Today's topic is something a lot of us have had or is currently going through and we don't admit to ourselves or think that it couldn't be us. Especially in the black community, because being thick is worshiped and highly celebrated. Unlike, in the white community where being thin is "in." It's ironic that now a lot of cultures want big butts and lips. It was shunned upon for centuries. Now you can either do a million squats, lunges or lift weights to get one naturally or just find the nearest plastic surgeon and get injections for a hefty price.
So, back to eating disorders....What is it? In a nutshell, a eating disorder is a mental health condition marked by an obession with food and body shape. It may be caused by serveral factors, which includes genetics, brain biology, personality traits, and cultural ideas. Most of you have heard of Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating. These eating disorders usually start during teenage years.
Anorexia nervosa- when a person limits their food intake because they have a intense fear of gaining weight. They may even use purging behaviors such as making themselves vomit after eating.
Bulimia nervosa- when a person eats large amounts of food in short periods of time, then purge for fear of gaining weight.
Binge Eating Disorder- when a person uncontrollably consumes large amounts of food in a short period of time but they do not purge.
There are more disorders than just these 3 but one that i found interesting is one called Pica.
Pica- is an eating disorder that involves eating items that are not considered food such as hair, dirt, chalk, soap, paper, paint chips, etc.
I had a eating disorder growing up well into my adulthood. I've always been slender or "skinny" as most would say. I was a black girl who wasn't built like one. Don't get me wrong I had a complex about my weight but I always thought I was the "shit" in a Foxy Brown kinda way. So I'd stuff myself. For dinner I'd eat 2 or 3 hefty plates. I wouldn't drink anything while I was eating to consume more food. I never wanted to be overweight, just not skinny. Needless to say because of genetics no matter how much I ate, I never got that butt or thick, but I did acquire a stomach. All my weight transfers up. So from the waist up is where my weight settles. My legs stay slender and tone. All that eating, all the weight gain, people still called me skinny. Only, now they say "you look so cute pregnant. " Ugh! Of course the autoimmune disease didn't help but that's a topic for another day.
I started this blog because we enjoy food for more than just nourishment. We celebrate accomplishments, life events and victories. We also mourn or losses, failures and disappointments with food. Most eating disorders start in teenagers but they continue on into adulthood. So, let's watch out for our love ones and friends. Let's try to get them the help they need and if the person that needs help is you please talk to your doctor or someone you trust. It can be me or just someone you trust. I've listed a couple of websites that have online chats and text. Remember food is meant to be enjoyed but moderation and smart choices are key!
Bon Appetit'
www.eatingrecoverycenter.com
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
