I have, as most women of any age in any country pretending to be affluent, been let's say careful about what I eat since I was 16.
I was a size 16 when I was 16. What's that in US-speke - 18? A fat post-pubescent kid with a big up personal image problem. Reason? Obvious- everyone treated me like a circus freak because of this so I just acted the part, had no friends, ate like a horse at all times and never worried about whether anyone should actually want to like me or find me attractive. Even now, thinking myself back in to that persona for a second (not something I want to do regularly) I can see the amazed look of this girl who would have laughed in your face if you'd told her "In ten years, you will have fallen in love four times; slept with at least twelve men and two women and you will think that your eyes betray the good in you".
To put it mildly I thought I was a fat, ugly… I thought what everyone else thought was true so I ate and ate and ate. Then suddenly I stopped for no good reason, went on a proper diet and came out of the other side. I have no idea why it was my willpower took over and said "Enough is enough".
So, like all women, I've had a mild yoyo thing going since then, but I'm not that bothered about weight - I long to have the body of Linda Hamilton in "Terminator 2". Obviously. Who wouldn't? I like the idea of being muscley, toned, go getting - and healthy obviously my God. I hate all that 'drink this milkshake' crap. In all fairness to myself, now I'm not at poverty's door, I don't intend to eat a wafer a day, but I also don't intend to eat until I pass out. I… I'm a lot better at being happy with my body these days. Good thing. I can't afford to get the lard sucked out.