Eating Issues in the U.S.

The First Lady and many others have taken on obesity in the U.S. as their cause. They all have good intentions but like every other issue in this country they are applying Band-Aids rather than addressing the issue within our society.

Yes, many people are obese and many (especially young girls) have the opposite issue, anorexia and bulimia. It goes WAY beyond what we put in our mouths or don’t. I have experienced all those issues.

That problem for me was a hole within myself. I felt like I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t OK just the way I was: an intelligent creative person.  All magazines and TV said I needed a certain diet, make up, haircut, outfit to be worthy.  In spite of myself, I managed to have a career, marry, raise children and now enjoy my “retirement”.   I do though have many health issues, some related to the hole within myself because I stuffed/or denied food all those years.

I am not alone. I see it everywhere. Whether an overweight compulsive eater in line at McDonalds or an emaciated teenager at a local boutique or a “normal” looking forty something telling her five year old she can’t have an ice cream cone because she doesn’t want to be fat and ugly!

I have seen an acquaintance chastise her daughter at work parties over the years about food. She controlled everything this poor kid put in her mouth. “That’s enough potato salad for you!” or “No dessert for you!” I saw this poor girl go from a normal healthy 5-year-old to a 400 pound twenty something. I am not saying you should allow your kids free reign or constant candy and junk. I believe it is all about moderation in what is offered but most of all we as a society need to break the cycle.

I don’t have all the answers. Much in our society is broken with all the drug addiction, alcoholism, shopping, hoarding, gambling, sex addiction and of course eating issues.

Yes, we can do as many suggest. Get more exercise and eat healthy food but you have to make those things fun! Show kids cooking can be fun and playing games, sports etc is fun! (without the parental criticism)
But also allow children to say how they feel and validate it.  Don’t tell them “No, you don’t or shouldn’t feel that way!” Allow them to take risks and have their own accomplishments. Self worth does not come from everyone telling a child how wonderful, beautiful, special they are! It comes from them feeling they can work to accomplish a task on their own! Giving them everything makes sit worse!!!! They feel “ My parents think I am worthless”

Band-Aids won’t fix this. Getting rid of McDonalds or candy bars won’t either. I hope we can get a clue. The U.S. seems to be the most outwardly focused country. What is on the inside?  The spirit, the creative mind and soul. We need to focus on enriching those things rather than botox and hair dye. Until then, I’ll treasure all that that is beautiful in my life. Including the occasional softserve cone.