I finally got my SHAPE . and got to see the success story for myself!! First off, I’m not thrilled with the photo! I should have left my hair down despite the fact that it was a workout shoot. My whole head just looks really weird and not like me! I’m also kind of annoyed with all the mistakes in the story. I went through TWO rounds of fact checking because they had so many things wrong the first time around (like saying I ate pizza and Coke every day in college!) and they still managed to get a few important things wrong. Here are 3 that really bug me:
- I didn’t “quit sports” due to my foot – I just had to switch to non-weight bearing activities. I exercised EVERY DAY of my weight gain and still put on 20 pounds. That’s just how many calories snuck into my mouth over 2 years. The article says I decided upon scheduling surgery to start exercising for the first time in a few years. Not true!
- Also the Christmas quote is wrong, and it’s quite embarrassing how they wrote it! What my aunt actually said (to the group of women, not to me) is in a sighing voice: “I guess you just have to choose between alcohol and dessert. You can’t have both.” That was so eye-opening to me because I just assumed it was normal to have both. I never considered cutting one out to keep my meal lighter.
- And I never said “The more I tone my muscles, the more balanced I feel.” That’s just not me!!
- Lastly, I definitely mentioned CalorieKing.com (food journaling), going back to school for an R.D. and of course KERF but they didn’t bite 🙁 I guess that just shows the power of editing?!
So if you want to know the REAL story, just read the about page 🙂
On to breakfast – I saw on Trust My Intuition last week that she made Millet Amaranth Porridge from Vive Le Vegan! and I planned it to make today (since it’s a little more time consuming than oats).
It turned out quite well!
We used our Bob’s Red Mill grains and mixed 1/2 cup total (75% millet, 25% amaranth) into a milk/water blend (for 2 servings). We also added:
- 2 chopped apricots
- 1 banana
- Pinch salt
- Tsp vanilla bean paste
- Pinch all spice and sprinkle cinnamon
Once portioned out, I added 2 tbsp granola , a tbsp flax , some maple syrup around the edges and a spoonful of AB . Yum!!
The millet could have been cooked a bit longer – the balls were still slightly chewy. But I almost preferred them that way!
I also had some tea (still going through my endless stores)
Ancient grains makes me feel SOO excited about health. I know it’s nerdy, but I just love the whole “I’m eating good food” feeling. Including the flax, almond butter and green tea (superfoods) sweetened the pot
I’ve got a new kind of berry – Kamut Berries – cooking on the stove to use for the week. (Since the pot was already dirty from breakfast, I just reused it to save a wash). They are a little more oblong in shape, so we’ll see how I like ’em.
Unfortunately I have two huge projects to work on today. Plus a lunch and maybe a dinner. And a workout needs to happen soon! Busy day.
Shelby says
Oh My Gosh! I didn’t know you were in a magazine! That is so exciting, Congrats!
Mmm, I saw that porridge too and now I just have to get the ingredients. Yours looks heavenly!
BethT says
Sorry some of the facts were wrong – especially the quote from your aunt. I was thinking that was a little harsh! At least you were able to clarify here.
Christie I. says
Oh no! I’m sorry the editing made it not you anymore 🙁 That really stinks. And boo on no mention of the blog!
VeggieGirl says
Hooray for FINALLY receiving Shape magazine – I received mine early last week, and loved the article 🙂
Mmm, delicious porridge!
You’ll get those projects done in no time – no worries! 🙂
Chelsea says
Shaun and I both thought it was weird and unfortunate that they didn’t mention KERF. I feel like all those stories are the same and that they have a formula and your actual REAL story didn’t fit the formula so they just made it. Suckers.
Julz says
I noticed that there was no mention of Kerf! Kath, don’t worry, they were def threatened by you 😉 (WELL. BAARING IT ON SHAPE MAG! WHAT?!)
I thought the photo was gorgeous, though! I def thought the title would have been something like, “Oatmeal… A Girl’s Best Friend” or “Oatmeal, the ideal Husband… Sorry Husband!” 😉
natalie says
Congrats again Kath! I’m buying it today.
I’m so sorry to hear they didn’t mention KERF. 🙁
The photo looks great!
