I’ve got a bit of a rant here at the end of this morning’s post, but first let’s recap some food, shall we?
Oh mannnn, did I have a great dinner last night. And I didn’t have to cook any of it, which makes it only that much better, right?
Dinner at my in-laws is fun because the meals are always so different. I was even trying to guess what we might be having beforehand, but I had no clue…and I would have never guessed what we had last night.
We started things off with salad and freshly baked bread.
And then for our main course, we had an AMAZING beef and sweet potato stew.
The flavor was just incredible, and I loved how it incorporated sweet potatoes for a nice change. It was from the crockpot and I’m working on getting the recipe because I would absolutely make this again. Yum!
After dinner, we settled in and watched The Voice while sipping on some hot tea – chamomile (with honey and vanilla) with milk for me.
Oh…and, of course, we had dessert.
I’m tempted to say that this batch may have even come out better than the first one…but then Jay might get a big head, so I’ll just leave it at it was delicious.
*****
I’ve got a BUSY day ahead of me, so I should get a head start with things nice and early this morning. I’ve already got a few things knocked off my list, and around 8am, I stopped to make some breakfast.
Coffee + egg and spinach scramble + pumpkin spice English muffin with PB & pumpkin butter.
As I was sitting eating my breakfast, I couldn’t help but catch the story that was playing on GMA in the background. And, actually, the more I listened, the more pissed off I got (sorry, but I was), so now let me go ahead and share my rant. It probably sounds a bit angrier than you’re used to reading on here. Whoops.
The story was about how Jennifer Lawrence is considered a “fat actress” in Hollywood (you can read about it here).
First of all, I’m sorry, but are you freaking kidding me? This young woman is absolutely stunning.
The story goes on to say how she doesn’t tend to fit the typical Hollywood mold, and that she’s actually considered “obese” by Hollywood standards. Ughh. This just makes me so incredibly sad and angry.
Thankfully, she seems to have a good head on her shoulders, and says she has no desire to “slim down” to critics’ standards. I can only hope she’ll remain that adamant, because she truly is a beautiful woman, and I’m honestly just getting so sick and tired of hearing these outrageous claims of average (or even below average!) sized women being labeled as “fat” or “obese.” It’s just sick, and it’s no wonder our society is inundated with ways to slim down, lose weight, or have the “perfect” body.
You guys all know I haven’t been feeling the best about my own body and appearance these days, but I almost feel like this morning was a bit of a turning point for me. Or, rather, a breaking point. Life is just too short to be worrying about the last “X” amount of pounds to lose, or the perfect body…and especially not about pleasing others – whether it be a movie critic, a friend, or a random person walking down the street. Hopefully one of these days, our society will learn to accept that.
End rant.
And I promise, I’m not as angry as I appear to be this morning. In fact, I’m in a rather good mood today! And I’m also pretty excited about a fun giveaway headed your way this afternoon, so stay tuned.
Lauren says
I saw this this morning too and was disgusted!!! What is wrong with the world, seriously? How are we supposed to teach our children to grow up in a world free of judgement and critical harm when this is what we are up against?
I am right there with you lady and definitely almost spit out my coffee when I saw this. Shame on them!
Khushboo says
That’s so lame…I feel ragey reading about it! I think she has a killer body…real women have curves!
Beks says
I saw that last night and went “Huh?!” Jennifer Lawrence is healthy-looking and really strong (She had to be for Hunger Games!), and she’s also a great actress. Definitely role model material. She knows who she is, and she knows that she is a role model, whether she wants to be or not. I admire her.
Beth M says
What is she a freaking size 6?! She doesn’t have an ounce of fat on her, she’s fit and is maybe built slightly curvier than a supermodel (thank god). I really think she looks normal…. I don’t see the “fat” aspect. Yeah, this stuff gets to me too. That’s all :)
Claire @ Flake and Cake says
Have you noticed how your breakfast looks like a smiley face today? Or is that just me being sad ;).
