Grande Americano with an extra shot of body image?

I was sitting in my local Starbucks over the weekend, writing a speech about eating disorders and body image for an upcoming book tour, when I happened to glance at my paper cup. Typically I pay no attention, but peeking above the brown recycled sleeve was quote #175, and the eye-catching words, "The world would be a boring place if everyone was a size 2." I'll let the irony speak for itself (me, a body image specialist; my cup, emblazoned with the following saying):

"The world would be a boring place if everyone was a size 2. I love being a size 22, just like I love a giant cup of hot chocolate with extra whipped cream. F.A.T (Fabulous and Thick) folks know that it's the extras in life - like pounds, cash and love - that give us the character. Embrace the extras, Baby!"

-- Mo'Nique

As the host of TV's Mo'Nique's Fat Chance and a 2005 winner at the 36th NAACP Image Awards, Mo'Nique is in the unique position to spread positive ideas and break down stereotypes about what the "ideal" body should look like. Seeing her quote on my cup made sipping my Americano (made with skim milk and Sweet & Low) that much sweeter, and before leaving, I asked my barista for an extra cup with the Mo'Nique quote to keep on my nightstand.

Leslie Goldman is the author of Locker Room Diaries.