Hil says
Congrats on making it into the magazine! I noticed most of those errors when I read the article, too–thank you so much for addressing them here. I also had mixed feelings about the headline “lose 30 lbs without dieting.” Of course I know what you mean by that, but given that they completely ignored the fact that they completely left out the fact that you calorie counted/food journaled and added the erroneous idea that you gorged on junk food in college, I think that statement has the potential to be misleading.
I was sure that the editors must have been having a bit too much fun with your words because I consider you the queen of honesty and transparancy in this area. I think we all really appreciate how honest you are about what it took for you to lose that much weight and keep it off.
HangryPants says
I was wondering why KERF got no love in the article.
Well, thanks for sharing how the whole process went down. If there were all those “errors” in your story just imagine how much false information is out there about celebrities.
Regardless, the article is great. Your point that you do not have to go on a crazy diet to lose weight came across and I am sure it will be motivating for your future clients.
Have a great Saturday, Kath.
Heather
jenna says
Kath! You are a celebrity :). Despite you not liking the photo, I thought it was totally cute!!!! Great job and congrats!
Evey says
Congrats on being in SHAPE magazine, how cool is that??
Boo on not getting everything right, tho.. and no KERF?? OH, man!
But the article looks great and I will buy the issue soon.. btw, you look so cute in that photo!!
Heather says
That’s annoying- I wonder how many other reader stories they’ve “edited” in the past?? And that’s odd that they didn’t mention KERF. But all in all I thought it was an inspiring article and a very cute photo!
Jessica says
The photo is way cute of you – the editing to make you fit the mold stinks, but your story really is inspiring!
I had the best banana oatmeal thanks to you and finally having time for a quiet weekend morning at home!
Hil says
Too add my vote to the pile, I thought the picture was cute!
Sarah says
Kath, that totally sucks, but I have to say–don’t criticize that photo! You look ADORABLE! And when I looked at the cover of Brooke Shields next to you, I would rather have YOUR body, no joke…you look happier and stronger.
Evey says
I thought it was one of your better photos, I liked it! Do you think they did any photoshopping? That would be awful!
Katherine says
It’s too bad that your blog and your goals to pursue further education weren’t mentioned. I always find it motivating to learn about what other women are accomplishing in all areas of their lives.
And I think Shape lost an opportunity to highlight an important point — that weight can creep up on you even when you are working out. It’s too simplistic to blame it on overindulgence, because then the remedy is always the same. I like how you emphasize gauging calories and consistent physical activity.
Jo says
It is rather annoying about that shape article – I hate the way words can get twisted. And it’s such a shame that they didn’t mention the blog. But I think what is great about it is that it still conveys your overall message of how simply making simple changes to how you live your life makes the difference, by exercising more and eating healthly – diets don’t work. I struggled with my weight and constantly “dieted” and it wasn’t until I completely change my lifestyle habits that I lost weight – it fell off effortlessly and has stayed off. I was like you – I thought my diet was ‘normal’…. now it disgusts me! And I wondered why I was overweight!
Anyway – you have done a fantastic job and you are a great role model – you show that you can improve your lifestyle without missing out or being overstrict and that anyone can do it. Keep up the good work!
PS I’m totally with you on that great feeling of eating healthily too – there is nothing better than eating something that is really yummy and that you know is really good for you – I feel like I’m being really kind to myself and not abusing my body (it has put up with a fair battering in the past!!!).
gina (fitnessista) says
congrats kath!!! even though they messed up some facts (and failed to mention the blog.. punks)- you’re FAMOUS!! 😀
have a happy saturday!
KZ says
Has anyone else seen these HFCS commercials?
http://www.sweetsurprise.com/index.php
Crazy!
Betsy in Pittsburgh says
Those ads are ridic! I like how the people in the ads are like, “Oh, you know what they say about high fructose corn syrup….” and then they have a brain fart like they can’t remember any of the horrible things about it that have become common knowledge.
Andrea says
I thought that picture was adorable! I don’t even know why journalists use quotation marks in their articles when they’re always just an interpretation of what they think they heard.
I’m bummed they didn’t mention KERF – that’s such a huge component of your healthy life! More people need to read your blog and I’m so disappointed that “outsiders” reading the article won’t have any idea about it.
Rasha says
Kath, Chelsea is write. I’m interning in editing and those kind of article do indeed follow a formula. I also think some are a little behind the times, meaning they just don’t know the popularity of blogs.
