A lot’s been happening on my blog the last few days. To think that when I started this blog, I thought no one would read!
First of all, I cannot write another word until I thank you all (both my blogging friends and supportive readers) for the tremendous amount of kindness you’ve all shown to me—especially in these past two days. I am actually really happy a few negative anonymous comments were left on my blog, because they triggered so many amazingly kind comments in response.
On to not-so-fun territory that unfortunately must be covered. At first, I was planning to not address the anonymous comments. After all, I know I am healthy and happy, so what does it matter to me if a stranger wishes to assume I’m not? And it’s not like I’ve never heard people tell me before that I look skeletal; I’ve learned to deal with that too and let the insult slip off my shoulders.
However, upon giving it further thought, I realized that as someone who’s chosen to publish information to the public, I do have a responsibility. Like it or not, the words I write on my blog have the potential to influence others. And the last (beyond last) thing I want is for someone to develop an eating disorder—or become more deeply entrenched in an eating disorder—because of me. Therefore, by choosing to make my life public on this blog, I guess I owe it to you—my readers—to give you all more information about me so that no one can turn around and say to a parent, doctor, or friend, “But CCK doesn’t eat much and is underweight, and if she’s allowed to be that way, then I can be too.” So here is more about me than most of you probably ever wanted to know:
Do I eat a low-calorie diet? Not on your life! I won’t get into numbers, because I know people can get obsessive about that (and also, I don’t count calories). But I can tell you that I eat A LOT—more than my parents, more than my girl friends, more than my sister, etc. Because I’m so little and so active, I need to take in quite a lot of fuel. For example, I normally eat two breakfasts—a pre-run breakfast and a post-run breakfast. (My sister has taken to calling me “Hobbit” because the hobbits in Lord of the Rings eat two breakfasts and lots of snacks.) I then eat lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner, and a nighttime snack. I never skip meals.
(More on my eating habits can be found on the Chocolate-Covered Katie FAQ Page.)
I know I’m lucky that I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight. If I want to have a cupcake, I’m going to have a cupcake—no guilt involved. That being said, if I want to have a salad, I’m going to have a salad. But be assured that if you see me eating a salad, I have accounted for it by taking in extra fuel at other meals/snacks. I do not eat only salad all day. Yes, much of my diet is very healthy—fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, etc. I refuse to let someone guilt me into stuffing down a regular diet of five cupcakes a day just because it’ll make him or her feel better about him or her self. If you have such low self-esteem that seeing me gorge on junk food is going to make you feel better, then the issue is with you, not me. I don’t mean to state this bluntly, but I can’t seem to find a nicer way to put it. I do not shy away from the healthy fats– peanut butter and coconut, in particular, are two of my favorite foods.
So how do I know I am eating enough? Well, I make sure to eat when I’m hungry (intuitive eating) and I don’t exclude any food groups, but I also try not to go more than three hours without eating something, as I know people who are active sometimes need to take in calories even when they’re not hungry. I definitely believe one should listen to one’s body and eat when hungry. I also think that if you’re truly craving a particular food, you should eat it because life is short and should therefore be enjoyed to the fullest. You do not want to look back on your life when you’re old and think to yourself, “Gosh, I wish I’d been more lenient in my diet. I wish I’d eaten more cake!”
When I first started running, back in high school, I did unintentionally overdo it by running too much without upping my food intake enough, and I lost weight without realizing it. So I cut back on the running and learned how to more properly fuel my active lifestyle. If you’re interested, I wrote more about that here: Chocolate-Covered Katie: My Health Scare.
I know all of you anonymous commenters want to know exactly how much I weigh now. But I’m not going to feed into anyone’s eating disorder or number obsessions. My doctor thinks I’m healthy, my family thinks I’m healthy, and I think I’m healthy. So please do not leave insults on my blog using the guise that “you’re trying to help me.” I’m pretty sure it’s a wiser thing for me to listen to my doctor than to take the “well-meaning” advice of some anonymous commenter I don’t even know.
Why do I run, bike, and exercise in general if I’m already so skinny? I do it to be healthy and because I love being active. Initially, a coach told me I would be a good runner and got me interested in running. Nowadays, I just run for fun—I don’t even keep track of the amount of miles I run. I’ll get up in the mornings and run for about an hour then walk for a few minutes to cool down. I don’t go every day; it’s more like 4-5 times a week, as I want to give my body time to rest. I also do some weight-lifting to strengthen my bones (and I wouldn’t complain about getting some bigger arm muscles!). I love to ride my bike as well, because A. it saves gas money, B. it is better for the environment, and C. it’s fun! But as I said, I do take all of this exercise into account when I decide how much to eat. If I really wasn’t taking in the proper nutrition, I doubt I’d have the energy to be as active as I am.
My grandma and my mom were both my size growing up (I have pictures to prove it!), and they are both very physically healthy ladies to this day (my grandma is 86!).
For some reason, it’s taboo to tell someone he or she is overweight, but not to tell him or her “You look sick/skeletal/ill.” What is your goal in leaving cruel, anonymous comments on my blog? I’m going to turn the tables and suggest something to you: Instead of spending your free time putting people down on their blogs, why don’t you spend that time volunteering for a worthy cause. Believe me, it’ll make you feel much better about yourselves, and it’s a much more noble way to spend time!
Love,
CCK
P.S. If you do have a genuine concern or interest, I’m always available. If you feel self-conscious, you can leave a comment anonymously, as I don’t require you to leave a blog name.
Also, I do not mean to offend anyone who does have an eating disorder, be it anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating, etc. Although I can’t say I personally know what you’re going through, I know an eating disorder is a serious illness. If anyone who reads this blog ever feels offended by anything I post, please don’t hesitate to email me and let me know, and I will try to remedy it. I don’t want to add to the pain or suffering you may be experiencing.
lighterportions says
This post is amazing and you are amazing and I don’t think anything other than that needs to be said. Good for you <3
Jenn says
I so admire you for being willing to share this post with us. Hopefully this will keep the anonymous posters away for good – and good riddance, I say!
Eric says
Wow, that was one of thee most intelligent, well-spoken responses to criticism I’ve ever read. Props to you!
Anonymous critics are by definition useless….not only are they hiding behind the internet, but they won’t even give their name. I have no respect for “advice” from people like that.
We all have different body types, and so long as you are happy and healthy, then that’s all that matters! Keep on runnin’ and eating chocolate 🙂
loveofoats says
Go you 🙂 We all support you & love your VERY healthy approach to life 🙂 don’t let other people’s negative comments get ya down!
poopiebitch says
I have been absent for the last few days from all things internet, so I somehow missed the CCV anonymous comments drama until now.
I’m sorry you had to put up with that idiot (I have a feeling it was only one person pretending to be many). It sounds like you have a very healthy self image and great knowledge of how to keep yourself at a weight and activity level that is perfect for YOU.
For what it’s worth (not much, I know), I am very proud of how you’ve handled this uncalled for attack. You are clearly a very kind and intelligent person, and you know better than to let some ignorant person bring you down.
There are clearly a lot more CCV lovers out here in internet-land than CCV haters! Keep up being awesome, sweetheart!
Vegyogini says
Dearest CCV,
This is an eloquent, well-thought-out response to those anonymous comments. Your sense of responsibility as a role model of sorts is admirable. You don’t owe the world such a thorough explanation of your eating and exercise habits, but I believe you’ve helped many people by taking the time to address these issues. Eating disorders of all kinds are extremely serious and you’ve done a great service by acknowledging that. It’s obvious that you are fiercely vigilant in maintaining your personal health and that you’re open to guiding others on their own journey to maximum health (as am I and many of our fellow bloggers). You’re right that it’s unreasonable for people to assume it’s ok to tell someone s/he is underweight, whereas the opposite is unacceptable. Morgan Spurlock mentioned something similar in “Supersize Me.”
You are beautiful, radiant, and so happy that your joy shines through your blog photographs. You’re dedicated to your health and committed to veganism. I know that you already know all these things, but I hope you also realize that outside observers (other than anonymous cowards) know, too.
Hugs,
Vegyogini
Veronica says
I came across your website via Pinterest yesterday and just found this post. It made me cry. About a year ago, I started eating less processed foods and joined a gym. After a few months of healthy eating, but by no means dieting, and going to the gym 3 times a week, I had lost about 7kg. This was a lot to lose considering it took next to no effort, I guess I have a fast metabolism? Anyway, I was feeling great! My energy levels had never been higher, my body felt strong and my confidence had soared. However, I too attracted comments that I was too skinny, even though my BMI WAS in the healthy range! For some reason, my body does not lose weight all-over and so some areas (mainly my arms) looked… oddly… skinny while others looked perfectly normal. I got nagged daily by family to put on weight and became a frequent subject of jokes with some of my friends. I don’t think they expected their jokes to hurt me (because being called a skeleton is for some reason nicer than being called fat, right??) but they did. I eventually was forced to see a doctor by my parents and the doctor said the only way to gain weight would be to over-indulge in calorie-dense food (direct quote… I should have asked to see his diploma right then and there). My father said he would be recording my weight weekly to make sure I had gained enough. I didn’t want to disappoint my parents so much so that I started having anxiety attacks about whether or not I would have gained enough each week. It was quite taxing mentally.
At first, gaining weight was so hard for me, no matter how much I ate. However, after a long enough time of eating absurd amounts (around 4000-5000 cal a day of JUNK), over a couple of months I gained back about 12kg. I felt the worst I had ever felt. Depressed, huge rises and falls in energy levels and I hate what it did to my body. I’m no longer fit and strong and have very little self esteem. Worse of all, it has ceated such a sick relationship for me with food. After having such poor eating habits for a long time, it is extremely hard to get onto healthy eating again. I now have a binge eating problem. However, last week, having barely left my room all week, I realised I had hit rock bottom and the only way from there was up. I am trying hard to get back to clean eating and your blog and this post is inspirational… I hope to never go through such an experience again. You have opened my eyes to the fact that as long as you know you are healthy and happy, what others say does not matter. Trust yourself because you do know what is best for you. Thanks so much! (and wow, sorry about the essay… just thought some backround info would help show you appreciative I am of your blog!)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, Veronica, thank you so much for sharing. I wish I could give you a huge hug through the screen. (LOL sorry to be creepy! ;))
People (some doctors included) need to realize that individuals do NOT fit into black-and-white boxes that society tries to fit us all into… we’re all different and have different needs and natural weights and heights and even different diets that work best for us. I’m so sorry you had to go through all that.
*Hugs!!*
trajayjay says
I think I know what you mean. I don’t really need to gain weight, but I imagine that those who are told they need to gain weight head straight to the donuts and soda. I just don’t see any sense in that. I know it’s harder to feel full on whole, unprocessed foods, but I can’t imagine eating large amounts of sugar and grease to gain weight.
sd says
wow. i’ll just say i had a very similar experience to yours. except i have a slower metabolism–and i had FINALLY been able to monitor my eating habits enough and work out enough to finally get that “good” body thing going on. my arms did look too skinny, but not terribly. I mean, i finally looked like the girls in the magazines!
but then everyone told me to gain weight, and my parents wouldn’t let me run for a week or a few days to make me gain. of course, they wanted me to eat healthier foods to gain, and i ate junk and healthy food to gain. but i got used to the habit of eating a TON and gained too much weight again, and now i am having trouble getting lighter again (which is annoying when I run as much as I do. I end up feeling too heavy sometimes). I try to eat a balance now, but it can be hard sometimes.
I wish I could have just gradually gained weight and stayed at a healthy, but still attractive weight. I am not fat or anything, but it is a big difference from before. I miss looking “hot” haha. Other girls are just as skinny as I was or more, but they do not get the same flack because people are used to them being this way. I don’t know, but it’s a hard balance. It really is.
Anyhoo–I know your pain. Thanks for sharing. Really.
Danielle says
hallelujah.
i couldn’t have said it better myself. i mean, comon, i thought you were an incredible person before this post but now… my gosh, you have exceeded the limits 🙂 you’re the best of the best!
p.s. if i had been around at my computer recently i would’ve been defending you too… just an fyi 😉
Healthy eating blog says
i was at the dells the past 2 days and i guess i have quite some catching up to do! as first i would like to say that YOU my dear, are a wonderful WONDERFUL person for including us in your life and i would *probably* be in tears if you stopped! and secondly i have NOT read the mean comments so i dont know if you deleted them, but you did NO deserve them in any form or way! by honest truth you are the kindest person i *know* :o)
Becca says
I missed the mean comments being busy the last few days, but you did a wonderful job in this post.
Animal-Friendly says
I respect you so much for this post. I’m sure it would be much easier to ignore those cruel comments, and you are definitely doing the right thing. I also think it’s great that your blog does show that one body type is not for everyone and there is no model image for being healthy. So, I’m super glad to hear that you are not letting those comments get to you too much!
Paulina says
Congratulations on speaking up for yourself. Some people really don’t know what they’re saying. It’s not right to assume something that isn’t true at all. As always, I enjoy reading your blog because you’re always so genuine and true to yourself. Keep it up!
bronnie says
I totally understand. Before I had a child I was really active and vegan (am still vegan!), and once I got pregnant, everyone told me “you looked really sickly before… I thought you might be anorexic”! But I felt SO GOOD. And like you, I ate all day long!
