I’ve never managed to diet , the constant food noise is in my head , we now know so much more about genetics role in how we eat and that some people don’t produce that natural chemical that allows you to feel full up! I personally have only lost weight on the breakup diet ! Going from a 16 to a size 8 but that was years ago and like you I couldn’t see how skinny I was ! Thanks for sharing your personal story ☺️
Really good analysis of our relationship with food. I went through very similar issues and recognised an awful lot of the impulses and motivations described in your piece. Like you I got through it, but you never completely leave it behind. For many who go through eating disorders there is recovery, at least to some degree, and I always feel so deeply sorry for those who don't make it. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Brilliant piece of writing, Sharon. I've always been relatively slim, but I lost far too much weight in the early 80s during a modelling stint when I kept being told I was too fat. When I look at photos from then I can see how wrong they were, I was a stick, and survived on tomatoes and avocados. Mad. Now I'm 63, and I was on cortisone for my IBD for quite a few months last year and my weight went up up up and I hate it. I think it's terrible how much pressure we put on ourselves over our weight, yet despite feeling this way, I'm desperate to lose these extra kilos. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs, Francesca
Thanks so much for reading Francesca, and for sharing your experience. I often joke that I can’t wait to be a ‘little old lady’ cos that’s when I’ll ‘let myself go’ - but in reality we never get to the age when size no longer matters.
Thanks for sharing this Sharon. It’s something that affects so many ppl. I grew up with the diet culture of the 80s and 90s plus the “heroin chic” look we all aspired to - no boobs or bum! I’m glad you have a better relationship with food now ♥️
Thanks Sara - yes the heroin chic look of the 90's really took the diet culture to another level. Attaining a look that was virtually impossible (for mere normals).
This is a beautifully written and honest reflection on your relationship with food and your struggles with weight!! All I can say is “Thank goodness for the very hot Drama teacher ☺️” His video may have saved you 👏👏
Felt every word of this as a teenage girl who also loves cooking and baking!! Constantly in scrutiny of my body since literally the age of 12… social media has added more and more fuel to the already raging fire unfortunately☹️ Thankfully gym and focusing on a good nourishing diet (with lots of yummy treats of course) is slowly a healing it. Thanks so much for this post I loved it!!
Jess! Great to hear your (younger) take on the subject. Like you say, there is still just as much scrutiny and pressure to fit a certain ideal. It’s only the platform that’s changed. Thanks so much for reading x
Oh Sharon. This is so good and relatable. I was referred to as a small tank when I was younger. I always asked my mom if I was fat? Her response, a bit of a dismissal “you’re just healthy.” I agonized to shrink myself not just my body.
I loved it when the it came out, “girls just wanna have fun.”
A very thoughtful piece Sharon. I’m sorry you went through it. I can relate to so much, even the orange teddy in the picture, as I had the same one. The 80s were harsh but sadly I think so we’re the 90s.
There’s so much pressure on girls and women in particular to look a certain way. I know that I still judge myself now. That internal voice never quite shuts up I just ignore it now.
How lovely that we had the same teddy. Yes the diet industry had a hold through into the 90s too, as you say. So many of us, a certain age, went through a similar experience. Thanks so much for your support in sharing this piece Margaret.
Can relate - those ‘big boned’ comments and ‘ you’ve put a bit of meat on’ so devastating and damaging for our generation. I share a similar story -
Having a teenage daughter I see that her experience is more positive -
Also recognise the pressure on ‘menopause’ women to muscle up and tone up all over social media.
We can’t seem to ever escape it!!
Loved reading this and again so many similarities that we could never share at the time! Really nice to be able to do this now! Thank you for your writing! It’s almost therapy!💕
You're bang on there, re. the menopause. I always say that I look forward to the time when I can just get fat and eat cakes all day and no-one would care - but I don't think that will ever be likely! x
I’ve never managed to diet , the constant food noise is in my head , we now know so much more about genetics role in how we eat and that some people don’t produce that natural chemical that allows you to feel full up! I personally have only lost weight on the breakup diet ! Going from a 16 to a size 8 but that was years ago and like you I couldn’t see how skinny I was ! Thanks for sharing your personal story ☺️
Thanks Francis - yes, heartbreak really is the best diet - sadly. We really don't see the drastic change at the time, eh.