Rasha says
I mean, “right” not “write.” (Seriously, no pun was intended.)
Alison says
I finally got my Shape yesterday too! I love the picture but that is so annoying that they got some important facts wrong and didn’t mention that you calorie counted.
ModelBehavior says
It’s interesting how much they altered your story Kath, I think that would kind of bug me as well! It was still cool that you got to be in it though!
www.modbehav.com
Becca A says
I was surprised that the blog wasn’t mentioned when I read the article actually. Despite the errors, Congrats on being in the magazine though.
Biz319 says
I got my issue a week ago – congrats! I think you looked great in the magazine, too bad they got the facts wrong!
But loyal KERF readers know the true story!
My daughter and I had peanut butter and banana oatmeal for breakfast – I love what the peanut butter adds to the over all flavor!
Happy Saturday all!
Roni says
AWESOME!! I didn’t know you were in there I need to go and grab mine, haven’t had time to read it.
I guess I’m next, just like Women’s World! ;~)
Congrats again!
Hayley says
I’m in agreement with everyone else on here – I thought you looked beautiful in your photo and I was wondering why they never mentioned the calorie counting/food journaling AND KERF!
On another note, this makes me wonder just how many OTHER success stories they change to fit THEIR mold! That’s pretty annoying…
Regardless, I am SO glad I found your blog! You are helping change my life in more ways than you know.
I struggle a lot with binge eating and various other EDs throughout my life. It’s inspiring to have blogs like yours to read that prove you don’t have to diet drastically to look and feel good. Thanks once again for that…
Hayley says
Oops! That was supposed to read that I currently stuggle with binge eating and I’ve had various other EDs in my life.
madison (follow my weigh) says
i agree i think the photo looks really good! that is really annoying about the editing though.
Kelly L. says
Kath- How did you get in the magazine? Did you submit yourself?
Deb says
2 things:
*How annoying that they changed your story. I’d be annoyed too. As you know I lost about 90+ pounds and when I sent in my story they didn’t print it- I’m sure it’s because I did so many different things over time to lose the weight- there wasn’t a magic formula and I didn’t fit into their neat little “box”. In fact the LAST 20 pounds to get to my happy weight were achieved in a totally different manner to the first 70 pounds, so I guess there’s no quick and easy way to make that fit their “ideal” weight loss story. Still annoying!
*Re. your aunt’s comment, does that mean that you currently do make a choice between alcohol and dessert? I got a little confused and don’t have the article yet.
*I’m dying to know if the millet/amaranth held you over as well (or better? or worse?) than your usual oats?
shawna says
Congrats on the article! That really is awesome. I’m sorry they misrepresented some of the things that you said, but it is still a very cool accomplishment.
Anne P says
i thought you looked great in the photo! that’s super lame that they flubbed a lot of the truth though. i bet they just did that, especially with the quote about eating too much dessert, just to make the story more sensational.
ttfn300 says
So sorry to hear that they took their own liberties with certain comments… makes you think twice abou the other things you read in magazines like that!
That porridge definately looks intriguing, and I think i have some amaranth and millet in one of my boxes… i’ll have to go fish them out!
finally found the granola planks today–woohoo:)
BethT says
I also shared with Kath that I was in Shape in 2001 as part of a “reader fitness makeover,” and I had a similar experience with their editorial staff. I was lucky enough to be flown out to a spa with another reader for a fitness makeover, where they would revamp our fitness routines and diets. I was what I thought was a great candidate for this – a little overweight but still active, in need of a change to help me drop the last weight, etc. The other girl was a marathon runner, totally in shape and thin, and they focused a bulk of the story and photos on her! (Surprise!) It was really a blow to my ego since they dressed her in little bikini tops and short shorts and put me, the chubby one, in drab baggy pants and shapeless shirts. Anyway, it made me think twice about that magazine – they are a little too fashiony and high glitz for me anyway – but hearing Kath’s experience really made me think it’s just how they do things, editorially!
melissa says
I actually still haven’t received my magazine! But I waited in the really long grocery line so i could read your article 🙂 I was really surprised by the quote since you had never mentioned it before, thanks for clearing things up. From my experiencing interning at magazines, usually at the last minute they have to cut like 300 words and in the rush, they start cutting and paraphrasing, thus losing accuracy.