I totally agree with you, saying she is fat is so irresponsible and dangerous – she is a healthy, toned and talented actress. How can young girls growing up possibly be expected to have a healthy idea of body image when there are discussions like that going on?
Molly @ Just Your Average Athlete says
Wow, seriously? I had been hearing jabs about Jennifer Lawrence’s weight since Hunger Games came out (mostly that she wasn’t skinny enough to play Katniss, who was going hungry most of the time), and even then I just was like, “What?!” Our society as a whole is so focused on a set number of lbs and every little flaw, it’s sickening. Who cares what she actually weighs?! She is a strong woman and a good actress. Sadly, that will never be the main focus.
It reminds me of the Summer Olympics…people were commenting on the girl volleyball players’ bodies and how they were “fat.” I’m sorry, that fat is actually MUSCLE. They are toned, healthy and incredibly fit. People incorrectly equate skin & bones as healthy and beautiful. It’s no wonder so many young girls are growing up with these horribly distorted views of their bodies :(
Colleen Gifford says
That got me riled this morning too. Perhaps she’s big boned because if she lost any weight she’d look sickly.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
Couldn’t have said that all better myself! And the interesting thing is that it’s taken some time for me to realize all this. The media drives a certain standard into our heads, and it’s easy to get pulled into their ideas of how it should be. It’s sad really. Now, being a high school teacher, and watching how the media impacts young, impressionable girls, I can see exactly why it happened to me and I see it happening every day to these girls (and boys, actually, too). Anyways, the best we can do is spread the love and knowledge just as you’re doing by blogging about it. And also, making sure we are positive role models for not only ourselves, but those around us. It does make a difference!!! :)
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Are you freaking kidding me is right! Bollywood (the Indian version of Hollywood) is the same way, and it makes me so mad. I don’t even know what to say! But the very last paragraph you wrote sums it up for me. I don’t always feel great about my body, but life is waaay too short to focus on things that don’t matter in the long term. I think we, as a society, have come to a point where health should be the focus, not a dress size or number on a scale. Thanks for sharing, Courtney!
Ali says
I totally agree with you that 1) she is in no way fat or obese and 2)society has some unrealistic expectations for women. One of the things you said surprise me a little though, after you talk about how she is considered a “fat actress” you say “First of all, I’m sorry, but are you freaking kidding me? This young woman is absolutely stunning.” This implies that being fat or overweight and being stunning or beautiful are mutually exclusive and I don’t think that is true at all. I actually think that is part of our problem, as a society, we tell women you can’t be beautiful and overweight at the same time which, to me, is just not true-women can be beautiful at all sizes! Just wanted to share my opinion!
Courtney says
Wow, thanks Ali. I never even thought about how someone may read into that sentence that way. It’s certainly not the way I feel, by any means, as beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. But it’s a good reminder to be careful how we word things. Thanks again for bringing that up!
Becki (@Fight4Wellness) says
It’s amazing how out of touch with reality Hollywood has become. Working in a college counseling center it’s no surprise to me how “fat-conscious” this kind of mindset is making our youth. I have several clients who are struggling with body issues because they think they’re fat when they’re far from it. This makes me so incredibly sad, but I’m thankful there are so many of us working to combat the perpetuation of this mindset.
Alexandra says
Amen Sista! To me she has a KILLER figure!! And so do you!! Life is too short and unpredictable to be constantly worrrying about losing 5 pounds or having the “perfect” body – its all relative! We as women need to learn to embrace our bodies and our curves because those curves are in fact exactly what make us women!
Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction says
I am totally with you on this one Courtney!!! Being in the modeling industry I am constantly around this kind of talk. I am all for trying to look and feel your best, but to call that girl “fat” is just plain WRONG! Actually I would consider her thin if I saw her in person. And people wonder why more and more children, teens and even adults have a distorted body image! Well just look at what they are promoting on TV…This makes me mad too, it’s not only you!