Really good analysis of our relationship with food. I went through very similar issues and recognised an awful lot of the impulses and motivations described in your piece. Like you I got through it, but you never completely leave it behind. For many who go through eating disorders there is recovery, at least to some degree, and I always feel so deeply sorry for those who don't make it. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank-you Jules.
Brilliant piece of writing, Sharon. I've always been relatively slim, but I lost far too much weight in the early 80s during a modelling stint when I kept being told I was too fat. When I look at photos from then I can see how wrong they were, I was a stick, and survived on tomatoes and avocados. Mad. Now I'm 63, and I was on cortisone for my IBD for quite a few months last year and my weight went up up up and I hate it. I think it's terrible how much pressure we put on ourselves over our weight, yet despite feeling this way, I'm desperate to lose these extra kilos. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs, Francesca
Thanks so much for reading Francesca, and for sharing your experience. I often joke that I can’t wait to be a ‘little old lady’ cos that’s when I’ll ‘let myself go’ - but in reality we never get to the age when size no longer matters.
Never!!! It’s mad!
Thanks for sharing this Sharon. It’s something that affects so many ppl. I grew up with the diet culture of the 80s and 90s plus the “heroin chic” look we all aspired to - no boobs or bum! I’m glad you have a better relationship with food now ♥️
Thanks Sara - yes the heroin chic look of the 90's really took the diet culture to another level. Attaining a look that was virtually impossible (for mere normals).
oh The Green Goddess - Lizzie - me too!
Thanks for reading, and for sharing Cherry.
This is a beautifully written and honest reflection on your relationship with food and your struggles with weight!! All I can say is “Thank goodness for the very hot Drama teacher ☺️” His video may have saved you 👏👏
Funny Di. I owe it all to Mr Jones! Yes that was really his name…
Felt every word of this as a teenage girl who also loves cooking and baking!! Constantly in scrutiny of my body since literally the age of 12… social media has added more and more fuel to the already raging fire unfortunately☹️ Thankfully gym and focusing on a good nourishing diet (with lots of yummy treats of course) is slowly a healing it. Thanks so much for this post I loved it!!
Jess! Great to hear your (younger) take on the subject. Like you say, there is still just as much scrutiny and pressure to fit a certain ideal. It’s only the platform that’s changed. Thanks so much for reading x
This was an amazing piece shaz! X
Oh Sharon. This is so good and relatable. I was referred to as a small tank when I was younger. I always asked my mom if I was fat? Her response, a bit of a dismissal “you’re just healthy.” I agonized to shrink myself not just my body.
I loved it when the it came out, “girls just wanna have fun.”
Great peace / piece.
Thanks Prajna - there's many who can relate!
A courageous piece of writing - thank you for sharing Sharon.
Thanks Susan
Great piece, Sharon. Resonates so much. Thanks for the shout out!
Thanks Wendy - and for the share. We spoke of this previously but it's taken me a little while to put together. I'm glad you enjoyed.
This is beautifully honest Sharon - I'm so glad you had that epiphany. Those cakes looks incredible!
Thanks so much Faith - and for the share x
A very thoughtful piece Sharon. I’m sorry you went through it. I can relate to so much, even the orange teddy in the picture, as I had the same one. The 80s were harsh but sadly I think so we’re the 90s.
There’s so much pressure on girls and women in particular to look a certain way. I know that I still judge myself now. That internal voice never quite shuts up I just ignore it now.
How lovely that we had the same teddy. Yes the diet industry had a hold through into the 90s too, as you say. So many of us, a certain age, went through a similar experience. Thanks so much for your support in sharing this piece Margaret.
Can relate - those ‘big boned’ comments and ‘ you’ve put a bit of meat on’ so devastating and damaging for our generation. I share a similar story -
Having a teenage daughter I see that her experience is more positive -
Also recognise the pressure on ‘menopause’ women to muscle up and tone up all over social media.
We can’t seem to ever escape it!!
Loved reading this and again so many similarities that we could never share at the time! Really nice to be able to do this now! Thank you for your writing! It’s almost therapy!💕
You're bang on there, re. the menopause. I always say that I look forward to the time when I can just get fat and eat cakes all day and no-one would care - but I don't think that will ever be likely! x
Women waste whole lifetimes obsessing over calories and weight - quite sad really.
God I want to do that chilli chocolate cupcake thing. I appreciate that's not the point of the post (which is excellent, of course!)