Unfortunately with your story, it seems even more extreme! I was really disappointed they didn’t list your blog, I guess they don’t want to lose traffic to their website? But they are doing readers a misfortune!
Tami says
Kath,
I picked up my Shape magazine the other night to read it and figured out that was you right away! I was like, “Wow, I have been following this girl’s blog and now she’s famous!” Congratulations for the article even if it’s not completely correct. I found your blog earlier this summer and have enjoyed following your stories and recipes. You do a wonderful job!
~Tami
Cyclist Kate says
First–that breakfast looks amazing! I love trying new grains and there are some great ideas in that trio of books.
Second–I just got back from reading your article in Shape. It’s awesome that you were in there, but to be honest, the article was a little bland. I read your “weight loss page” from time to time for inspiration and it always works, whereas the article was just kind of blah blah blah, same as every other success story they’ve posted. Their formula isn’t inspiring anymore because I already eat healthy foods and exercise and can’t relate to the people who supposedly didn’t exercise and gorged on junk then changed their habits and are now thin.
Too bad. Still great that you had the article, though, just wish they could have directed readers to the site so people could understand how you really do it.
melissa says
oops didn’t mean to put me email in the name spot…blush!
B_Hlthy says
It makes sense to me that they did NOT mention KERF….
If readers were aware they could easily obtain better meal ideas, nutrition information & have healthful discussions on blogs like ours ( yours, mine, your readers blogs, foodie blogs etc) via the internet, it could potentially take away from their subscription profits !
It is much more meaningful for people to reflect upon themselves in ways such as food journals and blogs especially when dealing with weight issues vs. reading (paying for) a magazine that advertises the fast/quick/easy fixes often with dissappointing pictures of un-realistic figures..
I would feel the need to sue them for misrepresentation! Although, they probably had a clause or something saying they werent responsible for mistakes,etc. Lots of mags often print mistakes in their edits section too so you could send them a note on it?
Happy Weekend!
Katy says
I think the fact that they changed your story makes Shape lose a bit of its credibility. When I first read got my copy and read the article I noticed that it wasn’t consistent with everything I’ve learned about you from reading your blog – and I agree with the previous poster about it saying lose 30 lbs without dieting. Its frustrating that they didn’t get the facts right – and I’m sure they probably change the facts on other people they feature in the magazine too. Nobody learns their real stories because they don’t have an outlet like KERF.
I’m considering writing a letter to the editor letting them know that I am frustrated that they feel the need to change the facts.
Thank you for clarifying and I’m sorry that you were mis-represented.
oh – and I think the picture looks GREAT!!!
Kath says
Thanks for all the comments guys!!!
Roni ,
You should definitely send in your story!!
Kelly L.,
Yes, I submitted my story.
Deb ,
You should try again – and write about your last 20 and how it changed you. I bet they’d bite it. You never know when an email gets lost too.
Re. the quote, I do have alcohol and dessert when I deem it worth it (holidays, special dinners with friends, parties). But I think my aunt’s point was that we want to have it every day and on a regular basis you just can’t have everything. We were wishing everyday was like Christmas.
Porridge held me over FABULOUSLY. I might have to make some in advance to have on the weekdays. But I also wasn’t that hungry when I got up this morning, so that could have been a factor.
Re. “30 pounds without dieting”,
I don’t think this was wrong. I don’t feel that I ‘dieted.’ I feel that I just made better choices. I really dont’ think throughout my whole weight loss I felt deprived very often, which is what I associate with dieting. Really I just changed the way I ate, and wrote it down. I think “eating real food instead of diet food” is still what defines how I low my weight.
Melissa,
Fixed it for you 🙂
Kath
Jill - GlossyVeneer says
I just read this in ‘Shape’ last night. I turned the page and without even reading anything I was saying, “Hey! That’s Kath!” I was going to e-mail you to tell you that I saw it. You looked great and I thought it was a good feature, but I immediately thought things were lacking – just based on my knowledge from your site. Looks like you felt the same!
haya says
you should be sponsored by bob’s red mill! do you order all that stuff online? my grocery store has a selection of their products but nothing really crazy. not even as crazy as wheat berries, let alone kamut or amaranth. i’ve been thinking about ordering from their website but haven’t gotten around to it yet as i got a giant bag of wheatberries from a farmer friend. i’d like to branch out. whole grains are awesome.
