Week 1: Meet Kate! She’s ready to give up scones and get Skinny

One of New York’s most idolized Brits infamously said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” And although Kate Moss received more backlash for this statement than Elliot Spitzer did for engaging in – ahem – foul play, I am beginning to think that not only was she misunderstood, but she actually had a point.

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m (also) Kate: a five-foot-one-inch, twenty-something, pleasantly plump college grad who, in effort to delay the real world (and avoid the job market) moved from my hometown of New York City to London, England. People have often praised my confidence for taking the plunge and relocating to a new country by myself. But if you want the truth, I, like most women, have insecurities that are at times paralyzing, debilitating, and almost always rooted in the dissatisfaction I have with my body.

It wasn’t always this way however. I spent most of my tween years basking in the glory of skinny-dom, weighing a mere 90 pounds and indulging each morning with a Bacon Egg & Cheese from the local deli. But inevitably puberty got the best of me, and it felt as if all the baby fat of my formerly round peers had fallen from their tummies and settled onto my ass. And hips. And even formed a fun new body part called love handles.

Not much has changed since then, except for freshman year of college when I gained even more weight. And though I accepted my reality, I hated it.

Name a diet, any diet. I’ve tried it. I’ve gone weeks without so much as looking at a carbohydrate and depleted my daily calorie intake to triple digits. I’ve dabbled in different exercise regimens and even subscribed to veganism. I’ve read books, used online programs, attended weekly meetings, and never once did the “results” justify the agony.

Like a true New Yorker, I became cynical.

But moving to London offered me a new beginning. And coincidentally, a week before I left, my stepmother booked me an appointment with a new nutritionist—one Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of The F-Factor Diet, founder of Skinny, and now my personal weight-loss coach and cheerleader. Though I understandably was a diet-skeptic before I crossed the pond, I was amenable to what Tanya had to say in our first meeting. Our conversation was emotional, dredging up ten years worth of demons regarding my weight. But for the first time in years, I felt equipped to tackle my struggle, with confidence, motivation, and hope.


So here my voyage to London and Skinniness begins. While I’m here, I’ll check in with Tanya over e-mail and telephone every week in order to finally succeed in finding the skinny girl inside of me. I know this will be a challenge in England, The Land of Bread and Beer. But I am determined to return to New York in six months looking sexy as hell, responding to compliments with something like, “Do I look thinner? I didn’t even notice!”

And now, ignited by this opportunity, I can truly understand what Kate Moss’ words meant: to her, nothing compares to feeling good about herself. Now I know in life, our looks shouldn’t be the thing that makes us happy, but I am sure as hell that it shouldn’t make us sad. So I agree with Kate. And in London, I am going to pass on the scones and breads and biscuits. Because in doing that I am one step closer to overcoming my insecurities about my body. And nothing is more delicious than feeling fabulous.

LEAVE A NOTE OF INSPIRATION: Kate will thank you!

Comments (45)

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Friday February 19, 2010 Karen Pierce wrote:

... Katie, you are ALL THAT!!! You GO girl! You are such an awesome writer and an inspiration to all of us!

Love you!

Friday February 19, 2010 sarah wrote:

... You are amazing, you can do it Katie!!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Bea wrote:

... Hey Kate! You can do it.

I started my "new way of eating" 3 weeks ago & already lost 5.8 lbs..

Lots of luck!

Friday February 19, 2010 Robyn wrote:

... Good Luck Kate.....I love the fact that you set a realistic goal. From one redhead to another.....best wishes on your journey. I look forward to watching the weekly progress and look forward with anticipation to your success.

Friday February 19, 2010 Rebecca wrote:

... Hi Kate, it's so nice to meet you! You wrote a great introduction and touched on a lot of things that I can relate to. I'm also amazed by you taking the plunge and moving abroad, and I really admire you for it! Good luck on your journey towards healthier living and remember that your readers will be here with you every step of the way to cheer you on!

