A little over a year ago, there was a minor brouhaha when British model Kate Moss, who became famous for her rail-thin body said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” Like so many others, when I first read about what she said, I was righteously indignant because it sounded as though she was more or less advocating an eating disorder.
Yet for some reason, Kate’s comment stuck with me. I’ve thought about it and practically parsed every word, although I seriously doubt that she herself gave much thought to the words that were coming out of her mouth at the time. Still, I wondered if there might be a tiny kernel of truth in her statement. Something that might actually be useful and healthy for the rest of us. And believe it or not, I think I’ve found it.
When I was pondering “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” I wondered if there was a way to turn it around into something beneficial. As with my running mantra, I thought that a positive could be made out of something that is perceived as a negative. I pondered and contemplated and finally decided on:
Does this taste as good as skinny feels?
Yes, it’s a question, but it’s a question I now ask myself daily.
I believe I’ve already mentioned this, but at the beginning of this month I made some changes to my diet. While I’ve been trying to eat healthy for a couple of years now, in spite of all my running last year, I lost almost no weight in 2010. In fact, I regained some weight early in the year and then did not lose all of it during the rest of the year. My doctor checked my thyroid and it turns out that it’s functioning normally, so clearly I needed to examine my eating habits. Yep, there were problems there, particularly with sugar. The situation got worse during the holidays, when there were all sorts of desserts and other treats within easy access of my mouth.
So, at the beginning of this month, the first thing I did was stop drinking mochas. Each one of those 9.5 ounce bottles was 190 calories and 36 grams of sugar. I was drinking one a day and sometimes two. That one bad habit was sabotaging the energy burned by my runs. I had my last mocha on December 31 and haven’t missed them. I’ve tried this in the past and missed them greatly, in fact longed for them, but this time I’ve barely thought about them. I guess my body is just really happy not to be processing all that sugar.
The next thing I did was cut back the rest of the sugar in my diet, primarily in the form of chocolate. I didn’t cut it out entirely, but I cut w-a-y back. These days, maybe I’ll have a square of dark chocolate after dinner, but maybe I won’t. I’ve also cut back on sugar in general and haven’t missed it. In fact, contrary to my expectations, I’m not craving sugar in any form.
Beyond those two changes, I’m not doing much else that’s different. I’m aware of my portion sizes and snacking, but I’m also not starving to death. If it’s late morning and my breakfast has long since passed through my body, I’ll have some fruit to tide me over until lunch time. If it’s mid-afternoon and dinner is still hours away, I’ll have some almonds or some raw veggies.
The upshot of this is that I’ve already lost seven pounds this month, which is more than I lost all of last year.
But what does all this have to do with Kate Moss and my modified version of her infamous quotation?
Now, when I eat — or think about eating — I stop and ask myself, “Does this taste as good as skinny feels?“ Not that I’m skinny yet, but I’m stopping to ask myself if the food in question is worth the caloric intake. I know how many calories it takes to maintain my weight daily and how many less I need to ingest in order to lose weight. I’m trying to make my nutritional choices really count and I don’t want to waste my limited calories on foods that aren’t worth it.
Contrary to what you might be thinking, I’m not actually counting calories. I am aware of them in general, but I don’t obsess over them. Instead, I pay attention to proper portion sizes — for example, a serving of meat should be 3 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of fish is about the size of a checkbook. A 1.5 ounce serving of cheese is the size of three dice.
[A note to 20-somethings: A checkbook is the way people used to pay for their groceries and utility bills. It's about 5 inches long, three inches wide, and 1/2 inch thick.]
Throughout the day, I pick and choose carefully. I always start things off with a large glass of water and some fruit. Later on, after I’ve gotten everyone out the door, I’ll have a bowl of oatmeal made with milk and with some nuts or seeds and some berries added. Lunch is healthy and includes some protein to get me through the afternoon. Dinner is almost always something made from scratch and includes at least two veggies.
[For those of you who are friends with me on Facebook and saw my status update yesterday about adding bacon to the mac 'n' cheese I was making, I didn't eat very much -- about a cup -- and the bulk of my meal was steamed broccoli and a spinach salad with piles of raw veggies. I'm trying to have balance in my eating, so that I eat the healthy foods but also don't feel deprived.]
As I approach each meal or think about having a snack, I’ll ask myself if what I’m about to eat is worth eating. A spinach salad is always a yes. But what about something a little more decadent? I pick and choose carefully and always ask myself if the momentary pleasure of eating that food is worth it. Sometimes I’ll say yes, but more often I’ll decide that it’s not. For example, this morning, as I was trying to wake up and face the day, I thoought that I’d have a cup of hot cocoa to warm me up. However, after further consideration, I changed my mind because it wasn’t really what I wanted or needed.
