Page 100 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2020

100 |
August 2020
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
HOW HEALTHY IS
story by Kalli Cox
TOO HEALTHY?
Although striving to eat well and exercise for the benefit of your overall health is a good thing, there is such a thing as being too healthy.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the rising popularity of social media has created unrealistic expectations for our bodies, ultimately a ecting the self- esteem and body image of many. In younger generations, whose screens are constantly ooded with images of Instagram models and social media in uencers
who appear to have the perfect body, eating disorders are on the rise as teens strive to achieve an unachievable goal: perfection.
While most young social media users realize that a certain amount of editing is involved behind the scenes, those visuals still become their “norm,” and over time
their expectations of their own
bodies are altered. According to the NEDA website, “It’s not just the exposure to these images that is damaging. It’s our interaction with them – the pressure to
have the perfect pro le pics, the comparisons we make, and the dangers of the constant scrutiny of our own and others’ bodies.”
Maintaining our physical health should always be a priority, but it’s important to be aware of how media messages about body shape and size a ect the way we feel about ourselves. “As individuals, we decide how to experience the media messages we encounter,” the NEDA website states.
Realizing the power of social media is the rst step in starting a diet in the age of eating disorders.
Any diet that harms your sense
of self-worth or causes negative side e ects such as dizziness or fatigue is an unhealthy health habit. When looking into a new diet, it’s always best to consult a professional, such as a nutritionist or personal trainer, or even your family doctor.
Kristin Gizzard, owner at Prep by KUG, a local meal prep service, says it’s all about nding a balanced diet that works for your lifestyle. “Fueling your body shouldn’t be stressful,” she says. “Eat good food most of the time and enjoy your life.”
Whatever diet you choose, don’t let it dictate your happiness and wellbeing.
“Eat good food most of the time and enjoy your life.”