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A Review of ABC Family Show Huge by Angela & Elizabeth

Posted in Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Entertainment, Family & Friends, Fitness & Health, Food, Inspiration, Media, My Story, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, TV with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 14, 2010 by Liz

 

We watched Episode 3 of HUGE Monday night and we loved it! There is so much going on with the various characters and we love the way the story line is unfolding. HUGE is great because it has depth, covers real issues, has no limits, the characters are completely relatable, and the writers handle the issues in a positive and healthy way.

The characters are lovable with distinct and unique personalities that show real individual and societal complexities. We like that. That is what makes the show so relatable. Most people have been made fun of or have felt insecure at some point in their life. Every person is complex and has a story to tell; no matter what age, size, color, or shape they may be.

Episode 3 brought Angela and I to tears a few times. We have both felt insecure at times, have been made fun of, laughed at, ignored, or ridiculed; it hurts. As mothers, we have both had to deal with our children being teased, left out, and have heard other parents disturbing stories. It’s hard to see your child being teased, left out, or hurting. We know it’s inevitable and part of life. It’s so important for parents to be there for their children, be their number one supporter, and to help them deal with real life issues.

We love at the end of Episode 3, when the kids discuss their issues amongst themselves, make amends, and raise their flags in surrender. It takes a strong person to admit they are wrong. What a wonderful example to set for the viewers.

At the end of the episode the head counselor, Dorothy, asks everyone to hold up their white flag and says,

“So much of the time it feels like we are at war. Every day is a battle we have to win. But, what if we stop fighting? Is it even possible to stop attacking other people and ourselves, and just surrender… I surrender.”

Then Dorothy and everyone else threw their flags in the fire while saying they surrender.

No matter where you go, there will always be a fight to fight. But, to surrender, to live life, to accept what you have, to be who you are, and to be proud of that – no one can take that away. When they all waved their flags and surrendered that was a powerful moment. If we could all do that – surrender, it would make a big difference.

2 Comments »

What Is Your Reaction to ABC Family’s Show Huge? Here is Our Reaction…

Posted in Body Image, Eating Disorders, Entertainment, Family & Friends, Fitness & Health, Food, Inspiration, News, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, TV, Unique Beauty, Your Story with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2010 by Liz

When we first saw the advertisement for the ABC Family’s show “Huge” and watched the 30-second preview trailer, we didn’t know what to expect. The advertising poster of Will, in her bathing suit looking insecure, embarrassed, and uncomfortable was concerning. She looked ashamed and as though she was trying to hide her body. We did not like the poster (see picture in below post). We knew it was probably a marketing strategy, but for us, as women who have both dealt with self-esteem and body image issues, it was a turn off.

Prior to the premiere, we talked with many women about their feeling regarding the show. Most of the women hoped for the same thing, for the show to go in a positive direction. We had our doubts, but we were cautiously optimistic. One of our initial concerns was that the writers would not incorporate loving yourself by being healthy and taking care of your body, but they did.

We love that the cast discussed real problems, issues, and feelings, such as being ashamed of having a muffin top, feeling “fat”, obsessing in the mirror, sneaking treats, idolizing pictures of other women, crushes, exercise, and dealing with friendship issues and eating disorders. These are all real issues teens and adults are dealing with. 

The characters all come from different backgrounds with unique emotional issues and everyone has a story to tell. The writers did a great job of setting up a myriad of story lines to grow from each of the characters. It will take a few episodes for the dialogue and story lines to flow, but the intentions look good.

We love that the show wasn’t glamorized or shown in a Hollywood style backdrop. The characters are struggling to embrace and love who they are, and they feel accessible. Everyone in the world, of every body type, has something they have struggled with or are currently struggling with. Some people admit their issues, while others try to hide their issues by painting a pretty picture. We love that the show is recognizing this. Some of the characters struggle to eat in moderation while others have different issues; like George who deals with his loss of hearing. The media play a big part in making celebrities look as if they have a perfect life, and so many people believe it! This show is a breath of fresh air.

