Firstly, I think the message you're portraying is not only an important one, but an overdue and essential one and I wholeheartedly agree that every woman out there is already totally fabulous!
Anyway, I just wanted to point out the following article by Sam Leith: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/05/beauty-industry-fraud
It seems that more and more people are becoming concerned with the empty promises of not only the diet industry, but also the beauty industry. What do you think about the comments in this article? Do you think this is the start of a backlash against these industries?
I would certainly hope so. There's plenty of evidence to suggest that women are finally coming to their senses and seeing through the empty promises - whether they are related to diet or beauty products. See my piece in The Observer on The End of Thin
and today's feature on beauty products in The Evening Standard. I don't for a minute think that we will ever give up on the dream of being slim and fit - it's just that there's a growing realization that deprivation diets are no way to get there. Who wants to spend their entire lives worrying about what not to eat? Who wants hunger to haunt them through their days? Besides, all the evidence shows that dieting doesn't work. It's a hopeless cause, and will simply make you moody and miserable.
On a related note, I feel very strongly that we get the body culture we ask for: it is down to US, you and me - not only the editors, producers and agents - to start to chip away at the cult of thin, the cult of physical perfection. If we want to develop a more realistic view of how women should look in the public arena, whether in ads, films, on TV, it's up to us to make the change. If an image offends, don't buy the product. If the models are too thin, ditch the mag.
I read your book and I have to congratulate you on a great book, really well written, funny and perfect for so many women like me who not only struggle with their weight, but also with the issue of self-love. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and loved the peppering of Italian references (I am Italian too), such as the Pasta in Brodo which is also one of my childhood memory (I often bring back pastina grattata or stelline when I come back to London from my Italian holidays!).
I am now trying to implement a lot of your suggestions, but am definitely struggling with the carb curfew, as I am almost vegetarian (eat some fish but not much) and dairy does not appeal to me in great quantities. Any suggestion for this would be gratefully received!
Meanwhile, thanks to your encouragement, I have already booked a couple of appointments with personal shoppers, one of whom is in a store that specialises in jeans. I have also been measured by Rigby and Peller and found with great relief that the little old lady who measured me in the back of her tiny store in Rome got it right and I haven't been wearing the wrong size bra! As a result my mum is sending me another pack of bras from Italy, in different colours.
I am also eating more regularly and refusing (most of) the free food around.
Last but not least, during the Easter break (and since then too) I have turned down chocolate that does not come up to good quality standards (at least 70% cocoa content, possibly organic) and instead enjoyed two well chosen truffles which I bought from a shop that make chocolate on the premises.
I thought you might want to know that, although still very fat (hey Rome was not built - or demolished in my case! - in one day!) I am a much happier person thanks in large part to your encouragement.
Thrilled that the book has encouraged you so much – and if you are a happier person, I honestly believe you’re already half-way to realising your ideal bodyshape (whatever the specifics of that that may be for you). Once you’ve gained a bit of acceptance and confidence, the other stuff starts to fall into place.
The carb curfew can be challenging, particularly if you’re used to pasta and potatoes in the evening. I would suggest a gradual easing off the carbs. Don’t just ditch them overnight, but start to reassign your plate. Ensure that each evening meal includes an ever-dwindling portion of carbs, while upping the protein and veg intake. The thing to avoid is a plate entirely devoted to carbohydrates: pizza (in all its glorious varieties), linguine censorednesca, risotto alla primavera. All delicious, yes, but way too carby after eight. Indulge in these as treats, for lunch, occasionally, on a small plate, perhaps with a chilled glass of Soave… see? You don’t have to put carbs in a steel box and bury them at sea!
Remember, too, that this is a process. Small incremental changes to your habits, how you think around food, how you see yourself – these will accumulate over time and deliver on the promise of slim.
I’m gathering more for another book, so do let me know how you get on!
Wonder how you are doing with your 101 things follow-up!
Meanwhile I came across another book that really changed my life, I know it sounds like a diet but it does not feel like it for me - that is Neris and India Idiot Proof Diet. If you recall I was really resistant to drop the carbs in the evening, well what do you know, I have now dropped them 24/7! Never felt better, another stone down and only a couple of stones to go before I regain the figure I used to have.
Still using principles from your book, though. Every now and then I pick it up to re-read odd bits and remind myself of all the good things I can do for myself. Thanks again for writing that book. I am really looking forward to a follow up!
Hi Mimi
Firstly, I think the message you're portraying is not only an important one, but an overdue and essential one and I wholeheartedly agree that every woman out there is already totally fabulous!
