Media Literacy vs. Thin is In
I recently blogged about Ralph Lauren and the fashion industry’s constant stream of messages and images which negatively affect women’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. And unfortunately, the glorification of a thin body is so pervasive in our society; it’s becoming more and more difficult to question its validity. I’m currently in the middle of reading one of the most fascinating and thoughtful books on the topic “The Religion of Thinness” by Michelle Lelwica. I hope to write a brief book review when I finish it, as I feel like it’s a book every woman ought to read, regardless of her weight, feelings about her body, or her relationship with food.
But at the end of the second chapter, Lelwica cites three awesome organizations whose mission is to promote positive media messages. Check them out.
**Mind on the Media: a national organization dedicated to “inspiring independent thinking and fostering critical analysis of media messages.” Through their “Turn Beauty Inside Out” program, they empower boys and girls to begin grassroots discussion, and sponsor events in their communities to increase awareness of the media’s influence on girls’ development.
**Girls, Women + Media Project: sponsors “I-CAN” (Involved Consumers Action Network) which offers information about consumer issues related to women and girls, and suggestions on how to take action.
**New Moon Girls: is an online community and print magazine targeted to girls ages 8-14 and designed to build positive body image and self-esteem through chatting, poetry, artwork, videos, and more. It is a phenomenal resource amidst the barrage of negative messages targeted to this vulnerable age group. Rather than telling our young women they need change, re-shape, and mold their body to some phony standard, they need to hear that they are intelligent, capable, and acceptable just as they are.
I’m currently working part-time as a dietitian/nutritionist in Somerville at a day treatment program for eating disorders called Laurel Hill Inn. As I grapple with the complex reasons that so many women (and increasingly more men) suffer from disordered eating and severe body image disturbance, I can appreciate the fact that the media is one very powerful aspect of this multi-factorial problem. I try to advocate for and promote any organization which strives counter the negative messages which permeate our society. If you know of any other positive resources or websites, please post them!
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Ralph Loren Boycott
So did any of you hear about the Ralph Lauren photoshopping debacle? Poor Filippa Hamilton. Her waist was made to look smaller than her head after some editing that went seriously wrong! The picture, shown below, is so ludicrous. But I think it makes for an excellent reminder that the images we see in mainstream media simply do not reflect real life.
To add to the flames which sparked from the photoshopping nightmare- the 8 year model of Ralph Lauren, spoke out to reveal the shocking truth that she was fired from the company for being too fat to fit into their sample clothing. Ralph Lauren released a statement to the Daily News stating that Filippa is "a beautiful and healthy" woman, but their relationship ended "as a result of her inability to meet the obligations under her contract with us." Hard to believe that 120 lbs is enough weight to get you fired. Yikes.
So if you are as disgusted with Ralph Lauren and an industry which permeates our society with distorted ideas and images of what women ough to look like- then join the Facebook boycott of Ralph Lauren. The creators of "America the Beautiful" (a documentary on the pressures women feel related to beauty in the States) are attempting to recruit 10,000 people to sign their petition.
As a dietitian in Cambridge, I spend most of my day working with women who suffer from eating disorders, disordred eating, and body image problems. I'd love to see more women banding together to support a cause we could all benefit from. Rather than obsessing about what we eat and how much we weigh- wouldn't it be great if we could contribute our intellect and energy in more productive ways?
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What is Normal Eating?
Have you ever wondered what "normal" eating looks like? I was recently forwarded this article on "normal eating" and wanted to share it with all of you. What do you think normal eating looks like? Here's the article from the NY Times:
Today, the mental health site PsychCentral.com asks an interesting question: What does it mean to eat “normally?”
Given that 60 percent of the population is overweight, our view of normal eating has changed over the years. For some eaters, “normal” means eating fast food on a regular basis. For others, “normal” means regular failed efforts at calorie restriction in an endless cycle of yo-yo dieting.
The article cites a broad definition of normal eating by registered dietitian Ellyn Satter. Here are some of the highlights:
Normal eating is going to the table hungry and eating until you are satisfied.
Normal eating is being able to give some thought to your food selection so you get nutritious food, but not being so wary and restrictive that you miss out on enjoyable food.
It is leaving some cookies on the plate because you know you can have some again tomorrow, or it is eating more now because they taste so wonderful.
Normal eating is trusting your body to make up for your mistakes in eating.
