Sunday 23 September 2018

Agree or disagree?

Somewhere over the week-end, in some supplement or other, I have read that the model Kate Moss said something along the lines of 'no food tastes as good as staying slim feels' or words to that effect.

Do you agree with this sentiment?   It gets harder and harder to resist food as we get older I think.
Do you have certain foods which you find almost irresistible -?   Crisps. certain sweets, chocolate, nibbles?   Or even meals like fish and chips,  shepherd's pie, egg and chips?

And yet we all know how health-wise it is sensible to eat well but eat less as we age, sensible to keep our weight to a manageable level when we can perforce exercise less.

Balancing these things out is a problem, not made easier by living alone, when loneliness in the evenings often urges one to nip to the cupboard and find some comfort food.   And before anyone says it doesn't matter, at our age one should eat what one chooses to eat, I must remind you that for every pound one adds to one's weight four pounds extra pressure is put on one's joints.   My arthritis ankles make it difficult for me to walk in any case - I cannot afford health-wise to gain any weight at all, however much I desire to have this 'don't care attitude.

Going off my legs completely is a real possibility so if you give your opinion on here then please don't tell me it doesn't matter because I know that in my case it really does.




30 comments:

Heather said...

I don't agree with Kate Moss at all on this. I would say that no food tastes as good as that one has cooked for oneself, unless one is treated to a Michelin star menu!!
As we get older it is vital for so many parts of our body to at least try to keep our weight under control. I was a comfort eater for many years and have recently found the willpower to do something about it. I am very gently and steadily losing weight. That doesn't mean I am depriving myself of the odd treat - I even had a fish and chip supper last week.

Librarian said...

Yes, it matters. Not because we should all look like supermodels (we can not, and should not, and don't want to, really!), but because it really makes things so much easier if we are not overweight. Maintaining a reasonable level of mobility (which means also freedom!) is directly related to a person's weight. I am not even going to start on all the other health problems being overweight brings with it, such as high blood pressure, arteriosklerosis etc.
Again, the goal is not to LOOK a certain way, but to maintain one's health and ti feek reasibabky good in one's own body no matter how old we are.

I love chocolate, cheese, and many other "bad" foods, and I do like my cocktails on the weekend; even though I never get really drunk, I do drink alcohol on a more or less regular base. Also, I have between one and three cups of coffee every day. All not particularly healthy. But I have found a balance for me that allows me to eat (or drink) the bad stuff and still be reasonably fit. At 50, I have still at least 17 more years of work ahead, and I love being outdoors, walking, hiking, running - I would not be able to either work or enjoy my free time if I did not take proper care of myself.

diana said...

If I want to eat a little more then I try to walk a little more to balance it out.

Sue said...

Her famous quote was 'Nothing tastes as good, as skinny feels'.

While it might suit her, I occasionally like to sit and eat a good slice of pizza or pig out with crisp butties instead of a balanced and healthy meal. I think it should be everything in moderation, or a little bit of what you fancy does you good.

As long as days eating 'treat' type foods are balanced out with days of healthy goodness there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Do what suits you and enjoy it, but keep an eye on weight for the sake of your ankles :-)

Catriona said...

That’s the motto of one of the slimming clubs and I hearitily disagree with it. Healthy mind in a healthy body are promoted by good, addituve free food and as much exercise as you can. As I have seen pictures of her smoking, she should maybe consider the unhealthiness of that habit before she preaches about food!!

Derek Faulkner said...

The regular saying "everything in moderation", just about covers it. I keep an eye on saturated fat amounts in food but that's about it, although I rarely eat chocolate or sweets or cakes. I am however a constant nibbler between meals, especially biscuits and do have a drop of alcohol most days. But I don't put on weight which is pleasing.

Wilma said...

I love food; it is one of the great pleasures of my life. I also love being active; another great pleasure. I do feel somewhat sorry for Kate Moss if she has never been able to give herself over to the joy of food; but her career is based on her looks, so I do understand that she must guard her livelihood carefully. Now that I am in my mid-60s, i have to choose what I eat and how much of it I do eat more carefully. My livelihood, doesn't depend on it, but the quality of my life now and in the future does. I make a real effort to only eat food I enjoy and to make sure that I enjoy food that is healthy for me. I do have a broad definition of healthy! Food for thought, Weaver. Food for thought.

Wilma said...

Wilma again. I went from your blog straight to this one: https://www.angry-chef.com/blog/meat-is/. The Angry Chef is a wonderful blogger and writer. His subject this time is so much in line with what your question of whether or not we agree with Kate Moss, that I felt compelled to provide a link to it. Look past the cursing, if that bothers you.

Rachel Phillips said...

Anyone old enough knows about what to eat and how much to eat and that should cover it.

Bea said...

I used to love sugary foods. Now, after having cut back on such things, I seem to want them less and, when I have them, don't seem to enjoy them nearly as much.

donna baker said...

Do as I say, not as I do, but I like to follow this tip. Don't put anything in my mouth that isn't to die for. It really has to be worth it for it to go in my mouth; no so so or simply edible, but mouthwateringly delicious.

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

Our old Weightwatchers coach used to say 'nothing tastes as good as slim feels. Whilst I like keeping my weight under control, I believe 'everything in moderation'. And Weightwatchers agrees, nothing is off limits, you count it and allow for it.

Joanne Noragon said...

I think it's more a case of "no food tastes as good as feeling well." Knowing the difference can keep you honest and on your feet!

Sandi said...

Modern problems... ;-) People used to work really hard to find enough food and some still do. Most of us in the West work really hard not to.

I am with you. Less weight makes everything easier.

the veg artist said...