Anyway, I just wanted to point out the following article by Sam Leith: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/05/beauty-industry-fraud
It seems that more and more people are becoming concerned with the empty promises of not only the diet industry, but also the beauty industry. What do you think about the comments in this article? Do you think this is the start of a backlash against these industries?
I would certainly hope so. There's plenty of evidence to suggest that women are finally coming to their senses and seeing through the empty promises - whether they are related to diet or beauty products. See my piece in The Observer on The End of Thin
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/mar/08/thin-size-zero-anorexia-fat-weight
and today's feature on beauty products in The Evening Standard. I don't for a minute think that we will ever give up on the dream of being slim and fit - it's just that there's a growing realization that deprivation diets are no way to get there. Who wants to spend their entire lives worrying about what not to eat? Who wants hunger to haunt them through their days? Besides, all the evidence shows that dieting doesn't work. It's a hopeless cause, and will simply make you moody and miserable.
On a related note, I feel very strongly that we get the body culture we ask for: it is down to US, you and me - not only the editors, producers and agents - to start to chip away at the cult of thin, the cult of physical perfection. If we want to develop a more realistic view of how women should look in the public arena, whether in ads, films, on TV, it's up to us to make the change. If an image offends, don't buy the product. If the models are too thin, ditch the mag.
Dear Mimi
I read your book and I have to congratulate you on a great book, really well written, funny and perfect for so many women like me who not only struggle with their weight, but also with the issue of self-love. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and loved the peppering of Italian references (I am Italian too), such as the Pasta in Brodo which is also one of my childhood memory (I often bring back pastina grattata or stelline when I come back to London from my Italian holidays!).
I am now trying to implement a lot of your suggestions, but am definitely struggling with the carb curfew, as I am almost vegetarian (eat some fish but not much) and dairy does not appeal to me in great quantities. Any suggestion for this would be gratefully received!
Meanwhile, thanks to your encouragement, I have already booked a couple of appointments with personal shoppers, one of whom is in a store that specialises in jeans. I have also been measured by Rigby and Peller and found with great relief that the little old lady who measured me in the back of her tiny store in Rome got it right and I haven't been wearing the wrong size bra! As a result my mum is sending me another pack of bras from Italy, in different colours.
I am also eating more regularly and refusing (most of) the free food around.
Last but not least, during the Easter break (and since then too) I have turned down chocolate that does not come up to good quality standards (at least 70% cocoa content, possibly organic) and instead enjoyed two well chosen truffles which I bought from a shop that make chocolate on the premises.
I thought you might want to know that, although still very fat (hey Rome was not built - or demolished in my case! - in one day!) I am a much happier person thanks in large part to your encouragement.
Keep up the good work! A second book due soon?
Ciao
Caterina
Dear Caterina
Thrilled that the book has encouraged you so much – and if you are a happier person, I honestly believe you’re already half-way to realising your ideal bodyshape (whatever the specifics of that that may be for you). Once you’ve gained a bit of acceptance and confidence, the other stuff starts to fall into place.
The carb curfew can be challenging, particularly if you’re used to pasta and potatoes in the evening. I would suggest a gradual easing off the carbs. Don’t just ditch them overnight, but start to reassign your plate. Ensure that each evening meal includes an ever-dwindling portion of carbs, while upping the protein and veg intake. The thing to avoid is a plate entirely devoted to carbohydrates: pizza (in all its glorious varieties), linguine censorednesca, risotto alla primavera. All delicious, yes, but way too carby after eight. Indulge in these as treats, for lunch, occasionally, on a small plate, perhaps with a chilled glass of Soave… see? You don’t have to put carbs in a steel box and bury them at sea!
Remember, too, that this is a process. Small incremental changes to your habits, how you think around food, how you see yourself – these will accumulate over time and deliver on the promise of slim.
I’m gathering more for another book, so do let me know how you get on!
All the best Mimi
Hi Mimi,
Wonder how you are doing with your 101 things follow-up!
Meanwhile I came across another book that really changed my life, I know it sounds like a diet but it does not feel like it for me - that is Neris and India Idiot Proof Diet. If you recall I was really resistant to drop the carbs in the evening, well what do you know, I have now dropped them 24/7! Never felt better, another stone down and only a couple of stones to go before I regain the figure I used to have.
Still using principles from your book, though. Every now and then I pick it up to re-read odd bits and remind myself of all the good things I can do for myself. Thanks again for writing that book. I am really looking forward to a follow up!
All the best,
Caterina