Normal eating takes up some of your time and attention, but keeps its place as only one important area of your life
The PsychCentral post offers a lengthy exploration of what it means to eat normally.
So what do you think of Ms. Satter’s definitions of normal eating? And how do you define eating normally?
If you are interested in this topic and want to read more, check out a book by Karen Koenig called "The Rules of Normal Eating." It's fantatstic.
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Something Fishy...
As I talk with clients, family, and friends about the work I do in the field of eating disorders I'm amazed at the number of people who are closely linked to someone who has or is struggling with food and body image issues. While these problems are pervasive, most people have no idea how to reach out to someone they feel may be in serious trouble. So I'd like to share with you a few tips and resources.
1.) My number one rule of thumb is to express concern and empathy using "I" statements.
"I notice that you've lost a lot of weight recently and I'm worried about you...." rather than "You are too skinny, are you doing ok?"
2.) Choose a time and a place that is private and away from distractions and interruptions.
3.) Do some research online about eating disorders. A great resources is www.something-fishy.org. The website is filled with useful information.
4.) Be aware of the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder.
Eating disorders are a serious illness. If you have concerns about someone your close to, don't hesitate to ask for help.
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Go on a media diet
Warning: this blog post could be taken for another “rant” I need to get off of my chest….
The other day, a client began a conversation with me as follows:
Client: I’ve just been feeling so bad about my body. And I read in an article in People magazine that Melissa John Hart eats a 1200 calorie diet. I feel so depressed and hopeless because I know that I cannot possibly follow a 1200 calorie diet.”
Marci: I would imagine that did make you feel pretty bad. Not only is 1200 calories way too low for your needs, but trying to follow it would really set you up for a desire to overeat. Under-eating naturally leads to overeating. It’s human nature.
What I didn’t share with my client is the mounds of research that shows how body dissatisfaction actually increases after viewing TV and magazines which contain depictions of rail thin models and actresses. In fact, it can happenafter just 15 minutes of viewing time! And on the flip side, research has shown that body satisfaction increases when shown depictions of overweight women.
It is a sad fact that not only are we obsessed with an illusion of “the ideal body” but our self-esteem and self-worth are determined by how we measure up (bigger or smaller) to those images around us. The game of constant comparison is exhausting, deflating, and can never be won.
So here’s my challenge to you: go on a media diet. Put down the mindless magazines (i.e. People, Cosmo, Shape, etc.) and turn off the frivolous TV shows! Use your mind and energy to a greater end. Choose to view media with messages which feed your soul and expand your mind, rather than sources which diminish your feelings of self worth. If you decide to take on my challenge, I’d love to hear how it goes.
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Family Meals
With all of the confusing headlines and shifting recommendations about eating, it’s no wonder many people feel uncertain about their diet. However, there is a large body of research that suggests one of the very best things you can do for your family is eat together! I found a relevant article on the Children’s Data Bank website which cites the current benefits of simply eating together on a regular basis. Family meals and parental presence at meals is associated with:
• A more nutritious diet with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products
• A decreased risk of developing disordered eating habits in adolescence (especially girls)
• Teens that are less likely to get into fights, think about suicide, smoke, drink, use drugs, delayed initiation of sexual activity, and better academic performance
If you’d like to read a more in depth article which cites the current research, click on this link. There is also a great article from the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) about the benefits of family meal time. Feel free to share it with your family and friends.
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How much does Oprah weigh now? Who cares!
As a registered dietitian/nutritionist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, a recent New York Times article caught my attention. The title? "Bingeing on Celebrity Weight Battles." While Ms. Oprah Winfrey seems to have ignited the public's interest of her own weight struggles back in the 80's, the need for celebrity self-disclosure on everything weight related seems to be on a expeditious rise.
Quite frankly I'm annoyed and concerned about how this feeds our nation's (and my clients') very disordered view of body shape and size, diet, and exercise. Celebrities bounce from one extreme to another, while many Americans drink it in with increased fascination and a belief that they ought to model such behavior. So I've been thinking of the pros and cons of celebrities posting their weight loss stats, strategies, caloric intake, and exercise routines.
While I haven't come up with many pros, I have developed a strong list of cons:
1.) Leads to unrealistic expectations in terms of appearance, which feeds disordered eating and exercise behaviors
2.) Increases the likelihood of depression associated with body dissatisfaction
3.) Sets forth a model of comparison based on unhealthy behaviors. "If Melissa Joan Hart eats 1400 calories, I should too."