We do have two concerns…

We feel that the bulimia/eating disorder issue was important and should have been handled differently and discussed further. They put a serious issue out there, avoided the problem, and then left it to fend for itself. That topic could have been an episode in itself we hope the topic will be discussed further in episode two.

One of the other things that bother us was that the “thin” trainer immediately came across as a negative character. We didn’t like that. We would like to see girls and women of different sizes coming together and helping each other in a kind, positive way. We definitely think bullying and mean girls should be discussed because that is reality, but we think they should go in a positive direction with the trainer. Maybe she had her own body image or self-esteem issues that give her the intense persona she has and that motivates her to help others overcome their issues. We hope they go in that direction. We don’t need any more dividing of supposed “thin” vs. “overweight” girls and women.

The concept of the show is a good start and it could be fantastic! We think the show is going in a great direction and that overall, it delivered!

*What did you think?

7 Comments »

ABC Family Show HUGE Premiers June 28th. Here’s More Information… Tell Us What You Think!

Posted in Body Image, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Entertainment, Family & Friends, Fitness & Health, Food, Inspiration, News, Self-Esteem, TV, Unique Beauty with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 25, 2010 by Liz

“Huge” is a new show that premieres Monday, June 28 at 9/8c on ABC Family. This show is getting a lot of media buzz and we are intrigued. With only a 30-second trailer to watch, it’s hard to tell exactly where the show will go, but we hope it’s in a good direction. 

“Huge” is based on author Sasha Paley’s book (with the same title), revolving around a group of teens from different backgrounds who are all enrolled at a weight loss camp for the summer. The characters deal with rivalry, rebellion, friendship, romance; and issues such as confidence, self-esteem, happiness, and body image.

The show is addressing some serious topics. We think it’s great to show what real kids and teens are going through, and we hope the show empowers and helps girls to love themselves for who they are. We also hope that the show promotes being physically healthy.

Obesity is a serious problem in the US. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 34% of Americans, ages twenty and older were obese and 17% percent of children ages, two through nineteen were obese in 2007-08. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.

We, at Plus-Size Models Unite, will be the first to say love your uniquely beautiful self for who you are, but we also want to promote being healthy. We definitely want women to live long, happy, healthy lives. Everyone has their own naturally healthy weight and that varies from woman to woman.  

We hope ”Huge” promotes being healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally! We have a feeling that the title, “Huge” refers to the fact that living healthy is a part of living your life to the fullest. At least, we hope so!

We’ll be blogging again on Monday right after the show airs. Stay tuned…

Here is the trailer:

What do you think about the show concept? What do you think of the title of the show? What do you think of the poster picture? If you watched the trailer, what is your reaction? Will you watch the show? What does being healthy mean to you?

Check out the official site for “Huge” at http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/huge and tell us what you think!

“Huge” has a Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/abcfamilyhuge?ref=search . When we wrote this piece, the fan page already had 14,779 fans. See what people are saying.

Become a Plus-Size Models Unite fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=112097992153305#!/pages/Plus-Size-Models-Unite/112097992153305?ref=ts

Plus-Size Models Unite is affiliated with the Actionist Network® a community of professionals committed to creating a nation of confident women and girls.

*Check your local listing for the show time for “Huge”. 

7 Comments »

Australian Model Penelope Benson Talks About Confidence, Beauty, Fashion, Modeling, Health, Body Image, and Much More!

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Australia, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, Eating Disorders, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Funny Experiences, Inspiration, Models, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty, Work with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 2, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Claudio Raschella

Penelope Benson is a plus model currently signed with BELLA models in Australia. She is twenty-three years old and she has been juggling full-time university with modeling for the past three years. Now that she has earned her degree, she plans to dedicate 2010 and onward to taking her modeling career as far as she can and she has plans to meet with international agents later this year.

