Anorexia

I don't look at someone who is skinny and judge them for being skinny. I am familiar enough with anorexia, seeing as it affected/affects my little sister and a few of my close girl friends, to know the other signs that show its present and not simply a body type. And it cannot be ignored. 

Each person who struggles with this illness has made a choice in the past and fought to create the habit of depriving the body of the nutrients it needs to be alive and active. They are surely struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, for slowly but surely they are killing themselves. They feel completely guilty if they eat something, for it shows a lack of willpower and a plea for life. 

THIS DISEASE DESERVES NO SYMPATHY. Do not attack a person who is ill with it. But the disease must be attacked, for it is taking away the possibility of that person truly living their dreams. They do not have the energy, the stamina, the clarity of thought to move forward towards their life goals. They could be someone, they could be themselves, but they have given themselves to the demons of anorexia and this will determine their future. My sister had to sleep away half her day in order to have enough energy to do her chores on the farm and hang out with her friends. Sometimes she had enough energy to ride horses, after she had snuck in the house and raided the ice cream. She has so many gifts, and during her most intense time of illness she could produce only a quarter of those things, and that only because her willpower failed her in moments. One of my dearest friends was anorexic for 7 years when I met her. In our movement classes in college she would turn gray and nearly pass out. She had to sit out for 90% of our practices and 25% of our classes. Our teacher knew she was ill and gave her ultimatums. Because of these ultimatums and the respect my friend had for our teacher, whom she knew had her best interests in mind, she was halfway to recovery a year later and completely weaned off all of her antidepressants. 

My little sister is now almost fully recovered herself, due to this same amazing teacher, and I think, I say humbly, also myself because of our own bond and connection. I do not sympathize with her excuses or take no for an answer when I ask her to join me for a healthy meal. This feeds the illness. 

Again, I emphasize that it is not that a skinny body is in any way ugly that one should "criticize" anorexia. It is all the power that it is weilding over the individual that must be fought courageously. We can do this, together. 

I love you all, fat, thin, muscular, in between. And you all deserve life. 

Healthy Habits In the Making

Making new, healthy habits can be challenging for anyone, and getting enough motivation to keep our will active is not a guarantee. Taking baby steps towards goals is always the best way to begin, for there is less chance of falling on your face on the way. 

I am going to offer a few tips that may help on your journey to becoming healthy and fit. 

First of all, make a grocery shopping list that suits your ideals. Only buy the items on that list so that you don't have foods in the house that tempt you and yet make you feel guilty eating them. 

If you are craving dessert, try eating some protein if you'd like to cut the craving for sweets. This often is quite effective. If it's not or you'd rather not have extra protein in the moment, make sure you always have plenty of fruit or some yogurt around for your sweets substitute. I often make some tea sweetened with stevia. 

Get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning and do some push-ups, sit ups, crunches, squats, or run a mile. If you can't manage to get out of bed, hit those squats or push-ups while you're waiting for your coffee or your breakfast to cook. If you have a break at work, do the same thing. It will all add up, and best of all, be strengthening a new habit. 

Join the Pumpup community if you use a smartphone. It's the most positive, supportive group you can imagine, and you will attain your goals. 

Best of luck to you, and happy journeying. Xoxo ❤️