Caitlin says
omg thank you so much for ranting about this…I love Jennifer Lawrence and stuff like this makes me so upset! I couldn’t agree more, and I’m so glad that I’m not the only one! And I’m glad that it made you realize that life is too short to be focused on stuff like that…still working on learning it myself so this was a WONDERFUL reminder :)
Alycia says
Wow, that is such crap! She looks fantastic, and is not obese, heck, not even overweight!
It really is Hollywood that makes all of us mere mortals feel so bad about ourselves!
Lindsay @ Typically Late says
ummm… WHAT?! Jennifer Lawrence is fat?! I cannot even. Hollywood is the worst. JL is gorgeous, and her body is amazing. I hope she sticks to her guns on this one.
Sara@MagiaePasta says
This rant is totally warranted – they must be seeing the world through a different set of lenses than I, because I don’t think Jennifer Lawrence is even in the realm of fat. I understand that Hollywood consistently operates in a different reality when it comes to body images but jeez Louise!
Jai says
wow totally agree with you guys! i always liked celebs with that body type (like Blake Lively) – they just look NORMAL. athletic girls have more to them. :)
i was katniss for halloween too!
Nicole says
Your “rant” was very well said and didn’t come off angry at all…at least not to me because I completely agree! She is stunning and looks fit and healthy. During the summer months I became obsessed with trying to get leaner and firmer by increasing my proteins and cutting way down on carbs, but it became the only thing I was thinking about as I constantly planned out the next meal and exercise. Then while stuck inside last week with by boyfriend due to hurricane Sandy, I wasn’t able to get in my same workouts and I let him decide several of the meals which were often paired with a glass or two of wine. And you know what, it was really nice! And I didn’t gain any weight!! While I’m not going to go and eat whatever I want, I’m not going to obsess over everything that goes into my mouth and as long as I’m getting my workouts in I’m going to enjoy a glass of wine here and there along with holiday treats (still in moderation). I’m not a model, it is not my primary job, and moreover I want to enjoy life and remain sane, and for me that means not worrying about every little pound.
Amanda @ Romancing the Unusual says
I keep reading things about this young girl being “fat!” It really is outrageous and represents so much that is wrong with the world today. She is thin and healthy looking and OMG has curves, heaven forbid!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
I am so sick of the Hollywood standards. It’s unreal and absolutely no positive mindset for young girls to grow up with!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
I heard this story yesterday, and I absolutely couldn’t believe it. Hollywood and the standards they are setting up for everyone is getting out of hand. I know the girls of our generation have grown up with this nonsense, and it has caused all kinds of issues for all of us. There is a new generation of young girls behind us, and I truly want them to grow up being strong and proud of their bodies. That’s what I hope we are accomplishing little by little in the healthy living community.
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
That stuff pisses me off too, because then the media gets all high and mighty about there being too many eat disorders or people being depressed — guess who’s causing it, media? I think J Law is beautiful!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
What the hell?!?! She is very very FAR from fat! That is absolutely ridiculous!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Ugh that is just disgusting and pisses me off too!! I couldnt agree more with everything you said!
Rachel says
I know when she was in the Hunger Games she got a lot of bashing for that.. it’s HORRIBLE.. I couldn’t believe it.. she’s a perfect example for how women and girls should be. She’s healthy, she works out, she has curves. I love her.. I’m glad she doesn’t let it affect her
Marielle says
Oh God- those things annoy me too. I remember reading something once that said by Hollywood standards a size 4 is big. Um…right. So lame. I think Jennifer Lawrence has a great body and looks healthy!
michelle kim says
It’s no wonder people have so many body image issues! I really think the media needs to think about what they’re writing and what kind of messages they are sending. I know it certainly affected me when I was growing up. Going through anorexia, then bingeing, then bulimia… and it’s sad because I’ve always been at a healthy weight!
Even if you weren’t too too angry about this, I’m getting a little fired up about it! Thanks for posting this. I think we should all try to be more aware of these things O__O (and begin to challenge those harmful ideas).
