It’s not often I get to watch morning television, though, it used to be one of my favorite things to do. And, even if I am home, and the television is on, it becomes background noise because I’m thinking of a hundred different things, or I’m not paying attention. But, this past Friday, my husband took my two older kids to run errands, leaving me home.. with just the baby.
While the baby laid on his play mat entertained by the hanging toys and lights, I scanned through the channels. I came upon Live with Kelly and Ryan. Within minutes, the conversation led to Ryan sharing a story. He explained that when he was first trying to make it in the business, he had no money, he shared a one-bedroom apartment with a roommate, and they could barely afford food.
Kelly Ripa snickered, and followed with a comment of her own that she and her roommates didn’t have food in their apartment either, but for other reasons because two of then were aspiring actresses and one was a model.
Four days later, her comment is still replaying in my head. If I heard that, I can’t imagine how many other people in the world did, too. And, how many of those admire Ripa, want to be like her, and decide not to eat because she made it clear she didn’t either? And, finally, how many of those are dreaming of becoming actors or actresses, or models, and take her words literally, and think… she made it because she didn’t eat. I must do the same if I want to make it, too.
That’s a problem. Viewers tend to idolize these stars in big roles, and are easily influenced, positively or negatively. Starvation is the worst form of malnutrition. Without essential nutrients, many health issues arise. One would be at-risk for heart problems, bone loss, and even death when taken to the extreme. I realize it probably wasn’t her intention to hurt anyone, and it was just to be funny. But, comments like these are contributing to the epidemic of poor body image and eating disorders.
Trust me. I was one of them. I, too, believed skinny was attractive, and would help lead to success in many different forms. It doesn’t. Dieting and calorie restriction can be harmful.
There are plenty of actresses and models who eat; and, who are healthy, successful, and curvy. Skinny does not equate to beauty. I continue to remind myself of this, and you should, too. Embrace yourself. Embrace your body.