International Diet Day, Malissa Jones, Loving Your Neighbor, and Eclairs

May 6 is International No Diet Day (INDD). It was started by Mary Evans Young in England in 1992. I know many people can't wait for this day. I appreciate it for the fact that it picks up both venom (maybe from those on a diet?) as well as supporters each year. I am thankful for a few things: (1) its creation, (2) longevity, and (3)the ability to shock those not 'in the know.'

In Mary's own words, she describes how she began INDD:

"I started INDD in the spring of '92 following two things. The first was seeing a television programme where women were having their stomachs stapled. One woman had split the staples and was in for her third op[eration]. And then a young girl of 15 committed suicide because 'she couldn't cope being fat.' She was size 14 (12 in US). I decided somebody had to stand up and try to stop this bloody madness and in the absence of anybody else, I decided it would be me. So I sent out a press release titled 'Fat Woman Bites Back'...and got some media attention. I was desperate to keep the anti-diet/size acceptance concept in the public eye. So, without really thinking about it, at the end of a live TV interview I said, 'Don't forget to celebrate No Diet Day.' ...Having declared it on prime time national TV I then set about organising a picnic in Hyde Park. Alas it rained, so we adjourned to my living room instead." ~Mary Evans Young


Goals of the INDDT:
-Celebrate the beauty and diversity of ALL our natural sizes & shapes
-Declare a personal one-day moratorium on diet/weight obsession
-Learn the facts about weight-loss dieting, health, and body size
-Recognize how dieting perpetuates violence against women
-Honor the victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgery
-Help end weight discrimination, sizism and fatphobia

I think it is important to share these words from Mary Evans Young with you:

19th International No Diet Day
Greetings to all of you celebrating this auspicious day.
How far have we come since 1992? Well, in some respects a long, long way.
More health professionals support a 'health at every size' approach.
There are fat study groups in colleges as younger people are challenging the status quo. And people in the public eye are speaking out about their experiences.
Plus there are a few more clothes to choose from.

But, the pressure is still on us all to be other than we are...
Whether child or geriatric
There's far too many people ever ready with their knives.
And quacks peddling magic drugs and potions
Fat remains an easy and socially acceptable target and a useful vehicle for others to project their self hate.

It is not unusual for oppressed people to understand their oppressors more than they understand us.So, no surprise if people scratch their heads in puzzlement as we say, in our various ways, "get off our backs" -when 'they only have our best interests at heart'.But today is a day of pride and to use our precious creative and fighting energy to challenge institutional sizeism and the nasty trinity:
diet, media and fashion who exploit us all for their own ends.

As a British politician famously said, "Don't let the bastards get you down".
INDD is an opportunity to change the rules: encourage self acceptance and respect for all. And use your love and friendship to have a great day.... in the way it suits you. Go well.

In solidarity, Mary Evans Young
Oxfordshire, England

Sign up for and pledge a goal for International No Diet Day on Facebook!

There have been a number of good FAT things here in the NYC: A great article published in the Village Voice by Camille Dodero (@camilledodero) about FAs (Fat Admirers-- "boys who like fat chicks."

As well, my heart weeps for the recent article about Malissa Jones, once dubbed "fattest UK teenager" who, after having gastric bypass surgery is now suffering from anorexia. Find the article here: Malissa Jones

For me, INDD is about the good it does and provides, principle first, for all the good people of the earth, and for those who suffer--like Malissa Jones, and the #%^&*&@! doctors who forced(?) her to have that surgery. However, I will state as I have many times in the past, if you chose that for YOU-- I support you, because I feel you will need support. And because I personally feel-prolifically feel that EVERYONE'S JOURNEY MUST BE HONORED. If you "hate" Malissa Jones because she now suffers from anorexia, I only have 2 words for you. I whole-heartedly agree with Mary Evans Young--honor those "-Honor the victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgery."

