Nia Vardalos Came Up With Today’s Column Topic

No, really. Nia Vardalos asked what we were up to on Twitter, and I Tweeted that I was having a hard time coming up with a topic for my column, so she gave me an idea.  I’m not really going to write about gophers feeling fat, but the issue of body image on TV is one that provokes a lot of discussions, from the tabloids to medical journals. Now that I’ve finally recovered from a neck injury that had me sidelined for about a year after a couple of years of intense stress that led to some very unhealthy eating habits, it’s time to focus on losing 40lbs and getting back to my fighting weight. Ironically, losing 40lbs would still make me “fat” in Hollywood, but if I lost more than that, I’d look like a lollipop in real life. Big head, stick body. True story.

Still, as much TV as I watch, it’s hard not to feel like I should give up everything but water (with lemon!) and grapefruit so I can be a size 00. Knowing that Spanx is often involved in perfecting silhouettes on the tube does help, and I’m certainly not planning on acquiring an eating disorder as part of my weight loss plan, but I wonder if working out while watching TV is the best idea. Or perhaps it will serve as motivation to stay on the NordicTrack for another 10 minutes?

Fortunately, there are a few “normal” girls representin’ for the rest of us non-size 2’s. Of course, the playing field still isn’t level. I wish I had America Ferrera’s hair (p.s. just watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 on HBO this weekend with Privileged‘s Lucy Hale as Alexis Bledel’s lil’ sis. Love her!) and Sarah Rue’s skin is a-mazing plus her wardrobe on Less Than Perfect is so me. Mariska Hargitay has a figure I aspire to, and Sarah Lancaster’s eyes are…well, a lot like mine, so at least I’ve got that going for me.

And while I’m at it – Nia Vardalos? I covet your hair and eyebrows. Also, your My Life in Ruins wardrobe (except for the tour guide jacket).

Photo credit: Wireimage