a tale of two women
The February issue of More magazine includes a two-part article written by two friends who have entirely different approaches to food and body weight. One woman is a size 12 who enjoys food and says that once she made peace with her (not really very large) body, she got a lot more sane about food. She talks about her irritation with her friend who wears a size 6 and follows a very regimented food plan.
The regimented friend also has her say, explaining that she used to be overweight and has been able to lose weight and keep it off by participating in a 12-step program. Her program requires her to weigh or measure everything she eats, and she follows very specific, indeed, rigid rules. She never deviates from her food plan–which means never eating dessert or drinking wine, for instance.
Although the article was interesting, I was somewhat bothered that it seemed to suggest that rigid rules (and zero indulgences) are required in order to maintain weight loss. The successes of the people who belong to the National Weight Control Registry suggest otherwise.
In a nutshell, NWCR members are people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for at least a year. (Once I get to the one-year anniversary of my weight loss, I plan to sign up.) From what I read, these successful "losers" stay on track through exercise, portion control, and healthy food choices. Portion control and exercise in particular help give people the flexibility to have dessert now and then–unlike the size 6 woman in More. It’s great that she’s maintained her loss, and it may be that rigid control is the ticket for her. I just don’t think that works–or is necessary–for most of us.
January 18th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
I believe I know a few of those rigid types. I’ve never seen a few crumbs of cake or a cookie pass through their lips. I have seen them eat a substantial lunch and dinner and I’m in awe at how much they do actually eat while staying ultra-thin. (One is probably a size 3.)
My downfall is portion control. Once I get a taste of something heavenly, I’m done for. It’s sometimes better for me not to even sample.
Perhaps that’s why friend #2 is so rigid. She may know her tendencies too well to risk it.
January 18th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
A taste of something heavenly–yes, that does me in too. That’s why your Christmas cookies are so dangerous, Toni!
I’ve never been a person who could buy a bag (or bake a batch) of cookies and then eat one, for heaven’s sake. One leads to two, leads to 10 or 12.
All that said, I eat plenty, and if I’m at a restaurant–where I have access to a single portion of some tempting food–I can indulge in a dessert or part of one because I’m not gonna love it so much that I order another.
I do admire Miss Rigid’s tenacity–I just wouldn’t want overweight people to think, hell, if that’s how lean people have to eat, forget it!
I suspect your hearty-eating size 3s (maybe they’re even 0s) exercise regularly. That or take amphetamines. Or have eating disorders.
January 18th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
In all fairness, I do know the size 3 (or 0) works out hard, religiously. She also seems to be aware of the need to eat small meals throughout the day.
There had been an eating disorder at one time, but the exercise now helps her combat the need to purge.