Penelope is extremely lucky to work for both MYER and David Jones department stores, and plus-size brands such as Taking Shape 14+, BeMe, Free Woman, and Sara for EZIBUY. She has graced the pages of the highest selling fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Australian Women’s Weekly, Madison, Cosmopolitan, and Shop Til You Drop; just to name a few.

L’Oreal Fashion Festival Unzipped Parade wearing Rio Underwear. Photographed by Lucas Dawson.

Please tell us where you are from, and how you got started in the modeling business.

I’m from Kirribilli in Sydney, Australia. I started modeling by simply approaching BELLA Model Management about three years go. I still can’t believe I built up the courage to go meet with my agent, Chelsea Bonner; I think about it all the time. I actually use to feel funny about people knowing that I wasn’t ‘scouted’ so to speak.  I didn’t want people to think of me as vain or arrogant, but after a few years on the job, I’ve learnt that I have everything to be proud of by having the guts to stop just thinking about modeling and start doing it! It makes me happy and feel fulfilled as well as enabling me to figure out who I am, what I want and set goals to achieve it – just like anyone who is doing their dream job. Some people grow up wanting to be doctors, lawyers, designers, actors, etc… me? I want to model.

Are there any special projects that you are involved with that you would like us to tell the readers about?

I am actually involved in something but it’s not my project to spill the beans over just yet.

Photographed by Paul Suesse

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues in the past? If so, how did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

Absolutely. I’ve struggled with my weight and self-esteem since I can remember. I’ve been to dietitians at two stages in my life (during school) to try to control my issues. As a teenager, I was always concerned and worried about how I looked. I was the tallest out of all of my gorgeous but naturally petite friends, so knew I stood out. I even stopped going to the beach for a whole summer with my mates because the thought of being in a bikini in public haunted me and I never wanted to be compared. My friends laugh about what I do now — seeing me down to my underwear in catalogues. Self-acceptance came over time. It’s obviously a personal journey. Now I can confidently say that I do not have a problem with the way my body looks in any way. I’m as comfortable in a cocktail dress as I am in my underwear, and if you stuck me in a room with a thousand eyes on me, I still wouldn’t have a problem. I know I’m healthy because I treat my body well and I LOVE having curves.

What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image?

Don’t let your life pass you by. If you want to be happy, have confidence and be proud of who you are. I will admit, from my own experiences, sometimes it feels good to self-pity and get down on yourself, especially when you’ve been in a rut for a while, but it’s only because you don’t have to try. Ultimately, you have to want to feel better and change things. I think one of the reasons that led me to my own personal acceptance was my desire to simply live a happy life and I think most people would be with me here. Life’s here for living, I know that if I didn’t take my own steps in growing then I wouldn’t be living out my dream right now. I never would have met with these incredible opportunities. Treat your body and mind well, and never give up on the search for your own happiness. Oh, and stand up straight and keep your shoulders back!

Photographed by Claudio Raschella

What does being healthy mean to you?

I think being healthy means knowing your body – respecting it but also never denying yourself. Along with eating nutritious food, I also believe exercise is a major part of the whole of healthiness. It really is essential, not just to expend energy created from food, but as a way of having better digestion and clearing the mind.

Out of all the places your modeling has taken you – where is the most memorable?

I just shot my first television commercial for Fine Form Lingerie and that was memorable! It’s quite different and challenging trying to move and pose at the same time! Another really memorable shoot was for Australian Women’s Weekly because I had wanted to shoot for David Gubert (http://www.davidgubert.com/) ever since I started modeling. I love his photographs and he always makes ladies look glowing and delicious. Lastly, a shoot that really had a huge effect on me was in 2008 for a MYER AW 09 catalogue. We shot and stayed in a small town called Marysville in Victoria. The place was so quaint but honestly breathtaking. Two months after we shot there, bush-fires swept through the whole area devastating everything in sight and killing over 250 residents. It seriously rocked me.

Photographed by Anna Bertalli

Where do you like to shop for clothes and who are your favorite designers?

