The Truth About Online Anorexia (BBC)

Just thought I'd briefly share this documentary that is very interesting. I've been aware of these pro-ana websites for years....about a decade. The documentary calls these sites "new" but they are not new at all. When I was suffering from my eating disorder, I visited some of these sick pro-ana sites for inspiration. I understand that anorexia isn't just about food and exercise, or about a low body image. There is MUCH more to it! But, I feel and hope that by giving kids the tools they need to eat healthy and exercise appropriately in order to achieve or maintain a normal body weight and stay healthy, we can give kids some control over their weight the HEALTHY AND FIT way and maybe save some kids from this path. I think (and again hope) that if I had the tools back then my story might have been different, but I do not know!


I have done a great deal of research on eating disorders and a LOT of my research has led to the mothers of these girls (and boys) and their commentary being a HUGE factor in their childrens' anorexia!!! So, moms, be careful what you say around your children about yourselves and to your children about them and their weight.

Long story short, I want to bring these sites to the attention of my parent friends so they can be sure their teenagers (girls and boys) are not looking at these sites! Comments welcomed!!!! I'd love to hear what you all have to say!!!

Smashfit.com & Heather Frey

I thought I would introduce you all to Heather Frey and Smashfit if you are not already familiar. You can add her and her Smashfit group on Facebook. The reason I suggest this is that she sends GREAT Facebook messages. They are not about training and that if you do 25 crunches a day you'll have abs of steel by June....instead they are mental and pscyhological messages about how to stay focused and keep on the right track, which is what we all need now and then, right?

I attached a sample of one of those messages above. Also, her site has some really great articles also.

My favorite so far....

http://www.smashfit.com/article.php?aid=7

She also has a new shirt that she's selling once you're fan of yours like I am....

Thanks, Heather for being an inspiration!

P.S. I tried to link you to her Facebook pages if you click on the links on my first sentence but I'm not sure if that worked!!! Also, check her out on Twitter!

Female bodybuilding and Eating Disorders

I'm writing a paper for my masters class on Female Bodybuilding and Eating Disorders. What do you all think? Is there a link? Do all of us have some sort of disordered eating in our past? Or do some just have some disordered thinking - self-image issues that are tied into self-worth? Or are we all just Type-A perfectionists who except nothing but the best out of ourselves. Or, is there an issue w/ weakness and a fear of weakness? Do we all want to build muscle to be stronger, on the inside and out.

What is it that makes you want to lift weights, compete, be strong?

Have you heard of Bigorexia? There are new classifications of eating disorders nowadays...not just anorexia and bulimia. I doubt that Bigorexia affects too many women, but maybe. I'd love to hear your thoughts.