Offer a woman the choice between a dress she likes a lot, that fits well but is size 12, and a dress she likes, which also fits well but is labeled size 8, and she'll take the lesser preferred every time.
Why are we so hung up on sizes? Men don't care. If something is too snug, they just go to a larger size. If the fit is a little tight for a woman, she'll buy it anyway, and swear to lose a few pounds so it fits more comfortably.
Many years ago, I worked in the garment district. I was shocked to learn that, as manufacturers, we were allowed to change a label two sizes in either direction if that was necessary to fill the retailer's order. Two sizes is a big difference! That's when I learned to ignore labels, especially during sales. Often the only reason something really nice is still hanging on the rack, despite deep price reductions, is that the marked size is inaccurate. I acquired a lot of inexpensive, beautiful clothes that way.
The female obsession with sizes has not been lost on the production folks. A size 8, for example, is now two and a half inches bigger around the waist than its size 8 counterpart 30 years ago. There are now sections in stores carrying size 2 and size 0 (what?), just to make us feel good. Pay more for your clothes at a fancy department store and I guarantee you'll fit into a smaller size than at the local K-Mart.
Where's the reality? As a nation, we are getting fatter all the time. Does the fact that we fit into "smaller" sizes contradict that?
No, it's just one more instance of the mutual-fooling-ourselves in which we so delight. Let's be honest and look at the size of our bodies, not our clothes.
Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently published a psychologically-based weight control e-workbook, "Diet with an Attitude" which develops mental skills towards the goal of permanent weight control. She can be reached at http://www.dietwithanattitude.com. She provides support and guidance in use of the workbook through her regular blog, http://www.dietwithanattitude.com
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..1. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for... Read More
I never intended to get fat! I am not exactly... Read More
A distorted body image is one of the symptoms that... Read More
In today's bustling world we are constantly surrounded by media... Read More
After weight loss surgery it is important to include as... Read More
Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More
You may not like what I have to say, even... Read More
Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of... Read More
What is "too young" to begin a weight loss program... Read More
Two basic approaches to losing weight; one approach is correct... Read More
Its crowded..really crowded..every other site offers Weight Loss Programs and... Read More
Yes and no. Moderate calorie restriction helps in controlling and... Read More
I just finished working my quads on a weight machine.... Read More
Any dietary plan on the market has some portion of... Read More
Believe it or not, losing a little or a lot... Read More
An increasing trend over the last few years has been... Read More
You are ready to shed those energy draining, body crippling,... Read More
Do you know anybody who does not wish to get... Read More
Many patients of gastric bypass report feeling fearful of succeeding... Read More
Exercise Physiologists who study the effects of exercise on weight... Read More
"THE SECRET REMEDY OF THE ANCIENT WARRIORS"Since what would seem... Read More
Everyone is looking for the secret to losing weight. Everyone... Read More
Food manufacturers can easily manipulate a whole population by the... Read More
If all we have to do is exercise to live... Read More
Any weight loss or diet plan, including low-carb plans like... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases today. One... Read More
You've heard them before and may even have believed some... Read More
Body wraps can help tone and tighten the skin, improve... Read More
Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More
So you ask, "How do I determine if I am... Read More
If you pick the right personal trainer?you'll most definitely see... Read More
Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of... Read More
I am approaching 70 years of age very quickly and... Read More
Most people think of the Atkins diet when they hear... Read More
As our country gains weight at an alarming rate, we... Read More
More and more people are starting to recognize that they... Read More
Weight Loss and Water: A Way to Make Your Body... Read More
Sometimes, just the thought of starting on a diet and... Read More
Many people have asked me what foods they should eat... Read More
The Quest to Reach Your Ideal WeightIt was late in... Read More
What is cellulite? Ask a doctor and he will probably... Read More
Get to the ROOT of the matter: If the plants... Read More
Gastric bypass surgeries are temporary physical fixes to a long... Read More
Remember there's more to you than meets the eye. You've... Read More
Fat Loss Tip #2) Drink More WaterI know, I know,... Read More
In our quest to get that "perfect" body, we actually... Read More
To say that dieting rarely leads to sustainable weight loss... Read More
? Can you give me an exercise that will get... Read More
Although many patients have few problems after bariatric surgery, there... Read More
I can't do that Until I Lose This Weight! If... Read More
Weight Loss |