I go to Cheap Monday for my jeans and pants because they go to my size, Nathan Smith for good cotton tee’s and tops, and David Jones for my shoes… I have a slight addiction to shoes.

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

Smashbox foundation primer and Giorgio Armani Hyrda Glow SPF 15 foundation are the best. I also love Lola by Marc by Marc Jacobs at the moment… oh, and last but definitely not least: Cetaphil face wash!

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

I walk/run 5 days a week. I don’t usually have time on weekends but I make time everyday to exercise for at least an hour. Some weeks I switch it up with swimming.

Do you have any funny or favorite modeling stories you would like to share?

Hmm… I’m always laughing and enjoying myself on the job! Actually, I got to carry a Chihuahua down the runway at a recent show for L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and it piddled all over my hands from shock!

Australian Womens Weekly shoot. Photographed by David Gubert.

Who do you consider a good role model or hero?

Career wise, the Crystal Renns and Tara Lynns of the world are earning some serious respect from me at the moment. However, closer to home, I would have to say the girls from my agency, both my agents and BELLA models because we’re all around each other so much and we’re all doing the same thing. All of us go to each other for advice and encouragement. We all want the same things and not only do we want them for ourselves, but we want them for each other. Even if only one of us succeeds, it’s a victory for us all and we know that. But, if you, the reader, are encouraged by me or this interview then you inspire me and you are my hero! I haven’t had the best role models or heroes in my life.  I’ve kind of had to figure it all out myself and be my own role model, in a sense. I’m lucky I found something that has brought out the best in me; it’s something I love and that I’m able to be paid for.

What are you excited about right now?

The future! I have so many things that I want to do. I feel like they are becoming more possible every day with plus-size models becoming ever more present in fashion magazines and advertising. I’m excited about taking work overseas. It’s a scary when I think about the likes of who I’ll be competing with, but I just see it as another challenge. If I never go, then I’ll never know!

*Thank you, Penelope!

**What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves? What is your favorite workout routine? Who do you consider a good role model or hero? What are you excited about right now?

13 Comments »

Hardy Girls Healthy Women Talks About Wilhelmina Model Sage Salzer, Societal Challenges, & Empowering Girls and Women

Posted in Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Models, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Unique Beauty with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 28, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Rick Day

At age 14, Sage Salzer, a California native, sent in her photo to a modeling competition. Winning a contract with a top modeling agency put Sage on what would become an increasingly narrow road as she struggled with unrealistic expectations of the industry. Now, twenty years later, Sage, a member of Hardy Girls Healthy Women’s (HGHW) National Advisory Board, is a successful plus-size model. We chatted with Sage about her journey and how she managed to put herself on a path that fits her stride much more naturally.

Sage modeled for a year after her win until she was 15 years old, but “from the very start, there was pressure to lose weight — the year was defined by dieting.” Sage’s early career had promise, but, in a business where success often comes at the price of happiness, a struggle with what was ultimately diagnosed as anorexia led Sage to make an exit. “I was really turned off by the fashion industry and felt like there really wasn’t a place for me there,” she told us.

“For over a decade, I spent a lot of time preoccupied, thinking that my weight was the problem. When I stopped fighting myself and got to a place where I was embracing myself, everything changed — that was the tipping point.” A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, Sage has been modeling off and on her whole life. Returning full-time to the profession has been rewarding for Sage on many levels, having found homes in the plus-size divisions of top modeling agencies all over the world: “It was so nice to finally fall into something that embraced me as much as I did it.” Sage’s modeling career is also a platform from which she hopes to mentor girls in the same position that she once was. And “hopefully,” says Sage, “the inclusion of more real-sized women in mainstream media (she cites Crystal Renn, America Ferrera, and Gabourey Sidibe as current fabulous examples) will continue to grow.”