This past weekend, I had some girlfriends over for a Girls’ Night Out. I cooked and others brought food too. The potential to eat and drink 2,000 calories was there. Luckily, I don’t care for wine, so that was one temptation eliminated. But what about the mini quiches? What about the chips and dip? And how to manage all those luscious desserts? I snacked on raw veggies and fruit, nibbled on a few other things, and later on after I’d given it some thought, ate a small piece of an amazing dessert that one of my girlfriends brought. Yes, it was worth it and I had no regrets afterward.
So while I wouldn’t normally consider Kate Moss to be a person I’d normally emulate — what with the booze, cigarettes, and cocaine — I’m giving her credit for this shift in my thinking and the resulting weight loss.
I’m curious about what y’all think. Is this a healthy mantra? Is my theory sound? Has anyone else tried to change their thinking this way?
Absolutely. When I used to run, I used a heart rate monitor that also showed me how many calories I was burning. It shocked me to the core that a run which reduced me to a gasping, red-faced pile of eugh only burned 200 calories or so. Not even a bar of chocolate’s worth! So I sort of mentally started allowing myself to eat things (over and above sensible daily meals) only if I was going to be doing enough activity to burn off the calories. So with me, it was “Would I be willing to run for 45 minutes just to earn this cookie?” Almost invariably, the answer was no.
I’ve heard that phrase before, and in fact asked myself the same question. The difference is, I never answered (or at least never answered in the negative). I don’t have a weight-loss mantra per se, but I’ve been fascinated following the Clean Plate blog on Slate (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/cleanplate) and just started a new food journal this morning. I’m just hoping to be more conscious of my eating, so I can pinpoint the trouble spots.
What works for me is to not eat anything I don’t really love and want, and that includes healthy items, because they have calories too. I buy and prepare the fruits and vegetables I love, and I’ll make a separate meal for myself if the kids and hubs want something that I don’t crave. If I eat a cookie or a muffin, it’s a fabulous homemade one – Oreos just don’t cut it. So yes, I think your mantra is great.
I’ve been on this crazy, infuriating weight roller coaster since I was 20 yrs old! I started to gain weight when I was 19, when I lived with my dad in Maryland for 2 years, and fresh, enormously tastefully satisfying foods were at my fingertips (grew up extremely poor, so it was mostly frozen, canned, almost expired meat for me) and that’s when I discovered that yes Julie, you can gain weight! easily!
So, on my own at 20, I started the crazy ways of trying to lose weight that constituted the 80′s. Got very active after having kids, and while I still gained some weight every now and again, it got burned off by how much running around I did then . . .
now? heh. Now it’s all Post Menopausal Land, and having to learn a whole new set of ideas to see if I can not balloon up into the high 200′s. I have no idea how much I weigh, since I haven’t gotten on a scale in about 8 years, but it’s got to be higher than I’ve ever weighed, since my clothes tell the story.
What my mind keeps going back to, is not “time to diet!” but time to eat less. and less and less. I don’t know about moving more (which I know will kickstart anything I try to do) Taste buds are diminishing (probably aging + post menopause) so that seems to be indicative of SOMETHING to help me. But truly? It’s not about eating tasteless, but filling foods, just eating what you LOVE, but finding where you can still do that, and either lose, or NOT GAIN. Eat when you’re hungry (and I mean hungry in your body, not your mind) stop BEFORE you’re full, and move more. So simple, yet America, in it’s obsession to try everything, has to muck it all up with so many things to try, and think about. It’s just so simple–move more/eat less. Don’t deny. and yes, I remember that simple little sentence you listed first, and I like your version better Jen!!!
Is it just my perception, or are you slightly edgier of FB? Interesting to see different sides of Jen.
I’ve been thinner and I’ve been fatter and thinner is better. There’s something healthy about feeling your ribs just under your skin, not covered by a layer of extra. (Of course, it’s pretty icky to SEE your ribs under your skin, I’ve never been that thin.)
You keep running, you keep eating real food in good proportions and portions, you’ll be fine.
Yours truly, Dr. Krieger KA (Knows All)
The principle is great. However the phrase itself is an anorexia nervosa mantra and that’s really where the oppobrium came from, certainly from this side of the Atlantic.
Right now, however, as I have not been able to keep any food down and have had to abandon plans for our usual Jan 25th Burns Supper, nothing tastes as good as not throwing up.
I’ve often heard this saying in Weight Watchers meetings, and I see the truth in it – which is to say that mindful eating will always serve us better than emotional/impulsive eating. So having a mantra that helps bring you back to mindful is a great tool – even if it did come from a coke whore.
The mantra did not originate with Kate Moss. I want to say it was one of the 80′s super models. Regardless, I agree. A healthy body functions best at a appropriate weight and without the sugars, saturated fats and processed flours that have become a huge part of the U.S. diet.
Sounds like Ms. Moss has been following Troy McClure’s dieting advice: “Smoke [and snort] yourself thin!”