Lindsay A says
Wow…that’s all I can say…these people have lost it. She is perfect the way she is. It makes me sick how society is apalled by how many girls have eating disorders, yet the media is throwing this in our face. I’ve been having some pretty low self esteem feelings lately as well. I’m newly married and trying to figure out how to balance alot of new things…yet keeping my old healthy habits. So far I feel like it’s been a losing battle. But you’re right….why waste such a wonderful time in my lfe worrying about my waistline. I’m glad this was a turning point for you. I needed to hear it too!
Brandi says
I saw that article yesterday and couldn’t believe it. But it was just proof positive that society puts some much stock in appearance. Body image should be about wanting to be healthy and fit, not about being thin so someone or some industry will like me.
Good for her for setting them straight!
Have a great Friday!
Kim @ The Family Practice says
I don’t watch TV or news in the morning because I kept finding myself upset at things and I didn’t want to be starting my day off on a “ticked off note” – I figure, the more we watch the crap these shows are spewing at us, the more crap they will spew so I just turn it off.
That sweet potato stew sounds so yummy! I’ve been seeing recipes for beef and sweet potato (chili, stew, etc) – that must be the popular thing this fall.
Steph @ StephSnacks says
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
A-freaking-MEN! Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. It sounds cliche, but there are SO many more important things in life besides food and working out and losing weight and having the “perfect” body (newsflash, there’s no such thing). It makes me crazy too. Jennifer Lawrence is absolutely beautiful, and you know what? Even if she wasn’t “beautiful” by typical standards, SO WHAT? No matter how you look, does it really matter, as long as you’re healthy and happy?
Danica @ It's Progression says
All I have to say is THANK YOU for going on this ‘rant’ … I could not agree more!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
You’ve got to be kidding me! Jennifer Lawrence…fat…that is ridiculous!!
Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution says
My goodness! What is she, a size 6!? I wish we could have a revolution against the “Hollywood Standard” — it’s absurd. What if a teenage girl saw that? Obese? Come on!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I think you should continue to let Jay think that his version of the dessert was better…then you’ll have an excuse to have him make it next time and you can just sit back, relax, and eat it! ;)
Lyric says
Amen! Hollywoods view of people really gets me going….
Mikayla says
Jennifer Lawrence IS stunning! And very talented as well. I remember shortly after The Hunger Games came out, there was talk about how she was “too fat” for the role, supposedly because some thought Katniss should have been thinner due to the circumstances surrounding the story. I’m a big fan of the books and when I saw the movie, that thought didn’t even enter my mind, so I thought it was stupid then… it’s even more ridiculous now. All of this is coming on the heels of the new Kardashian “Plus Size” clothing line that just launched as well… which starts at a size 8!! Excuse me, but when did size 8 become plus size? I weep for all the young girls who see this junk and begin to internalize it. Things need to change.
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
I am OBSESSED with her figure. She’s perfect.
Nicole says
I agree with Colleens comment above. She’s so freakin gorgeous and her figure is perfect, actually how I think women’s bodies should look. That seriously makes me mad too. Not in a bad mood sort of way, but in an angry-in-the-moment-I-will-knock-out-anyone-calling-Jennifer-Lawrence-fat kind of way. :)
Victoria says
Amen. Amen. Amen. I am so glad to hear this coming out in such public forums. Too often we strive to see past what we have for what we want. We miss out on SO MUCH. We will NEVER be happy unless we learn to find contentment in where we’re at. Thanks for your rant, it was really encouraging!
kristen @ livinlifeinlouie says
I would love to see (and talk to) the person who thinks she is obese. she is gorgeous!
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
Great post, Courtney! I absolutely love Jennifer Lawrence (she was *phenomenal* in The Hunger Games), and it’s so frustrating when the media slam her for not being a “typical” Hollywood actress. I’m so glad she’s not succumbing to the pressure. This sounds very similar to the Lady Gaga “news” when she gained weight. C’mon, people! Jennifer and Gaga are two examples of how real women look, and both are so gorgeous and talented.