Though Sage supports the increase of sample sizes, which are currently a size 0 and judged for their “hanger appeal” as opposed to the way that they fit on a real woman’s body, and hopes to see modeling embrace the full range of sizes (instead of the dichotomy between increasingly tiny “straight-size” and “plus-size” models), Sage asserts that “it’s not [solely] the fashion industry’s fault.” Citing problematic advertising and the importance of teaching media literacy in schools as other important factors, Sage notes that, “In the 60s, people admired Einstein and people who were making valuable contributions to society, and now we have actors who are our American royalty. Something is definitely wrong, and that’s why HGHW is so important.”

Hardy Girls Healthy Women sees the problems that girls face as reflective of broader societal challenges, making their work and mission distinct amid the many organizations that cater to women and girls. Rather than blame or try to “fix” girls, HGHW seeks to transform the culture by providing workshops and resources on media literacy and offering two curricula for adults working with girls. These strength-based curricula —From Adversaries to Allies and Becoming a Muse: A Facilitator’s Guide — were created to help adults develop hardiness zones — areas where girls and youth can thrive — in their own community.  This is achieved, in part, by fostering thoughtful criticism skills among girls living in a media-saturated world, an aspect that first attracted Sage to the organization.

As a constant proponent of healthy body image, Sage is a fabulous role model who continues to practice her ideals through service at HGHW and by spearheading a new campaign, Curves for Change. (Plus-Size Models Unite will be featuring Curves for Change and Wilhelmina model Julie Hendersom in the coming weeks.)

For more words of wisdom from Sage, be sure to check out her Facebook page, where she regularly posts awesome, informative content that calls conventional beauty standards into question.

*We want to thank Hearty Girls Healthy Women and Sage Salzer for creating positive programs and experiences for girls and women. Hardy Girls Healthy Women (HGHW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of girls and women. Their vision is that all girls and women experience equality, independence, and safety in their everyday lives. Their mission is to create opportunities, develop programs, and provide services that empower girls and women. Check out Hardy Girls Healthy Women on their website at http://www.hghw.org

**Do you know someone or an organization that is helping enhance the self-esteem and confidence of girls and women? We’d love to know more! What support do you think girls and women need? How do you think the current atmosphere of the media world is helping or hindering the self-esteem of girls and women? How has the media affected you?

7 Comments »

Italian Model Mjriam Bon Talks About The Real Pressure To Stay Thin In The Modeling World, True Beauty, and New Beginnings

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Models, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Travel, Unique Beauty with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 23, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Ralph Geiling

Mjriam Bon was born in Venice, Italy. She is a top plus model in Italy and travels throughout both Italy and Europe for her job. She did the first Elena Mirò show in Milano and models for catalogs and catwalks for Ferrè, Marina Rinaldi, Krizia, Mariella Burani, BTF, and all the biggest fashion designers in Italy and Europe.  

Photographed by Desdemona Varon

How do you define beauty? 

Beauty begins from within; it shines from our soul. For me, beauty is also self-awareness and it is accepting my faults.

How do you stay healthy?

I live a healthy lifestyle; I take care of myself. I eat seasonal, organic, healthy food and I drink lots of water every day. I eat when I’m hungry, and I follow my body’s needs and desires. I usually go to the gym to work out. I have only one vice… chocolate! I love it and I eat it every day!

What skin care regimen do you follow?

I always take my make up off. I only use mascara, blush, and always lip balm (when I’m not modeling). I take care of my skin with good products; cream, make up remover, and toner. I also use moisturizing creams for my body.

Photographed by Sandro Brant

Please tell us about your shoot for the “I’m Not a Fashion Victim” campaign.

I’m Not A Fashion Victim is a campaign against eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and obesity. It’s a self-produced and self-financed campaign. We are six plus-size models called the Curvy Can.  Curvy Can means that you can be in the fashion business without being a size zero. We did our ‘curves’ a strength. I’m really happy with what I’ve been able to accomplish with my career.

I have made the personal decision that this year will be my last year in beauty. I want to help people who suffer from eating disorders. I have modeled for many years; I think that modeling is like a circle, which at some point needs to close. I’m young enough to start a new project and a new life — doing something different. The fashion world is beautiful, but the perception of life and reality is out of phase…I need to come down to earth.

