A lot of folks are obsessed with sexy bodies. After all, we see them everywhere: television, magazines, movies, billboards. We all know these sexy bodies have been photoshopped and air-brushed on top of lighting and make-up tricks. But it doesn't change the fact that we all see these sexy bodies everyday, at least a few times a day. Granted, not everyone finds these types of bodies sexy: just because the mass media is telling us this is what's sexy doesn't mean we all agree. Though a lot of people do agree and those very same people may change their mind when they start seeing new images of what's sexy. Again.
Remember Marilyn Monroe? Talk about sexy. A lot of folks still don't know that she was a big girl. Seriously, look it up. Today, people would call her "chunky." Does that make her photos less sexy now? No way. Beautiful woman. Dead but beautiful. Twiggy made "waif" the ultimate cool back in the 60s but that doesn't mean it will always be the case.
What I'm trying to say is this: society is pretty fickle. Sometimes large women are the "best," sometimes skinny. Media sorta goes along with it, plays it up and makes it the ultimate. Right now, we are all very aware that skinny is still "in." Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan (who looks like she's about to die from starvation).
Right about now, you're thinking "What does this girl know? She's the ideal according to today's standards. Skinny with curves, that bitch."
But seriously folks, let's think about how the grass is always greener on the other side. I can understand why you don't want to be overweight if it's for health reasons. But believe me when I say this, being underweight is just as bad. Both ends of the spectrum are at risk for heart problems among myriad other things. Again, look it up. Eating disorders can put you in either category: some people overeat and others don't eat at all. All because of. . . because of what?
Because you're depressed about how you look? Depressed because your life isn't perfect like on television/in the movies? What is it? I'd really like to know.
Time and again I've seen people starve themselves to reach their ideal weight. And a lot of the time, it doesn't work out because not only do they feel sick from depriving their bodies of necessary nutrition but also because their frame just isn't set up that way. Some people are not made to be rail thin. And this is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it's good. It's good to be full, and round, and healthy (example, Lindsay Lohan circa Freaky Friday and Mean Girls).
It works both ways as well. Some people are just built small. Tiny bones, tiny frame. That's no excuse for them to look like the current Lindsay Lohan but being small means you can weigh 100 lb and still look round and healthy. That's part of the problem. Weight measurement.
People think the higher the number the worse off you are. I don't know what anyone's basis of comparison actually is but if you have a larger frame you need to weigh more than 100 lb. -- 100 lb might make you like like a taller, wider version of say, the current Lindsay Lohan. Neither picture is pretty. No one needs their bones showing through their skin.
Gross. Just as gross as someone who weighs 450 lb and can barely move.
Now I know you'd rather look starved than like a (pardon the term) beached whale but let's try and avoid both extremes, okay? Or better yet, let's try to reach a heathy weight (if we're not there already) and be satisfied with ourselves.
Because health and confidence are the true image of beauty. (I know that sounds cheesy but it's true so deal with it.)
Stay tuned for Sexy Bodies - Men next week.
