This is one of the most disturbing surveys I have come across in a long while. Apparently, a third of British females are prepared to go without food in the name of fashion.
A survey of 4,515 females by fashion website www.mycelebrityfashion.co.uk found that 32% of women polled would rather make a fashion purchase than buy food.
Just about half admitted to spending more on looking good than eating, while 18% of those polled spend more than half their wages each month on clothes and accessories. In the 31-40 year old age group, 56% admitted to spending more on fashion than eating.
Every day, we're assailed with doom and gloom about the economy and scare stories about how people can barely afford the fast-rising cost of food and groceries.
Yet for all bar the poorest section of the population, this argument doesn't entirely stack up. The fact is, priorities have changed massively.
In the last few decades, consumerism and materialism have become rampant, and the desire to have the latest iPod, or pair of shoes, is somehow more important than meeting our most basic need: a good, nutritious diet based on fresh, unprocessed food.
Obesity is sky-high and the younger generation are facing a reduced life expectancy for the first time in living memory. To some extent, this is because we collectively choose to prioritise our bodies' need for nutritious, life-sustaining food, opting instead for the latest 'essential' purchase.
It's impossible to become truly interested in yoga without becoming far more finely tuned to our bodies' needs. As well as moving and exercising correctly, this means making sure we have a diet that will keep us happy and healthy. What could be more important?
My guess and hope is that, like everything, all this will come full circle. It's time we accept responsibility for our own health and make sure we get a good diet - even if it means missing out on the latest fashion must-have.
Lucia Cockcroft, editor
.jpg "Baddha Konasana - Bound Angle Pose")