What advice would you offer to aspiring plus-size models?

The most important thing was not skill, but for me it was to be in the right place at the right time. I know it may seem a rhetorical discourse…but it’s my truth and my personal experience.

Photographed by Andrea Favarin

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues in the past? If so, how did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

When I was fourteen years old, I met a model and she introduced me to the world of fashion. I was very young and skinny. I started as a “regular” model for Milano Fashion Week and Prêt a Porter. Soon, I started to feel my body change. It was very hard for me to maintain the low weight and (most of all) the measurements to stay a size zero. My agent asked me to lose weight;  if I didn’t that meant that I couldn’t work.

I started to suffer from eating disorders. I deprived myself of many things. I lived with other models and we forced each other to eat only once per day. Fortunately, I couldn’t live without food and I stopped modeling…I was 23.

I was an actress for two years and attended acting school in Rome, but that world was too difficult for me. There were too many compromises and too many people to accommodate.

My life changed for the better when I discovered the plus-size modeling world!

Photographed by Desdemona Varon

What are you excited about right now?

Right now, I’m excited to find my way… I’m doing things I didn’t have time to do before; I paint and I write. I have an apartment in Venice and I stay with my parents and friends sometimes.

I live a beautiful life and enjoy the simple things. I want to become a wife and mother someday.

4 Comments »

Angela’s Journey — Part II — A Journey To Healthy Living (Written by Liz Nord)

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Body Image, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Family & Friends, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Models, My Story, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Recipes & Food, Self-Esteem, Unique Beauty with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 20, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Lindsey Bowen

Angela and I started Plus-Size Models Unite to create an open forum where women of ALL sizes, shapes, ethnicities, and ages can connect and share their personal stories; exchange ideas; create a supportive and positive atmosphere; and promote positive body image, confidence, and self-esteem.

We have several plus models, non-models, and public figures who will be sharing their personal stories, experiences, and advice. Our hope is that you will find comfort and inspiration in reading the stories and advice other women share, and that you will contribute your stories and thoughts to help inspire other women along their journey.

We support women to make the decision to find the inner strength to accept, respect, and embrace their uniquely beautiful self. We welcome and celebrate all women. We need to encourage each other! We started this blog by publishing Angela’s Story.

If you read Angela’s Journey Part I, at (http://plussizemodelsunite.com/2010/03/10/hello-world/), you will have a better understanding of who Angela is and her emotional and physical journey through bulimia to healthy living. This is Part II of Angela’s story (written by Angela and I together)

Photographed by Marc Von Borstel

Angela’s Journey Part II

My recovery from bulimia has been a journey. One day I made up my mind that I would stop abusing my body and I did just that – I stopped, but the thoughts, feelings, and urges that had accompanied the abuse did not stop right away.

Every time I ate, I was tempted. I had to talk myself out of “it”. When I was out to dinner or out of my normal routine or when I could not control what food was available to eat, I was haunted. I could not enjoy my meals. I was always thinking about what exercises I would have to do tomorrow or that night right after I ate. I would think about what I put into my body and how badly I wanted it out.

My thoughts raced. “I could just go into the bathroom and no one would know” or “Right when I get home I’m going to jump on the treadmill and run” or “Tomorrow I am not eating or I will only eat…” It was all about control for me. Every day, I would fight the battle. I fought the urge. Even if I felt sick from eating chocolate cake or whatever I was feeling guilty about eating that day, I would deal with the emotions and get through it.

I have matured a lot in the last ten years and my priorities have changed. Having a family and raising children has been a huge revelation for me. My body is amazing. It has allowed me to give birth to our two beautiful babies. I want to be around for my family, to see my grandkids, and to enjoy my life with my kids and my wonderful husband. My husband always says, “Life is a beautiful thing.” Yes it is!

