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It is very tempting to eat things that are considered unhealthy for our bodies. That said, we are also pressured to look our best under any circumstance. Is there any possible way we can devour fast food meals that we are taught are quick, edible, and enjoyable while still maintaining a good body image?
Recently, I was caught up in the effort to achieve the perfect body, but I did so in all the wrong ways. Some of my friends and family members considered me anorexic, but I will tell my story and you can judge from there.
It was overnight that I became absorbed in the way that I looked, as most of us do. I was striving for perfection, and saw flaws in myself that other people could not pick out. I began to eat less and less, skipping breakfast, lunch, and only eating a bit of dinner. At first, this was extremely difficult, experiencing great hunger and yet tormenting myself by not feeding my body regularly. Eventually, as time progressed, it seemed to get easier. I would fill my body up with water so I did not feel as hungry. I exercised on a daily basis, going for runs every night and doing simple workouts at home such as sit-ups and jumping jacks.
I remember the time when it hurt to breathe for an entire day, which was a big scare. I had bad pains in my upper chest, which eventually decreased and went away. I also remember a while ago when I was at the mall and ordered a small meal from the cafeteria. Halfway through it, I felt full, which had never happened before. This was a major wake-up call.
Trying to achieve the perfect body in the process I used is not the right way to go. Your body needs to eat, it needs energy and balance, and healthier choices can assist you in shaping or toning up. You should drink lots of water, since your body needs it, but don???t supplement water for food. It should help you feel full, and therefore you won???t eat as much as you might otherwise; however, I would not consider water (or anything just liquid) a meal. It is suggested that you drink six to ten glasses of water daily, but you get some water from food sources as well.
Exercise is important and you are not going to get anywhere if you don???t take action yourself. I suggest creating your own plan and sticking to it. You know those magazines you buy that seem to be full of nonsense? Actually, they are good for some things. Some have constructive tips and steps to eating and living a healthier lifestyle. If you take gym class, you might receive the daily amount of exercise required in a day. You don???t have to do much, since little steps help in the long run.
As for me, I am beginning to adjust, eating larger portions, increasing my diet to something appropriate. However, I did benefit from this experience. I am able to make healthier choices -- drinking less pop and more juice and water. Never do I take second helpings, and I always watch what I eat to ensure I have a good balance.
If your story is anything like mine, or you have been thinking about a change in eating habits, please re-think the situation. If you have developed a very serious eating disorder (unlike mine, where you cannot get out of it -- test yourself, don't just say you can!) perhaps you need to tell someone or seek some help. If not, you could experience severe side effects, even death. Just ensure that you stay fit and eat healthy.
The media is a bad place to look and I would not suggest comparing yourself to another individual. We all have different body types; some are meant to be larger with bigger bones, and others are skinnier. Many male and female models are underweight, which is not a good example to be setting, but unfortunately that is the way it goes. In any case, enjoy your week and keep yourself safe and healthy!
Hands Clean,
-TIKE
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