The mentality of "U.S."

The silly child there with the backpack is me at age 6. Pretty care-free right? I'd like to think so. Something I learned today might suggest that young children aren't quite the same anymore though:

Young girls as little as age 6 have been diagnosed with eating disorders.....

Just think about that for a little moment. Yes, that means children who have barely begun the thrills of naptime and recess are already refusing "snacktime" and have begun extreme dieting. Do you find something so incredibly wrong and terrifying about that? I certainly do.  I learned that fact this morning as I sat in Nutrition 100 taught by the amazing Professor Brown. This morning as she taught us about eating disorders, my mind was once again opened to the neverending trash that spews from the cracks which we all love to call: Media.

Although I feel that I could write endlessly on this topic, this particular post is dedicated to two things:
1. The United States is under an extreme illusion.
2.  If you are struggling with any sort of eating disorder, whether it be anorexia, bullemia, or a disorder not otherwise specified, please know that there is help and you can seek it. You truly are loved by so many people.

What is the source of this enormous problem? What would cause a 6 year old to starve herself? Well... it's US. The U.S. is not alone in our perception of beauty but it certainly is a large contributer. Here's some proof:

• The average model is 5' 11'' and weighs 117 lbs with a BMI of 16.3 which simply put is not healthy. The healthy range for BMI starts at 18. A model of that height and weight is underweight and at risk of various health problems. 
• A size 6 is PLUS sized in today's fashion world.... That means celbrity models from 20 years ago such as Beverly Johnson or Cindy Crawford would be PLUS sized today. Yet, the average woman in the U.S. is size 14.

Are you beginning to see a huge disconnect between the reality of healthy bodies and the illusions of beauty that we expect from ourselves? If you need another confirmation of this- watch the video from a Dove campaign a while back:

I won't get too far into this but I admit I have struggled with eating disorder tendencies. I've gotten caught up in the "lose weight, get fit" mentality for quite some time. I say that not to try to seek attention but to let you know how common these issues are amongst women in the world today. One in ten is experiencing issues with eating disorders- yes 10% of the population in this country suffers from this ever-increasing issue. Thus: You are NOT alone.

To learn more: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help-today/   It will be worth it, I promise.

Though the conditions we are exposed to in the fashion world, bilboards, movies, and internet ads make me incredibly frustrated we can do the best with what we are given. Here are a few ideas to improve your enviornment:

1. Strive to be more accepting of others body types. There truly is health at different sizes. 

2. Eliminate "fat talk" from your vocabulary. When you look in the mirror verbalize only the positive aspects that you see. Try to stifle the others. It will get easier as you do this and soon enough you will truly only see the positive things.

3. Aim to be "healthy" not "skinny"- I know a lot of my blog focuses on losing weight, and I regret that I haven't done a post like this sooner- health is something that is within the body: Appearance is merely that, appearance. 

This is the scale our Nutrition teacher has us step on as we entered. Everyone should have one of these. Numbers don't define you. 

I hope that this may help you in some small way. If you have a friend struggling with this, or if you yourself are struggling- seek help. 

I end with a final declaration: My name is Mina Edwards, I weigh 142 lbs and am 5' 7''. I love my muscular quads, my broad swimmer shoulders, and my size 10 feet. I consider myself beautiful- and so should you. 

Health Tip: Love yourself for who you are- make a list of the qualities you love about yourself- you will soon see that you are even more amazing than you thought.