Thursday, November 3, 2011

A Real Model's Diet - the Inside Skinny!



The Supermodel Diet … 
It’s not all about cutting carbs, starving or cabbage soup.


Many people ask me how models stay skinny? Convinced of some supermodel secret to dieting, everyone wants the short cut. Truth is, there is none. Some women, believe it or not, really don’t have to obsess over their weight. However, I have noticed some commonalities to the way my model friends eat that I want to share with you because models aren’t the only ones who like to look thin. 

Adhere to a Routine. Models tend to eat the same thing every day for breakfast. One of my best skinny model friends has a bowl of hot oatmeal, raisins and skim milk … EVERY SINGLE MORNING! This makes choosing what to eat a no-brainer and takes the variable of adding in extra calories out of the equation.

Brown bag your lunch. If you are grabbing something on the go, when ordering out do it the model way:
  • Linda Evangelista has been quoted saying, “ I don’t diet. I just don’t eat as much as I’d like to.”  Order an appetizer as your entrĂ©e. Portion control is KEY and this method does it for you. If you’re with a friend order 2 apps and split them for variety.

  • Skip the sauces and choose tomato or oil and vinegar in place of mayo, cream or butter sauces. Better yet, order all topping on the side and use sparingly.

  • Use spices! According to a Forbes article, models that make the most money often eat fibrous foods with spices to speed up their metabolism. So reach for the red pepper flakes and hot sauce girls!

  • What keeps me skinny is that I only eat food I really like. If something is on my plate that is just so-so, I leave it. It's important to be mindful of what you're eating and why.
Eat Green and Only White if it's protien . This is an easy trick we can all use. When you are making choices remember to load up on green leafy vegetables and keep away from any white processed carbs (bread, pasta, cookies, rice) Eating white only for protein  - egg whites, chicken, turkey, pork or fish.

Get Moving. Most models don’t aspire to have that hardcore, muscle-bound bodybuilder figure, but when interviewed you will hear ALL of them talk about doing some sort of regular exercise like yoga, pilates, or jogging ... several days a week – No Excuses!

Snack. At runway shows, it is common practice for the producers to bring in food platters. What is interesting is that the fruit and veggies trays are always empty, while the sandwich plates and chip bowls remain full. Models know that it’s important to snack on healthy low calorie foods. They are careful to never arrive anywhere feeling ravenous. I always carry a granola bar or nuts in my model tote when I show up for a job. Eating a banana and drinking a bottle of water before dinner will  help you eat less and pass on the bread basket or seconds because you already feel full. By the way, models are always drinking water and staying well hydrated!

Supplement. The Aussie supermodel, Elle Macpherson is reportedly a fan of dietary fish oil and makes foods like makerel and salmon, which coincidentally are good for glowing skin, a beauty staple. Emergen C and vitamins are also on a model’s list.


Work a Party. VIP invitations are always coming to models via their agency, promoters and social networks. Many believe that most models exist strictly on cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol, but lots of supermodels, like Heidi Klum, avoid alcohol. Most people realize that alcohol is filled with empty calories so drink sparkling water from a wine glass or a Diet Coke in between your cocktails. Also, carry a purse so you can’t snack as easily with your hands free.

Contrary to popular belief, not all supermodels have an eating disorder or believe in dieting, but they are motivated to keep a disciplined routine when it comes to eating. The secret comes from finding the sweet spot … a happy weight and an achievable way to maintain it.

Once you have the diet down pat, check out my other post on how to Make your Legs Look Longer or The Dream Diet: How to Lose Weight While you Sleep


To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

 







73 comments:

  1. can a 13 year old that is 5'8 tall and 115lbs make it as a ford model.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. once they get older, yes as long as they're pretty too.

      Delete
    2. There is no magic guarantee but you have the right stuff - height and weight ... which is a step ahead of many, now work it, learn, practice and stay determined.

      Delete
    3. You might want to check out CH 16 Model Talk in my book about the ins and outs of getting into modeling - plus all the other basic tips you'll need to know in front of the camera. It's just $7.99 as a download that you can read on your e-reader or on your computer with the Free kindle app.

      Delete
    4. You're severely underweight. Gain 15 lbs. You're the same weight as me, but I'm 5'3, and that is healthy, according to BMI. But you are not healthy!

