A mother’s social media post recently went viral when she shared how to politely decline the purchase of Girl Scout cookies without using toxic and harmful food culture language. She said in her post: “Our girls are just trying to sell you a cookie. You don’t have to worry about the calories in the cookie, or the diet of the person you’re selling it to, or the body defects that are causing you not to buy it…Simple. A “No, thank you” is perfectly acceptable. ”
As we observed that Eating Disorders Awareness Week began last Monday, this mom’s post highlighted the importance of food culture and the way we talk about food, bodies, and eating around our youngest audiences. It was a great opportunity to discuss how eating disorders and eating disorders are becoming a harmful breeding ground. Disorganized eating.
Eating disorders are among the most deadly mental illnesses, killing one person every 52 minutes. Characterized by highly distressing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to food intake, body shape, and weight. It is estimated that 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
As someone who has worked in the field of eating disorders for 16 years and seen firsthand the deadly consequences of this disease, I agree with this mother’s approach. I applaud her for shining a spotlight on how her responses to “innocent” jokes and cookie solicitations are unfunny and harmful.
How many times a day did these young girls hear a potential buyer say, “Oh, I can’t do that. I can’t do that.” “I’m trying to be good” or “I can’t eat cookies, I’ll eat them all!” Although these types of interactions are meant to be rejected right away, when we talk about food and our bodies, It is inappropriate to say this to children who are used to talking negatively about. When they hear adults say, “This is bad for me,” they assume it’s bad for them too. Children and adolescents’ brains are still developing and are susceptible to this type of black-and-white thinking.
These phrases are steeped in a toxic food culture that can promote eating disorders and disordered eating. Food has no moral value, even Girl Scout cookies. There is no such thing as “good” or “bad” food. It’s just food.
According to a recent JAMA Pediatrics report, “one in 10 adolescents has used an ineffective and potentially harmful nonprescription weight loss product in their lifetime,” and the most commonly used The ones who are doing so are women. Our treatment center admits more and more young patients each year. Children are bombarded and fed an unhealthy eating culture and unrealistic expectations to lose weight and eat “healthier” on their social media feeds. Add to this negative messages from family, friends, and even complete strangers about the food you eat and the way your body should behave, and you have the potential for a perfect storm.
If someone asks you, “How are you doing?” and your response focuses on the latest diet and exercise regimens. If you spend your day thinking about food and eating. If you find yourself avoiding food and eating events with friends and family, this could be a sign that you have an eating disorder or are suffering from one. Children should not lose weight as they grow. So if you’re a caregiver and notice a sudden change in your child’s eating habits or weight, consider the following: The way they talk about food and their bodies. Have new or unusual eating habits or eating habits. or distancing themselves from friends and family – these are red flags that it may be time to seek additional help. Talking to your GP, pediatrician, therapist, or nutritionist is a great place to start.
We want you to think about how you will respond to those adorable little Scouts who are anxiously waiting for your next cookie sale. A simple “no, thank you” when you don’t feel like buying right away can have a bigger impact than you think. Otherwise, I think I’d choose Thin Mints.
Ms. Johnson has worked in the field of eating disorders since 2008, joining the Dallas Eating Recovery Center in 2014 and becoming the Director of Nutrition for the Eastern Regional ERC in 2021.