After my post about intermittent fasting, I started searching for people who lived this way. After typing in the hash tag “Fasting” into twitter, I got a bunch of twitter accounts of girls with eating disorders. They post pictures of anorexic girls, tweet about how little they are eating, and post their low weights and BMI’s. It was pretty disturbing to see those images, but it’s the truth.
Because of the many forms of media that promote “thinness,” girls all over are constantly trying to be skinnier. I have to admit, when I was younger I wanted this too, but now I know better. There are websites devoted to thinspiration photos. And sometimes these two new words get confused. You’ll see fit girls on these sites, and then super skinny girls too.
Why isn’t there a media craze about being fit and strong?
Looking good is about being fit, strong, and sexy- not skinny, boney, and thin.
I can see why people relate fasting to anorexia; that is all they know and see. If you don’t eat, you’re starving yourself. You’re punishing yourself. You’re cleansing your sins. But really, you can fast for fitness. And that is what I’m now attempting to do.
You must be lean to see your sculpted muscles. You can lift all the weights you want and chug all the protein drinks down, but you’ll only be able to see the results if that fat layer is gone. And when it comes down to it, less calories equals weight loss, and weight loss equals less fat, and less fat equals visible muscles. So get out of the kitchen and focus on other things in life that bring you joy.
Fitspiration should be the only inspiration to young ladies. Girls on magazine covers should be healthy and fit, not skinny and boney. This is sending a negative and evil message to young girls. I was one of them! I know the feeling. When a woman is on tv or a magazine cover, we automatically think they are put there to be an idol, an example for what a lady should look like. They are praised for their looks and body, so we must make ours look similar.
I’m here to say, instead of actually starving- educate yourself. (This website is a great source to start.) Instead of wanting to be thin, want fitness. Exercise extends your life. Eating healthy extends your life. Enjoy your life, extend it, and live happier. Don’t torture yourself. Don’t fall for gimmicks. And don’t take diet pills. Just do what works for you and remember the science before trying the latest trend.
Nixie Dee 