Danielle says
bitches be jealous. =]
you rock CCV!
anna says
i really LOVE your blog,your healthy habits and view of life are an inspiration for me and with this post i admire you even more.
keep it up girl 🙂
Ricki says
What a lovely, measured response–and thanks so much for sharing it all with us! And I do think you make a great role model 🙂
oatmeal says
This entry is a million different kinds of awesome!
And honestly, people need to stop judging others by appearances! Like you said, not everyone fits in the same mold, what’s considered healthy for one person doesn’t mean it’s healthy for another person!
“You do not want to look back on your life when you’re old and gray and think to yourself, “Gosh, I wish I’d been more lenient in my diet.””
Well said!
Ruby Red Vegan says
You couldn’t have stated anything in this post better! All power to you for directly confronting this issue. I really, really admire your attitude about food and I think you are incredibly healthy. I am so mad that people tried to attack you, so just know for every meanie there’s a thousand of us who love you and support what you’re doing! 🙂
aTxVegn says
This post is why we think YOU are wonderful! Good on you, bravo, here here!
just me says
your post was amazing and so are you. kudos to you chickadee! i love what you eat and your blog rocks. those anonymous bloggers have no respect and that shows by them hiding themselves.
keep up the great work hun.
🙂
magpie says
That was incredibly well-said. I get the same comments (not so much on my blog, but in real life), and it’s hurtful and cruel. Keep on doing what you’re doing and be happy!
Eileen says
Well spoken! I don’t comment often and don’t have a blog but I just wanted to comment on what a great role model I think you are and I’m sure you will continue to be successful at what you choose in life. As a mom myself, I think your parents must be very proud of you. It is unfortunate that people sometimes think they know you well enough to give advice or criticize your lifestyle – when all they know is the sliver of your life that is exposed in your blog. Some great blogs have shut down because of negative comments – I hope that doesn’t happen to yours because you do a great job at showcasing a healthy, vegan lifestyle.
jessy says
amen! that’s all i really have to say. oh, and you’re awesome! fo ‘sho! 😀
Sarah says
I love this post. That was so informative and I am so proud of you for coming out and saying that. It’s easy to let negative comments roll off but at the end of the day, you can’t ignore them.
I have been reading your blog for awhile now and I KNOW you are a healthy, strong, young woman. I envy your relationship with food and am currently trying to eat intuitively. I am in recovery from several eating disorders and it’s been a hard past 5 years but blogs have helped me see that people, like yourself, eat ONE cupcake and don’t feel guilty! It’s amazing!
Thank you so much for making us a part of your life, believe it or not it helps people
VeganView says
Katie! Thank you for adding me to your blogroll, I am still tying to figure all this out! You are such a positive force…keep it up! And keep checking in on my blog, I’ll get it right soon!
~Jessica
selina says
so… your awesome. people are dumb.
i missed all this stuff as i havent had much time to comment but my goodness.
anyways… i love your blog. i love your decorated cakes & cupcakes. your beautiful.
keep on making those beautiful cupcakes!
VeganView says
PS I just dedicated my latest post to you 😉
Vegetation says
CCV, I somehow missed this whole kerfufel (sp?)! As someone who is married to a bottomless pit who spent the better part of 10 years getting himself to a healthy weight (not by choice, he was born skinny) and 3 kids who are top of their height range and bottom of their weight range (no they’re not veggie and yes they eat!) I for one know for a fact that some people are just born thin.
One of my twins in particular is built like a twig (not insinuating in any way that I think you look like a twig btw :P) and that’s just her. She was literally born that way and has remained that way, no matter what, for the whole 5 1/2 years of her life.
Good on you for sticking up for yourself, people come in all different shapes and sizes and no one should be made to feel ashamed because they happen to be on the smaller side.
No one would be here making comments about how large you were if you happened to be that way, it’s rude, likewise, commenting on someones skinny-ness is just as rude.
((hugs))
Anonymous says
Just for the record, this is NOT the same anonymous 😛
I just wanted to say that you put everything beautifully and forget about being too blunt, because frankly, they were just as rude to you. I am glad you are not letting it get to you but I am also happy to see that you took the time to write such a post to let everyone know once and for all that you are perfectly healthy! There is nothing wrong with that at all and people need to realize that!!
I have a friend like you who can eat whatever she wants and never gains an ounce. Sure, I’m a little envious, but now I can see how frustrating it can be for you.
But anyways, thanks again for posting this and keep up the great work!!
Kara says
Dude, you are awesome! I love your blog- it gives me so many great meal ideas. Thank you for being an intelligent, articulate vegan.
newcitygirl says
Good for you, girl! I think it’s awesome that this post wasn’t just about defending yourself, but that it was about educating people and not feeding into EDs and whatnot. Keep writing and we’ll all keep reading!
Nadia says
Katie–
I am a frequent reader of your blog, but not a blogger myself, so I’ve never left a comment.
I am another naturally skinny vegan, and I know that it gets tiresome when folks assume that all very thin people are starving themselves. You make great-looking food and are a very beautiful woman, and it was sad and irritating to see the comments left on your blog.
I’m so glad to see that you handled them so well.
Nikki Douglas says
I saw some of the rude comments and thought they were out of line. there are all kinds of people in the world – fat people (like me) and skinny people (like you) and everyone in-between.
My brother is naturally thin and has been his entire life. He NEVER gains any weight and there are times that he will have 6 meals in a day if he happens to be hungry.
My husband (oh we were a sight – him so slim and me fat)Sandy weighed 145 lbs at 5’7 since he was 17 years old. He never gained or lost a pound. That is just the way he was built. He ate very well.
My best friend Stephanie is a yoga teacher and probably the healthiest and most active person I know. She put on about 15 pounds of muscle in the past 8 years but was always tall and very thin.
STAY strong! We are all different and all the same in so many ways.
You are articulate and have a good head on your shoulders.
Brava, my dear, brava!
Katy says
What a great post Katie! I’m sorry that you ever had to write it, but you’ve handled the whole situation with such grace.
Yahoo for you! (did you ever see Billy Madison? ha ha!)
CeciLiA says
Wow, good on ya for writing this post to address the issue! It couldn’t have been put in a better way :0) It is sad that there are people in this world who attack innocent souls in such a rude way … this post should keep them away for good! ;0)
But dear anonymous, if you’re reading this, I have a message for you … to be so obsessively involved in snooping around people’s blog (I’ve seen your rude comments on many blogs out there) and criticize bloggers on what they eat (and not eat) is SERIOUSLY offending – you need to realize that everyone eats differently, and no one eats perfectly in this world (you need to know, it’s possible for people to be watchful of their diet AND maintain healthy relationship with them), i.e: sometimes people just crave clean food like salad, while on other days, they may indulge in a cupcake and etc (on that note, how can we possibly persuade you that we’re eating them? Taking a video of us eating one?! Hrmm … ) So please do NOT waste your time, hiding under some ‘anonymous’ title, and write all those offensive comments on people’s blog! On that note, I think you should seek help yourself, I mean, I seriously doubt that a NORMAL individual would do something like this! You probably have food-related issues yourself – so deal with that instead!
Phew … sorry I talked so much, can’t help it! :0) And Katie, have a great day relaxing!!! Oh! Can you show us more your artwork?! (as in scrapbooking, cake-decorating and etc … I really like those)
Tamara says
To a gorgeous skinny vegan –
Not only are you beautiful and kind, but incredibly mature and articulate as well. This is a great post. Thanks for sharing!
– From a gorgeous curvy vegan 🙂
Jess - The Domestic Vegan says
Right on, Katie! It is quite obvious that you are incredibly intelligent & have a healthy outlook on all aspects of your life. You’re just amazing. 🙂 Good for you for handling these negative comments so well, and thanks for sharing a little bit more about yourself! I know you’ll continue to inspire & educate others just by being YOU! The healthy, gorgeous, and eloquent you.
Theresa says
I didn’t want to step into the previous posts and their comments, but I think your response here was articulate, well thought-out, and completely worth doing. It is silly that you should have to defend yourself like that, but you’ve done well.
Cody says
Hear hear. I’m at least 10lbs “underweight” and there is really not a damn thing I can do about it. I’ve even gained about 10lbs since going veg, but I think that probably has more to do with growing up than my diet.
It’s such a double-edged sword sometimes. Someone sees me eating veggies or fruit, they think I’m starving myself… they see me eating obscene amounts of chocolate, they think I’m malnourished. You just can’t win.
linds says
Oh my goodness you sweetheart.. What a beautifully written response. Well thought out, well spoken. You are a role model not because you have a public blog but because you are a truly wonderful, considerate person, and your values and outlooks on life, exercise, and cupcakes are truly something to look up to 🙂 <3
Caitlin says
Katie,
I hope this post sets people straight! At any rate, it doesn’t really matter as long as YOU know you’re healthy. 🙂
Yeah, the funniest part (at least to me) about my roommate was how ECSTATIC she was when she found out her weight had gone up! She came into the room one night screaming “I’ve finally joined the big butt club!” and tried to compare her butt to my enormous one (although I’ve grown to love my butt–I just don’t see the point in wasting time obsessing over “imperfections” :)) Although really, her butt was still very small in my opinion, I let her enjoy it. 🙂
Lately my Asian friends have all begun to tell me I look part-Asian! I really don’t think I do AT ALL, but maybe they just mean the way I act….?! You lived in China when you were younger, right? (Just to clarify–I’d forgotten)
Congrats again on the amazing and inspiring blog — I hope you don’t let these anonymous posters get you down!
Caitlin
P.S. Also, random question–I just got my wisdom teeth out today and was wondering if you have any suggestions for mushy vegan food? Also, do you have a recipe for your mashed cauliflower? I remember thinking how yummy it looked!
ChickPea says
Well said, my dear, well said.
PS Ladies with toothpick arms unite!
Allison says
I read this post to the last line and it was so beautiful and honest from start to finsih. You are truly an inspiration to girls everywhere, and you should be so proud of yourself!! Katie, you are AMAZING, girl!! :0)
Emma says
A brilliant and intelligent reply to some very stupid and mean comments. You truly demonstrate yourself to be a lovely, level-headed and sensible lady!
I hope you don’t receive any more negative comments but if you do, you can rest assured that me and many others will be right there for you!
lengslog says
wow what an amazing post! people just don’t understand that people who are more slender get negative comments or insulted just as much as overweight/obese people do. I mean it’s odd to say, but A lot of times I’ve been judged on my “built” on how I don’t eat “real” food etc etc. And I’m not even that skinny! Those type of folks are just envious others because they wish they could look or be the same way. Yet instead of focusing on putting others down they should take a look at themselves and fix their “problem.” Gosh those type of ppl piss me off so much. It’s so annoying.
Your comment was so nice and mature. I don’t think I could do the same. I’d probably go off or something.
Have a good week! Love your blog and the healthy food you eat 🙂
Lily Girl says
I just got caught up on the comment drama. I think you handled it beautifully. Doctor’s opinions definitely trump anonymous commenter’s unsolicited ones!!! (And really – we all wish we could eat everything we want, but alas you are one of the few blessed).
Also, your 4th of July cupcakes are lovely!
Anonymous says
Hello, I look at your blog at least 3 times a week (blush) and I think you are an amazing, intelligent girl. I am inspired to start my own blog soon! I too am vegan…anyway I just wanted to say that when i was in high school i was tiny like you and i was constantly told i was anorexic, obviously didnt eat etc and it really hurt. People think that its ok to criticise someone for being too skinny but calling someone fat is apparently rude. Anyway i did eat and heaps and i just wasnt able to put on weight. I ended up getting so distressed from it all that i developed a compulsive eating disorder trying to put on weight. I would eat and eat until i felt sick and this stuck with me for years. I am 23 now and have recovered from the disorder, but i just wanted to say that there are A LOT of people out there who are just naturally skinny and YES we do EAT! Your an awesome girl, all the best! Love your blog!
Daniella
Katy says
Bravo! I agree with you 100% when you wrote about how odd it is that it’s a no-no to call someone overweight, but it’s socially acceptable to call someone underweight. I’ve heard people call someone “too skinny” almost like it’s a complement! But you handled it with grace and dignity. Good for you!
Katie says
I can’t believe what some of those “anonymous” comments said! How absurd! Your are incredibly lucky to inherit a super-metabolism, but anyone who reads or just passes by your blog can see that you eat, and you eat healthily.
I am recovering from an eating disorder (almost done – yay!) and your carefree attitude towards food has inspired me in my recovery – for real!
Kiersten says
Hi CCV. I am not a blogger, nor do I usually leave comments, but I do read your blog regularly. I would just like to say that that was a wonderful post you made. I also know what it’s like to have people make negative comments and assumptions about me because of the way I look. Unfortunately, I did have an eating disorder for a portion of my life. It kills me now to know that people still think I have en eating disorder because I am so very far from that point in my life. Thank you for sticking up for all of us out there who are thin, but healthy. I admire the courage you had to address those negative comments. You are a beautiful person, never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Erica says
Good for you! Great post! I am so glad you are happy!
Kate says
You really are a classy gal, and I’m proud of you for sticking up to people who are attacking you, possibly in order to make themselves feel better or more secure about their own weight.
