In one of my many explorations on the Internet I came across the story of Alison Adlen who wrote a book, describing her experiences with anorexia as a 49-year old woman. If you do want to purchase it the title is ‘Sleeping Dragons and Poppy Seeds.’
I’m not going to purchase the book because it doesn’t look to be well written or help me explain anorexia.
The book is important, however, because it was one of those incidents that brought attention to the eating disorder and the new demographic for many readers in the UK.
Her anorexia started with her dieting at age 40. She comments that many people diet and don’t have a problem with eating disorders. For others it could be the start of something more sinister. For Alison, under financial pressure while juggling work, family and home, controlling her weight was the one thing she felt she could control.
It used to be that by the time a woman reached age 40 she disappeared from the life picture. Not any more. Now there are celebrities like Madonna and Sharon Stone looking flawless and living seemingly perfect lives. Women like Alison see these images and feel they’ve failed.
Appearances can be deceiving. Alison writes that her purpose for publishing her story is to help other people from taking her path. She advises woman to make a list of the things that are important to them before they commit to a diet so that they can realize that a few pounds isn’t going to resolve any of the issues associated with their priorities.
Maybe you won’t need to go on that diet after all!
To your health success..
Ruthan Brodsky
Freelance Writer for Business
And Health Care Providers