This is a processing point, a problem beyond skin, sometimes even beyond soul. If is for those who suffer. I love and care for you. I pray for you. I pray you gain peace--whatever form it comes in for YOU. Whatever is right for YOU. And as Ive said time and time again: as we lay our heads down tonight upon our pillows-- somewhere- some one's last words to themselves are " I ate the carrot," and for others it is "I did not eat the carrot." As long as you are nourished my sister, or my brother, may you sleep restfully. The constant physical, emotional, mental battle is--simply, feroious.

The roller coaster ride that exists, emotional and physical, exists for many. Please take a moment of silent reflection or thought for all who have tried and continue to so, some at great peril to themselves in one capacity or another--who have been victims or victimized doe to their size, weight, or some combination thereof. I always pause to think that there were a lot of women buried in muumuus, because there was nothing else. For thee, I pray.

My contribution to International No Diet Day:

If we are friends on facebook, or you can follow me on Twitter @FatGirlsFloat

I am taking a pic of everything I consume tomorrow.... a photo documentary, you might say and posting it on Twitter and Facebook.

I want people to please understand that I am pretty regimented in my eating schedule/pattern; because if I am not, then I will not eat, forget to eat, and get too caught up in work to eat... .and lived off a "diet" of coffee[kawfee as we say here in the NYC] for years. I realized that that was definitely NOT HAES as well as not healthy!

I have been told a number of times: "Kira, why are you fat? You don't eat "like fat person"?!" What the hell does that mean?! Good friends Yossi Loloi and David Garrett have seen me at my best and my worst, but not scarfing down -I should say eating- a whole pizza.{Sometimes my old 80s high school self comes out!} And they kind of just don't see me, but for some reason do not necessarily expect me to "over eat"--just maybe are surprised I am 325 pounds. To quote a beloved pastor I heard speak, "It wasn't from eating tofu, ya'll." {Ahem, tofu, not Tofu.} And I will admit that I was not angelic about my eating habits. However, my biggest battle was going for very long periods without eating. Still is, sometimes. And I am not here to apologize.

Further, I recall going to the Philly Bash and rooming with dear friend Nancy Goddess. She and I have discussed this--privately and publicly. Nancy ate constantly throughout the weekend. I was failing asleep to crunch, crunch, crunch. it did not bother me, I found it amusing, and I don't know why-- as well as endearing. She was once 420 pounds, having had gastric bypass surgery in hopes to having an operation to fix her knee, and has lost a considerable amount of weight. Nancy joked all weekend, "Kira.. what the hell is wrong with you? How are you 300 pounds? You don't eat. You gotta find yourself a chef." That last thought led me to pen "I Wanna Marry a Chef" in Nancy's honor.

Now, please don't misunderstand me. Eat what you want. What I believe might be different from some: eat what you want until you are satisfied, be present, try not to eat 'on the go' (hence my disdain for those who eat in the subway--more because I don't like to witness the oddity and smell!), unless you HAVE to; and to try to plan to some degree. Why? It works for me. I like structure, and for the bulk of my professional career-- and waking hours-- I need both fuel, and convenience; so bringing my breakfast and lunch work for me. I eat what I choose to eat, what works for me, and for the physical ailments from which I have looooooong [since age 13!] suffered: PCOS, anemia, and a lack of enough B12. To be direct, I kinda live like it is LENT all year 'round. It might be structured eating, but it is not no diet.

I have a hard work schedule…... I am up at 5am! Leave for work at 6am-ish, and well...... do not live in a work area that you can buy lunch….. so I have to bring it. I know that by sharing it leaves me open to criticism, so I am actually interested in what people will have to say. Judgment is passed around like people giving out Halloween candy. Ba dump bump. Cast ye, your first stone. I do not wanna feel judged by what I do eat, or what I don't eat--or how much. By anyone. Oh, right.. and I, like everyone else, is entitled to my own damn opinion. I do not need to tote the party line; I am independent. Still convinced I am the Sarah Palin of Size Acceptance. I don't know, for some reason I just FEEL rogue.

