“Thigh gap- the new collarbone”
Do you remember the obsession with collarbones? Magazines thought they were all the rage. The collarbone protruding from your body- it was a sign you were “skinny”. My collarbone protrudes from my body- but not in an unhealthy, I think it’s going to pop out of my skin, kind of way. I’m built petite and it is normal for me. Some people are built with great cheekbones, full lips, others with long legs…. it’s all in how God made you.
With social media taking the main stage these days- paparazzi photographing celebrities constantly…. no wonder we are critical about our bodies in comparison to others. I don’t make tons of money and have a personal trainer on call every single day. I am normal. I get up, do my workouts (when I can fit one in and have the motivation to do it), eat 3 meals a day and some snacks along the way, and lack sleep a lot of nights. I am sure a lot of you are exactly the same as me. You have the best of intentions but sometimes there is no time to do it in. So therefore, I am not in the best shape of my life. I would love to be…. but it’s just not happening YET. 😉
But back to the “thigh gap”.
I absolutely LOVE the Ellen show. She is such a positive and inspirational person- I just love watching her! It’s like my boost for the day! Well, during the holiday season, I was watching an episode and she had Robyn Lawley on and was interviewing her about being a “plus size” model. First off, that girl is stunning and secondly, if she is a plus size model then I am obviously wayyyyy to overweight to model. She is 6 feet tall and has legs that don’t quit. Wow! Completely gorgeous.
Anyway, while she was being interviewed, she was talking to Ellen about her body and how much body image takes it toll on models and the girls that look up to them. She went on to discuss the “thigh gap” obsession that women are fixated on today and just how dangerous it is.
(If you don’t know the definition of thigh gap it goes as follows: thighs that don’t touch)
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Achieving that thigh gap has become a SERIOUS obsession. Look at Instagram for instance: how many girls post pictures of themselves in skirts or bikinis and you see the “thigh gap”? Some women have even started using a hashtag for it! It’s practically it’s own catch phrase. Search google- you will be terrified. There are even websites that tell you how to achieve a thigh gap. Thankfully, some of the websites come with disclaimers about how dangerous it is…. but some don’t. Check it out- you will be shocked. www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Thigh-Gap
And the best part is- if you actually research it, thigh gap is about bone structure instead of weight control. This is so insane! It’s a disturbing trend and I am so sad that women are turning to eating disorders to have a thigh gap!
First of all- even as a child, my thighs have ALWAYS touched. I rode bikes, figure skated, danced and cheered! I have muscular thighs and I am proud of that. We need to start realizing that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Love your body- it’s the only one you’ve got!
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Please watch the following interview from the Ellen show itself discussing the thigh gap obsession HERE.
***Disclaimer: To be fair- some women are built this way naturally. They can’t put on weight. Don’t get it twisted.- Thin without thinspiration is completely different than thin and having an eating disorder and/or workout obsession.
Listening to: Picasso Baby- Jay Z
Photo credits: sweetestmag.com; usatodayeducate.com
Lydia
I just wanted to thank you for writing this post…I have battling with eating disorders for about a year now and they kill me. Watching how much freakin attention our world puts on outer beauty made me starve myself. Why can’t we beautiful being ourselves? Why do women and girls always find their value in their bodies alone? You said this so right- we were created beautifully. If we are a bit heavier, who cares? If we don’t look like those front page models, who cares? Beauty is so much more….anyway, thank you. This meant a lot to me.
Kristi Hendriks
Lydia- I love your bravely. Writing a comment that talk about your disorder takes a lot of courage. Eating Disorders are no walk in the park- I have been there too- so I understand how hard it is. Please know that you can overcome this. I hope that you realize how perfect you are in God’s eyes and beauty is so much more than a thin, tiny body. Sending encouragement and love your way!