This is a very old comment, and it is only in the news now as she was asked in a recent interview if she still thought that. She said not, and that she had never really meant it - it was just something her gang of friends said to each other when they were tempted by the cake tin or something. She welcomed the diversity in modelling these days, with lots of body types in the modelling world.
Does anyone remember the 'moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips' saying that was around years ago? Same thing really.
The only foods that are really not safe if I'm around are crisps. Everything else, I can keep to mealtimes, and don't have a sweet tooth. Christmas chocolates last until Easter in this house!

Rambler said...

I try to eat sensibly for the sake of my health, not to be slim (I never will be slim 'cos there are too many lumps and rolls for that.)
But now and again I really crave something 'naughty' - so I have something chocolatey or cakey, enjoy every mouthful, then get back on the wagon of sensible eating. At our age, we deserve an occasional treat.

Amy said...

You know, I'm of the opinion that you only live once so why not enjoy it, if being slim and hungry works for her so be it, it doesn't work for all of us though. I think everything in moderation is the key.

Hilary said...

I am 71 years old and I’ve lost 30 lbs since February
Yes, on purpose.
I feel so much better
My knees don’t hurt anymore
My reflux is gone
I feel healthy
I love it

Alphie Soup said...

If anything was at the top of an irresistible list for me, it would be chocolate.
Alphie

Cro Magnon said...

Good food and drink should be one of life's real pleasures. I'm afraid Ms Moss would never be welcome here.

Jennyff said...

I’d side with the skinnies, too much weight is such a modern day problem and to me it seems selfish to put your own health at such risk and expect our NHS shoulder the cost. All the government measures like restaurants displaying calorie counts in menus are feeble attempts to address this and the trend to celebrate large bodies is ridiculous in a world where so many people don’t have enough.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you that of course it's important to stay a sensible weight as one ages. As you say our bodies become frailer and our muscles weaken so we need to do what we can to remain healthy and independent. It really is a case of use it or lose it.
Almost 3 years ago Ilona ( Life after Money) set up a challenge to walk 1000 miles a year. We are lucky enough to be fir enough to take up this challenge and since then, with the odd exception for illness etc, have walked at least 3 miles a day. We feel much better for it both mentally and physically.
As far as treats are concerned we have a small amount of chocolate with a cup of tea in the afternoon around 4 pm.
This might be 10 Minstrels or 8 squares of a chocolate bar. I don't need much to feel I’ve had a treat.
We never have pudding, other than a piece of fruit, unless we have visitors.
I think that denying oneself everything just makes the craving worse and then one truly over eats.
Sue

Bovey Belle said...

How to stop eating a biscuit in mid-bite!!! I am overweight but still try to eat sensibly and exercise. It's difficult when we are out at a Fair for the day though, especially if it is cold and when you are sat around bored, nibbling happens . . . The trouble is our body is programmed to eat plenty of salt and sugar as in prehistory such things were hard to come by and so the body is prompted to eat for more - apparently! That's something I read 20 years ago when on my degree course, and I'm not sure how valid that is. My favourite indulgence would be some Munchies. I like the caramel interior.

Tom Stephenson said...

You can become obsessed with staying slim in the same way that you can become obsessed with food. Both can become mental illnesses. I think people feel at their best when they are not mentally ill.

thelma said...

Think Tom says it all. Kate Moss is in the lucrative business of selling clothes, the rest of us have to find our way round eating sensibly. My weakness is chocolate and even that can be good for you!

lin said...

Ive osteoporosis diagnosed a few years ago at just over 50.Being skinny is a real no no for me although a few pounds wouldnt hurt...
There is a lovely lady in my village aged 104 , she doesn't like chicken , likes mince and sweet things..

EM Griffith said...

Grandma Grif lived to be 100 yrs. old. She was never obese, nor thin. Grandma called herself "fluffy" and lived by the motto of "GCS"... good, common sense. She'd have 3 vegetable and 2 fruit servings per day, some dairy and some meat, and then whatever else she wanted. A man she called "Hamburger Bob" brought her a burger every Sunday that she'd cut in half, eating some that day and some the next. Another fellow brought her a few slices of pizza every month, and the "Candy Lady" always made sure she had a box of chocolates. "Everything in moderation," Grandma would say. It seemed to work for her, but she never drank alcohol and never smoked. Not once in her long lifetime.

SusanM said...

We are making some big changes to our diet and lifestyle. I have always cooked healthy meals from scratch, including bread, and we don't eat out or eat takeaways. Puddings are an occasional treat. I walk regularly. However, two months ago, my husband who is only 52, suffered a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest. He spent a month in hospital and had a triple bypass. It's going to be a long recovery and he is now at higher risk of it happening again. If only we could see what is going on inside our bodies!

Granny Sue said...

Cannot resist fruits! I would probably live on them if I could. As for eating/slimness--I have so many friends on a wide variety of diets, from vegetarian to vegan to paleo to keto (is that the right spelling?) to one man who said he eats nothing but tuna for a week, then nothing but cabbage, then nothing but steak and so on. Then there's the lactose intolerant, gluten allergic, and on and on and on. I have no opinion on any of them; I've been this same size + or - 20 pounds for at least 20 years and no diet seems to have much effect. Right now I'm on the minus end and that feels pretty nice. I feel good, bp and health tests are all good, so I'm happy. I eat out seldom, eat homegrown mostly, and few sweets since hubby is diabetic, drink in moderation, and enjoy life hugely.

Midmarsh John said...

I was rapidly approaching 13 stone so I cut out my favourite choccy biscuits. I had also started to get hooked on Quavers so I've stopped ordering those. Not having them in the cupboard tempting me is the only way. Pleased to say I have got most of the way to my goal of being just under 12 stone. As my mother used to say, 'A little of what you fancy does you good.' but like you, being just me and the four legged boss can lead to temptation on long dark nights. (food snacking temptation that is)