Food vs Body Image: The battle begins...

If you haven't already, read Frank Bruni's piece about Bulimia in the New York Times. Absolutely astonishing, yet also devastatingly sad. That one of the best food critics had/has such issues with his weight is tragic. But then, these issues swirl all around me in daily life.

A good friend has recently gone off all carbs and booze, in the hopes of being trim for a wedding in two weeks. Other friends constantly complain about their weight, professing regularly to start a gym routine and to give up sweets. I cannot think of a single friend who would be comfortable in public in a swimsuit, even with the most fabulous figure. (Obviously, for this, I mean a public place like a pool - not just wandering the streets).

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I weigh more than I should and that I've fallen prey to more beer and sweets this year than is healthy. That said, I'm fairly content with who I am. Hell, I'm even fine sporting a swimsuit around just about anyone. Yes, I go to the gym, but for the health benefits of having more energy and clearing my mind. I could probably lose weight quickly if I rejected the pasta I love so dearly, but why? The insecurity around body image leads to a unnecessarily antagonistic relationship with food, worst of all, it prevents you from truly enjoying your food. In my mind, dieting foods are similar to fast food, just another short cut around what you SHOULD eat, freshly prepared foods made from whole ingredients. Both 'light' meals and fast food are also full of chemicals that are, quite frankly, unnecessary for a delicious meal.

There is a solution to this tragic epidemic. A magic bullet. One thing that can make it all better and even facilitate improving your figure. And the answer can be yours for just $9.95...

No, seriously, it's simply having more self confidence. Accepting who you are, and that while it would be nice to improve, it's not a necessity for a happy life. Think how much time and energy you'll save by not worrying about it. Unfortunately, as simple and as free as this solution is, I think it has be instilled from a young age (as we see in the case of Frank Bruni), otherwise it becomes considerably more difficult to develop. And so, I'd like to conclude my ramblings with a massive THANK YOU to my parents. Thank you for never creating anxiety about body image, thank you for always having healthy and delicious food around, thank you for teaching Sam and me the value of cooking and quality ingredients, thank you for the summers spent living in swimsuits and most of all, thanks for giving both of us confidence and contentment. These gifts are truly priceless.