Thinspo and Fitspo. Skinny and Strong.

So everyone has some problem with the way they look. Either their eyes aren't big enough, height isn't tall enough, skin isn't fair enough or tanned enough. The list goes on and on. For most of these problems there are almost immediate solutions which aren't going to burn a hole in your fairly average pocket.

BUT.....
there is one thing that can't be solved like the above problems. Weight issues. Or most commonly known as the 'I'm Fat' syndrome. Am I the only one who is almost going deaf with all the complaints of perfectly normal sized girls and guys (mostly girls) complaining or whining about how fat they are? AND, how eating the big F is going to worsen the problem.

If you're on any social networking site (which you probably are), you'd probably have stumbled across Thinspiration(thinspo) and Fitspiration(fitspo) as hashtags of pictures. If you haven't, then I guess there is still hope for humanity.

• Thinspo

Thinspiration is basically inspiration via pictures of skinny people to get thin, which I'm not against.(the getting skinny part) The idea behind thinspo is that it helps motivate and inspire you to lose weight and become or stay thin.The idea is fine, but when it is used by people suffering from eating disorders to help keep them inspired, I think that's a little too much. The technique to getting skinny is just scary.

Here is a couple of tips of an actual tip sheet:

'1. Drink one glass of water every hour. It will make you feel full.'
'12. Wear a rubberband around your wrist. Snap it when you want to eat.'
'24. Make yourself a snack, but instead of eating it throw it away. Leave the dirty dishes where your parents can find them. They will think you ate.'

'34. Eat in front of a mirror naked. See how much you can eat then!'

The Full List

This was what Isabelle Caro looked like in the documentary.

Recently I watched this documentary on a french model (Isabelle Caro), who died at the age of 28. Isabelle Caro's anorexia started during her childhood where her mother feared that she would grow. Which is just sad, because 13 year olds are supposed to grow and enjoy their childhood. Isabelle died on my birthday (17th November) in 2010. After watching that documentary, I've been trying to write a post on her for some time. But I just can't seem to get it right, you know? So I decided to write about Thinspo and include her in it, because she fought for her life against anorexia. Why would someone inflict that on themselves willingly?


For those who don't know what is thinspo, here is and insight on what it is:

This is a picture I found on photobucket on thinspo.

Just your nomal dose of thinspiration

After I read these, I got a little bit defensive about how I live my life.
I mean anyone would right? Unless you're pro-ana (in support of anorexia)

Young girls are throwing away their youth, trying to be as thin as they possibly can be.

Tell me how THIS is inspirational:

I think everyone needs to take a good hard look at the meaning of inspirational and figure out how it got so messed up.

• Fitspo

On the other hand of this extreme line of life is fitspiration which ultimately means obtaining similar results as thinspo (getting slimmer) BUT with different and healthier methods. 

Fitspo inspires via pictures or quotes of active, strong, and fit women that promote proper exercise and diet.

Most fitspo is very encouraging to everyone (girls and guys). Especially if you're more of an athletic person or built like one.

But fitspo, though it seems to have good intentions has the same pressure on physical appearance. And, may even lead to over-exercising.

 No doubt between the two, I'd go for fitspo.

Ultimately, you'll have to decide if you want to look good or feel good. Cos they're both different in certain aspects. Looking good is how people perceive you. Feeling good on the other hand is your own feelings towards yourself. Having both is a rarity, not impossible just hard. ;)

Hope this post was interesting :)

Salut,
-clare