I was reading an article online today (http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/is-it-okay-to-talk-about-your-daughters-weight-if-it-s-for-the-national-good-579635/) about news that obesity in America's children is rising, and how Michelle Obama was recently told that her girls are getting a little chunky. I don't understand. We see pictures all the time of the children, and they don't look over weight to me. They look healthy, like pre-pubescent and tween girls should look.
Now Michelle seems to have talked about her concerns about her girls' weight with the press. While we appreciate that she and her husband are trying to be open and communicative with the American public about all things, there is such a thing as too much information. These girls will hear about this story if they haven't already been told about it. Imagine the complete anger, hurt and humiliation that they feel! Knowing that prospective first crushes will be looking at them through the eyes of criticism. Wondering if she really should have an extra milk, or a cupcake instead of an apple, or wondering if the bulk under the coat is just coat or a little fat girl?
Average children go through a chubby phase. It's the body's preparation for the growth to come. I was a very skinny child until about 14, at which time I became chubby. My mother started me on a diet immediately, telling me if I'm fat, I'll never "land a man". That it's unattractive, etc. A year later I went through a growth spurt and by the time I entered high school, I was one of the tallest in my class, at 5'7" and 15 years old. I lost the weight but only because I did grow into it. Once I got out on my own at 17, without the critical eye and supervision of my mother, I ate everything in sight and haven't been thin since.
No child should go through that. But now... the Obama girls are, and it's out there. What can be done? Go back in time? Michelle needs to publicly apologize to her girls to putting them under the microscope, and get "diet advice" from a professional that understands that ALL health children need a little something on their bones to help with the growth they are going through right now. The "family doctor" who gave her that advice is twisted.
We already have too much attention placed on appearances. Yes, there are many actual obese children in this country, but these two girls don't fall anywhere near that category. That's absolutely ridiculous! Those two girls have their parents' body structures: long and beautiful. Malia and Sasha are perfect, pretty, and blessed to be wonderful. Mommie Dearest needs to give that apology, and soon!
Absolutely promote healthy eating: Less meat, fried foods, sugar and dairy. More water, legumes, fruits and veggies. Less TV and more movement (not necessarily exercise because what tween wants to do aerobics for 20 minutes!).
Ok, I'm off my soap-box now.
2 comments:
Bravo.
I agree,Bravo. I have never in my life seen a public woman be so stupid as to fall into the Hollywood "ideal body build". I have already heard my 6 year old granddaughter look at her flat stomach and say "am I fat". I know where it came from, her mother and her grandmother. We should keep our mouth shut as should Michelle Obama. We, as women, are our own worst enemy.
Yes you are right eat healthy, but I disagree with you on eating less beef. We raised 3 children on all the beef and dairy they wanted and we have all maintained a normal weight in adulthood. Good advice from me is read labels. Becky
PS You should hear what the managing heath editor of Foxnews is saying. He is as off base as Ms Obama.
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