Grounded Fitness says
thats funny you pointed out those things because when i read it, before you mentioned it, i thought that it didnt really sound like you. they made you sound gimmicky and diety, which we all know isnt true.
ah well, we know the real story 😉
Ruby Red Vegan says
i didn’t realize you were in this issue of shape! i know you’ve been in a wedding mag before, but this is too cool! so annoying that they didn’t get all the facts straight. just goes to show that sometimes writers like to twist words into their own story. even though you don’t think the picture looks like you, it’s still a cute photo (your hair looks pretty and perfectly normal, so don’t stress about that). they should have put you on the cover, since you’re so much prettier than brooke shields.
oh my gosh, that millet amaranth porridge looks incredible! it is so fun to try new whole grains. the sad part is that nothing is quite as bulky as oatmeal — i love how it fills me up so well!
Tina says
LOVE YOUR SHAPE ARTICLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Angie says
I haven’t had the chance to read my copy of Shape yet but I’m so sorry to hear about the editing. That really stinks and I think you really should mention it to someone there.
The porridge looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.
polly says
Kath, thanks for pointing out the mistakes in that article. I think you are the coolest! It makes me realize how many false information is out there in every magazine about people, sometimes it can be damaging and hurtful and even downright mean.
Anyway, thanks for a positive blog and for your unending supply of food knowledge and creative meal making!!! Love it!!!
caroline says
Ive tried my hand at the kamut berries in the past with no luck!!! i didnt have directions on how to cook them, i just bought them at my farmers market, i still have some so pleaaase fill me in on how you prepare them if you are successful! 🙂 Thank you!
-Caroline
caitlin (see bride run) says
hey kath — im glad you put up this post, because when i read the article, i really thought a lot of it DIDNT sound like you! but it’s really cool you were in a magazine, regardless 😛
also, i was super disappointed not to see a KERF shout out b/c the blog could be so helpful for readers of the magazine!
Little Black Dress says
Kath, thanks for sharing some of the inaccuracies. That is frustrating. Plus, KERF is the best thing on the planet, and some Shape readers could really enjoy learning about this part of the b log world!
I am also grumpy that they made it seem like you are crappily in college. We know that whatever weight you are, you always eat delicious, nutritious, REAL food!
Katie says
That is SOOOO AWESOME Kath! Congratulations!!!! I’d be way psyched! I saw that mag at the gym. I’ll pick it up tonight and check it out. 😛
Lyn says
Ha! That WAS you in my magazine!! Funny. I was reading it the other night and when I got to that page and saw the picture, I said, “Hey! That’s Kath Eats!” And sure enough it was a Kath, but I wasn’t so sure because there was no mention of the blog, and then like you said the pic looks a little different (but nice!) I decided it was not you after all.
But it was!! How cool 🙂 It was a pretty nice article. Congrats!
sarah says
Is there a link to the article? I couldn’t find it on the website 🙁
Angie says
Kath, I just wanted to say that I am disappointed that they fibbed in their edits of your story. Your story does need editing! I read your blog and find inspiration in your food choices everyday and it helps me on my journey to my healthy weight all the time. I haven’t commented much, but wanted to let you know. Whenever I am in need of some healthy recipe inspiration, I always click here. Thanks for having such a great blog 🙂
Kath says
Thanks Angie!
amy says
Oh my gosh, I read that article, and didn’t even make the connection!
That stinks that they changed things; its gotta sound the way they want it, and if it doesn’t, they’ll make it fit!
Way to set the record straight 🙂
Angie says
WHoops, that was supposed to say does NOT need editing!!! Holy that changes it, does it!
Baking Books says
Wow- I had no idea about this part of your life. I also really appreciate your honesty about the article. Did you write back the writer/editors to tell them so?
I find their “Success Stories” to be extremely generic at most times.
Courtney Dowd says
I would just like to say that I am in LOVE with your blog. You are great! It is so nice to see a real woman who is making an everyday conscious effort to live well. I commend you for the genuine enthusiasm that you have for life’s simplest, yet most important things. Kudos for not “photoshopping” your life and for having the courage to be vulnerable if front of the world. You are an inspiration!
KathEats says
Thanks Courtney 🙂