Author's Note: The morning after composing this entry, I learned, via X-ray, that the pain endured for some seven weeks in my left heel has been evidence of a minor fracture. Such is the consequence of maintaining the bone density of a bird --and a yet another argument for the restoration of a sturdier frame.
When a person makes a concentrated effort to alter his or her body, a milestone role or activity is often the motivating factor. It is a familiar refrain: an event that is new in some way prompts the individual to make a life change. Most frequently encountered in western popular culture is the story of an actor altering his or her physical appearance for a project. Men generally increase muscle mass, whereas ladies slenderize and tone. There are exceptions on occasion, but generally in the male sphere (and most actors who agree to become larger choose prosthetics before purposefully relinquishing their scrupulously-maintained --and bankable-- figures). In non-celebrity circles, the reasons trend towards more personal goals, and I have heard of acquaintances getting "in shape" for a marathon, a New Year, a wedding, a prom, a vacation. The last three examples, of course, involve looking one's physical best in order to "successfully" present to the public in a special garment. To be clear, in our age of unwavering image sharing --of "casually" trading photographs and videos from our most intimate experiences-- we have all come to feel the pressure of public exposure. At the very least, there is usually a standard set for how we look at our place of work, but this obligation decreases as we inch lower in pay scale and away from high-powered boardroom positions (unless you are in the unique position of Mark Zuckerberg). To turn again to women, specifically, I have heard second and first-hand stories of malnourished ones who rid themselves of anorexia and/or bulimia during stages of pregnancy; by focusing primarily on the health of the carried child, they inadvertently improved its vessel. In general, expectant mothers ease their regard towards society's rash of weight loss cues (if not to then become hyper-sensitive post-delivery).
When a person makes a concentrated effort to alter his or her body, a milestone role or activity is often the motivating factor. It is a familiar refrain: an event that is new in some way prompts the individual to make a life change. Most frequently encountered in western popular culture is the story of an actor altering his or her physical appearance for a project. Men generally increase muscle mass, whereas ladies slenderize and tone. There are exceptions on occasion, but generally in the male sphere (and most actors who agree to become larger choose prosthetics before purposefully relinquishing their scrupulously-maintained --and bankable-- figures). In non-celebrity circles, the reasons trend towards more personal goals, and I have heard of acquaintances getting "in shape" for a marathon, a New Year, a wedding, a prom, a vacation. The last three examples, of course, involve looking one's physical best in order to "successfully" present to the public in a special garment. To be clear, in our age of unwavering image sharing --of "casually" trading photographs and videos from our most intimate experiences-- we have all come to feel the pressure of public exposure. At the very least, there is usually a standard set for how we look at our place of work, but this obligation decreases as we inch lower in pay scale and away from high-powered boardroom positions (unless you are in the unique position of Mark Zuckerberg). To turn again to women, specifically, I have heard second and first-hand stories of malnourished ones who rid themselves of anorexia and/or bulimia during stages of pregnancy; by focusing primarily on the health of the carried child, they inadvertently improved its vessel. In general, expectant mothers ease their regard towards society's rash of weight loss cues (if not to then become hyper-sensitive post-delivery).
There is a reason I raise this discussion of tangible prompts for weight manipulation, as it is in regards to my own attempts to correct the state of my feeble frame. I purposefully avoid researching other blogs or sites concerning the subject, as they are as potentially disturbing to me as pornography. (Many tribute pages to eating disorders reportedly exist, with sources of "thinspiration" provided in the form of dieting advice, poetry, pictures, and general chat hubs. Whatever you do, do not make the mistake of perusing user comments following stories published online, as these threads routinely turn towards cruel criticism of the subject's appearance.) Nothing in the above paragraph is a direct motivator for me, although I will not pretend that wearing a bathing suit --or even a sleeveless top-- has not made it onto my list of desires, especially should I make a return to life in southern California. (To be honest, strangers there have been bold in their shouted taunts, such as "Eat something!" or simply, "Anorexic!" This was a couple of years ago, so perhaps attitudes have lightened. I doubt it.) To aid anyone else who might hear their own inward messages of reproach (for example: guilt over purposefully not exercising in favor of rest; consuming "too much"in one sitting and witnessing the stomach expand), I present below my own crib sheet of helpful reminders.
Benefits of Gaining Weight
(For Myself and Others in a Compromised State)
- MIND
- Improved mental acuity -- memory, processing speed, decision-making, reading comprehension, and writing ability
- Greater resistance to OCD impulses and dementia
- Boosted confidence and mood (diminished depression, self-loathing)
- More active and inspired creative drive
- (Possible) return of sexual desires and social interests
- BODY
- Cosmetic enhancements -- diminished facial folds and wrinkles; fuller cheeks, breasts, ass, arms, neck; thicker, stronger hair and nails
- Elevated energy and endurance for chores (both household and occupational), running (a necessary form of movement my calves are not strong enough to presently allow), exercise in general (long walks to music or hikes with a companion being a therapeutic tool)
- More robust immune system and greater resistance to "the chills"
- Reduction of bone fractures due to osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Improved fertility with regular menstruation
- Decreased risk of heart and kidney failure
- Elimination of lanugo (hypertrichosis, or fine downy hairs on the face and arms) and halitosis (rank breath) caused by ketosis (metabolization of the body's fat reserves)
Let me know in the comments section if you have anything to add!
May you find this useful when struggling to combat harmful impulses.
No comments:
Post a Comment