It’s also great that you have a healthy lifestyle with exercise. So many people exercise to lose weight, not realizing that if you always have done it and keep up the habit, you won’t gain weight. It’s not temporary.
Best to you!
MizFit says
wow.
delurking just to add to ALL YOUR AMAZING COMMENTS that one word.
ok 2
FREAKIN WOW.
🙂
Miz.
Jennifer (of Veg*n Cooking) says
Katie, I’m so proud of you for the way you handled those rude bloggers. You are a class act. Personally, I don’t think you should have to explain anything to us, but understand why you did.
I have always thought you were skinny, yes, but I’ve seen what you eat, you’ve talked about the female members of your family all being thin as youngsters, so I believed you. I still can’t believe there are some people who get off on hurting other peoples feelings, even when they are trying to “help”, which I don’t think they were.
You are a beautiful, healthy, lovely human being, don’t EVER let anyone like that get you down, and I’m so happy that the other bloggers came to your defense, I was late coming in on the whole thing or I would have jumped in there too.
Traci Anne says
*slow golf clap*
Love. You.
shellyfish says
Rock on Special K! You tell ’em!
Heather says
Long time lurker just leaving you some <3
I missed the negative commenters, but I am glad you haven’t let them get to you! It seems like a lot of the food bloggers I visit regularly have had to deal with this issue at some point or another, unfortunately.
Look at all the people that support you! We all know that those anonymous posters by judging you unfairly did not define you, but their own jealous selves.
Keep being fabulous!
trustmyintuition says
I didn’t catch the negative comments either, but you are amazing! Seriously, you are such a good, intelligent, kind person, and like I commented on your last post, I think you’re beautiful and an inspiration to many. I truly admire you.
Healthy eating blog says
katie,
this comment was left on my blog (NOT by you, but someone i have absolutly NO idea who he is) and i kinda creeped my out, the last time i got a comment like this i deleted my blog, but this time i dont want to because its helping me, but now im offically scared!
I am also a 15 year old vegan. We are alike except for the part where I am a guy and you are a girl. It’s hard to find a 15 year old vegan to date. Would you want to go out sometime? I live in Plano, Texas. What is your address?
Alice (in Veganland) says
I have a very skinny friend how’s been trying to gain weight for a long time, and I know she feels horrible when people tell her she’s skinny… I mean… you don’t go to someone and say “you’re fat”. Why should yo do it with skinny people?
You didn’t have to give us so much information, but I admit I enjoyed getting to know you a bit better 😉
Bianca says
You tell ’em Katie! I’m glad you didn’t let those mean comments get to you. I think it’s cool that you have the willpower to run 5 days a week…for fun! I go to the gym 4 days a week, but only because I make myself…I definitely don’t usually want to go, but I’m almost 30 and I want to stay the size I am today through my middle age without having to cut back on eating…so the only answer is working out…
Also, on the Smart Balance issue…I believe SB Light is the only one that is vegan. I don’t think regular SB is vegan. I think I checked that once in the grocery store…so just more reason for you to use the light kind…
Rasmus says
It is really wonderful to read this post! I am genetically skinny and have been all my life, and I too have several times been asked, right in my face, if I am anorectic, and I believe none at all of the people who asked me that even imagined that the question could hurt me.
So I definately agree with your point that it’s taboo to tell people that they’re fat, but totally okay, or even “helpful” to say the opposite.
Obviously some people don’t realize that not all bodies can look the same. I have always been skinny, and have always been eating a lot. As a teenager, I could easily eat more than one kilo in a single meal, and still did not gain any weight at all… Which I always have disliked, I really want to gain some weight but it is obiously impossible for me.
The easiest way of dealing with those mean comments on your post would probably have been to simply delete and ignore them, but you chose to write this amazing and really long reply instead, and that is wonderful!
Love from Sweden,
Rasmus
Vaala says
Wow, I am away from my computer for a few days and all the drama happens! I had so much to say running through my head last night but it’s all a bit mushy now. But you’re beautiful and keep doing what you’re doing. Your blog is awesome 🙂
Binx says
You’re so sweet.
It’s not fair at all that you should have to defend your healthy and happy lifestyle, but you just did a really good job of it.
I wish you the best!
Sanja says
Wow Katie, what a post. I think it’s great you’re standing up for yourself this way. You are clearly very articulate and you couldn’t have put this response more brilliantly!
Simple and Divine says
My STRONG g-ddess of a twin! This post, like every one of your posts, ROCKED! Nothing more to say, except that I’m so proud to be your twin 🙂 Aaaaand our friend 🙂 (Sapster…)
Pink Theory says
wow, I didn’t even notice the drama when I left a comment on that previous post. I just saw the yummy food and 2 beautiful girls in that post!
Kudos for sticking up for yourself! When I read your post I was reminded of myself when I was younger…I was skinny and could not gain weight and people always had to point it out. I totally agree with the thing about it being taboo to point out overweight people but not vice versa when it is just as hurtful!
Staying fit and healthy, eating when you’re hungry and not eating when you’re not hungry…sounds good to me! You’re beautiful girl, inside and out, don’t let anyone make you think otherwise!
Vegan On Stage says
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!
you dont have to prove yourself to anyone, but I think that it is important for people to know that Skinny doesnt always equal sickly. As i said before you are beautiful inside and out and im so glad that i have
“met” you!
Allison says
Aww, thanks girl!! The flowers are actually icing! I took three Wilton cake decorating classes last spring and learned how to make all kinds of flowers, borders, shapes, etc with icing! I didn’t take the fondant class, but now I’m thinking about it after seeing how BEAUTIFUL your creations are-have you ever taken a class before? If not, you are beyond amazing, girl! :0)
VegMomma says
I feel just terrible that you had to write out this huge post to defend yourself.
That said, it was well-written, and effective! You should be praised for eating so many healthy foods, not ostracized!
Now go flaunt your skinny fabulousness!!!!
xo
nicole says
Hi Katie–
I read your blog frequently, but have never commented. I just wanted to reiterate what everyone else has said. I’m really really tiny too and I know how much it hurts when people tell you “how ill/deathly/skeletal you look,” but would never think of saying the analog to an overweight person. Hang in there, everyone else thinks you’re good to go 🙂
nicole
kindkitchen says
Whoa-I missed a lot of drama! That is so sad that someone felt the need to leave those negative comments.
You are obviously beautiful, happy & healthy…
glidingcalm says
That’s awesome CCV!! I love your blog and I love your attitude! Amen!! As I have gotten similar remarks for what I eat and being underweight…as my Mom says… “Does she have energy to be active and fuel herself through her busy day?” “Are her hair and nails healthy?” (And my Mom is a doctor!) Keep up the great outlook…you are inspiring and I love that you exercise to be healthy and have fun. Take care lady!!!
P.S. Of course you can add me to your blogroll! I’d be honored!
Patrick says
Wow. What the hell?
I’ve seen this girl eat. Trust me– she’s no anorexic. I weigh 200 pounds. I’ve been vegan 12 years. She eats more than I do.
Plus she’s smoking hot.
So anyone who has anything otherwise to say– well.. You just seem stupid.
Anonymous says
Im sorry but it is true you look a bit too skinny. Your sister looks a lot healthier.
Jeanna says
I’m so impressed by you! I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning of -08, and I’ve finally decided to leave my first comment ^^
You’re a generous, loving and beautiful person. And believe me, this entry can’t upset the ones who are suffering from an ED.
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Parick—Wow, what a compliment! Thank you, my “secret tofu”-eating friend ;o). I didn’t know you still read my blog… we have to take that bike ride! Or do you want to meet up again at Veggie Garden or something? Email me!
Bronnie, Anna, Sarah, Nadia, Danielle, Kara, Anonymous #1, Kiersten, Jeanna, Nicole, and Heather— Thank you all SO much for leaving such wonderful comments on my post. It’s because of readers like you that the effort of blogging is definitely worth it. It means so much to me that you all read my blog; I can’t even find the words to tell you!
Eileen— Just like I told the readers above, it meant so much to me to get your comment on my post. And I just *had* to show your comment to my mom… because her name is Eileen too. And it’s my middle name :o).
Anonymous #2— I am so sorry for what happened to you! I felt that way at one point too, where I tried to stuff my face full of junk food as often as possible in order to try and gain weight… but all it did was make my crazy metabolism go even faster, so I had to give up and learn to accept my body the way it is, skinny arms and all. I’m still a little embarrassed when I eat in front of others—if I don’t eat a lot, I know they assume I’m anorexic, and if I DO eat a lot, I know they assume I’m bulimic. So I had to learn that you can’t please everyone no matter what. In any case, definitely let me know when/if you decide to start your own blog!
Caitlin— Your roommie sounds like so much fun… and she reminds me of myself. The last time I went to the doctor’s and found out I’d gained two pounds from the year before, I went home and was bragging to everyone in my family. They, of course, thought I was completely nuts to be celebrating the fact that I’d gained weight.
I lived in Japan for 4 years when I was little (where I learned to use chopsticks) and China for 2 years as a teenager. So I know more Chinese than many of my Asian-American friends (although I definitely try not to speak it in front of their families for fear they’ll make fun of my horrendous accent!).
Ok, you have to become best friends with your blender. Go and give it a big hug right this instant! (Just make sure it is turned off when you do.) Hmmm soft foods I can think of: refried beans, hummus, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, soup, tofu dips, oat bran, pudding, smoothies, shakes, applesauce, soy ice cream, sorbet, or any of these: http://howtogainweightonavegandiet.blogspot.com/2007/05/i-should-seriously-consider-changing.html (the link to the cauliflower recipe is on this page too). Hope some of that was helpful! And good luck getting your teeth out… One of these days, I need to go get mine done; I’ve been putting it off (my dentist is going to yell at me for sure at my next appointment).
TavoLini says
well said, CCV. We support you and don’t let a few naysayers get you down!
Keep running and keep posting that great food of yours!
Rural Vegan says
Katie, I’m just disgusted that anyone would say anything hurtful about you. Everyone who knows you, even just online, knows you are one of the kindest, most generous people in the world. You eat a totally healthy, well rounded diet – just because we don’t all look alike does not make it unhealthy. Good for you for responding so professionally, and shame on the jealous, uneducated people who need to hurt others for no reason.
Amy says
Chocolate Covered Vegan,
I’m a big fan of reading your blog, especially because I totally relate to “being-skinny-yet-eating-a-lot”. I’ve always been this way, and I’ve never appreciated the comments people make about me being too skinny and needing to eat more. Your post sounded exactly like something I would have written about myself. (We eat! Lots!) I really admire the way you stood your ground. Keep it up!
Amy
arielle says
you’re awesome!
Patrick says
I hadn’t read it in a while– and then saw all this whackness!
I ride my bike to Spiral a lot– you should let me know sometime you want to go. Of course I am about to head out of town on Monday:(
Romina says
Katie, I am so sorry you had to go through all that BS. You are one of the sweetest bloggers out there, and you deserve more respect for what you do. You put yourself and your life out there on the screen, and for people to be so rude and cut you down like that is just inhuman. Bullies always have their own problems and feel the need to bring others down with them to feel better about themselves.
Just remember for every rude and inconsiderate person, there are many more who respect you and all the effort you put into your blog. Your posts brighten my day, and for someone to be so cruel and unkind is what infuriates me about the anonymity of the internet.
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Amy—
Thanks for the comment! As I said above to someone else, it’s REALLY nice to know I’m not alone in the “skinny-eater” department :o).
Romina–
I definitely agree that there are way more compassionate, wonderful people in the blogging world (you being one of them) than bullies.
Thank you so much for commenting on my post. Especially because they came from such a sweet friend, your comments meant a lot to me.
Jenny says
Well said!!
Vegan_Noodle says
Wow, Katie… I am trying to catch up on blogs and understand what’s been happening. I can’t believe the anonynous comments you received. Seems like some people don’t have anything better to do with their time than criticize and hurt others. I’m glad you responded publicly to such hurtful attacks. Just goes to show how strong of a person you are. I’ll be sending an email with more of my thoughts…. You are awesome!
Anonymous says
Ok, I love you. Please don’t get offended, but I’m just wondering, have you ever counted calories? Because some of the dinners that you post only have like 200-300 calories and that’s generally seen as not enough for dinner… I am positive that you don’t have an eating disorder though, and I’m sure that if you’re eating many times throughout the day it ends up being alright. I hope I didn’t offend you because I believe you.
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Anonymous—
Don’t worry at all; you didn’t offend me. I don’t count calories, but I seriously doubt I’ve ever had a meal that was only 200 calories. I’m guessing you’re referring to my first meal in my “yam” post… now that I look back at it, yeah, I guess that meal does seem pretty small (but not 200-calories small). I don’t remember what I had for lunch/breakfast/snacks on that particular day, but I’m sure that if my dinner was that small, I must’ve had something substantial at my other meals/snacks to make up for it. Lunch is usually my biggest meal of the day. Sometimes my meals are not so highly-caloric, but I snack a lot throughout the day (usually three snacks and three meals a day).
Vivacious Vegan says
Katie, you couldn’t have said it better. You have a terrific attitude and zest for life. I am glad you’re my blogger friend.
xoxo
Crystal
Anonymous says
to me it seems like the anonymous posters were not trying to be offensive. Perhaps you should’nt take these comments to heart next time. If you pay no attention to them, they will just go away. It’s great though that you took the time to write a huge response, although it may just show them how insecure you are that you need to prove yourself to random people.
