As I entered the classroom, I could feel the gaze of 25 sets of eyes dart in my direction. I took a deep breath, pulled on the belt of my robe and watched as it fell to the floor. It was summer 2012 and I was about to sit as the model for a life-drawing class for the very first time.
For most people, the thought of being completely naked while a room full of strangers gawp at you is terrifying – but, truth be told, I wasn’t all that scared. At 5ft tall and a size 16, I instead saw this as an opportunity to increase the visibility of plus-size women in the arts.
Of course, it was nerve-racking pulling off my gown for the first time, but I soon realised my size didn’t matter to the painters. They didn’t see me as a naked, overweight woman, but instead as a series of shadows and lines to interpret in their own way.
The weight kept going up
I’d struggled with my size since I was a teenager, and by the time I hit my 20s, I was a size 14. I’d eat out frequently, gorging on burgers, pizzas and milkshakes, but sugary snacks were my weakness – I was addicted to chocolate, sweets and biscuits, buying huge multipacks on a daily basis.
Though I was aware I should have been eating healthier, I wasn’t too concerned that I was gaining weight. Throughout my mid-20s, I discovered a huge amount of self-love, body positivity and an appreciation for the inclusion and representation of plus-sized people. When I looked in the mirror, I absolutely adored every jiggly, voluptuous and rounded inch of myself. So why would I change?
Denne historien er fra May 04, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
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Denne historien er fra May 04, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.