Media Literacy vs. Thin is In

Marci Anderson - Sunday, December 13, 2009

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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Staying "Regular" Through the Holidays

Marci Anderson - Sunday, December 06, 2009

Bet you never expected to find an article on bowel health during the holidays! But let's be honest, at this time of year, most of us are thrown from our regular routines and this can affect how things are going (or not!) in the GI department.  Here are a couple of ideas:

1.) Move your body.  Evening parties and social gatherings may interrupt your exercise regimen.  Regardless of your current commitment to physical activity, you may need to shift your schedule and make an even greater effort stay physically active.  This will help your stress levels and your bowels.

2.) Don't forget to include whole fruits and vegetables at every meal.  Fruit on cereal, chili for lunch, and roasted veggies at dinner are essential to keeping things flowing as they ought to. :)  Too many baked goods and processed sweets will have you backed up in no time.

3.) Drink plenty of fluids.  Keep a water bottle with you and try to avoid caffeinated beverages.  They may give you the burst of energy you need to make it through the day but can also be dehydrating.  Hot herbal tea in the evening can be particularly helpful if you are feeling constipated.

4.) Try Magnesium.  If a healthy diet and exercise isn't doing the trick, you may want to consider 250 mg of magnesium in supplement form.  Just don't go overboard or you may find yourself racing for a bathroom at an inopportune moment.  Now that would be a bummer for your holiday shopping...

As a nutritionist in Cambridge, I refer my clients to check out Cambridge Naturals for their supplement needs.  The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they have just about everything under the sun.

Here's to wishing you a holiday season that is nothing but smooth sailing!
 

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Thanksgiving Food Preparation Tips

Marci Anderson - Thursday, November 19, 2009

Alright, you've got 7 days until the Thanksgiving feasting begins.  If you are a bit inexperienced in the kitchen, Thanksgiving may feel a bit overwhelming!  However, I was just forwarded a link to a fantastic resource developed by Alice Henneman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

This link has articles on:
■Planning ahead for Thanksgiving Day
■Where to call for help on Thanksgiving Day
■How to prepare a turkey
■Food safety questions
■Carving a turkey
■How to make turkey gravy (complete with YouTube video instructions)
■Stuffing
■Pumpkin pie
■Tips for traveling safely with Thanksgiving foods
■Recipes for leftover turkey
■Preparing meats other than turkey
■Kids' Corner (Thanksgiving coloring sheets, games, jokes)

There's no better way to learn a new recipe or a new skill then to jump in and go for it.  And with these resources at your fingertips, you might perform better than you think!
 

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14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

Marci Anderson - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Save the Date!  Boston's 14th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival has expanded to two days.

When: Saturday, October 31st from 10-6 & Sunday, November 1st from 10-4
Where: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St in Boston, easily accessible by public transporation
Why: Enjoy delicious/free food while learning about how to incorporate healthy vegetarian living into your life.  Plus IT'S FREE!!!

Here is a run down of the festivities:

• 120 exciting exhibitors
• free food sampling!
• grocery and natural foods store exhibits
• food producers and new products
• cooking demonstrations by noted chefs
• book and cookbook publishers and authors
• top national speakers
• educational exhibits on protecting animals and the environment
• Festival discounted shopping
• registered dietitian consultants
• children's activities
• restaurants
• exhibitors of products and services which support a vegetarian way of life
• free parking and a subway stop across the street

Here is a link to the speakers and cooking demo schedule.

In honor of the upcoming festival, I'll post some of my favorite vegetarian recipes for you to try.

 

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Holly Clegg's Cookbook "Eating Well Through Cancer"

Marci Anderson - Friday, August 07, 2009

I have an absolute love for reading and buying cookbooks.  Everytime I get a new one, my husband wonders if I don't already have enough recipes to choose from...I reassure him that you can never have too many cookbooks.  And one of my very favorite cookbooks is one I received while teaching a nutrition class for people undergoing different types of treatment for cancer.  It's called "Eating Well Through Cancer" by Holly Clegg.  The recipes are simple and tasty.  Plus each section is organized by topic (i.e. pre-treatment, dry mouth, constipation, etc.) to meet the varying needs of each stage of treatment and potential side effects.  She has also co-authored the book with an oncologist so there is all sorts of practical information for patients and caregivers.

I shared the cookbook with my Mom a couple of years ago because I had been raving about one of the many delicious recipes in the cookbook.  She bought it and loved it too.  So when a good friend of hers was diagnosed with cancer, she thought giving her the cookbook would be a nice way to say that she cared.  I'd like to share with you the thank you note that my Mom received from her friend.

Thank you so much for thinking of me and sharing the "Eating Well Through Cancer" cookbook with me. Many times "healthy" cookbooks can be much more healthy and way less tasty. This book has so many delicious looking recipes for the whole family.

I appreciate your notes and recommendations on some recipes you've already tried and enjoyed.
I decided to read the book cover-to-cover and found so much truly useful informatin about dealing with specific problems during the different phases of treatment, and which recipes would be useful at specific times. This book is TOTALLY AWESOME!! Thank you so much!

Most of you probably know someone who has, is, or will have to deal with cancer and the difficulties of cancer treatment.  This may be a great resource for you to share with others.  Or if you are looking for a new cookbook for everyday cooking, I highly recommend it!  I also have Holly's Freezer Friendly cookbook which I also love.

Check out Holly's website.  She has several cookbooks as well as free recipes posted online. 
 

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The Feeding Relationship: Parents & Children

Marci Anderson - Sunday, March 15, 2009

I just got back from serving on a health panel at my church here in Cambridge.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking about my topic of choice (food and nutrition) for two hours.  While there was a wide variety of questions that I addressed, a common theme focused on the feeding relationship between parents and children.  While my practice focuses primarily on adult nutrition, I have been amazed to see how our grown-up feelings, attitudes, and behaviors about food stem from our interactions with food as children.

Nearly all parents care deeply about the heatlh and well-being of their kids.  But as most parents have experienced, dinner time can turn into a source of anxiety and frustration as you try to feed your family well.  Even the most well-intentioned parent can find themselves engaging in a power struggle, battling over broccoli and cookies. 

Ellyn Satter is a Registered Dietitian specializing in teaching people how to feed a healthy family.  I highly recommend visiting her website.  And if this topic interests you, check out her book "How to Get Your Kid to Eat...But Not Too Much."  She provides a wealth of knowledge and gives you the tools you need to raise a healthy family....without the dinner time battles.

 

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