I hope my story can help aid women on their personal road to recovery. The mind is a very powerful thing. Have faith in yourself; know you are important, and that you do matter. Don’t give up! You are definitely not alone and you are not weird. I know I felt alone during my time of suffering from bulimia.

Every day is a new day. Enjoy each day, feel your emotions, listen to your body, and take care of yourself. Take ten minutes out of every day to write in a journal, meditate, or relax. When I see the smiles on my children’s faces, hear “I love you mama”, or feel the kiss of my husband; I know that I would much rather enjoy those moments than obsess about fitting into a certain size. Those are the real things that matter.

I don’t struggle with bulimia anymore. I do have bad days when I feel frumpy, bloated, or I wish a shirt wasn’t so tight. The way I have dealt with my recovery is to be good to my body, to eat healthy, stay active, laugh, and enjoy my life. To be healthy I need to love, take care of, and know my own needs and myself. I also feel that is important to be able to find a “team” of women you can relate to. It is important to know that you are not alone. Connect with other positive women. That is like a breath of fresh air.

Think about what you love about yourself, what makes you special. Don’t dwell about what you don’t like, but what you DO like! Walk with confidence, smile, and surround yourself with people who are on your team.

*We want to give a special thanks to Sunny Gold at http://healthygirl.org/ for publishing Angela’s story on her web site. Sunny is the Health Editor for Glamour magazine and she will be guest posting on our blog soon. She is currently quite busy putting the final touches on her new book.

**We will be publishing Part III of Angela’s story in the coming weeks ahead.

***What do you love about yourself? What makes you special? What makes you feel better when you are having a down day? What are you passionate about?

5 Comments »

Italian Plus Model: Valentina Fogliani is Passionate About Being Healthy & Promoting Positive Body Image.

Posted in Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Eating Disorders, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Italy, Models, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Unique Beauty, Your Story with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 29, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Ferdinando Serra

Valentina Fogliani is from Modena, Italy. She has lived in Milan for the past six years as a successful plus-size model.

Before Valentina started her modeling career she participated in the “Miss Italia” beauty contest as a size twelve. The organizers told her that she was “a little fat.” She was young and wanted to become a model so she lost weight. She was a successful “straight” model, but she seriously sacrificed her health to stay a slim size.

Valentina said, “For me it was a very strong sacrifice to resist food and stay a slim size that didn’t represent my real personality or body type and in 2004/2005 I became a plus-size model. I started to feel better and my job was so much more wonderful and exciting than before.”

She has posed for many fantastic clients and recently posed for photographer Luca Patrone for the Curvy Can “I’m Not A Fashion Victim” campaign. The campaign helps support positive body image and draws awareness to eating disorders.

The  Italian plus models (left to right) Marina Ferrari, Valentina Fogliani, Elisa D”Ospina, Mjriam Bon, Eleonora Finazzer, and Latvian plus model Aija Barzdina, all came together to pose for photographer Luca Patrone for the Curvy Can “I’m Not A Fashion Victim” Campaign.

Please tell us about your shoot for the “I’m Not a Fashion Victim” campaign.

In September, after a shooting with my friends Aija, Mjriam, Elisa, and Marina, I felt the need to do something about alimentary disorders like obesity, bulimia, and anorexia. We are plus-size Italian models and we are so happy to be like that. We are happy to work in fashion with our bodies the way they are. I thought it was important to do a campaign, which represents our beauty without the filter of skinny fashion. Our beauty is the beauty of all girls and women who aren’t submitting to the fashion style size. Our campaign tells our story — we feel better now with our curves!!! I suffered of bulimia for four years so for me personally, this message is very important!

How do you define beauty?

For me beauty is a mix of elegance and “savoir faire,” which is not tied to appearance, but is inside of us all. Sometimes I feel full of beauty only because I am happy. For me, beauty is when my body and my soul feel in harmony.

Photographed by Ferrantini

What advice would you give to girls and women, who are struggling with body image and self-esteem issues?

I would like to tell girls that it is very important that we accept our body. To be beautiful we do not need to be skinny like models or look like societies stereotype of beauty. Each person has a different personality and a different body. We should all be unique!!!

