Thursday, April 19, 2007

Size Zero

I watched a UK show on TV last night called "The Truth About Size Zero". The presenter, Louise Redknapp, went on an intense diet for 30 days to see what it takes to be a size zero. It was somewhat interesting, let's face it, anything about weight loss or food interests me.

What grabbed me about the show was when the presenter, spoke to women and girls with eating disorders. I just felt incredibly sad for them and for myself when I listened to them talk about food and how they fear it. I could really relate to how they fear social situations where it is expected that you eat and that intense feeling of guilt you have after eating. I knew exactly how the presenter felt when she could barely think or move some days because she hadn't eaten in so long. It really is no way to live life.

I have been feeling a bit unwell over the last few days and I think it might be because I haven't been eating enough. As were watching the show last night my flat mate asked me to list what I had eaten that day and he added up the calories. It came to only 700 calories. I was a bit shocked because I was not intentionally trying to keep my calories so low. I just can't help reverting to the "All or Nothing" mentality. I know that I will not lose weight by doing this because my body cannot function, let alone lose weight on so few calories and I always end up binging, but I just can't force myself to eat more.

I really do wonder how people over come this. I have a lot of admiration for anyone who has the mental strength and wisdom (or whatever it is that is needed...?) to overcome an unhealthy relationship with food. As much as I want to lose weight, what I really want to do is stop obsessing over food and live a normal life. I want to go out with friends, go to morning tea at work, go to a family birthday party or go shopping and not spend the weeks or days before I go obsessing over how I can avoid food or alternatively, what I am going to eat. I guess that is why I read so many weight loss blogs. There are so many blogs out there that inspire, motivate and encourage me on a daily basis.

8 comments:

  1. I saw that show a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure about Louise Rednapp's motives behind it, she was saying how awful it was but then showing people how she lost that weight - at that speed. We've got another similar show on here (UK) next week about two journalists getting down to a size 00!!
    Not surprised you didn't feel too hot after eating so little. Try to get a bit more down you girl!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wish I had of watched that show ...
    I must say, it is not often that I will undereat through out the day ...... I still have that obsession about food.... and I have lost almost 35 kilos!! lol....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey you! We have missed you a bunch! I hope you get to feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't seen that show; though I have learnt that the 'all or nothing' and the excessive under-eating to conform with society's expectation that 'because you're fat, you shouldn't be eating' is what shaped my irresponsible relationship with food when I was younger. That was driven by my Mum, and she still drives the same principles towards me and it takes a lot of strength out of me fighting against her. I'd much rather be channelling that strength to something more positive :-(

    ReplyDelete
  5. I didn't stop obsessing over food and what I was or wasn't going to eat until I actually got to a "decent" size for me, and realised I could actually lose the weight and keep it off... then I found the power to take control and not stress about food all bloody day! It was a simple decision not to eat too much, get the right amount of exercise, and just start to enjoy life - all of life, not just what was for my next meal! Very exciting stuff I can tell you! Keep working on the day to day losses, and don't worry, it will all sort itself out eventually, IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great blog today. I would love to see that program. We sound like we have alot in common - I went for a few weeks with watching my calories with most days staying under 1400. I lost weight, quick - but as soon as I ate real food, I put it all back on - and then some. Felt good at the time, hungry - but good - but now of course kicking myself because now I have to start all over again with plan B. Keep blogging - we all need to read and gain support from each other.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Really great blogging, very interesting. Saw that show advertised but somehow missed it. You have inspired me to go and write in my own blog now!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fascinating post. You really got me thinking. (And boy could I relate to what you wrote.) Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Awww thanks so much for the comment!