Must have struck a nerve there.
Struck a nerve? No, not at all. Was that your intent?
After loosing a niece to anorexia just 2 years ago, makes this a really easy topic for me, actually. It is examples like this that I stand very firm on my belief when it comes to the choices that we make. When people want to rant and rave about what and what not to eat, really just shows their ignorance. It really comes down to, a person's own right to choose.
If they did their research they would find in black and white the reasons that you don't scold anyone who chooses to eat fast food. Choosing a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done. Personally, I lived through it for 7 years with my niece. Eventually, she was placed in a care facility. Even though she did not ever fully recover, and passed on from this deadly disease, she taught me more than you will ever know. One thing that stands out in my mind was her battle with the pressures that glorify thinness. Eating disorders are very complex conditions, which can cause a self perpetuating cycle of physical and emotional destruction.
Over 8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. 95% of those are between the ages of 12-25. 1 in 10 people receive treatment, and 20% of those people suffering will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder. Are these scientific studies? Of course they are. Does it mean anything to me having this knowledge? Of course not. Scientific studies don't really mean anything to most people. But having known someone who has actually died because of having a eating disorder, and myself as a witnessed to it, puts scientific studies very low on my pole. I would take my knowledge over a scientific study any day. I learned a lot. A lot of what I learned, I shared with you already on this post and the other post about "help picking an eye cream".
After my nieceâ€2122s passing, I promised to her and to myself that I would never ridicule anyone who chooses to eat fast food, junk food, anything basically to do with food. I can not change the mind of that person, even as much as I would like too. Everyday we have to make choices. Choosing what to eat is just one of those choices.
So, some food for thought. DO accept the other persons right to an independent choice, when it comes to food. DON'T be the food police. You just never know who is on the other side of the screen and may be looking for some guidance. Just think about what you say and how you say it. Be accepting of peopleâ€2122s rights and opinions.
And if you really want to learn and witness first hand about the damage you can do by telling someone what and what not to eat. Try volunteering at an Eating Disorder Clinic, as I do, it just might change the way that you think.