Cecilia says
Wow anonymous, talk about the pot calling the kettle black! YOU’RE the one who is obviously insecure, not CCV! I mean, leaving a cowardly anonymous post like that? I feel very sorry for you that you don’t have anything better to do with your time!
River says
Best. Post. Ever. OK sorry if this freaks you out, but I LOVE you! 🙂
fellow veggie named katie says
As a person with an eating disorder, I have to tell you how much I appreciate you addressing this issue.
I get offended enough when people criticize my eating habits and weight, I can only imagine how upsetting it must be when there is no basis for it.
And anyone who actually knew anything about eating disorders would be able to tell right away that you do not have one. If you did you wouldn’t as healthy as you do. Your skin, eyes, and hair wouldn’t be glowing and healthy. But people in our society are obsessed with weight and that’s the only aspect they pay attention to.
It’s wonderful that you don’t let the negative comments get to you. I wish you all the best.
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Katie–
Wow, thank you sooo so much for leaving such a nice comment! You are such a sweetheart! …And you happen to have the best name too ;o)
Susanah says
Hey CCV
I know how it feels..I’ve been super skinny and well, being petite (155cm) makes me look even smaller.. I did gain a 12 kgs when i was stuyding in Australia but it was largely due to emotional binge eating and NES (nite eatingsyndrome). I’m still battling this but have lost all those weight being back to M’sia (my home country)..It wasn’t intentional as my parents will never let me or my sis diet (we didnt need to)..I guess i was happier at home and being with love ones makes me binge less..The weight dropped off during the past yr..Many gym goers have commented that i’m too skinny now but i’m actually heavier than my pre-aust weight..i’m learnt to accpet my smaller frame and have added lots of weight training to my regime.. i do not shun food and eat what i like when i like ..i never skip meals..i can empthatize with u cos i have ppl saying “eat more”..if life was so simple, everyone wld have their ‘perfect’ size..i get very emotional and stressed when ppl start commenting on my weight..after reading ur post, it made me feel a lil better..i know some ppl genuinely are just concern but i recon many other (females especially) are merely jealous..why is it ok for them to workout 3-4 gym classes a day, 6 times a week and me, not able to do a 60min run , 3 times a week?
ChocolateCoveredVegan says
Susanah–
Thanks so much for your comment :o). It’s ALWAYS super-wonderful to hear from someone who understands where I’m coming from. Sometimes I just wish people could be like babies– you don’t hear babies going around saying to other babies, “You’re too chubby, you’re too skinny, you’re too tall/short/whatever!”
Burp~! says
What’s wrong with these mean anonymous commenters? I wish people will stop with these ugly remarks too. Skinny people get extremely hurt too when people comment negatively about their weight!
By the way, I love your outspokenness and candidness and I think you handled this in a very responsible and wise manner. And I really love the stuff you eat and am CERTAIN you’re a happy, healthy young woman full of life! don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Rock on, sister!
Vege girl says
Thank you,
I am a vegetarian who is considering going vegan. I am already quite skinny and have had to deal with many of the same comments you’ve had. Even though I try not to let them get to me, those comments are the main reason why I haven’t switched to being a full vegan and why I don’t go to the gym much anymore (not to lose weight, but to feel and be healthy). I really appreciate this post. It’s so true: you should never change who you are because of other people’s words. 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey Vege girl!
Thank YOU for your kind words (and for commiserating with me!). It’s hard, ya know? I try to not let negative comments get to me, but just like overweight people sometimes hear others whispering about them, I hear it too. It’s embarrassing when someone says, “She’s anorexic.” I want to sit there and scream “No I am not” and force them to believe me… but ya know what? My true friends and family know the truth, so why should I care what some stranger thinks? No matter your size, people are going to whisper about you. They’ll make fun of your clothes, your hair, your weight… no matter what, you can’t please everyone, so why try? It’s so much more fun to not worry about it 🙂
WholeBodyLove says
I love this post! I have also expressed my opinion on the willingness of people to tell me I ‘m “too skinny”while they would NEVER tell an overweight person that he/she is “too fat”. Healthy foods are good for people of all sizes. Exercise is great for EVERYONE too! Thanks for speaking my mind!
Michelle says
I am a newbie to this blog, and this was about the second post I read! Kudos to Katie 🙂 I have always been scrawny, not super skinny, but just scrawny. My bones stick out of my arms and stuff, but then I have this goofy spongy gut. I always get told to eat more, but the more I eat, the softer my stomach gets… very irritating xD I know your frustrations about gaining muscle, it just doesn’t seem to happen. I eat a lot of protein and do weight training, but I am still unporportionately scrawny. But, like you said, just accept who you are… Thanks again for that post. It really was inspiring 😀
Anonymous says
When people say up front to you that your to skinny I would assume they don’t think it’s an insult really to be called “to skinny” and if you were to have an eating disorder they would also assume that you probably think that you aren’t skinny, unlike an overweight person.. an overweight person probably seems themself as the way they are. You obviously can tell that you are very skinny but people with eating disorders will usually have thinning hair and bad skin. Your skin and hair looks healthy. I’d assume without knowing you but reading a little of your blog that your so skinny from your diet and genetics like you said. I had a cousin that was a vegan for so many years and she was very skinny when she was a vegan, now that she isn’t she has put on some nice little curves.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks, anonymous! It’s so true; if I didn’t eat enough healthy fats and calories in my diet, I bet my hair would be much more brittle, not shiny. And I doubt I’d have all this energy!
My mom tells me that the curves will come. She hit 30 and suddenly they appeared lol!
Lauren says
I just stumbled upon your blog yesterday – I love it! This post really spoke to me. I’m also a naturally skinny veg girl with a passion for health and fitness – I get criticized constantly for the way I look, accused of having an eating disorder. I’ve had people come up to me at hotels, on the beach, at school, and express their “concern” or flat out tell me that I look awful.
What’s with the double standard? It’s not like people just walk up to someone who’s OVERweight and say “listen hunny, you don’t look good… you need to eat less.”
I don’t like the fact that I have the body of a 12 year old boy or am lanky like a monkey. Growing up, I wanted to look like Saved by the Bell’s Kelly Kapowski, but I always felt like Screech.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one out there going through this!
Lori says
I know I’m a little (well VERY) late on commenting and reading this post… but honestly, WELL PUT. I think you are a truly amazing individual, just by reading your blog, and think that you are helping so many more than you could hurt. Your words in this post are genuine and should be taken to heart by all.
Thanks for the post!
🙂
tofuyoga says
I too am super late on reading this. I just came across your blog and I have to say I love it. I too am a naturally, very skinny person, and have to deal with a lot of comments from family, and sometimes even friends, about my weight. I too work out (although its yoga and the elliptical) and people are always saying “why do you work out, you don’t need to lose weight.” I think its sad that most people are missing the mark that working out is to have strong bones and a healthy heart, and not always to lose weight.
I think you look just great the way you are, and look forward to continue reading.
Thanks for the clarification!
jqlee says
I am super late on reading this post but I think it’s AWESOME that you dont have to justify yourself to anyone. I know what you mean by eating whatever you want and not gaining weight. My sister is the exact same way. She doesn’t eat pizza and stuff all the time though simply because its not healthy! Keep up your good eats and healthy runs girl. You look and from what it sounds, feel amazing so do what you do and dont let anyone tell you anything different 🙂
lisa says
what a great post! im in the same shoes as you in some ways- im skinny, and i LOVE to exercise, but i also only eat healthy foods. no fast food or crapp for me. most people assume (WRONGLY) that it is to stay skinny, when in fact i probably eat more than ALL of them! While my friends swear off peanut butter ( THE HORROR) and sip slim fast (ew.), im eating real foods and also exercising. i love it, and i hate getting the “why do you exercise your so skinny” comments. STUPID! exercise is for HEALTH too, not just weight loss!
glad to see someone else on my side. good for you!! 🙂 !!
Jo says
Hello, just saw you blog, you look like me you really do, though i have colored my hair deep red. hehe
Just wanted to say something about anonymous persons who say extremely mean things to you. They are definitely struggling with their own body issues, weight, mental illness etc. Let me explain; All my life I have been really skinny, i mean really skinny, back in high school I was even skinnier than you are now. And I knew that. I was eating like a horse, trying desperately too eat as much food as possible, because my “friends” where telling me that i was anorexic and had to eat more. But they saw that i was eating much more than them, but they still bullied me and they thought it was funny, and “helping”. After a few years with shitheads around me every day telling me that I looked skeletal, i was totally going into a bad relationship with food. I was always soooo ill. One day got bulimia. Bang! I had never thrown up before, it was really discusting but I felt like I was throwing up there mean comments about my body every time. I just couldn’t stop, I failed the last year at school and that was not funny for a high intelligent good student. Painful, horrible. What are these people telling us?
To say that someone is too skinny, is the same as telling someone that they are fat!! Get it people!
Don’t do that to anyone ANYMORE! You are just causing yourself more problems than you already have, stop say it and consentrate on YOUR SELF!!
Good to see that Katie is ignoring these comments, but it’s not everyone who does that.
It hurts!
Take care of your family, your good friends and your body, It’s the only one you have, and everyday counts, and every minute of that day..every second.
Now, I am happy and healthy. Still skinny, I exercise; dancing and aerobics, and I feel strong.
thank you for reading. please remind others.
Jo
Natasha says
I am new to this blog, but think that it’s amazing what you do. It’s hard to come to terms with how you look (no matter what your size is), and to do it online, where millions of people can view. That takes guts.
I’m not going to lie. When I first found this site and saw pictures of you, my initial thoughts were “Damn she’s skinny! And she eats chocolate everyday?! NOT FAIR!” But then I realized, there are people who have just as hard of times gaining weight, as losing weight.
I really love what you are doing, and you shouldn’t listen to others who are just trying to bring you down. You know you are healthy, and that’s all that matters 🙂 -Thumbs up- Way to go! Maybe one day when I become more active and lose a lot of this extra weight I’m carrying around, I’ll be able to eat chocolate everyday and not worry about calories and fat (good or bad). I can’t wait until then! 😛
Natasha.
jaisanrobb says
Love it!
Tricia says
I love your blog, and i also love how you’re a vegan runner. I’m a vegetarian runner, leaning towards a vegan diet. I also love how your not concerned with your weight or calories. For some reason, i tend to obsessively count calories :/, and i know it’s certainly not healthy to do that, and your blog has encouraged me to stop doing that and listen to my body instead. I really appreciate this blog, and not to mention the delicious recipes that come along with it 🙂
Your confidence makes me want to embrace my body and feel more comfortable in my skin rather than trying to constantly change it.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you, Tricia! It’s always fun to “meet” another veggie runner!! 🙂
Ashley C says
wow this is so inspiring to me! I personally do and have suffered with an eating issue and reading this helps me realize i can eat all sorts of good things and not be overweight! i mean look at you, you eat chocolate, peanut butter, and all sort of good things and exercise in a healthy way and yet you are still skinny 🙂 thats such a comfort to me, thanks for the blog its really helped me get out of some food ruts! keep up the amazing work!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you for the sweet comment! And definitely, you CAN (and deserve to) eat all these things and still be healthy/not overweight! I eat a TON of nut butters (and chocolate every day). Just listen to your body; it know what it wants ;).
Jordan says
This is actually my first day reading your blog, and as someone who has formerly struggled with eating disorders, I must admit that I was a little worried. But after actually reading your posts about your meals and the way that you feel about your body and excercise, I realized that it is very healthy. I think it is horrible that someone would hide behind a computer and accuse you of having any kind of eating disorder. You have a very healthy outlook on life and I adore the way your responded to these attacks. I am adding you to my list of daily blogs to read 🙂 keep it up!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh wow, Jordan, thank you so much for such kind words. I’m so glad you found me! 🙂
Hannah says
Great post, I toally understand the comment about how its “ok” to call thin people skinny but not okay to call larger people fat. My cousin is quite thin, buts she doesnt starve herself, she eats a normal balanced diet, and her and her sisters all play vollyball. Although im not as thin as her, I am a bit thin, adn for soemreason, my friends think its ok to constantly tell me I’m skinny adn need to eat more, i get so frustrated because I eat more than then!! I was wearing my friend’s sweater the other day (she is bigger than me) and someone said I had to eat mroe!!! I totally understand how you feel when people talk about your weight when its totally out of your hands!! Thanks for such an encouraging post!!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks for the sweet comment, Hannah. It’s NEVER ok to make someone feel bad about their body, no matter their size!
Andrea says
Great post! Your site is awesome! I can’t wait to make some of this stuff!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww thanks, Andrea!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Hi, Katie!! I’ve been going through some of your delicious recipe posts and discovered this post. To be really honest, I admit that I initially made negative judgement about you while reading your blog. (I even avoided reading CCH before…)
After reading this one, I can truly relate myself to you as I just realized you’ve gone through same as me! I developed a love of exercise – lost weight like crazy – and now am in pretty skinny state, although I did gain some weight back. I also eat h*ll lot and am still slim (thnx, dad for ur metabolism)!
