|
Reviewed
by
Kate Lum
"America's children are afraid to eat." With
this stark sentence, Frances Berg begins her indictment of
North American culture. "Disturbed, chaotic, disordered
eating has become the norm for kids," she states. "In
today's milieu no one is thin enough or perfectly shaped
enough to feel safe."
Berg, the editor of "Healthy Weight Journal," has
all the ammunition she needs to launch her attack. She has
spent sixteen years investigating and reporting the truth
about 'miracle' diets, and "the one method
that can work and does no harm- gradually changing activity
and eating habits and relieving stress." Our culture,
and our economic machine, ignores this gentle option because,
as Berg bluntly says, "there's no profit in it."
Systematically and concisely, Berg explores the frightening
influences that set modern children against their own bodies.
She vividly describes the results of this mass mental illness,
as when she paints a portrait of cheerleaders: "Where
are the bodies they have worked so hard to perfect? There's
no body. Only bones, arms, legs, hair and that frighteningly
skeletal face screaming out cheers."
On the other, equally sad, end of the spectrum, Berg explores
the plight of our growing number of overweight kids. Physical
inactivity, electronic games, television, and lack of safe
outdoor spaces in which to play: all are creating a nation
of pre-diabetic, unhealthy children. Paradoxically, as the
standard for thinness grows ever more rigid, real youngsters' bodies
are growing ever fatter and less able.
After fully informing the reader of all this, Berg offers
clear and sound advice, including her "golden rule:"
"Parents
are responsible for what is presented to eat and the manner
in which it is presented. Children are responsible for how
much and even whether they eat." She provides
lists of suggestions for making each family a food-friendly,
kid-friendly, healthy environment, where each person learns
respect for her body and the bodies of others. She also offers
eloquent support for parents dealing with the heartbreak
of an anorectic child. Although parents "may want to examine
their own feelings about weight and food, and work toward
self-acceptance and size-acceptance," she stipulates, "parents
are not responsible for making the eating disordered patient
well." Berg discusses how parents may work with therapists
to provide an atmosphere of deep support for their child,
and to aim for healing.
It is hard to imagine a more thorough book on this subject.
Although different sections will be more, or less, relevant
to different readers, the scholarship and experience Berg
brings to her work can only be empowering to all. Knowledge,
resolution, and fresh thinking are our best weapons against
eating disorders, and a culture that fosters them gleefully,
in the name of pure profit.
|
