During this pandemic I am sure that many people can relate to the struggles surrounding body image and weight gain. Chapter 9 covers many categories including obesity, disordered eating, and body image issues. Obesity has become more prominent in our culture because of the food options surrounding us. Portion sizes are larger, fast food is easier, and the healthiest options are often more expensive.
Figure 9.2 in the chapter displays some of the major negative health affects that obesity can have on us. “Obesity is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, depression, digestive problems, gallstones, sleep apnea” the list went on. Then number of health issues that are associated should be enough for us to realize that in order to live our best lives we need to take care of our bodies from the inside out. I found it interesting that there is a genetic component to a person appetite.
In relation to my health aspect, eating clean food is important to living a balanced life. As mentioned in the chapter, obesity can cause a lack of activity or mobility issues. I know we can all relate to when we eat to capacity, and majority of it is not that healthy, and all we want to do is sit down and digest. But at that point, we cant burn off anything that we’ve had to eat. This also leads us into the issue of body image and forming an unhealthy relationship with food.
The chapter mentions all different forms of disordered eating and eating disorders. The difference being that food starts to interfere with a persons life and when it does. I think majority of girls, myself included, have struggled with this. Again, the image in the chapter that shows a time line of when there is an eating disorder and when there is no issues is really important. During this time, I have found myself getting down on myself about what I am eating. Even though my options are truly limited. It’s easy to let the thoughts consume you as I have once let them before. In order to combat this, I workout daily (or almost daily, sometimes I want to sit in bed all day… so I do) and making sure that I can fuel my body but also allow myself to have the things I want as well. I have also used this time to make healthier snack options with thing I have found in my pantry.
During this uncertain time, it is important to remain positive, have a schedule, and remember that this wont be forever. I have had a hard time adjusting to very limited social interactions. But, I try to remember that when this is all over we can remember this time and be thankful for everything and everyone that we have around us.
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