Are you currently modeling outside of Europe also, if no, do you hope to model internationally?

Usually, I work in Italy, but sometime I model in London (where I have an agency who represents me) or in Germany. I would like to expand my modeling outside of Italy to places such as Europe and the USA!

What do you like most about modeling?

I think the most interesting thing about modeling is traveling and to meeting strange and interesting people!
I prefer the plus-size modeling world because as a plus-size model I am happier. We can eat what we want, we don’t become sad or anxious about our weight, and we can also work if we have children. I have met a lot of plus models who do shoots during their pregnancy. I think this world is more “human” than fashion skinny!

Sinyus Photopgrapher

Tell us about your involvement with Teatro-Cucina.

This is the show of my company Theatre “Teatro in Povere” and I am an actress in Teatro-Cucina. This is a show with three actors and a musician. We offer food to guests during the show. The show is a beautiful mix of food and theatre emotions. Teatro-Cucina is a show I love because it tells a life story of human beings, love, and food. These are all things necessary to live a very good life.

I was “regular” model until 2004. I suffered a lot as a skinny size, because my body conformation was not so skinny. I had bulimia for four years from 2002 through 2006. I found a way to accept my body through acting and performing. I started to see my soul and not only my appearance as a skinny or not skinny body.

What are you excited about right now?

I hope to travel with our project and our “I’m Not A Fashion Victim” campaign. I think it is very important to visit schools and to speak about bulimia and anorexia because teenagers are victims of those disorders! I hope we can speak about our campaign on television, radio, and in magazines because it is so important that people know about us and about those very dangerous disorders such as bulimia and anorexia!

Photographed by Ferdinando Serra

*Valentina, thank you for sharing your personal story with us and the world. We applaud your passion to reach out to girls and women!

We would love to hear from our readers! Is there a special topic you would like us to cover? Do you have a story you would like to share? We are here for you!

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Tell Us About Your Favorite Books!

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Fashion, Inspiration, News, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on April 16, 2010 by Plus-Size Models Unite

We want your book recommendations! We will be posting your favorite books, along with your photo if you would like, to Plus-Size Models Unite!

Please tell us your favorite books on topics such as body image, self-esteem, confidence, self-acceptance, eating disorders, beauty, health, real bodies, fashion, food, exercise, the media’s representation of woman, or any inspirational or fun book you want to share. Thank you!

Please leave your book recommendations here or send Elizabeth the information, along with your picture, at nelizabethanna@aol.com

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Do You or Someone You Know Struggle With Body Image, Self-Esteem, Confidence, or an Eating Disorder?

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Body Image, Confidence, Eating Disorders, Family & Friends, Fitness & Health, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem with tags , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2010 by Liz

 

Photographed by Mark Von Borstel

Eating Disorders Resources

Eating concerns range from mild problems with food and weight to serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. Eating issues affect a person’s emotional and physical health. The earlier a person with an eating concern seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

The following resources contain useful information about eating disorders and body image. We encourage you to look at the materials and use what you find helpful.

If you know of resources in your area, we encourage you to post a comment and list the resource name and their contact information. Thank you!

Web Resources

Eating Disorder Referral & Information Center
www.edreferral.com

National Eating Disorders Association
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Pale Reflections
www.pale-reflections.com

Binge Eating Disorder Association
http://bedaonline.com/

Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org/

Helpguide
http://helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm

Hardy Girls Healthy Women
http://www.hardygirlshealthywomen.org/

HealthyGirl
http://healthygirl.org/

HealthyGirl is an organization for girls and young women who overeat or have weight issues, founded by Sunny Sea Gold, a health editor at Glamour magazine. HealthyGirl.org offers help, support, and tips.

When you click on the links above, you will leave the Plus-Size Models Unite’s blog. Plus-Size Models Unite does not manage or control web sites outside of www.plussizemodelsunite.com and is not responsible for content on such sites.

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