      Delete
    5. Don't believe the hype. Most models have to have very specific features to make it "big". They need almost alien faces; if you ever see a model in person, often they aren't as beautiful as the prettiest girl in your high school, they look strange and gangly. Being thin and tall is part of the equation, but you also need a "brand" of beauty all your own. Look at Gemma Ward, for example, a model who was on top of the world a couple years ago. Her enormous, wide-set eyes, offset with an interesting nose and a unique mouth shape, all combined into a very ethereal, new brand of beauty that was challenging and different. But - show any man a photo of her, and 90% of the time they will prefer Kate Upton hands down, any day. Because Gemma was not necessarily the most stunning woman in the world, but because she looked strange and thus charismatic. THAT's the definition of a top model.

      To be a top model, your face has to embody a new kind of beauty, a beauty that's unique and not instantly recognizable. It's just not realistic to expect yourself to have that, because you want it. Such a tiny, tiny amount of people's features push the boundaries of socially accepted beauty. Instead, look around you, focus on how many other young girls likely aren't the next Linda Evangelista. Think about how every other girl in your high school (save maybe *one*) aren't anywhere near Victoria's Secret models, and then multiply that times every high school in your country. When you contemplate that number, how many hundreds of thousands of girls everywhere feel exactly like you, wanting to be a model but not sure they have what it "takes", it's not quite so lonely.

      And besides, being a model is a difficult job; it chews you up and spits you out. You are exhausted and work incredibly long hours, have scant respect because your employers (rightfully) view you as a child. And finally, even if you have made it to the pinnacle of "achievement" in the model world, you're cut like you're worth nothing by the "old" age of 23. While that sounds like eons away, trust me it comes a lot faster than you can imagine, and you're facing a lack of a career, your looks fading, and an uncertain path in which you're slowly sliding into irrelevance. Because your entire career is based off fleeting youth.

      In short - GO TO SCHOOL! Don't waste your time in such a cancerous industry, or if you do spend equal time working to love yourself and see the good in yourself and others. And understand that beauty is meaningless, and is power only insofar as you provide a potential use to others.

      You are the only one who can give you happiness, no one else, no fleeting career nor infinite amounts of beauty can bring that to you.

      I hope you consider what I've said. As a 26 year old living in New York, I see models all the time, and know a couple who have "aged out". Needless to say, I'm infinitely grateful I have spent the past decade dedicated to a career that is showing fruit now, on a path to success that I feel good about. Some of these people I know are very lost now, and yes, one includes a former Victoria's Secret model - one who "aged out".

      Delete
  2. I am with ford models and they love height so if u grow a little and have a pretty face your set!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. is 6' too tall?

      Delete
    2. No.....actually you usually have to be over 5'8 to be a model

      Delete
    3. No actually you can model as long as your over the height of 5'7". And shes only 13 so her height is actually wonderful for modeling.

      Delete
  3. My weight is 153 and I want to lose the fat in my stomach and legs and arms how can I lose the weight FAST ...

    Please tell me a diet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here's the thing - you cannot lose weight in only one place. It takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose one pound, and there is no special way to do that. A calorie is a calorie really so if you cut say 500 calories from your daily regular diet You will lose 1 pound each week. It's not fast but it's real weight. Yes you could lose 5 pounds of water weight in a couple days but it is not a real loss. Stay steady it's worth the wait.

      Delete
  4. What's the best advice for a model-wannabe teenager?
    Modeling and acting are my dream jobs:]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go onto model agency websites and have a look at the hight and measurements of their models and if you are similar go into some genuine agencies and take it from there! If they like you and your personality they will take you on!

      Delete
  5. I used to have an eating disorder but i got through it ,i put on some weight since then and i really want to lose it but dont want to go back to the way things were
    please help

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm 13 at the moment and I really want to be a model when I'm older, I'm very skinny and have a healthy diet. The only thing is I'm quite small, will that stop me from becoming a model?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Modeling agencies do require women to be 5'9" minimum for Print but there are lots of commercial, lifestyle and acting options open without that height restriction. Follow your dreams and if that's this business find the place that works for you. 13 is an amazing place to be and your options in life are limitless and will change with every decade - be the best YOU always!!