I hope you don’t get offended by any of those negative comments (I can see you ignore them already) and hope you post more about your life, passion and etc. You are really a motivating & inspiring blogger in my opinion.
Take Care,
Stephanie
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, thank you so much, Stephanie. To be honest, I KNOW that I’d probably have quite a few more readers if I didn’t look so skinny. And maybe I brought some of it on myself by even bringing the topic up in my blog posts… I was always so afraid someone would say something negative that–for a while–I would defend myself before even getting the comments I knew were coming. But now I realize that was only serving to further highlight my size, which is what I didn’t want in the first place! So I don’t really mention it at all anymore, and I’m in the process of re-vamping my faq page to make it less of a prominent topic there as well. There are more important things to focus on… like chocolate! 😉 😉
Jennie says
Hi Katie,
I just discovered your blog, and I feel so comforted knowing that there are other people out there that look and feel like I do. I am underweight, love to exercise, and eat A LOT of (healthy) food (although I am not vegan). I always feel like people are staring at me and judging me. I get anxious eating in front of others because I feel like if I eat too little, or order a salad, they think I am anorexic, and if I eat too much, well then I must be binging and purging. It is so frustrating, and my life has been so affected by it. I mean, I even skipped my husband’s family Christmas this year because I was afraid of the comments I might get from some of his family members that I haven’t seen in a while (I was about 20 pounds heavier two years ago). Thank you for having your blog. I am going to be a regular reader from now on.
P.S. You are beautiful and inspirational
P.P.S. I LOVE NUT BUTTERS AND CHOCOLATE, TOO!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh Jennie, I’m sending you hugs :(. I definitely understand 100% how you feel awkward eating in front of others, like you’re being judged. My mom is always like, “Katie, they’re too busy worrying about their own lives.” But that’s not always true; people are nosy, and I know that sometimes they DO scrutinize what I’m eating and make judgments. I’ve even overheard things sometimes. But ya know what? If they want to assume something about me, they’re not worth worrying about. Please don’t let their opinions of you change how you act. They’re NOT worth it!
Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun!) says
I think it’s great that you stood up for yourself like this. People tend to feel very free to make negative comments about other people’s bodies, thin or fat, as if having a certain body type means it’s open season for public input. I think people are made uncomfortable by heavier women because it somehow threatens them–they’re departing from the norm–but they are just as (if not more) threatened by thinner women, usually out of jealousy. I think it is great that you embrace the fact that you are just naturally “underweight” according to some BS insurance chart. I know that, at my healthiest and happiest, I am still “overweight” according to those charts. I could always waste a ton of time torturing myself, starving myself, killing myself with too much exercise to try and fit within some pre-conceived mold that has nothing to do with my individual genetics, but instead I choose to accept myself the way I am, insurance charts be damned. When I see someone doing the same, I applaud them. So three cheers, CCK! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks a ton for your kind words! It really is baffling how people think it’s their business to comment on others’ weights (under the guise that they’re “worried” for you). If your doctor says you’re healthy, and you feel healthy and happy, isn’t that what’s most important? Kudos to you, as well, for being true to yourself!
Allyson says
Hi Katie,
I miraculously found your blog about a month and a half ago by looking for a recipe to fulfill my oatmeal fanatic cravings!:) First let me say that I absolutely love your blog, and I look forward to your daily posts! I am a vegan and I am very thin naturally. A lot of negative people have told me that I am too thin and need to gain weight, or I am not eating enough. I too would let those comments get me and would eat a lot of food at one sitting. Only ending up getting a sick feeling, and gaining no weight I realized the same thing-that no one is the same and I shouldn’t have to fit someone else’s idea of a “perfect body”. I too am very active-run in 5ks, 10ks, do pilates, yoga , etc and I would not be able to be active unless I was a healthy eater! I also completely agree with your comment that it is not okay to call someone “fat” but perfectly okay to call some one “too skinny” or “underweight”. Everyone is different.
Needless to say, I am so thrilled that I found your blog and I look forward to every future post!:)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw, thanks, Allyson! I’m so glad you found me :). I’m sorry you’ve had to go through the negative experience too… but I wouldn’t give it up, because the whole experience turned me into a much happier–and healthier–person in the long run!
CutePi314 says
This posting inspired me to write a similar one on my blog. I’ve been dealing with this sort of junk my whole life: my nickname in the family since about age 8 has been “Twiggy.” My aunt last Christmas: “So, you do actually eat right? You’re not sick are you?” Well-intentioned, but frustrating. People don’t seem to realize that thin people have the same issues (if not more!) than larger people. For instance, finding jeans is a NIGHTMARE for me because I have very thin legs. Just because I’m a size 5 and someone else is a 25 doesn’t make things any easier. It’s taken me 22 years to get to the point at which I’m completely comfortable with my body. I’m just always going to look like a tree. (I’m the tallest in my family too. Can you just imagine how awkward my preteen years were? :)). I accept this now, and I’m glad you and others here have finally learned that just because other people have problems with themselves doesn’t mean they have to bring you down too! Rock on, skinny chicks! 😀
~Laura
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw *hugs* Laura.
Haha I was always super-tall in elementary school… but then people caught up and even surpassed me. Now I wish I were taller! Go figure!
Roberta says
Hi Katie,
I discovered your blog some days ago and I’m loving reading your posts. I’m vegan too and yeast intolerant, so I am very careful in my diet. I am a pharmacist and I also went to some nutritionists to discuss about my diet and every single one of them told that my health is at its best right now and that I’m getting the right intake of every single kind of food. I’m not underweight, I’m the curvy kind of girl actually, but I know what it means to be looked at as if you are ill. Most of the people I know tell me that they’re sure I’m going to get sick because of my diet, that I’m going to get into serious helth issues: this just because as soon as I stopped eating lactose I lost weight. And that’s because I’m lactose intolerant.
I think that this post has been such a kind answer to mean cooments, and I really appreciated it a lot. I look at your pictures, here, and everything I see is a beautiful, healthy and, most of all, happy girl. I really, really hope all of these mean comments you talk about, and all the other ones that will eventually be sent you in the future, won’t let you down at all, because you look radiant and that is something that everybody can understand from your posts and see from your pictures.
Roberta
Roberta says
*helth = health (: typing mistake, sorry.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much, Roberta. Your kind words mean a lot to me! As for the naysayers about our diets… well, I guess the best way to prove them wrong is to just show by example that one can thrive on a healthy, vegan diet. 🙂
Alexa says
Hey Katie. I was just wondering how tall are you? And what are you majoring in at college/want to do career wise?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey Alexa!
I’m 5’5. And I haven’t revealed much yet about future career, but it has to do with the blog :).
Rosalind says
Hi, I just read this post and I just wanted to say thank you as it encouraged me so much! I am also classified as underweight due to a gastrointestinal disorder and quick metabolism, but have worked with many nutritionists as well and eat quite a bit. However, I am often approached by people who are “just concerned about me and trying to help” who tell me how absolutely terrible I look and tell me to stop trying to hide an eating disorder (which I do not have.) Hearing the way you are able to not allow negative comments to bother you is a real inspiration to me and has put a whole new perspective on what other people say. Thank you so very much!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks Rosalind! *hugs to you* People definitely need to stop trying to “help” others with busybody comments like that… we have doctors to help us!
Colleen says
Hi Katie!
After reading this post I had to comment. I can’t say I know how it feels to be in your shoes exactly, but I definitely know how it feels to be a “skinny”, healthy person who faces criticism for your body size. As you said, it seems to be taboo in society to comment on overweight people’s weight, but unfortunately people feel as if that doesn’t apply to thin people. I face comments about my weight often, even at work! My father faced the same criticism growing up.
I think we have similar body types and lifestyles: We are both thin and active; you are vegan, I am a vegetarian, wannabe-vegan; we both have quick metabolisms and are lucky enough to eat whatever we want and not gain weight. People assume I eat very little or not at all, but the reality is I don’t eat junk food or calorie-laden food every day and a lot of people I am around do just that. I don’t deprive myself of any treats I want, but moderation is key for me. Of course I am going to be thin since I eat healthy and stay active. Skinny doesn’t always equal unhealthy.
Thank you for making this blog and thank you for sharing your yummy, healthy recipes! You’ve inspired me. 🙂 I just came across the wonderful world of food blogs and I want to start my own now. Thank you for this post too and for standing up for thin people.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Colleen! I’m so glad you found me. Chocolate hugs, my fellow skinny veggie friend :).
Gabby says
i just found your blog..
you seem amazing. Im a person who is struggling with my diet, and mainly just trying to eat normally. based on your information, you seem to have a really good outlook on eating! and what you eat is exactly how I want to eat, including being vegan.. and including the chocolate
thankyou 🙂 ill be reading your blog!
Ash says
Hey Katie! I found your blog a little while ago and all the food you make looks so yummy! I’m not vegan or a raw foodist but I’m definitely going to have to try those raw milkshakes and your pizzerts!
Unfortunately I have suffered from anorexia and its not a good experience at all but it’s taught me so much. I’m trying not to deprive myself anymore because honestly, it’s healthier than always eating totally ‘healthy’. I also struggle with seeing my body the way it is but I’m trying to accept that I’m just meant to be petite! I’m so glad there are people like you setting a good example of accepting their body and balancing exercise and eating. Thanks so much!
Lindsey says
Hi, Katie. I have read your blog for a little while now and today I was bouncing around reading old posts that you did before I found CCK. I was really disheartened when I stumbled across the drama the anonymous commenter caused for you. My father died when I was little and soon after my Mom got really sick and almost died, too. She lost so much weight that her eyes looked like they were popping out. She was “skin and bones” as they say and people constantly commented that she was too skinny or asked if she had an eating disorder. It turned out she had some kidney problems and a hyperactive thyroid. She had a partial transplant for her kidney and her doctor gave her a prescription to get her thyroid under control and she slowly gained weight. My Mom has always exercised and taken care of herself, but it’s been nearly 20 years since her health scares and the negative comments from back then still affect her today. If I tell her she looks like she has toned up, she immediately asks “But I don’t look skinny, do I? Do I look too skinny?” It breaks my heart that my Mom, who is so healthy, can be so worried all these years later about others’ negativity from so long ago. My point is that it makes me so sad that people can take this, your blog and your outlet and something that should bring you joy, and use it to try to hurt you. I am glad you stood up for yourself and I can only hope that you will continue to let the negative comments you receive on your blog and in person to fall off your shoulders and forget them. You have always seemed like a wonderful person to me and you should be proud of yourself for all that you have accomplished.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lindsey! I know just how your mom feels when she asks with dread, “I don’t look skinny, do I?” People always act like they’re giving me a compliment when they say, “Oh you’re so lucky to be so skinny.” But really, I don’t want someone to see “skinny” when they see me. I want them to see KATIE!
ShellBee says
Hi CCK!
You are definitely inspirational! I used to be vegan (became one at a very young age bc of my love for animals), but had to stop bc I developed numerous food intolerances/allergies and severe digestive issues. I have since lost a lot of wt and due to my quest to find foods I can tolerate, some disordered eating habits crept up. I need help gaining wt and would appreciate some advice. I’m not vegan anymore (I eat fish, sometimes chicken breast), but I do eat lots of nuts (I eat nuts 3x/day….>1TBs of almond, cashew, and peanuts butters at every snack!), rice protein powder, rice cakes, rice tortillas, veggies, and I juice my veggies too.
I have allergies to gluten, soy, fructose (so no fruits! So sad), yeast, eggs, and various grains and seeds. Sugars really bother me, even natural sugars. Any suggestions as to how I can increase wt? What are some good recipes that I should try?
Any recommended “meal plan” u can suggest? I’m really at a loss… I’d love to be vegan again and I love that I found your blog, for I can relate to a lot of what u are/were going through (except for the food intolerance and GI issues stuff that i have….. be glad u don’t lol).
My current diet is like this:
-Juice veggies
-rice cake + 1 TB nut butter with 2TB rice pro powder mixed in + sea salt
-rice tortilla + 4oz fish or 3oz chicken + leafy greens, carrot + spices
-another rice cake + nut butter + rice pro powder snack and veggie juice
-Rice tortilla + 4oz fish + leafy greens + avocado/pea “hummus” and spices (all stuffed into the tortilla wrap…yum!)
-another rice cake nut butter thingy
-veggie juice
Boring meal plan… I needs some advice! I’d love to be vegan again and u sound so happy, healthy, and centered. Any advice would be SO appreciated!
Tara says
Hi Katie,
Just started reading your blog tonight and just wanted to tell you I think this post is great!!
I’m no skinny girl myself but love to be fit and active and although trying to lose weight I’m still very conscious to eat the calories I need to fuel myself to be active.
You sound like you have a really great outlook and I like your writing already.
I will be back to explore your recipes, particularly anything with CHOCOLATE.
Tara 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey Tara!! I’m so glad you found me.
Its always nice to “meet” other girls who love fitness… and chocolate ;).
Chocolate hugs to you!
Kristy says
Hi Katie,
Just discovered your site. I love this entry! I myself have always been slightly underweight (and continue to be even after having 3 kids) and have dealt with lots of folks trying to encourage me to gain weight. But man, it is just not so easy as that! I have had so many of the same thoughts you wrote and appreciate your vulnerability in sharing them! And I can’t wait to enjoy some of your treats! I think I will try to make your fudge cake for my daughter’s birthday this week!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you SO much, Kristy! And wish your daughter a happy birthday for me!! 🙂
Marykate says
Hi Katie!
