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Flat Belly-Achin'

Barbara Mosser

Belly-Achin' Flat

If I see one more article telling me how I can get a flat belly (like the one on the picture of the eighteen year old model) I’m going to blow my muffin top! On my desk are eight recent magazines touting flat belly “fixes” on their front covers.

A fix?? What’s broken?? I admit I am challenged from time to time to love every inch of me. Don’t most of us see those little perceived imperfections we would like to change? But come on! This unrelenting focus on bellies has caused my yeast to rise!

Consider some of these flat belly how-to’s:

•    Your A-Z guide to a Flat Belly! If I remember my alphabet correctly, that’s 26 ways to fight the flop over. A little over the top don’t you think?
•    Your Best Flat Belly Foods Is chocolate on that list?
•    Flat Belly Fix You “fix” a flat tire – hey, is the “spare tire” our muffin top male equivalent?
•    Defy your Age – Flatten your Belly! Repeat after me, “I am not getting older and my belly is flat, I am not getting older…”
•    Walk off Belly Fat! A good suggestion, but is it really that simple?
•    Flat Belly Secrets Shhh… people are listening.

Yes, there is some scientific evidence that reducing abdominal fat is prudent and in fact, recommended. Studies have shown increased cardiac risk factors with increased girth. A study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association reported, “abdominal obesity is a strong independent risk factor for heart disease, and using the waist-hip ratio rather than waist measurement alone is a better predictor of heart disease risk among men and women.”

I am all for preventative health. I’m in when it comes to exercise and trying to follow a healthy diet. I am definitely out when it comes to unrealistic body image expectations. Diatribes exalting us to excessively control and sculpt our bodies into the perfect specimen. A belly that looks like you could bounce a quarter off of it? Who wants a box spring without a mattress?

And what is so distasteful about a soft, nicely rounded belly? Any child who has laid his head in his mother’s ample lap for comfort instinctively feels safe and protected.

“Yes, your belly is soft and round. If you found a precious jewel – something so precious it had the power to create life – wouldn’t you place it in a container that’s soft and round, to protect and nurture it?”
      -Lisa Sarasohn – Author of The Women’s Belly Book 

I propose that instead of trying to flatten our bellies, we fill them with self-love, creativity and respect for our individuality and beauty – our very essence. And of course, a little chocolate now and then!

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Comments

Submitted by Janice Nepon-Sixt (not verified) on Mon, 12/07/2009 - 15:37

Barbara I was going to thank you for sending this and ask where you had gotten it, when I saw with delight that you wrote it! I absolutely LOVE IT. Would you believe that JUST THIS MORNING...I believe it was in Sunday's Parade, I read another discouraging article about belly fat...and the photograph was a bare belly of a 20 something skinny person....just so demotivating! I put my head in my hands. I'm one of the unlucky ones who gains first in that area..it is a constant struggle. So, how wonderful were your words of reminder of what is important and special, and who I am beyond the rise and fall of my belly. Congratulations on an article that made me laugh and tear up, as well as think. I hope that your words reach a wide audience. Women young and old and in between need to know these truths!! Best, Janice Nepon-Sixt
Submitted by Barbara (not verified) on Fri, 12/11/2009 - 07:15

Thank you, Janice, for your thoughtful comments! I don't know what it is with this relentless quest lately of the flat belly, but I am so over it! I hope, like you, other women can gain a clearer perspective and understanding of what makes them (and us!) the wonders that we are. It is definitely not a six-pack! Our main objective is to stay as healthy and whole as we can for ourselves, those we love and those who love us!

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