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit says
Wow! She’s stunning & very toned & healthy looking! I didn’t notice this on the news so thanks for sharing & I think you’re fully justified in being pissed. It’s ridiculous how they criticize healthy looking ladies like her….leaves it wide open for everyones insecurities!
Courtney F says
Fantastic RANT!! I completely agree. She is one hot chica!! Hollywood is a sad place for women. I know I have struggled with issues on weight and body image and this article on her does not send a positive message out about being strong and fit!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I’m sorry but… obese? What the eff. I think she looks amazing! She has such a freaking gorgeous figure, and I really hope she sticks to her guns and doesn’t lose any weight… That just… ugh.
Renee @ Fit For Motherhood says
You said that perfectly. I just can’t believe the media and society these days. No wonder so many people have weight issues. It is so sad.
Life is too short to worry about a number. You really made me think about how I have been feeling lately. Thank you for that amazing post.
Jolynn says
Excellent rant. As if we (women) don’t feel insecure already; we have to get judged by both society and the so called “ideal” fit from the media.
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says
A topic well-deserving of an angry rant! ;) That is so flippin’ ridiculous!! I’ve seen the headlines and refuse to even click on them. Calling this beautiful, healthy-looking woman obese is absolutely preposterous!! I can’t help but think that it’s just so ridiculous that it’s a ploy for ratings. Not cool. Thanks for sharing your rant :D.
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
first of all, all that food looks really good! Especially your creeeammy dessert…mmmm. ;)
And when you mentioned that the actress was called a “fat actress”, I expected an unhealthy looking person! But she looks so healthy and beautiful and, perfectly slim! Like, not too small and not big AT ALL…..I am amazed at how the world is becoming more corrupt, more skewed in its views, and more confused. Pretty much with everything! Thank you for sharing that, and glad you’re having a great day :D
ps: a while ago I told you about Rodney Yee being an amazing instructor, and I forgot to answer back to your question. Sorry! the DVD that I love and LOST is called Yoga Burn. It’s a slooooowww sequence (that goes by so quickly time-wise) that basically make you feel all your deep muscles stretching and relaxing. It’s calming, yet so invigorating! At the end I’m usually sweating quite a bit!
Nicole @ Curly Mommy says
I’m not gonna rediscover the wheel by saying this, since it seems like everyone else already has :), but I was reading this story on People.com yesterday and was absolutely furious. Thanks for speaking up and saying how absolutely LUDICROUS this whole thing is.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Absolutely agree with you there – Jennifer Lawrence is absolutely gorgeous! And on that note – a fantastic actress (Have you seen Winter’s Bone? She is amazing is that movie). It makes me sad that Hollywood focuses so much on critiquing her body as opposed to discussing her awesome acting abilities. The age we live in, I suppose – it’s pretty shameful.
april says
i saw that story on GMA this morning, too! i agree with you 100% – jennifer lawrence looks fabulous and i don’t understand how she could even be considered obese in the slightest! what upsets me the most is that she stars in movies that are targeted for a younger audience – i don’t want young girls to compare themselves to her body type/size and think that they are “fat,” as well.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
I want to know something…do ANY of these Hollywood tabloid/cover story people who share this CRAP have daughters? That they feel okay propagating this message? Even so, it’s still a load of ridiculousness that makes you wonder why they critique bodies so much. Why not celebrate a MORE NORMAL figured woman (actually still tiny) for a change? Now you got me all riled up. I hadn’t heard about this yet.
Ashlee says
It is so sad that it is the people writing these trypes of articles have so much influence! I wish the famous ladies they talk so much about would be as strong as Jennifer Lawrence and not conform to their ridiculous standards!
