This post was inspired by the book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by on book club day, Feb 21 at From Left to Write . Buy this book here.
Barbara Kingsolver wrote one of my all-time favorite books, The Poisonwood Bible. I’m inclined to be favorable toward her because she is a Kentuckian. I respect what I know of her as a human being. So why did I resist her approach to food in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle?
It’s really quite simple. I don’t want anyone even for noble reasons coming between me and what goes in my mouth. I have the great good fortune of genetics that allow me to eat whatever I want without being over-weight. I love to eat. I love food. Why do I need to alter my relationship with food?
Ok, I’ll dance with Barbara to the extent that eating local gives me tomatoes that taste like tomatoes and strawberries that are actually red instead of white 2/3 of the way through the fruit. And I’m quite willing to support local farmers instead of far-away farmers that send me fruits and vegetables by truck or train before they’re ripe. I get the local movement.
But the issue that finally makes me side with Barbara against my own appetite is fat bridesmaids! Yes, I mean that. I am a baby boomer and as a college girl and sorority sister, I lived through a lot of weddings in addition to my own. A generation ago, we did not have fat bridesmaids. Now before you jump all over me for being politically incorrect and insensitive to the calorie-challenged among us—here’s what I think is going on. We didn’t have fat bridesmaids in the Sixties and Seventies not because we were prejudiced against the chubbies and didn’t ask them to be in our weddings but rather because the over weight twenty-something was a rare being. Now, every wedding I have attended in the last five years has fat bridesmaids! They are normal young women. For some reason being over weight is far more prevalent and acceptable in this generation.
Blame the processed foods! I’m serious. Stop feeding our children processed foods in school cafeterias and on college campus and all the affordable restaurants where young people gather and we will stop this epidemic of fat bridesmaids. It’s even hard to shop in regular grocery stores and avoid processed foods. But we have to do it. Start now.
Please don’t shoot the messenger!
I have to admit that there is probably some truth to your argument...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Neena, we all want to be declared "right."
DeleteObesity has become a huge problem. I know I mentioned to a friend just the other day that when I was in high school and college it was not common for us girls to have big huge tummies sticking out of the front of our jeans. I know a lot of it can be blamed today on the low rise jeans that give women muffin tops, but it's more than just muffin tops, it's huge bellies just falling over the front of young girls jeans! It has become much more acceptable than it was back in my day, which is sad as I'm sure it's not healthy.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's noticed!
DeleteUnfortunately, there are so many factors involved in the obesity epidemic right now it's hard to keep the straight or find an answer. And the scary fact is that this is the first generation slated to have a shorter life expectancy than the one before. It's not just fat bridesmaids-- it's fat chefs on tv, fat students, fat teachers, fat parents...
ReplyDeleteI'll admit I sat on the couch a lot as a high schooler. It was actually acceptable to do that, and now with laptops and video games even more so. Thankfully college straightened me out, with the longer walks to class and active lifestyle. I'm lucky to have been surrounded by a bunch of women committed to eating right and, dare I say it? Looking good. I look at the young women now and want to tell them, 'honey, take care of yourself now because it doesn't get any easier!' I wish someone had said that to me on my couch surfing days.
You are so right, Carrie. And I had not heard the fact that this generation will not live longer than the previous one! Wake up, America!!
DeleteWow! I've never been a bridesmaid, only a bride! When I was in high school, I thought I was fat. In fact I was probably 5 times more active then than I am now. Good point!
ReplyDeleteYes, Kim, there is that factor that we look at ourselves and think FAT when we're not! Such a two edged sword this weight/food thing is.
DeleteI think you might be onto something! I often hear people say, 'fat is the last acceptable prejudice' meaning it's still socially acceptable to pre-judge heavy people. It's not a matter of judgment, it's a matter of health! I agree with Carrie's comment...I want to tell young women, "Please, take care of your body! It's the only one you're going to get!" It's not all about looks, it's about your health.
ReplyDeleteYou're right--it's about health. We put young women in a bind by showing them rail-skinny celebrities and feeding them processed food so they can never look like that except by starving themselves!
DeleteI 100% agree with what you're saying from an "obesity epidemic" point of view, but your approach struck a nerve. I have been a bridesmaid many times, including in weddings that were months after having babies when I was a fat bridesmaid. (I cringe looking at pictures from my own sister's wedding.)
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to be a special day for the couple and an honor for their close friends/family to be included. It makes me sad to think that people are judging those special people in their lives, rather than enjoying the wedding. (Trust me, when you're overweight and in the same dress as your skinny friend, you're not feeling great about yourself anyway.)
I would hate to think that people would choose a wedding party based on the size of their friends/family.
I agree, Lisa, I sure wouldn't want to be friends with someone who chose their wedding party based on weight! That would be a shallow friendship for sure.
DeleteMy only point was recognizing a phenomenon that has occurred from one generation to the next in our nation and that pointed directly to the theme of the book we were reading.
I'm totally understanding of it striking a nerve and send you lots of soothing for the irritated nerve. Thanks for stopping by and being part of the conversation.
I agree with you in that I look back at my youth (teenager of the late 80's/early 90's) and I don't remember seeing so many obese adults/teens. It was definitely as prevalent as it is now. And I agree with an earlier poster in that my dismay at seeing such expansive waistlines in our youth is not based on how they look but instead on the health outcomes they'll face later in life. It's tragic and preventable.
ReplyDeleteI think nothing is going to change until we demand that it change. I don't have the answers. Other suggestions?
DeleteTeens have to work hard at healthy eating. As much as school and college cafeterias try, it's almost impossible to provide meals that aren't processed. Food services at colleges try hard - salad bars, sub stations, potato bars - but a "hot meal" that isn't loaded with fat and calories is hard to find. Fresh vegetables are practically nonexistent. Many colleges incorporate flex dollars into their meal plans that kids use at area fast food joints. Encouraging an active lifestyle helps. Colleges have fitness centers and inter-mural games. My older daughter even enlisted in ROTC her first 2 years of college because she knew she would be forced to exercise and maintain an acceptable weight. My younger daughter is vegan. We're looking at colleges for next year and I am resigned to the fact that I'm going to be sending her money to shop for groceries because the meals to which she will have access through the schools' meal plans (which I will still have to buy) won't offer much for her to eat.
ReplyDeleteYour scenario is so true, Gayle. What is the answer? It shouldn't be this hard to be healthy in America!
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