Friday February 19, 2010 evelyn koganti wrote:

... I hear you sister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have all have been there and done that! I wish you all the best and let me tell you nothing feels better than slipping into some skinny jeans. Take one day at a time and if you screw up one day pick up right where you left off! Please do keep us posted! Good luck!!!!!!!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Mattison wrote:

... Kate, I can't wait to hear of your progress and all the things you learn along the way. I too am working on changing habits and creating new, healthy habits that last a lifetime- and not just eating habits, but empowering thought patterns as well. I am excited for you and I know you will prevail! :)

Friday February 19, 2010 shashan wrote:

... Kate, I'm a psychic and I have good news for you!! You will go BEYOND your goal and lose all the weight!! This I can assure you. Have fun!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Dianne wrote:

... Good Luck, Kate. 3 friends and I started The Game On Diet on 2/1 and are now in week #3 and a size smaller clothes. We email ALL day to each other and give words of encouragement and discuss the challenges we are experiencing. It has been great. None of us are sappy but we have added sappy into the mix just to lighten things. If you have girlfriends that are joining you on your journey, the continuous emails and texts are so much fun and keep us on track. Good luck to you and can't wait to see your progress.
Dianne (from Texas).

Friday February 19, 2010 Megan wrote:

... Living abroad is such a life-changing experience- what a great time to make positive changes in your life :-) London has lots of vegetarian fare - I bet you will find lots of healthy options!
(www.runnerskitchen.com)

Friday February 19, 2010 Anjie Gagliani wrote:

... Hi Kate! I really enjoyed your first article. I especially appreciated your comments about Kate Moss's quote - I share your opinion that its meaning was misunderstood. I wish you the best of luck in your new life in London and with your weight loss venture. I'm cheering for you! :)

Friday February 19, 2010 Tracy wrote:

... Thanks for being brave enough to share your experiences with all of us! I will be cheering for you! For someone who has struggled all of her life with her weight, it makes me glad to know I'm not alone! Thanks again!

Friday February 19, 2010 Julie wrote:

... Congrats on getting started! I've put on 30lbs since having to stop working...good ole fibromyalgia. I was always the skinny one at work and had lots of beautiful clothes. Now I have very little that fits. I'm struggling with eating less. Exercise is up and down; again, due to the fibro. I really hope you succeed; I'm rooting for ya!

Friday February 19, 2010 Irene Kostko wrote:

... I'm in this with you Pretty Girl! Good luck & much willpower to us!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Camille wrote:

... Kate!
I cant believe how much I connected with your story. I have felt the same way about having insecurities that are at times paralyzing, debilitating, and almost always rooted in the dissatisfaction I have with my body. Doesnt it sound silly to have this be the way we are living? Yes of course it does, but it is TRUE. To have you read my mind and know that I wasn't out there alone is really an inspiration. I look forward to hearing about your progress along the way!

Friday February 19, 2010 Desiree Brown wrote:

... At 5'2" 144 lbs, I understand your chubby plight. I have felt the stigma of ill fitting jeans and too tight around the arms shirts, and at 35 (almost 36) I am sick of it. I am starting a life-over weight-loss journey of my own and hope to lose 20lbs myself. I hope your reach your goal weight and become the best you possible.

Good Luck MATE!!!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Tonya wrote:

... I'm rootin for you Kate!!!
I too, like soooo many others, struggle with my weight. Only I am taller [5'10"] and can & do carry alot more. =[
I changed my eating & exercising 2 weeks ago, I know I have lost something because my clothes are fitting better, however I cannot bring myself to step on a scale!
You go Girl!!!

Friday February 19, 2010 Kate wrote:

... Good luck.. I feel your pain. I need to lose 30 lbs. I start Monday.