Good for you! I am impressed at how you sniffed out those empty calories, but did so in a way that doesn’t make you crave them and still allows the pleasure of eating.
I think it sounds right. Congrats on the 7 lbs and the shift in thinking!
I’ve always been on a weight roller coaster, but for the past 6-9 months, I have felt pretty fit by increasing the frequency and intensity of my workouts. My clothes fit great, I’m able to wear the stuff on the “thinner” end of my wardrobe and as a result I care more about how I look and don’t stress about it. I found I was making poor choices at lunch, so I changed that and coupled with generally decent eating habits and sweating my arse of 6 or 7 times a week, I’m able to maintain.
Love it! I think it’s a great way to be conscious about what you’re eating without denying completely denying yourself and giving food too much power over you. I think I might steal your mantra. And congrats on being down 7lbs – you’ve earned it!
I’ve been trying something similar: waiting out cravings. So if I’m craving a cupcake, for example, I stop, have a glass of water and think about it. Do I really want that cupcake? Is it going to be worth the extra time/energy to burn those calories? If I’m still not sure, I tell myself that if I really want it in three days I can have it. Nine times out of ten I forget about the cupcake (or whatever unhealthy – but delicious! – food I was coveting). And I know this is totally cheesy, but I have a really cute outfit hanging on the outside of my closet door and if I’m really having a weak moment I’ll go look at it to remind me that the cupcake is standing between me and that outfit.
I think it’s sensible. It’s not like you’re depriving yourself of vital nutrients. Sugar is evil, I have a problem with it myself, especially in allowing myself “treats” because I knew I was in for a rough day. Over the summer I developed a bad habit of buying a caramel mocha coffee at Higher Grounds before going into work. I don’t even want to think about how much sugar I was consuming! I managed to kick that habit but indulge my sweet tooth at work with fruit and nut bars that are sweetened with dates.
I think it’s a good “stop and think” mantra. Obviously, as you say, not something to chant to yourself all day long, but a great thing to think before you put that candy bar/cake/overly indulgent coffee drink etc. Might have to use it myself. Congrats on the 7 lbs! That’s impressive!
I agree that finding a way to stay mindful about your eating is a huge help in addition to making those changes. It means you are not saying no to everything, but that you are making choices moment to moment.
Hurray for the 7 pounds! I hope it keeps going well for you. You certainly have the exercise componant going on.
I think Kate’s quote is a perfectly acceptable one to live by (when used in a positive, healthy way, like you are doing). Part of my small bit of weight loss was making decisions with the same mindset. I’m still eating, but in a totally healthy way. So, kudos to you, and congrats on shedding those pounds!
I tried and tried to find a way to make a mocha with a sugar substitute, but the sugar-free chocolate sauces I tested were truly awful. It also does not work very well to mix cocoa powder, Splenda and milk. So now I just have lattes with Splenda.
I wrote a blog post on the same quote, http://wp.me/p12fGr-A – I have gone through serious eating disorders as a teenager and young women, have had tremendous pressure on me from peers to be skinny when riding, I know think I am in the best place ever. I think you have to find that happy spot of balance between enjoying life, new foods, and being healthy. I know it is easier said then done, but if you love chocolate why deprive yourself of it. Is it really worth being in those size 0 jeans, or is a 4 okay so you can enjoy yourself and time with friends. I think everyone has a natural weight, it is just finding the balance and eating clean.
Oh, I’m so glad none of you know me so that I can admit this, but after reading the Twilight series (okay, that’s one confession out of the way), I decided that if Edward could resist eating Bella, I could resist eating desserts. Although I will still love and want them for eternity.
Given a choice between cake and fresh fruit, nine times out of ten I’ll take the fruit. But put me in the same room as some Jelly Belly jelly beans, and I’m a lump of quivering jello. I am certain the only reason I’ve not gained weight in the last two years is the medication I am on. Totally kills the appetite. I am literally never hungry. I eat out of habit.
I think it’s a great way of “checking” yourself. I started Weight Watchers over a week ago and just 2.6 lbs lost last week was what I needed to be motivated. I am excited and bought a three month plan. I am determined to stick with it. I was secretly hoping to have an excuse as the Doctor’s office last month. I just knew it shouldn’t be that hard to lose weight! Lucky for me, I am healthy too! ha! Keep up the running! I signed up for the half again. I am doing with with some friends for a great cause, that helps keep me moving too.
I think the most important thing is if it works for you and it sounds like it does! It seems like you’re doing some really incredibly healthy things for yourself! Good for you!
I remember seeing that saying on a refrigerator magnet when I was a kid.
I think I’ve been doing a lot of what you’re describing. I do love sweets, but I’ve been sticking to one Hershey’s nugget a night–just knowing I have that treat does help me resist other things. 7 lbs. in a month is pretty damned amazing.