much about order and control.
The strange part of it all is your body really does know, you've just got to listen. I know I've said this before, but kids are the most intuitive eaters in the world - just watch. If you've had any struggles with eating at all, I encourage you to a) talk to someone b)stop trying to be in control and just let go. Your body will know what to do. It can be hard to get back to doing things the easy way. Harder than anyone can imagine. But it will definitely pay off in the long run. Please, what Fab Gal wants to spend her life dieting? We've got better things to do.
For more info, check out these articles from NEDA:
What's Going On With Me?
Info for Women & Girls
xoxo
The Fab GalLabels: body image, eating disorders, fab gal, self esteem |
| posted by Fab Gal @ 8:40 PM |
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