Friday February 19, 2010 Debbie wrote:

... Kate - I know exactly how you feel. I too am 5'1" and two years ago I weight 154.6 pds....not a pretty picture. After going to Weight Watchers (since January 2008) I am down to a healthy 109.6 pounds and much happier. There were a lot of tempations along the way but with the help & encouragement of my husband I reached my goal and surpassed it. I thought I would never get to weight again....after having two kids (who are adults now) and becoming less active I put on the weight. Like you I was under 100 pounds through my teens & early 20's. I know you can do it.....stick to your goals and don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Don't let anyone force you to eat anything you don't truely want. What I learned in Weight Watchers is that I am in control of what goes into my mouth. You can do this....good luck, it is going to be a challenge no matter what country you are living in. :)

Friday February 19, 2010 debra powers wrote:

... Good for you! Moderation is good. Remember' this is part of making yourself feel _good!

Friday February 19, 2010 Melissa wrote:

... Kate! You are an inspiration. Thank you for your awesome first post. I look forward to taking this journey with you both through your journals and as a fellow dieter/changer of all things negative regarding my body. I have 2 months to continue to lose 25 more lbs. (down 12 since the middle of Jan) for my trip to the Bahamas. You can do this for yourself! Remember, you are NEVER alone, and we are all here cheering you on to achieve the best you possible! Go girl! And have an amazing adventure in London.

Friday February 19, 2010 Angie wrote:

... Go Kate! You're fabulous and brave and about to find out how much being absolutely happy with yourself will change your life!

Friday February 19, 2010 Donna wrote:

... Hi Kate,
Just want to wish you good luck on your weight loss. Woo-hoo, you go girl!

Donna

Friday February 19, 2010 Laurie wrote:

... That hair! That smile! That great attitude!
You will knock 'em dead in London and everywhere you go, especially if you love yourself from the inside out.

Friday February 19, 2010 Jenn wrote:

... Hi Kare,

I spent my 20's and early 30's with free reign over food. My weight was steady and after starting to work from home in 2002 I added cardio and weights to my schedule and got into the 130's and looked and felt great. Then I got pregnant. Welcome to 198 which is what i weighed in at the day my son was born. I am back down to 160 but like you I too feel that enough is enough and I am fed up with the slow drip weight loss I have accomplished in my son's 4 years on the planet. I want to be back in my feel good enjoying life form by his 5th birthday in December. I'll keep an eye on your progress and share mine along the way. I hear you I understand and I applaud you, now if i can only join you on the other side of goal weight.

Friday February 19, 2010 Karen wrote:

... I'm am so proud of you Kate. You are doing the right thing and I am also working to lose weight. At first I set a ridiculas goal. Once I realized that I have to take baby steps, I gained a little more confidence. I look forward to joining you on this journey. You have so many that support you and maybe we can all support each other. Good luck everyone that is trying to lose weight. Lets work together and make it fun.

Friday February 19, 2010 Suzie wrote:

... Hey there-

I like your outlook, attitude and sense of adventure! I too am hoping to lose 20 pounds and I am inspired to start this adventure with you. Best of luck to us both...I know we can succeed just in time for summer~ cheers, Suzie

Saturday February 20, 2010 Lauren wrote:

... hi katie

loved the blog. you obviously have inherited your dad's writing talent. you go girl!!!
i am going to try to get back on the wagon and ride along with you!

xo

lauren (margie's friend)

Saturday February 20, 2010 Renee wrote:

... Hi Kate!
Congrats on your new personal stance to regain what you know you want your physical form to be. I also have been moved across the globe, but over the other pond. We're stationed until this summer in Japan. White rice prevails here the way reduction sauces do in England. I've recently completed a nutrition course, and am now embarking on my Body-for-LIFE 12-week challenge. It's insane, but worth it.

So, from one embarker in an overseas voyage to another, welcome to the rest of our healthier, sleeker lives! :)

Renee

Saturday February 20, 2010 Stefanie wrote:

... What a great attitude and outlook you have Kate and thank you for taking us on your journey. You are very inspiring and I know you can achieve your goals. I can't wait for updates, and good luck.

Saturday February 20, 2010 Glenda wrote:

... Hi Kate,

You are doing the right things! You're motivated to lose weight, get in shape and your mind set! Exercise, plenty of water, and sensible eating. Good luck and you will look fabulous when you return to NY.

