I was back at the clinic this morning for another experiment in that Evil Demon known as Socialized Medicine. (Cue the Carmina Burana soundtrack.) I was in the dressing room about to change into the ultra-flattery hospital gown for an ultra-fun test when I looked in the mirror and saw this:
Me looking "pleasantly plump" - and liking it! 8/27/2009
I thought, “Wow, I look really cute. I like how I look in this shirt and these jeans. I like my curves. I look, dare I say it… pleasantly plump?”
I was feeling pretty good about myself when I walked out to the small waiting area. Well, that is until I noticed the story on the morning talk show (I think it was the Today Show). The perky, skinny host and guest were talking about how important it is to reduce inches around our middle sections to reduce our risk for heart disease and other fun afflictions.
What the hell, universe? I couldn’t have even one moment of feeling good about myself without being reminded I’m an unhealthy pig?
I guess the larger question is, what is the balance between striving for better health and still maintaining a good self-esteem? How does the media educate the public on prevention and wellness and not make us hate ourselves at the same time?
I don’t have any answers. In fact, after my appointment, I decided to give the cosmos a ginormous “Screw You!” and headed to McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin meal. With a Diet Coke, of course.
The local Mickey D's - 8/27/2009
Listen to your doctor, not the idiot on the morning show. Aren’t these the same people who were talking about how McDonald’s is HEALTHY? (Didn’t they have some nutjob fake-nutritionist on a few weeks ago, talking about how to “eat healthy” on the road? I know I saw the story on Twitter…)
If the doctor tells you you should lose weight or change your diet, then make those changes (please note this does not make you an “unhealthy pig.” You are far, far from that). But if the doctor doesn’t bring it up, then who cares?
As if that uber-skinny, Botoxed beyond belief, carries more chemicals on her professionally-made-up face and probably pops an illegal array of pills to stay so skinny, plastic-surgeried anchor is any bastion of health herself.
First off: Egg McMuffin meal! Yes! That is my absolute favorite breakfast, and I treat myself to one at least once a month.
I hate seeing all these news stories about losing pounds being so important for health. I’ve struggled with my views on this myself; A lot of posts out there about size-acceptance have really opened my eyes and have completely contradicted what I always thought I knew about health. I’ve come to the conclusion that, if you WANT to lose weight or if your doctor tells you to do so, we all must be supportive of that, but if you feel good, we feel good for you.
Don’t let the news bother you. The key to self-esteem is just that, SELF. Whatever everyone else says just reflects THEIR bad self-esteem, and shouldn’t change yours.
P.S. I love that outfit.
And you look great!
Well, I think my doctor probably would be very happy if I lost some significant weight. However, I think he’s smart enough to know that’s not a conversation you have with a young woman who is currently dealing with multiple other physical challenges.
You guys are so freakin’ supportive – thank you!
Really nice posts. I will be checking back here regularly.