      Delete
  7. I'm 34 and really pretty. Do modelling agencies hire "older" women?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. uhhh YES I am 48 and working! Read my other posts too - it's about being photogenic which comes from the inside out!!! GO GIRL!

      Delete
  8. Angela! Just saw your site - and I love what you are doing! Are you modeling in Europe/Amsterdam? Best of luck in all your future endeavors and I will be dropping in to see what's new with you! XO

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am 23 and just had my second child, would the model diet work for me to get back into my 5'5" 115lbs body?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm 16 almost 17.. I'm 5'11 and 143 pounds.. a lot of people think im super pretty.. would i make a good model? how would i go about looking for a contract or whatever?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a whole chapter in my book (CH 16 Model Talk) about the ins and outs of getting into modeling - plus all the other basic tips you'll need to know in front of the camera. It's just $7.99 as a download that you can read on your e-reader or on your computer with the Free kindle app.

      Delete
    2. I'm 15, 5'6, and at the moment I think I way 115 but that's because I'm on my period. Just last year I got into 3 digits, but my weight bounces back and forth from 86-115... The highest I've ever been was 117 but I have a really high motabolism. Would that be a problem in modeling?

      I don't have hips, or thighs.. Do you think you could point me in the right direction for modeling at my age with my figure around Ohio? My mother does alternative modeling on the side and she said it would be hard for me to find someone who will work with me because of the style I'd liek to do for my age...

      Delete
  11. I'm 14 and 5'll, only 120 pounds. I'd really like to become a model, and soooo many people I know say I should, but I honestly don't know how to get started... So how do I?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a whole chapter in my book (CH 16 Model Talk) about the ins and outs of getting into modeling - plus all the other basic tips you'll need to know in front of the camera. It's just $7.99 as a download that you can read on your e-reader or on your computer with the Free Kindle app.

      Delete
  12. I'm 14 and all my friends and family say I should model, but I am concerned because I am only 5'2 and 120 pounds, but I look at all the models in magazines and they are all almost 6 foot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 5'8 or 5'9 is generally the requirement. you could do commercial modeling but print and runway is pretty much out of the picture

      Delete
  13. I'm an attractive red-headed female and ex-performer, and i'd love to do commercials etc. The only problem- I have a few moles on my face. Would that illiminate me from the running for acting/modeling?

    ReplyDelete
  14. it says not ot eat white pasta , white rice..etc.But could you eat whole grain or multigrain rice and whole grain pasta? or are they the same .. :/ x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know i shouldn't worry about what people think about me how fat they all say i am, but everybody wants to know how it feels to be skinny like a model and super pretty. And boys/men normally only want a girl who looks like a model. I know these girls are gonna come and attack me saying "people shouldn't care about what i look like they should only care about what is on the inside!" but that's not the kind of world we live in [sorry]! and aparently you do care or else you wouldn't be on this website.period.

      Delete
  15. im sick of my wieght and i want to lose 20 at least and im 13 i only way 50 but i get alot of shit about how i look and i want to be perfect please help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no way, you should even need a bit more weight, you have to be healthy also <3, don't let the others bring you down, be strong.. x

      Delete
  16. I want to get stick thin thighs how do you get them or what is the diet to get those thighs and also a skinny body I am skinny fat and I want to lose weight. Please I need help.I weigh 113 pounds and I'm 13yrs.old and Im practically fat and skinny

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cardio and strength exercises each week + substitute carbs for fat and protein (but stay below 1500 calories)

      Delete
    2. I'm one of those stick thin people, and it's not much better. I get a lot of crap over anorexia and stuff. And I'm around 92 lbs, almost 13 and I play hockey. Just pick a good sport and you'll be good. And I get all of the really pretty facially crap stuff from all the old people in NYC.

