Reader Interview, Living in the 70s

My mum and dad both come from large families

I love having hundreds of first and second cousins, uncles, aunties, cousin's babies...

It always makes things like weddings more fun and funerals easier

We are a big family, but a very close one...

My dad is the only male in his family, he has four older sisters

I always wondered what it would be like to grow up with sisters as I don't have any..

What was it like to grow up in the 70s?

Were there the same kind of body pressures as there are now?

Was it easier to have all the extra support? 

Or did it make it harder?

I interview one of my aunties to find out more...

How old are you?

57

How tall are you?

163cm

How much do you weigh?

57kg

How much did you weigh when you were 18?

Probably between 53-56kg

I remember putting on weight when I went on the pill, I got a fat bum

I didn't like that much!

Did you think your weight was 'normal' when you were 18? 

Yes

Were most of your friends around the same weight? or heavier? or lighter?

Around the same weight as me
We had one friend who was a bit bigger and she always thought she was overweight

Do you follow any special routine or restrict any types of foods to maintain your current weight?

I try to eat 5 cups of veggies a day and 3 pieces of fruit. I eat meals served on a bread and butter plate. I rarely use a dinner plate (to control portion size)

I have an 80%-20% rule. 80% of the time I 'eat perfectly' and 20% I eat whatever I want! That normally equates to not having temptations like chocolate/cake/biscuits etc in the house and when I go out to eat, I eat whatever I like!

On any meal I eat I aim to eat 80% of protein and fibre, 20% carbohydrates (I never call them "carbs") and fat

I drink water when I'm thirsty, minimum 4 glasses daily. Don't sip water - drink full glasses at a time

Exercise is a big part of my life; I do yoga 3 times a week, brisk walking, bike riding.. I exercise 4 consecutive days minimum 40mins and have 3 days rest

What did you eat as a teenager? ..and how is it different to what you eat now?

Everything!!

I eat more grains and beans now, less saturated fats and trans fats (they're the killers)

I also eat less read meat and more fish

Was there a lot of emphasis on diet and body image when you were growing up? Or more now?

I think it's more widespread now

Did you use to smoke cigarettes to stay thin? Or because it was cool?

I use to smoke to manage stress! Students lived on coffee and nicotine, oh and toast!! Cheap!!

Yes it was the fashion with all sorts of fun paraphernalia like cigarette cases, long cigarette holders (20s style was big!!)

Did you use to care what you looked like when you were a teen?

Yes

Did you like your body?

Yes

Did you think you were 'normal?'

Yes I thought I was... perhaps I was a bit short, my boobs were too small, I remember that being a bit of an issue as my friends matured earlier than me. I felt like I looked too young. (Now that is an asset!)

Do you feel better/worse about your body now? Or the same?

I think I feel the same. I don't like the ageing effects on the body tho'

Have you learnt to accept the things you cannot change about your body?

Yes

What pressures did you face in regards to food, fashion and body image when you were growing up?

I don't believe I felt pressure

Whats your favourite part of your body?

Legs, hair and face

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Be aware of the addictions and self medicating (ie: smoking) and the life patterns that are being set up

SUSIE HOPE NATURAL HEALTH
Naturopath specialising in chronic conditions. 
Holistic health addressing physical/physiological, mental/psychological, emotional/feelings, thought patterns/habits and spiritual/happiness, belief systems