“Make a decision, take action, be honest, and stick to it”, so states Carol Lay, California cartoonist, in her graphic novel, “The Big Skinny: A Memoir”, (Villard Random House, Inc.).
Research, reading labels and speaking with nutritionists and trainers, Lay provokes us to consider deeply, what is being put, stuffed and crammed into our bodies and the what the consequences are from doing this.
She porteys a history of bad health from overeating and inactivity, starting as a shy, introverted, invisible teenager who unconsciously, emotionally and monotonously tries to fill an emptiness that food won’t satisfy.
She illustrates this with vibrant, nicely rendered, understandable and frequently humorous vingettes and scenerios in graphic art form.
Lay examines recipes from past generations and her teenage years loaded with salt, fat and high calories and how these foods maybe perceived as comforting.
She illustrates how drama, stress, guilt and family dynamics can play starring roles in shoving one towards the refrigerator.
Lay offers intrinsic, eye openers for motivating change.
Ideas included are support groups, prepared frozen meals, and hypnosis, which can aid in keeping a health enthusiasts on track, but more, ‘hands on’ techniques, such as calorie counting, ‘the gymless workout’, menu planning and low calorie recipes are encouraged and illustrated in an entertaining, fun style.
Chronic eating can easily transform into addiction and food addiction with no physical activity can lead to obesity, which can contribute to bad health.
This half inch thick comic book- looking graphic novel is a fast, bright, informative read that can be kept for future referals, dog- earred and loyal.
Ultimately, responsibility, honesty, persistance, determination and a simple belief in the possible can inspire one to optimum health and it’s never too late to get healthy and feel good.