      Delete
  17. im 13 and my belly sticks out a little bit. I want to have a completely flat belly, how can I do that? thanx

    ReplyDelete
  18. I see all these comments about girls my age (14) thinking they're fat because the number on the scale is higher than what they would like it to be, but I am 5'8'' and 154lbs. Even though the number seems high, I am skinny and perfectly happy with the way I look. Stop stressing about the number, and just look in the mirror and try to be happy with the way you look, ladies!!<3

    ReplyDelete
  19. Iam 13 and I wanna be a model when i grow up but Iam really short right now my sister and my brother are really tall like 5'8 and maybe 6'1 but iam just exact 5 or maybe less. my siblings were almost 5'3 at the age of 13 and 12 whats wrong with me? But iam thinner than both of em and than anyone in my family Iam 38 kg and I wanna get tall any tips?

    ReplyDelete
  20. how old do you have to be to become a ford model?

    ReplyDelete
  21. what do you model for when you are a ford model and does it help you become a famous model?

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm 13 , I'm 5'7 and 143 lbs. Every1 says I'm thin but I don't think so my biggest problem is my legs their so chubby and I'd love to be a model but I don't have the body do u know how I can lose 30-40 pounds as a fast as possible ( I don't have much time for exercising )? Please help me

    ReplyDelete
  23. Izzy Garrett, I'm 18 and way 118 lbs. All my friends say I have the body and a good personality, in order fore to be a model. I just don't know where to start.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry meant for me to be a model

      Delete
    2. The easiest way to begin is very simple. Go to an open call at a local modeling agencies. Most agency websites will post the day and time or call to ask. If you have any photos take them, but only if they showcase you in a flattering way and not photo-shopped. Agents want to see you in your natural beauty with little makeup and if they believe you can make some money in this business for them they will direct you to good photographers to get you started and exactly what you need to make it in the industry. Don't waste too much money before, most of the time any images you have will not be what they want because they will develop a style and plan just for you to market you best in their demographic.

      Delete
  24. Okay so I am 17 5'7 and 125lbs. Am i too heavy to be a model?? I am a variety of races mostly puerto rican and I have long dark brown thick hair. I have large green eyes but one flaw. My nose isn't a little barbie nose. But my facial features are all larger including my large eyes, lips, cheakbones and a square jaw. Could i be a model?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I get asked this question many times .. Do I have what it takes to be a model? For high fashion and runway contracts, modeling agencies look for girls over 5'8" usually size 4-6, but there are many other avenues of modeling where clients want people that can represent their target audience - all shapes and sizes, plus commercial acting. No matter what your stats, this is a competitive business so be ready!

      Delete
  25. Thank you for this article. I don't want to be a model, but I want to lose weight in order to feel better about myself and hopefully I can use this list to improve who I am. I really would like to look better and get that confidence. I'm really overweight right now.

    ReplyDelete
  26. are there any age requirements to be a ford model i'm 15 years old and 5'9 and i really want to know because i'm almost done with my female modeling class

    ReplyDelete
  27. Shelley-
    I am 18 and do not want to model. Never have, never will. I will be a teacher for the rest of my life. However- I would like to commend you on your responses to all the girls who WOULD like to model. You are supportive and happy despite the repetition of questions.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm 11 and I'm 5'3 and I weigh 112 pounds and I wanna loose weight in my thighs because they're HUGE!! Any suggestions on how I can shed those pounds? I also wanna be a model.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you so much, i want to go on a diet, strting monday, and i wanted to do it the way i know it, but i just wanted to make sure i do this diet right. so i checked up models diet and the diet is exactly the way i wanted to do mine. Drink water, do yoga, go for a jog... I can't wait until i am nice and slim. Thank you xx♥

    ReplyDelete
  30. YOU ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS. STOP TORTURING YOURSELVES. LOSE WEIGHT THE HEALTHY WAY.

    ReplyDelete
  31. im 14 and 5'3. can i be a model? i heard that they had to be 5'10. is that true?

    ReplyDelete
  32. My boyfriend tells me models have to do shady stuff behind the scènes to make it to the top in the modelling world... What do you know about this, how do you feel about it? Currently i'm in college, did grammar school, so it would only be a fun side job for me, not planning to be that serious.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you for this article. I don't want to be a model, but I want to lose weight in order to feel better about myself and hopefully I can use this list to improve who I am. I really would like to look better and get that confidence. I'm really overweight right now.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This was a great article! I was a little surprised by the appetizer part. I don't think I could ever eat just an appetizer for an entree :P. I'm 13, 5'6 and 115 lbs. I know I shouldn't be worrying about this stuff and I'm pretty young, but I just wish I could be thinner, have a perfect face and look like a model. Like maybe my legs could grow a little longer and my breasts could shrink a little. I'm thin already, I just feel like I'm not thin enough... :/. Are there any tips for what I should do?

