Just before most Americans binge tomorrow I want to post a couple of thoughts about the crazy, insane American way of dealing with food. We all should be thin with perfectly proportioned bodies and yet we want to indulge in our supersize me world. What do we end up with? Overweight adults and children who hate themselves for not being like the people they see on TV.
Consider a few statistics presented in a recent staff meeting. 9% of 9 year olds have used oral laxatives to lose weight. 40% of 9-10 year olds describe themselves as fat. 50% of middle school girls are on a diet (or have been recently) and also report feeling better about themselves because of it.
Want to do something about this crazy culture?
1. Eat healthy and enjoy food without making comments that others here (comments about weight, fat, who is eating too much or too little). Remember, God made food for your enjoyment.
2. Choose appropriate portions. Don’t skimp to send a message or to be prideful. Don’t overindulge just because you can and sit in judgment because you don’t like your shape.
3. Separate your value from your shape and looks.
4. If you have kids, show them (and discuss) some of the movies on this website by Dove which shows how much the beauty industry modifies photos to glamourize looks that are impossible even for the models: http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/inside_campaign.asp
5. Remember to be thankful for God’s good gifts to you this year.
See you in a few days.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 