I meant to leave a comment the 1st time I read this post and I can’t think why I didn’t!
I just want to let you know, as someone who has suffered from an eating disorder (for nine years + 3 years recovered) and has been to every extreme as far as weight, diet and exercise, that I find your responses to criticism to be well thought out, concise and intelligent.
The quote:
“respond intelligently. even to unintelligent behavior.” comes to mind…
I’ve been a vegetarian for most of my life and now I’m mostly vegan. I maintain a healthy weight, though I don’t know what that is, because I don’t weigh myself. I exercise because I enjoy it. And I indulge when I want to. Which is often. I’ve found that it’s all about balance.
I’ve been criticized a lot-mostly out of concern-for being too thin, or starting to look thinner. But honestly, I was at my most unhealthy/sickest physically at my heaviest weight than at my thinnest. And the words from strangers surprise(d) me the most. I remember I’d just started training for my first 5k and people at the gym would tell me “slow down and eat something.” or “hey, if you turn sideways, you’ll disappear.”
For whatever reason, in our society, thin-ness is next to godliness and it seems that people hold the (false) belief that it’s okay to comment on how thin you are, because no matter what they say, it’s a compliment. Not true, but you just have to know yourself and your body, and be confident in who you are no matter how you look.
You definitely do that!
i’ll get off my soapbox now. Just wanted to say I really appreciated this post. Very, very well-written! Don’t ever change 🙂
xoxo
Mk
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey MaryKate!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment!!
Chocolate hugs, from another girl who wishes people would stop commenting on others’ appearances! We’d all be so much better off :).
Tammy says
Hi CCK,
I just stumbled upon your blog and I wanted to tell you it was really nice reading a few of your posts. I plan to read many more! I too grew up extremely thin and was teased A LOT. People constantly told me I needed to eat more, put on more weight, etc. For a while, my parents (who are also both very thin) fed me cake or doughnuts for breakfast, and they’d buy me as many of the large Baskin Robbin milkshakes as I would drink (which was a lot). I usually drank full-fat milk and tried as many ways as possible to gain weight. To top it all off, I never worked out. In high school when we had to take P.E., I did a little, but before then, nothing, and after that year, nothing again until about two years ago in college when I finally realized, hey, I haven’t gained a single pound since I was 16 (over 6 years ago), and despite how hard I’m trying, I am just eating and acting in a very unhealthy way. So now I eat quite healthy food and I also try to add in some activity occasionally. I still haven’t gained (or lost) a pound, but I do feel happier with myself. I so could relate to you for much of what you said. Thanks for having the courage to write that. 🙂 I agree, it’s not fair that it’s taboo to say, “You look overweight,” but no one has a problem saying, “You look underweight.” Both are very hurtful.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my gosh, I did the Baskin-Robbins thing too! Every day in middle school! I got to a point where I didn’t want to look at another milkshake ever again. LOL
Andrea says
I think what you have going here is wonderful, I love your blog and I love your story!! Way to go Katie! 🙂
xoxo
Andrea
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much, Andrea!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Hi Katie!
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog, and this post in particular. I also eat a high-calorie diet and lead an active lifestyle. I am classified as ‘underweight’ and my parents think this is reason enough to make me do away with healthy food choices (that just make me feel better and less sluggish overall!) and opt for ‘regular food,’ as they call it. Your post and these other comments that follow it have shown me that there is a whole community of people who are in the same fix, and I really appreciate what you’re doing! You’re inspirational – don’t stop doing what you do best!
LisaM says
Hi 🙂
I just found your blog through Happy Herbivore and just read a few of your posts (including the one with the anonymous comments). I just want to say how really healthy, confident, and positive you are! It helps me feel more positive about myself because I’m petite at 4’8” and recently lost weight from switching to a diet of healthy foods. My weight loss makes my “smallness” even more obvious and it causes people always point it out and act weird around me. They stare at/question what I eat, and once my friend even tried to copy exactly what I ate because she said she wanted to be as small as me. I’ve felt freaked out by all of this, but now you’ve shown me the perspective that our body is only our business and not anyone else’s. I’ll be able to keep this in mind next time someone criticizes my meals or weight.
Thank You!!!
Lisa
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so glad you found me, Lisa!
I’m sending you hugs… because it IS uncomfortable when people are scrutinizing your eating habits. I sometimes feel awkward when eating out because of this… people need to worry more about themselves and less about others!
TeenageGirl says
Hey Katie!
I have been following your blog for months now, and JUST found this post today. Let me tell you this is so, so, very comforting. Though I try not to judge by your pictures, your eating habits, and your exercise regimine I thought you had a form of disordered eating. Like barely eating, and over exercising. Not only does this post show that I was absolutely wrong but it shows your maturity on the matter. I truly believe you actually do eat the food, and the pictures you post. There are blogs that claim to be healthy but in reality they give out ungodly workout routines that they do every day. You are extremely different and i love that. Yes you do exercise more then you need to, but you balance it out with (healthy, ftw!) calories you consume daily.
Unfortunately for me I have struggled with my weight in the passed due to EXTREMELY unhealthy eating, horrible portion sizes, and and lack of exercise. I became a victim (yes I say victim, because it took control of me..) of disordered eating. I have been in recovery now, and am continuing to recovery and it is EXTREMELY hard for me to up my calorie intake even on days I workout a lot (ex. 7 mile run and ab workout) and this post truly shows me that I SHOULD be eating more. Especially because I am a runner, volleyball player, and softball player and workout ATLEAST 1 hour daily of vigorous exercise. But I just cant seem to get to the 2500 calories i need without having an emotional breakdown. I find myself starving myself throughout the day when I have already done lets say a spin class and ab class!
This post though, gives me hope. You show me that I can become healthy again. You are a real inspiration. And anybody, hating on you needs to stop. I know even I was consumed by the fact that I thought you had anorexia but this post has shown me you don’t. I am extremely greatful to find this post. It has helped me not to judge you, and ultimately pushed me forward in helping become healthy.
Lots of Love, Thanks for the Delicious Recipies, and Always always stay happy. 🙂
Just a teenage girl. <3
Anonymous says
Thank you for your blog and for your thoughtful posts on weight, health and the (unwanted) opinions of others. I am a “bigger” woman, in good health. I enjoy exercise and eat very healthily. I too feel frustrated when others make judgements about my diet and fitness regime based on my figure. I discovered your blog through a link from FindingVegan.com. Love it! Keep up the great work!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for your comment! It’s so true: people should NOT make judgements based on how someone else looks. You have no idea if someone’s healthy or not. What’s an unhealthy weight for one person is perfectly fine for another! My great-grandma (on my dad’s side) was overweight all her life, and she lived to be almost 100!
Rosie B says
I have just come across your blog and I want to say I think you are inspirational. I am sure you have heard that a million times before — judging by the lovely comments, I don’t doubt it is around that figure! I am filled with joy to know you don’t take the mean, nasty, jealous comments to heart because you are clearly promoting a wonderful message. I am still a meat-eater but after having a look through your recipes and reading what you are all about, you betcha I am considering a big change. You go girl! PS you are absolutely GORGEOUS so who cares if people want to put you down to try and feel better. That is SAD and LAME.
CC for life!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Big smile on my face right now… and it’s all because of you! 🙂
!!!!
Jessica says
Oh my goodness gracious, I am obsessed with all your recipes!!! Especially the homemade larabars… buy ingredients in bulk and save some SERIOUS cash! My roomates have always thought I was nuts for the way I cook/eat… until they try it! And please please please don’t take ANY negative comments to heart about your size! its genetics, people, everyone is different and everyone is beautiful! the sooner we embrace this, the better! but you know all this… i’m more directing this towards any negativity! anywayssss, good for you for posting countless recipes that not only TASTE good, but make you FEEL good, too! (i’ve yet to find a whole, natural, unprocessed food that tasted gross, haha) thats the whole point of being healthy! to nourish your body from the inside out! you absolutely glow!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, Jessica, your comment made me smile SO much!!! Thank you! 🙂
Sarah says
The grass is always greener on the other side thats for sure! You would rather be a little heavier, and I would rather be lighter. I will never be “thin”, might not even be “average”, the lightest weight I have ever been as an adult is 150 lbs and that was with the help of doctors, nutritionists, and trainers..and I was always hungry/miserable. My daily eating plan was breakfast: egg beaters, 1 whole wheat pancake; lunch: plain turkey sandwich (no cheese or dressing), fruit; dinner: salad and small portion of whatever the family was having. I only drank water and ran about 3 miles every day….all that to only be 150 pounds and I eventually gave up because I couldnt take eating such plain food every single day and seeing all my thin friends eating whatever they wanted and never exercising. Now I struggle with my weight quite a bit but from that experience I know that my body isn’t meant to be small..no matter what anyone says that you can “do anything you put your mind to” and become a certain size. How someone looks and the weight on the scale dont necessarily prove anything…all thin people dont have eating disorders and all big people arent lazy/stuff their face. I came to your website to get some healthy recipes that I cant wait to try..keep up the good work 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks so so much, Sarah, for such a kind and honest reply. It is SO true that no matter what side of the spectrum you’re on, our bodies have a mind of their own and it’s unhealthy to try and argue with them! 😉
Plus, it just wastes so much time when we could be enjoying life instead of picking apart our physical insecurities!
Larra says
Hi Katie,
Your recipes are so great for a vegan with a sweet tooth like me! 🙂
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this entry. I think we have the same body type! And I know how hurtful it is to be called anorexic when you are anything but.
I’m a professional singer and I recently posted some photos on my Facebook fan page from a show. A few people that I don’t even know started posting that I was ‘too thin’, and another person responded with a story about how she used to be anorexic.. and that I should ‘be careful’.
After reading their comments I must admit I had a little crying session. It’s just so frustrating to go through your life hearing this. People who know me see how much I eat – and it’s a lot!
I didn’t know how to respond on my Facebook page without sounding like a self-righteous vegan, defensive, negative — so instead I deleted some of the photos (perhaps they weren’t my best, a bit slouchy) and ignored the comments. Perhaps some people think I’m anorexic and deleted the photos because I was embarassed. I don’t really care what they think! I am happy and healthy in my own skin.
Thanks again for posting your entry – very inspiring to hear from someone who has gone through the same. 🙂
Larra
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww HUGS to you!! I know people always say that you have to worry only about your own health and as long as YOU know you’re healthy, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says… but it’s hard! I definitely sometimes still struggle in caring about what people think.
liz says
I was a vegetarian as a child like you my love of animals led me away from meat. I’m more of a paleo lifestyle now than anything… But your ice creams I make almost daily 🙂 I always use my beloved coconut milk. I now refuse to eat any processed meat or sugared meats. I also insist on organic hormone free for the sake of the animal and of course myself. Since I’m on a no legumes, grains, sugar, or dairy I would literally have no other source of protein! I also almost completely avoid soy due to common GMO issues :/ BTW I have always dealt with similar issues of people saying im too skinny even when I was addicted to sugar worked at sonic… But now I feel better than ever! I eat like a hunter and gatherer that has access to a blender! Lol
MinTheSugarholic says
Hi CCK.
I think you look perfectly healthy.
And I envy you for having such strength to workout.
I’m on the skinnyside myself, but I have no muscles whatsoever,, I wonder if all that sugar I take is bad for health? Like, since I was a little child, I ate cookies and sweets over real food and I kinda know that this isn’t a very healthy eating habbit, but I’ve just graduated highschool, and live on my own, and cannot cook, and don’t like dining out( it’s not that I’m very shy or anything, but I just don’t like eating outside. And I don’t consume meat.)
Everyone tells me things like, you’re skinny but you’re made up of bones and fat.
When I go to school, I move around a lot- about 8hours a day, since I go to a culinary school-, but than, I don’t eat much veggies or things good for one’s health. I recently thought that I should consume more greens and work out and so, but usually by the time school’s over I’m too worn out to excercise. On weekends I usually sleep through a day and a half to make up for the loss of stamina through weekdays(schooldays) If not for this Ican’t make it through the next week. I’m not sick or anything but I get tired so very easily…I mean, TOO easily. does this have some relation to overconsumption of sugar? Or maybe it’s due to lack of excercise.
.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey Min!
Ok, I know I’m not a doctor… and I can only speak from experience… but you sound so much like me a few years ago! I was eating a ton of sugar and just feeling lousy and tired. So that definitely could be the issue for you too! I don’t think it’s lack of exercise, because it sounds like you’re on your feet and on the go all day, not just sitting in front of a tv. Of course, the fact that you’re so busy might be making you tired too!