And.... most funny (to me) was one year when Velvet was in town and we had dinner with Yossi, Substania Jones(?),and her friend Pony from college!--Pony's response was the very best I have ever heard, as he inquired about International No Diet Day, he said" What do you guys do? Sit around and eat eclairs?" Not a bad idea, Pony. Not a bad idea at all. Please, I hope someone eats a damn eclair! I don’t really like éclairs, but SOMEHOW I feel obliged to eat one every May 6th, just because Pony said that! So, I guess one goal tomorrow will be to eat an éclair.

With love and NO diet sense, just good eating-- whatever that means!

Love you all....

KIRA NERUSSKAYA
New York City….. and lives in walking distance to Veniero’s! See you there?!
Please hit me up @FatGirlsFloat on Twitter and #CheerTheEclair. If I get enough of a following/response I will send pics and/or video of "The Eclair Eating"

ps. it is currently 11:43 p.m. EST.. dude I had 4 hours of sleep last night.. I wanna GO to bed!

FAT, FAT, and more FAT: Reality TV, Style, and NYC

Can I have some fat, please, with a slice of fat,and a side of fat to go?

Saw some fat news in my usual journey uptown from the L'Est Village.

Got a FAT family? Well, let Jillian Michaels move in!

First article I saw was about a NEW fat reality show. I guess Jilliam Michaels is not having enough with on Biggest Loser; she'd like an extra helping of fat. Michaels is said to begin a new fat reality show on NBC training families.

What made me laugh in the article was that Michaels could not even comment about her own new show; the casting director--Jodi Thomas did. I have personally met Jodi, as she was also one of the casting directors for More to Love.

Here is what jarred me: "Michaels will handle not just fitness intervention but also help with emotional struggles, something Thomas said she's had success on with 'The Biggest Loser.'" Note to Michaels: if you would like to help 'people' emotionally and show you care, do your own damn PR. Showing an actual real and sincere connection equals better TV equals better ratings. Just a thought.

'Cause you know all us fattys will be "sitting on the couch eating bon-bons" watching that show. Not. Ahem. For the record, 10 years, no couch--39 + and no bon-bon.

See article here. That might not be news to yous (it's plural--I live in NYC, yo!) in the Fat-O-Sphere, but that was 'news' according to MY AM New York on 12/15/09, page 26.

Style

Ah, style, as in.. do you have any? Oh, wait, that would be manners. Opps, Nope. I forget, this is America 2009.

Well, someone with what seems to be style and class is Marie Claire's girl Ashley Falcon who takes on the fashion world at 5'2" and 220 pounds. She writes a monthly column at the magazine entitled "Big Girl in a Skinny World." I bet saying 'fat girl' would have been inflammatory in some way. (I ponder.)

I read the column, I think she did a fab job. of course what is interesting is the comments. Vile. Blah, blah, blah, "so obese at 220 pounds." Couple of things kind of stand out to me. She finds being chic at a size 18 an 'epic struggle.' Try a size 28, honey.

What I felt bad about was that she write about how she was invited to a 'stoli and stiletto' (good one, Ashley!) fashion party, but could not go because she was not dressed 'appropriately' and spent the time sulking on her couch instead. Now, I am SO sure that fashion people can be cruel (I saw/read The Devil Wears Prada), but I gotta believe that your smile and confidence wins over what you are wearing every time. Case in point. I was so happy I could cry (and kinda did) when I got to meet Mary Johanson from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, who not only wrote about me on her blog; but became a backer to FAT GIRLS FLOAT! Now, I knew showing up at this swanky shin-dig, beautifully hosted by Jennifer Merin, in a stunning silk embroidered jacket, of About.com/President of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, meant I should look as good as possible, but I also knew that 1) I was going to be the biggest chick in the room and 2)did not own anything 'name brand' including NO Prada bag. I do have a fake Jimmy Choo that one girl on the subway lusts after weekly.