    ReplyDelete
  35. How can I stick to a diet and workout plan because when I try, i always end up stop working out and back to eating what i used to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EXERCISING:
      For me it works to commit to an exercise like 90 days total body revolution (Jillian Michaels) or Tracy Anderson where you have to do the exercise 4 - 6 x per week ... etc. It HAS to be a program. And if I choose a short-time program like Jillians, which is 30 min er day, I wil do it. And than I do Tibethians if I have time and usually I do it once Im wormed up. I do this in the afternoon and yoga in the morning (lately I suck at this one).
      DIETING
      I have no idea! I need some serious help here. The best method for me is a calorie count program, my favourite is Cronometer because its not complicated. But Im an emotional eater and on my crappy days I dont enter my food in a program because it gets me even more depressed than. :) So on bad days - I have no sollutions. BUT what I do well is: EVERY SINGLE DAY as I wake up I say: today I will try to stick with the plan. This is how I at least maintain my weight (which is healthy, but I prefer myself skinnier).
      And really really avoid sugar ... its addictive and takes some time to kick off; sometimes even after 1 sweet day ... Coconut sugar, a bit of honey, stevia for fruits ... stuff like this are good (low GI). The rest is as written in the blog (finally someone honest).
      Eat greens at least in 2 meals, and fruits in the morning. Make it a rutine. Rutine is what matters. Make so many healthy routines that there will be as little space for shitty ones as possible. :D
      Now that I have put it "on paper" I see that the solution is: building a routine. No matter what. Find a way. No atter what. I have motivated myself now, too! :D Hope it helps. Its a project ...

      Delete
  36. Hi! I'm about 4'10-4'11, 11 years old, and about 86-87 pounds. Am I fat? How much weight should I lose?

    ReplyDelete
  37. # STARVATION NATION!
    GO VEGAN !

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey I'm 5"3, 110lbs and 14 yrs old. My friend's mother said I could be a model if I grew. Do you think I will still grow and am I too heavy? Everyone says my legs are so skinny but I still don't have a thigh gap but I have really long (55cm) and skinny arms longer than my friend who is 168cm. Do you think I could still grow to 5"8 ish and be a model?

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm 16.My height is 5'4 and weight is 119 lbs. Can i be more tall to 5' 7 and slim like a model? Please help me

    ReplyDelete
  40. My weight is 45, my height is 159cm nand i am 14 years old.. Can give me some easy tips to become tall and thin faster?

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm 14 I'm 6'ft but I way 207 pounds if I started working out and eating help healthy could I be model skinny?

    ReplyDelete
  42. Do some of us think I have any chance to become a model,if I have 120 lbs and 5'5?I am not an adult and I still have a chance to get taller.Should I lose more weight?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Im 13 years old and I weigh 132 pounds, I'm also 5'11. I really want to get into modeling but I'm not at the right body shape. I've been trying to eat healthier and I'm dancing 13+ hours a week in September+. When do you think I would have the appropriate body shape for modeling and how can I achieve that quicker?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Will these tips also work if I want to slim my thighs/butt? My measurements are 36in for my hips and my thighs are 20/21in. I desire to have 33in hips and 16-18in thighs. Would it be possible to achieve by using these tips? Also, I am 5'2" and around 116lbs (age 15)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Will these tips also work if I want to slim my thighs/butt? My measurements are 36in for my hips and my thighs are 20/21in. I desire to have 33in hips and 16-18in thighs. Would it be possible to achieve by using these tips? Also, I am 5'2" and around 116lbs (age 15)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi, I am 15 and I am extremely been very determined to be a model at age of 11.But I think my height has a main problem that I am only 5ft 2.However ,I am very confident of other parts of my body.I really don't know what to do with my height to keep up with my modeling dream.��������

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi I'm 15 years old, I'm 5'1 and I'm 40 kg and I'm honestly sick of my body. I'm skinny fat and I don't want to be like that anymore. Please help me. What should I do?

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.