Saturday February 20, 2010 Nahila wrote:

... I love you and you are the shiznit! SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!
xoxoxoxxo

Saturday February 20, 2010 Nahila wrote:

... PS DONT FORGET I AM DOING THIS CAUSE OF YOU 12LBS SINCE JAN 25TH AND 20 TO GO......YIPPETTYYYYYYYY DOOO!

Saturday February 20, 2010 Adriana wrote:

... Way to go Katie! What a great & healthy attitude! I just started the F Factor diet last week, thanks to Leslie & Nahila, & am LOVING IT! Not hungry for the first time in I don't know how long!

In any case, enjoy your time in London & good luck with your diet goals. And when we see each other in the Hamptons this summer, we will both be looking & feeling FABULOUS!

xx
Adriana

Saturday February 20, 2010 Beth wrote:

... Kate!

Congratulations on such a big step! I too am on F-factor and in my first week I lost 5lbs. I completely get what you are saying about Kate Moss, although I get concerned when she 100% has weight issues above and beyond what you and I have... and agreeing with her just does not sound very healthy to me using. When she was someone who almost killed herself over it.

Yes, while our goals should be to feel good about who we are ... feel good in our own skin... they should not be to need other people to complement us on it... or you will always be looking for that gratification and when you don't get it you will binge or find something else to heal the wound.

I have struggled with weight my entire life at 35 I am finally coming into my own after just having 2 kids back 2 back. I have 15 more lbs to go I started at 60lbs a year ago after my daughter was born. It has been a long drawn out story and I am ready for an ending to it! With that said, I have also learned from Tanya how two maintain this once I am at my goal weight .... you can have the scones and beer again you just need to balance it out!

I wish you much success and hope you feel incredible once you achieve your goals!!!

xoxoxo

Sunday February 21, 2010 Christine wrote:

... Hi Kate,

I am the same height as you and I started at about the same weight as you plus about two pounds! I have struggled like you ever since I hit puberty! I have tried many diets, i have a personal trainer! I am now down 10 pounds and I have about 13 to 18 pounds to go till my goal! Loosing weight is one of the toughest things in life it is more mental then anything! I wish you the best of luck on your journey I am rooting for you and you motivate me to keep going I am not the only one who struggles with my weight! Good luck!

Sunday February 21, 2010 Susan Slutsky wrote:

... Great article! Love you and miss you. Margie got me hooked too!

Sunday February 21, 2010 Miki wrote:

... I'm so pleased that you have a sensible goal weight and are not trying to be one of the anorexic looking women so popular in the media. Congratulations and God bless!

Sunday February 21, 2010 Gabriella wrote:

... Hi Kate!
Wow I think you're really brave publicly showing how you feel about your weight goals. I hope you achieve your goal soon! Good luck Kate, you inspired me.

Monday February 22, 2010 Lana wrote:

... Way to go Kate! I wish you luck and strength to achieve your goals, you are very very pretty and I beleive nothing will stop you from becoming fabulous:)

Monday February 22, 2010 Kristen Echols wrote:

... You expressed EXACTLY how I feel about my weight journey...there hasn't been one "program" that has been left out for me. You really touched my heart and made me feel like I have a soul sister somewhere out there in England. All the best of luck to you--you are a great writer.

Thanks,
Kristen

Thursday February 25, 2010 Nick wrote:

... Katie London needs you!

Great writing style hope you hit your targets!

Thursday February 25, 2010 Claire Chazen wrote:

... Katie amazing article. I know I speak for all your sisters state side when I say I am so proud of you!
MLABTG, Claire

Thursday February 25, 2010 Carrie Keziah wrote:

... You can do it!!!

Monday March 8, 2010 joan morgan wrote:

... Katie, you are already fabulous. But feeling good in your own skin is pricelss. It is empowering to have control and not be controlled by food. I know of what I speak. It is a day to day challenge for me as well. And finding the right balance helps so many other things fall in line. Much love and support. Joan

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