What does it say about UK women that everywhere you turn there is another dieting approach or ‘magic’ ingredient being bandied about as the latest breakthrough in the world of weight loss? It’s not just in–your-face in respect of the promises made about the pounds that are just going to fall away (no irony in the fact that I read such promises as ££££s) but also in the banter about what this new diet will bring to you in respect of your life-style, self-esteem, general feel-good factor and even how it will help you in the work and romance-based areas of your life!
The trick these new diet gurus and ‘anti-porcine’ promisers are missing, and what the majority of UK females (or at least any female who has a large number of female friends or relatives) do actually know is that once females hit a certain age, it doesn’t matter what you eat, do or say, the hormones have pre-ordained that you will from henceforth be a fine figure of matronly curves. Once I hit forty, my figure went straight from a Marilyn Manson boyish stick-like appeal, to Marilyn Monroe’s “jello on springs”! My old bras are now consigned to supporting pert little tomato plants in the greenhouse whilst my new ones could support the whole family as a hammock; bits of me now wobble along when I clean my teeth; my chops are not just chubby but have made my smile downright cheeky and none of it’s done my life-style, self esteem or romance ventures any harm, as my new husband will testify!
Yes, it’s all taking a bit of adjustment – having a cleavage is a bit event actually, but for help and support I’m more drawn towards media or products that help me to make the most of what I have, rather than impel me to look at my body with disgust and encourage me to spend a fortune on products that will in effect purge me health-wise and financially. UK women have been bombarded with healthy eating tips for years, they know how to do it and they do it religiously, but guess what? Some of us just are as we are and are the happier for it!