Marykate Sinnott says
I saw this too. And I love this girl for staying true to herself! As someone with a loooong history of eating disorders and has come a loooong way back, I hope that she stays exactly as she is and continues to be a positive role model for young women
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better in yourself! I’ve been through the highs and lows, the extremes of being so thin that I had to be hospitalised and maybe not quite over weight but extremely curvy for a short period in the middle of it all. If finally found peace and really you’ve got to remember that it really is in your head; other people don’t see small changes in how you appear, you’re still the same awesome person and once you’re healthy and feel healthy that’s all that matters! :)
Jess@atasteofconfidence says
First of all, that is so ridiculous. She is gorgeous and SMALL. I read somewhere she said she was always the girl who ate everyone else’s food that they didn’t finish because she didn’t give a crap — so I am glad she has got that attitude!
Also, I know what you mean about not feeling great recently, but I’m glad you turned it around…what always helps me is thinking about what really matters, and 100 percent of the time, it doesn’t include my pant size or weight.
Lauren @The Homeostatic Mindset says
Don’t apologize for feeling pissed off- it is 100% warranted. I read the article on this on Huffington Post and it made my blood boil, but then again, why am I ever surprised? We are getting there with women’s rights, marriage equality, minimizing (but definitely not eliminating) racism, sexism and homophobia, but when it comes to discrimination against those who do not fit the ‘ideal body,’ we have a WAYS to come.
Shannon says
I heard about Jennifer Lawrence during my first period free this morning at school. She is not fat at all, but has a beautiful body. Society needs to stop judging others’ appearances. I watched the GMA video, and the Instagram photo of the Victoria Secret model two days before the fashion show made me want to throw up. She has absolutely no stomach, and you can see her leg bone. Is this what people can pretty?!? :(
Shannon says
* should be “Is this what people call pretty?!?”
Jane says
I would chose the scarf! It’s freezing here in central PA!
Haley says
I am disgusted about this too. And, I’m so glad I had the time this evening to look through other posts besides your latest to find this one. I’m a thin, strong, healthy, mom-of-two, and have been trying to lose the last 8 lbs. for 5 years just b/c it’s what I was pre-pregnancy with my 2nd and last daughter. Enough. Thank you for the push to get over it, and to gracefully accept that this *stupid* numbers game is for the idiots in Hollywood.
Bek @ Crave says
How disgusting! She is amazing, and who cares if she did have a little extra on her anyways (not that she does). Different, HEALTHY weights are all beautiful. It’s disgusting what society and the media does to people. I’ve actually stopped reading ‘trashy’ magazines because of it. I’m glad you found your turning/breaking point! You’re bangin’ also!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
That actress IS beautiful. Hollywood standards are UNREAL and if I keep talking about it, it will just piss me off (even more). ;)
Lydia says
I am SO glad you said something about this, Courtney. I am SICK that this is even an issue! She is NOT obese by any means, and I personally know many young women who look up to her as a wonderful (and Beautiful) role model!! THANK YOU for sharing! Props!!
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
I agree, I think it is disgusting how the media addresses issues of weight and body image. In that industry it is definitely import to have a good head on your shoulders and not pay so much attention to the judgements.
And that stew looks fabulous! Hopefully you can snag the recipe. :-)
Jennifer D says
I totally agree with you! I read your blog and that article and it made me write my own rant on this issue! THANK you for sharing and being an advocate for healthy living and real women!!
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling says
That seriously makes me SO mad to hear she is considered a “fat” actress! I think she is stunning and I think anyone would love having a body like hers. She’s gorgeous and I hope she never changes the way she is.
Valerie @ FreshMutz says
I think (hope?) the word choice of “obese” was more media sensationalism than Hollywood’s sentiments. I recently made the observation that starlets are getting more curvy. This is consistent with the interview with celebrity trainer Harvey Pasternak I read where he says that body parts have fads and right now it’s all about the booty!
I loved loved Ms. Lawrence in the red Calvin Klein dress. Gorge.
Sarah says
mmm , that bread looks AWESOME!