As I said, it’d be irresponsible of me to give you a medical opinion with why you’re tired. But I can give you this link to my own story, which sounds a lot like what you might be experiencing: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2008/08/26/whats-with-my-blog-url-anyway/
Good luck!! 🙂
Nikki says
You are awesome! I found your blog recently and love it! It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like this and good for you for deleting the negative comments – they do not warrant a response. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank YOU for such a sweet comment! Made me smile!! 🙂
Lile says
I just wanted to say that I can completely relate to your story! I have always been very small… (I’m 5’3″ and used to weight around 105) and I have always been active. I used to run in high school and I had participated in other sports throughout my entire life. However, about a year ago I became a strict vegetarian and started to omit all foods that were not good for me (white carbs, chips, etc). Along with this new “diet” I began to work out frequently in order to become a healthier person. Since embarking on this new lifestyle, I lost 20 pounds, which is A LOT for someone my size, and have been asked frequently if I even eat, which hurts. I have become so frustrated because I know that I eat much more than most girls my age even do, but with my metabolism and body type, this “ideal lifestyle” that so many wish they had to willpower to undertake has lead me to appear worse than when I even started. Though I know deep down that I need to gain weight back, It scares me to eat more because for some reason I fear that I will just go back to looking how I was before and I don’t want to lose/cover any of the muscle that I have worked so hard to gain. What would you suggest I do to get over this?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Lile,
It sounds like you might need to see a psychologist to address why you’re afraid of gaining weight. I don’t feel comfortable giving any mroe advice than that, since I’m not trained and it’d be really irresponsible of me. I can send you hugs though! 🙂
Melissa says
“I refuse to let someone guilt me into stuffing down a regular diet of five cupcakes a day just because it’ll make him or her feel better about him or her self. If you have such low self-esteem that seeing me gorge on junk food is going to make you feel better, then the issue is with you, not me (I don’t mean to state this bluntly, but I can’t seem to find a nicer way to put it).”
Katie^^ your above statement is so empowering, lady! Thank you SO MUCH for saying this! I only wish I had had the self esteem to stand up for my self when I was in that situation. I’ve always been thin, vegan for about 2 years, very active. Friends and family used to tell me I was too thin, but I felt AMAZING! And I ate a healthy, balanced, low sugar diet– never skipping meals. However, the comments started to get to me. I felt great about my self–how I looked, how I felt, but to fit in I started eating junk food. I started feeling like I had to stuff my face whenever I was eating with other people in order to prove to them that I wasn’t anorexic other wise they’d make comments about the healthy vegetables and legumes that I was eating vs. their cheeseburgers and fries. Well, this plan to “fit in” backfired on me horribly. I now weigh 20 lbs over my comfortable normal weight, have very little energy, brain fog, insomnia, and horrible periods–things that I have never experienced before, things that I never needed to experience in the first place—all because I felt like being thin and eating healthy was MY problem and took it upon my self to change in order to make my friends and family feel better about themselves. I wish I had seen it sooner, I don’t feel well now. It was not worth it at all. But I am working diligently to get my old self back! Thank you for being such an uplifter and inspiration to us all!
<3 Melissa
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh my word, Melissa, I just want to jump through the screen and give you a huge hug. ‘Cause I know exactly how you felt, and it SUCKS. I’m glad I can be an inspiration… because, honestly, I still get bogged down in the pressure too. For example, just yesterday I was getting traffic from a site and when I clicked over there, they were all talking about me and saying a ton of negative stuff about my weight. Or the fact that “chocolate covered katie anorexic” comes up as a search term on google when I am typing in my name. It embarrasses and infuriates me. I get so mad that other people can put others down and make them feel inferior when they’re not doing anything wrong! I know for a fact that there are bloggers out there who don’t like me, simply because they think I’m too skinny. I never did anything to them :(. So… I guess I’m rambling, but I just wanted to tell you how much your comment resonated with me. I always feel a little awkward eating out, because if I’m not eating a lot, I know people are thinking I’m anorexic. And if I am eating a lot (which is usually the case), I know they’re thinking I’m bulimic. I wish they would just stop thinking anything and start worrying more about themselves and their own business!
NO ONE has the right to make you feel badly about your appearance, especially if you’re healthy.
*hugs!!*
Lies says
I only do not understand why you call yourself lucky. Why be lucky that you can eat everything and can’t gain any weight, because it really looks ugly to be so thin as you are. No offence, you’re face is really pretty though, but your body is really ugly just because you look so skinny that you look almost ill. I think al lot of people on the street would stare at you, because you look so sadly skinny. It’s just really scary.
If you were totally mentally healthy, you really would like (no love!) to gain weight, get more curves and not saying that you are lucky that you can’t gain weight en can eat everything you want.
I don’t say this to be mean, I am just feeling sorry for you that you can’t gain any weight en have to look like this… because the way your body looks scares me and I think a lot of people too.
Big hug from me! And know this, sorry that I say ‘ugly’ so often. You are a really pretty girl with a pretty face, but it is just your body that does not look to belong to your pretty face, because it looks ugly skinny (deadly skinny).
Becks says
The words in the post above mine are simply abominable. Sorry for being rude, but how on earth can you call such an obviously beautiful, confident, kind girl ‘ugly’?! She IS lucky because she has such a healthy relationship with food and is happy with her body. Just because you added the words ‘Big hug from me!’ and ‘No offence’ does not make your post any more polite or friendly; it is despicable of you to write such hurtful things on HER blog. If I were her, I would have deleted your post, but she was far too kind to do that. I know that the horrible post above was posted a looooooong time ago, but reading it made me so darn infuriated, as I am also on the thin side, and I just couldn’t help myself. Sorry, Katie… 🙁
Liz says
she’s not ugly at all… this only thing ugly on this page is your negative comment!! She has a small frame and a beautiful one at that!!! you need to take an English class with all the spelling mistakes in your response not to mention a course in etiquette. If you want pretty lips speak words of kindness!
Liz says
oops I made a spelling mistake ;p
amanda says
Katie, I just found your blog, and I love the recipes!! Your story is great too, I find it so hard to believe that even when unhappy with oneself, they find it so easy to attack others. By the charts, I’m “overweight” which drives me nuts. Im 5’3″, and for sure built like an athlete, but by no means chubby or fat. I’m extremely active, like you, and I dont think people realize when you are that active you are either a. going to be very skinny like you or b. end up extremely muscled like me. I dont envy the problems you have faced because of this, but I do have a great deal of admiration for the way you face it!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thank you so much, Amanda! And I agree with you completely! If everyone stopped judging each other for how we look, we would ALL be a lot better off! Probably no one would have any body image issues anymore!
Katy G. says
obviously i’m a little late to the party but i somehow wandered through your blog and ended up on this page. i’m a big baker as well, and though i’m not vegan (former vegetarian of almost 10 years, switched back due to my voracious appetite for travel, as i like to stay with locals and i think it’s polite to eat what they’re eating), i’m very interested to try some of your recipes in an attempt to lessen the damage my pastry obsession has on my diet!
but i’m not commenting just to compliment you – i also wanted to throw in there that the two haters from your 4th of july post don’t know anything. there is no way to tell from one photo whether a person is healthy or not. i know how tough it can be to accept your natural body shape, though from on the other side of things. i’m naturally curvy – my body just likes to store fat – but i’m as healthy as they come. i have been on the brink of the “overweight” section of the bmi chart before, but i have NEVER been unhealthy – just muscular with a nice layer of squishy on top. your body is no different, just on the other side of the spectrum! good on you for addressing this issue publicly – i know it can be hard, but you expressed yourself well.
keep doing you, girl!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hey Katy!
Thanks SO much for the sweet comment. And also, you have the best name ;).
Chocolate hugs from another Katie!
Liz says
Hi! I just am so happy I found your blog. I am one of those people that was alway underweight. I got teased, ridiculed and accused of having an eating disorder. I am now 30, have two beautiful children, and finally love my body JUST AS IT IS! My body may not look perfect, but it does every thing it should! Even gave me my beautiful kids! So, now I enjoy food and exercise and go to the gym. People do need to realise that telling someone that they are too skinny is just as hurtful as calling someone fat – I never understood the hypocrisy!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thanks, Liz. It always helps to know I’m not alone. I think people don’t realize that not everyone WANTS to be skinny! In this society, that’s hard for people to understand!
Foodiefish says
Hey Katie!
you inspire me to get more personal on my blog! I’m in high school and probably have no more than 40 readers, all of whom I know, but I just love blogging for fun. I have a complicated story, one of competitive eating, and hidden vegetarianism/lactose intolerance. I’ve been criticized for being skinny, and I fell under pressure just like you. When a guy friend of mine challenged me to eating a whole rack of ribs under 10 minutes, I took it even though I don’t like meat and eating it gives me nightmares. I love how you are able to just say “who I am, no matter what” and I want to be able to do that too 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww I’m so glad I can inspire you… I definitely have my days of worrying what others think, too :(. Especially in high school, I sometimes felt pressure to eat more than I wanted to when out with people who weren’t my very best friends or family, just to prove to them that I did in fact eat. After a while, you learn that you can never please everyone, so you need to worry about pleasing yourself!
LOL I think that’s an oldies song, but I can’t remember who sings it.
Molliee says
I just found your blog from a recipe on LOLOmag! I love your honesty on your site and I can’t WAIT to start making some of your recipes;) The voluminous oatmeal ones sound too good to be true!
xoxo
Molliee
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww I’m so glad you foud me!! 🙂
A mind boggled teenage girl :) says
I had stumbled along this wonderful site, through a relinked post on tumblr and I have to say, it was the best little investigation I’ve seen!
You’re such a strong person, and you look healthy to me. You know what you are, how you’re doing, and what you’re doing. People in the current day just overlook people by how they look weigh, ( how they dress even). Needless to say, I’ll be trying the useful recipes when my mother allows me into the kitchen for some cooking experiments. 😀 They all look so healthy and friendly, without taking out the delicious factor.
Personally I’ve been trying to find recipes that I can eat a bit more easily, since I have a esophageal disorder which makes it hard for me to eat/swallow things. So this seems like a really good place to start and get back on track with healthy foods. So thank you so much for sharing your recipes, experiences and faq’s. 😀 It really does help! ( I also have a sister who’s vegetarian.. so at least I can find a way for her to eat a bit more since she doesn’t eat much.)
Stay strong and some Anon’s, as often referred to trolls on some other sites, are just either really jealous, or just need to give things a try, regardless of the person behind it 😀
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww!!! Thank you so much!! 🙂 🙂
Marie says
I have not seen the mean comments personally. But I can only imagine what they were like because I receive similar comments myself although I am at a healthy weight and not even underweight. I just have embraced a healthy way of life. Eating in a healthy way and exercising. Some people get annoyed even by this.
Anyway, this is all beside the point. I just wish to tell you that I think you have shown everyone what a mature person you are. You are mature, responsible, kind and determined. Keep it up. Not many people your age are so in touch with their real being like yourself. You know yourself well. You know what you need to lead a healthy happy life. Well done! Never let anyone put you down, although I know I do not need to tell you this. You are confident and in tune with yourself so I know you will not let anyone harm you with their nonsense.
I also want to tell you that I think you are very beautiful. You are thin, that’s a fact, but hey we come in all shapes and sizes. There are big and small noses, big and small ears and big and small figures. You are small-sized but you look radiant and in good health, your face is of a classic beauty with perfect features and you have shiny hair which is a giveaway sign of your health. Keep up your lifestyle.
And please keep on feeding us with your delicious recipes. Last weekend I tried your oat and chocolate chip cookies and your fudge-babies. I fed them to unsuspecting guests I had at home. It was only when they kept on asking for more until there was nothing left that I told them what the recipes were and they were flabbergasted until I had to switch on my pc and show them your blog. By the way. I’m addicted to your fudge babies. I never tasted something so good in my life. I swear! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much, Marie!
And I definitely agree about the fudge babies… I don’t even know what version I like best. I just made an oatmeal cookie version, and I think I ate 1/2 the raw dough before I could even form a bar out of it :).
Marie says
Wow! Thanks for replying! Much appreciated!!! :)))
I absolutely LOVE fudge babies!!! Don’t be offended but I always add some ingredients and never follow a recipe to the letter…It’s just me…everything gets customized lol! I made them with 1 cup and a half dates, half cup figs, cup and half almonds, 4 T cocoa powder, 25g 90% dark chocolate all chopped up, a few walnuts and a few cashew nuts…I also added some half cup unsweetened almond milk for extra creaminess and sweetness…and because my poor handheld blender just could not handle it all without a little bit of moisture haha! I ended up licking my hands and implements and me and my husband eating a quarter of the mixture after we had formed a decent amount of cute baubles 🙂
Planning to go shopping for a lot of ingredients to put your recipes into serious action in my kitchen! However coconut butter…sigh…I’ll have to make it myself…no one has it in my tiny Mediterranean Island Malta!
Marie says
by the way…how do I put a photo on instead of a blank grey face? 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I did mine a looong time ago, but I think I went to gravatar.com.
RK says
I’m not going to lie, but when I first found your blog a long time ago, I thought you were struggling with Anorexia and in denial. I then found this post and thought you were still lying about eating a lot, but then that’s when I thought that not all really skinny people are unnaturally that way. Though it’s not common, there are some people who are actually naturally underweight. Further more, you would not have taken the time to write this long post explaining to people what your diet is really like. There was a debate going around Formspring that people thought that you making all these healthy, low-calorie recipes was very disordered since you are already very thin and that you are too obsessed with being healthy but um hello? This is a HEALTHY desserts blog, and the reason why you make recipes with low calorie options and list calories for some recipes is because you know that there are lots of people out there who ask for it. I’m glad that you don’t let these things get to you though and cause you to wan to quit blogging.
