Eat, Drink and Mind Your Business

I’m still hyped up with all this talk about the “fussy” eating teen (and I’ll continue to use quotes around “fussy” because I HATE that term with a passion). So let’s talk for a minute about another story I saw in the news this week… “The negative health impacts of drinking soda.”

Have you seen it? You may not have because I saw the article shared once and then no more. This study and its findings impact a much wider percent of the population than those who are impacted in some way by a “fussy” eater. So why wouldn’t this be a bigger headline? My thought? It’s easier to pass judgment off onto someone else than it is to admit we’re not perfect. So let everyone else be wrong first before I come to grips with my own issues.

The study showed higher rates of digestive disease, circulatory disease and other serious health risks when people drank at least two soft drinks or sweetened beverages per day. The lack of attention that this other article is getting just shows that it’s acceptable to put our lives at risk for the pleasure of a carbonated beverage but let’s all throw stones at the guy who can’t eat a piece of fruit because of physical or mental limitations and still all sleep easy at night with ourselves.

This is something else I feel is noteworthy. In both scenarios - the 2 a day soda drinker and the “fussy” eater - most understand what the negative consequences are for their habits. The 2 a day pop drinker doesn’t care about those consequences as they reach for their next glass whereas the ARFID sufferer is very much aware and wants to change the way they eat. And if you don’t believe the ARFID sufferer wants to change, I invite you to speak with my son.

Are you a 2 per day soda drinker? Well, let’s just take a moment and see what some of the risks are that you are putting your body through from this list compiled from foodrevolution.org.

1. Decline in kidney function

2. Increased risk of diabetes

3. Exposure to BPA

4. Dehydration

5. Exposure to chemicals linked to cancer risks

6. Obesity risk/prohibits weight loss

7. Risk of heart disease

8. Dental decay

9. Fatty liver disease

10. Asthma and COPD risk

Putting ourselves at those above risks are all socially acceptable and no one is thinking twice or passing off judgement if they see you drink a soda. This may be an extreme example but let’s say you go into a restaurant and order a coke. Your waitress will bring you refill after refill until you’ve paid your bill. Now let’s say instead, you’re an adult who has asked for a meal exclusive on the kids menu and you’re refused service for not being 12. Kinda feels like a double standard to me. Ok granted, this may be done because people abuse the kids menu simply for a cheaper meal but in the world of allergies and eating disorders isn’t it the job of a restaurant to bring their patrons food based on their specific dietary needs when their requests are within reason? Isn’t it reasonable to assume that the cook is going to prepare that kids meal the same and use the same amount of ingredients when it’s ordered for a 12 year old or for a 20 year old? Is the restaurant not still receiving the same amount of money for the food as they would’ve regardless of the customers age? Do those with eating disorders or food allergies need to carry proof of their disorder/limitations to be treated with respect in any or all food settings? Should they not be granted accommodations just as a person with a wheelchair is given accommodations with ramps for entrances and larger stalls with safety rails in place for washrooms?

This is the world my son has to look forward to. Judgy McJudginton’s who would rather cast stones than admit their own sins.

All I can say is I’m sorry. I’m sorry, son, that ARFID lives inside you. I’m sorry that I can’t fix it for you & make it go away. I’m sorry I can’t teach the world what it’s like to live a day with your disorder. (Although I’m trying my best to do just that.) I’m sorry I can’t stop the idiots of the world from expressing their uneducated opinions in your presence. I’m sorry if your disorder is something you got from me. I’m sorry I can’t take on the health risks for you. I’m sorry, Alex. I’m just sorry.

To read more about the study of soft drinks and their effects of your health please visit jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2749350