However, I walked the room with my vodka, looking a little out of place among the uber-cool, but found people who were interested in me and in my film--regardless of size and specifically because of size--and my size. Make it work for you. Case in point--smile and substance trumps stilettos and label. Press the flesh, get a card, send a follow-up email greeting. You never know! I hope you give that due consideration next time, Ashley. Unless your couch is seeing some serious 'real' action, go out. Go to the party, the party of life--you're invited. You never know who you might meet--or share a taxi with. Wink.

The last thing I am going to mention is a combo--between the vile comments left for her, and others to read, is the whole fact that "they" think "WE" can't be--or allowed to use!- the term CURVY because we're fat. Oh, ok. Say what?! You can be ANY size and curvy. NO ONE owns the term, lady. I just don't get that how women can say that. A curve in the road, big or small , is a curve. A curve in freakin' geometry is A CURVE. We all have them, every person has them in some capacity. Curve of a CHIN (or double!) as example, perhaps. CURVE of a SMILE. At the same time, Ashley writes about "jeans that work for curvy women." Isn't it, as fat women, and the vast differences in our curves and fat storage that makes us so different and hard to fit? The 'standards' don't exactly apply--even though we have them (i.e. Lane Bryant). Curvy--uh huh-- we ALL have the right to use that word. deal with it.

However-- check out 'our' Ashley at Marie Claire. She is worth the read. And the picture is classic!

NYC drinks FAT

New York City's latest 'health' advertisement centers on the ill-effects of soda--but seems to ONLY mention ONE effect--FAT (of course).

Albany (New York State) has decided not to up the ante in the "Obesity Tax" as it was labeled by media and not tax soft drinks. And my beloved New York City has decided to create a campaign "Don't drink yourself FAT" or "Pour on the Pounds." At first it targeted alcohol consumption. Too many happy hours and beer specials. Now it is targeting soda.

Interesting...let's only mention FAT and Obesity, not any other harmful effects soda may have. I consider soda consumption and individual thing. I stopped drinking soda (let me do the math) about 15 years ago, when I loved back to the States. Soda, for my family, was not a regular thing. It was a holiday, we're-having-guests kinda thing. I would in general, and now--very rarely--will I drink soda. If I do, it is usually because I feel some type of stomach upset-- and it might be the quicker remedy to sip--ginger-ale or Coke-a-Cola for nausea. I am a tea-coffee-milk-water person in general. I do not crave soda, and am not in the habit of drinking it. For ME, I don't care for it, and do not consider it a healthy choice because it is filled with sugar, etc. One can equals 10 spoonfuls of sugar. It is just something that does not appeal to me.

NYC Department of Health notes that one can of soda a day can add up to 10 pounds. And orange juice can add 4 pounds a year with daily consumption, by the way. What I find interesting (?) is that if you are going to have a campaign for "healthier choices" disguised as fat hate, then at least offer a campaign with ALL of soda's side affects. Be comprehensive, dag nabbit.

Despite the 10 spoonfuls of sugar, soda does promote tooth decay. Soda erodes tooth enamel which leads to cavities. Don't believe me? The University of Iowa School of Dentistry did a test on what beverages were most corrosive to teeth and found that Red Bull and Gatorade actually corrodes teeth at a faster rate than Coke-a-Cola.

Soda is also very damaging to bones. What? Yup, it weakens the bones because it sucks out calcium due to the phosphates, and has even been associated with osteoporosis.

Negative caffeine effects have also been associated with soda as some people become caffeine dependent, and, though unproven, affecting brain development in children with overuse.

Lastly, James Duke, Ph.D. found that soda did damage white blood cell's ability to ingest and kill gonoccal bacteria for seven hours. Somehow, that sounds important.

My Dad used Coke in the garden to catch slugs. Ain't no one getting his tomaters.

So... NYC Health Department, why didn't you mention any of these other things in your ad campaign except FAT?!

Watch video and read it here.