4.) Feeds cycles of weight loss and and weight gain as a result of following a diet/exercise regimen that cannot be maintained long-term
5.) Suggests that your value as a person is extrinsic (i.e. weight) rather than intrinsic
My list of pros:
1.) Great examples of how overly restrictive diets and eating patterns don't work....Can you seriously eat pre-packaged Jenny Craig for the rest of your life? I think not.
2.) Proves that having a personal chef, personal trainer, and nutritionist at your beckon call cannot fix it all! Good nutrition and a health body image are an inside job!
Please feel free to add to my lists! I'd love to hear your feedback.
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When Economy Sours...What Soothes Your Soul?
A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from a Harvard journalism student looking to interview me for a nutrition-related article. He sent me a series of questions to answer via email along with a link to an article from the New York Times entitled “When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls.” The content of the article was by no means shocking. The gist of the article stated that people seem to be eating more processed/cheap food like candy as a pick-me-up and pat on the back during these economic times. Sure, an 80 cent bag of skittles is a much more affordable reward than a trip to the spa when you are feeling run down or scored an “A” on a final exam. And a bag of skittles certainly won’t make or break your health…
BUT, I’d like to use this article as a platform to address a larger issue. In America we have become totally weight obsessed. And this obsession with weight has led to a wide variety of totally disordered eating patterns. One of the habits most of us have developed is eating for non-physical reasons. Food is a useful tool for procrastination, celebration, a cure for boredom, and even a sleep aid. But the consequences (weight gain) are often less than desirable.
So you may want to reflect on the role food is playing in your own life. Yes, food is absolutely meant to be enjoyed. I believe that full-heartedly. But food is meant to be fuel for our bodies. It is meant to solve a physical need for energy rather than satisfy our many emotional needs. Many people find an “80:20 rule” to be useful. Eat for physical reasons (i.e. hunger) 80% of the time and you should be just fine. So the next time you purchase a bag of skittles as a cheap pick-me-up, consider the “80:20 rule.” Your health just might thank you for it.
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Eating Disorders: How to Reach Out
A few days ago, a close friend called with a dilemma. "I think my friend has an eating disorder, what should I do? What can I say?" For anyone who has witnessed a friend or relative suffer the demands of such a destructive illness, you know how difficult these questions can be. Please know that if you find yourself in such a situation, you are not alone. There are places of support to offer advice, encouragement, and information to guide you. The National Eating Disorders Association has published a fabulous handout "What Should I Say? Tips for Talking to a Friend Who May be Struggling with an Eating Disorder." Their website is filled with an abundance of resources and information.
Additionally, if you live in Massachusetts, the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) offers support groups, education materials, and referrals for eating disorder specialists in your area. I am actually attending MEDA's annual conference this weekend. It has been an uplifting experience to be surrounded by professionals dedicated to the cause of successfully treating individuals and families of individuals struggling with eating disorders.
Please know that eating disorders are a very serious mental illness, not to be taken lightly. Avoid giving simple solutions and comments (i.e. just eat more, you need to gain some weight). This can be harmful and hurtful. But expressions of love and concern may create an environment of trust.
As a nutrition therapist who treats eating disorders, I have seen the miracles of recovery that take place because a brave friend or family member has taken that step and expressed love and concern. My message is one of hope: recovery is possible and you may be the lifeline to someone who desperately needs it.
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Harvard Says Good-Bye to Calorie Counting
As a registered dietitian and nutrition therapist who treats eating disorders in Cambridge, I was intrigued by a recent article appearing on the CNN website. Harvard University Dining Services has decided to remove detailed nutrition information cards from their dining halls after parents and students raised concerns about their triggering effect for students susceptible to or struggling with an eating disorder. While the nutrition information can still be found online and at dining hall kiosks, a new emphasis will focus on the benefits of certain foods, rather than their caloric breakdown.
My response? Go Harvard! From my professional experience calorie counting and dieting lead to disordered eating patterns, an unhealthy pre-occupation with food, lowered levels of self-esteem, and a frustrated relationship with food. Rarely does it lead to lasting weight loss. While calorie counting may give you a reality check (particularly with restaurant foods), learning to follow intuitive eating signals is far more effective in the long run. So the next time you reach for a snack, ask yourself “am I actually hungry?”
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