Kate (only slightly covered in chocolate) says
Very well said! I commend you for addressing the issue, and in such a responsible and thoughtful way. I can totally identify with what you say. I LOVE to be active, and after recently running a half marathon was asked by a rather unhealthy individual “WHY?” So, while some have never experienced the euphoria of activity, or just don’t understand it, knowing that we do it for no other reason than pure enjoyment is enough. Similarly, I choose not to eat sugar (as in the refined processed stuff.) So many people don’t understand and say “I’m sorry!” as though it’s not a conscious decision of mine. But, I feel a world better on a healthy diet and truly enjoy what I am eating. I lift weights, run, and do anything that gets me moving. By medical standards, I am overweight. However, I’m a size 8, and my friends call me skinny. Case in point that there is no such thing as a mold – we are all unique. I feel ashamed for the doctor that told me to loose weight (if he knew any better he would know that the only weight I have to loose is muscle!) I applaud you for not allowing people’s ignorance to bring you down or change who you are.
Eat healthy because you care about how you feel and consider the quality of what you put in your body to be paramount. A skinny person who crams junk food in their mouth, is no healthier than an obese fast food patron.
I have yet to try your recipes (my kitchen is being remodeled), but am thankful for finding alternatives to sugar-filled treats! Coconut oil is anxiously waiting in my cupboard! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
So true!! Life is not black and white, and everyone needs to remember that sometimes it’s ok to be off the charts. As long as you’re feeling healthy and happy, who really cares what some chart says?!
Haha people say “I’m sorry” when they hear I can’t eat certain foods (as a vegan), but really I might even eat more variety than they do. In learning to be creative, your horizons are expanded. I’d never even heard of some of the stuff I eat now :).
Char @ www.charskitchen.ca says
Oh wow. I just found this post, but I have to comment.
I am so proud of you, Katie. You answered the negative comments with such a strong, mature statement. I really respect you. I think you’re positive, upbeat, & adorable, and I love your blog!
When my mom was younger (before kids), she had a 23-inch waist. She was a swimmer & ate six meals a day. My mom has NEVER had an eating disorder, but she was made fun of for being so skinny. It doesn’t matter what you look like, negative comments about your body are negative comments about YOUR BODY and they hurt.
If someone was really, truly concerned about you, they would not say such horrible & negative things about the way you look. (For the record, you are beautiful, inside & out!) I also know that if there were really something to worry about, your parents, sister, & close friends are the ones who REALLY know you, and I’m sure they would be stepping in. They would also be the ones who would be best at expressing their concern, not random, judgemental strangers. Coming from loved ones, it’s not judgement. Coming from “Anonymous” commenters who throw insults, it is. What I hope these anonymous commenters can remember, too (especially when they attack someone who really DOES have an eating disorder), is that people with ED already hate themselves, and they don’t need someone else to point out more reasons why they should. My point: if you are not someone’s mom, dad, sibling, or best friend, keep your mouth shut.
I know you’re strong, & I hope you don’t let them get to you, Katie. Keep smiling 🙂 You’re an amazing person!
Char <3
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw Char, you really are the sweetest! Have I told you that before? 😉
AnotherKate says
You are a great writer! I love your no-nonsense approach and I applaud your willingness to tell so much about yourself publicly. I stumbled upon your blog while recipe searching and I am here to stay! Keep up the delicious, healthy recipes! As a vegetarian looking to stay as healthy and active as she can, I appreciate them. Happy cooking and blogging!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so glad you found me, Kate! 🙂 🙂
Katy says
What a neat name for a blog! I found it while looking for Thanksgiving recipes…it must be the name, I love chocolate too! 🙂
I wanted to say congratulations on being happy with yourself! Skinny, curvy, blue or purple, we should love ourselves for who we are! Have a great holiday!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I think we should make it a rule that all Katies/Katys must love chocolate ;).
Happy Thanksgiving (early), Katy!!
Ariel says
I am new to your blog. I am already loving it so much. I thought I was the only one addicted to desserts but now I feel better knowing there are others out there like me. I am currently in the process of an eating disorder and I know what it’s like to be called “skeletal thin.” After reading this I feel better and this post is so inspiring. I like that you stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Thank you so much!!
Ariel says
I am new to your blog. I am already loving it so much. I thought I was the only one addicted to desserts but now I feel better knowing there are others out there like me. I am currently in the process of recovering from an eating disorder and I know what it’s like to be called “skeletal thin.” This post is so inspiring and I feel so much better. I like that you stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Thank you so much!!
GingerSnap says
THANK YOU!
I am like you in that I am “underweight” according to “standard” measurements…but who cares! I am healthy, active, and happy! I LOVE this blog, it is the first blog I have ever found worth following! I absolutely love to cook and bake and am in college, so all the single-serve recipes are great, also my favorite food in the whole wide world is oatmeal! (and dark dark dark chocolate!) Thanks so much Katie for being true to yourself, you are an inspiration and even though I have been following for only a couple weeks, I already feel as if I know you, can relate to you, and am your friend haha! Keep up the good work 🙂
Fellow chocoholic says
Oh my goodness….. I just came across your blog and I am SO glad I did! I have been trying to eat healthier for a number of reasons (not just to lose weight, although that’s a biggie) but my chocolate addiction always brings me down! Hopefully now that I’ve found your blog, it will help! And Re: the negative commenters…. As someone who has struggled to keep my weight down my whole life, well, I think you could not be any cuter and I would LOVE to look like you or have someone tell me I was skinny! I didn’t see the negative comments but I’m sure they were rooted in jealousy. You go girl!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww yay, another chocoholic!! The world needs more of us… or maybe not, because then we’d have to share ;). Thanks for such a sweet comment!
TigeressKitten says
Oh my! Don’t feel bad if people comment on you being skinny. I have had friends who ate junk food all day and where a size 0-5. Some people are just meant to be slim. I think its great you actually focus on eating healthy and that you try to eat to keep up with your activity level. I always feel bad when one of my skinny friends eats junk and then complains about their lack of curves or muscles…. I keep thinking I should say “Well lay off the junk food that’s obviously not adding anything of use to your body and in some cases is hurting by giving you no muscle tone and bad skin. Weight lift or something… don’t eat junk.” But then I feel guilty since changing your body to fit a healthier lifestyle and give you the shape you want isn’t easy and I know it (I’m plus size and I suspect even after I get my weight off I’m going to have thick thighs and no waist line). The way I see it people like me and people like you are at different sides of the same coin. We have all the same issues (clothing fit issues, Food/Nutrition issues, Health issues, body view issues) for different reasons (me with my outward curves all over and you with your lean self) and we get approached by people constantly who don’t know us wondering if we are “unhealthy”. In my case… yes… not because of my curves but because I haven’t been as active lately as I was when I was younger. In your case… well its obvious from what I read you learned your lesson about your health far sooner than I did.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thanks!!
You’re so right. We go through the exact same things, with people criticizing how we look and assuming things about our lifestyle. It’s not fair, and it’s not nice… but at least it helps us see who our true friends are– the people who accept us for what we are!
Sending you chocolate hugs :).
Lindsey says
CCK- I found your blog shortly after I became a vegan. I love to cook and I like making my dinner before I eat, it’s more satisfying 🙂 I love love your recipes and whenever I want to make myself something yummy the first place I come is here. This post touches me because I have been criticized harshly critized about my body and my eating habits. My family used to treat veganism like a disease and a way for me to hide a “eating disorder” that I didn’t even have. They were aggressively anti vegan and believed I should be filling my plate with steak. (deeply Texan family :). However I coaxed them into at least researching the meat packing industry and it’s malpractices, and that made all the difference. Thy still eat meat, but they buy organic and limit portions 1 snall victory for veganism!
You keep up your ways, from what I’ve read about your lifetsyle you will outlive us all by at least ten years… 🙂 being a vegan makes me feel healthy and clean, and what’s wrong wit that?
Much love!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha my family is in Texas too! They’re not originally from Texas, but many of my friends are… so I completely know what you’ve gone through! Every single barbecue party… “Why aren’t you eating the brisket, Katie? What’s wrong with you???”
Love from another vegan Texan! 🙂
Susan L says
I love this post. I have struggled with an eating disorder since I was 13 (I’m 22 now) and although I’ve been in remission of sorts for about 5 years it’s still a battle some days. I will tell you one thing though, as someone who has been all over the map, size and weight wise, it is far harder to be thin than to be overweight, in some ways. Or at least, when you’re thin people remark about it far more candidly and scathingly, and with much more frequency. Right now I’m certainly overweight, BMI wise. But only my mom has ever had the gall to say “it looks like you’ve gained weight”. Everyone else just ‘went with it’, so to speak.
When I was thin on the other hand (now of course I’ve not always been thin, which also ups the ‘noticeably different’ factor), people were ruthless. I mean I did have a problem, but people were still awful about it. Or worse, they tried to be nice but just tied my weight to my worth, which worsened my mental state.
The problem is, in this country we are obsessed as a culture with thinness as the ideal, at all costs. Not health, not nutritious eating and living, not fitness; thinness. And those that are are hated due to jealousy while those that aren’t hate themselves and try to strive for this ‘ideal’, all the while hating on the naturally thin. It’s terrible. Because I’ve been thin (although it’s only looking back now that I can see that I was thin, at the time I always felt chubby) and because I believe in body acceptance, I try to defend people of all body types. No, “real women” don’t have curves (necessarily). “Real women” are every shape and size possible and are beautiful the way they are. One body type does not have to be “disgusting” for the other to be beautiful. We’re all different, and that’s beautiful.
That being said, we could probably all do a better job with being consistently healthy and active, which is why I adore your blog for giving us all better ideas at how to achieve that. You make healthy eating sound delicious and accessible to everyone, which is such a hard thing to do. But you make it look easy and fun! I also love that you’re an unashamed lover of running, your passion has inspired me to start again. I used to run to punish my body for the food I ate; now I reward it with the free, almost flying feeling that tests my strength and endurance. It’s how I reward my body with endorphins and a healthy heart. Keep it up, you are beautiful and radiant and you should never be ashamed. Ignore the haters, they will be there no matter what you do. Keep inspiring us all and know that you’ve changed lives for the better already.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, thanks for such a well-written, thoughtful comment. And you’re so right… Even if someone does have a problem, how can you justify saying to a sick person, “Real women have curves”? It’d be like saying to someone with cancer, “Real women don’t have cancer.” Women suffering with eating disorders are STILL real women! Overweight women, underweight women, healthy-weight women… they’re ALL women, whether healthy or not!
Julia says
I just want to say THANK YOU for being one of the seriously few food bloggers out there without an eating disorder, who seems completely healthy about food. It gives me hope.
Anonymous says
I do think that it’s ridiculous when people say “Real women have curves”. It’s insulting to women who have a high metabolism, or may be battling mental illness regarding food (anorexia), or even women battling cancer. Why do women immediately put down other women who are thin, regardless of WHY they are thin? Also – if a woman wants to lose weight the healthy way and achieve a certain figure, it is her right to do so. You can’t please everyone; if you’re heavier, some people are going to say “She needs to lose weight”…but if she loses weight, those same people may go “She’s too skinny”. It’s your own prerogative what you want to do with your body.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Agreed! Real women come in all shapes and sizes. I understand that people say “Real women have curves” in order to lift girls’ self esteem, but the message is doing exactly the same thing as the media that tells us real women DON’T have curves… it’s saying there’s an ideal shape for a woman to have.
Abby says
Hi Katie!
I have to comment about your Larabar stories. The first time I had a Larabar (someone referred me to try them in a quest for a truly healthy, minimally processed granola/snack/energy bar) I spit it out of my car window! (I was very eager to try it so I did as soon as I got in my car from the store). I believe it was the peanut butter and jelly Larabar. And I LOVE peanut butter and jelly. It broke my heart. So ever since, I’ve been reluctant to try another. I read your posts and decided to give the Larabar another try one year later. Last week I had my first Jocalat (coffee to be exact) and fell in love. I decided to try more flavors and it turns out I was just too used to the processed taste of junk I couldn’t appreciate natural flavors! I am already addicted to Larabars and I tried the peanut butter and jelly one yesterday and I was very pleased. 🙂
Sorry about that! Didn’t realize my story would take that long! But I just wanted to thank you for this blog! I am now motivated to run every other day! I love it and I feel more energized!
Also, I was just wondering what you typically eat for lunch/dinner. I’m not vegan, but I just have been trying to switch things up a bit. I have been running out of ideas for meals to make for myself, because no one else in my family likes to eat non-processed foods! Oh well, more natural goodness for us! 😀
Thanks for your inspiration!
-Abby
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Abby,
Here are some of my favorite non-dessert recipes: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/chocolate-covered-recipes/non-dessert-recipes/
Katie Henderson says
I know this is an older post but I just found it today. Every single day since age 12(I’m 25 now), I have worried/fretted/stressed over food, weight, my appearance, etc. I remember fantasizing about being 85 lbs and how wonderful that would be… and I remember realizing one day that no number would ever make me happy. In the least sick-sounding way possible, it’s sort of comforting to know that the grass isn’t always greener on the other (thinner) side of the fence. Thanks for writing this post and leaving it up.
Anonymous says
Hi Katie,
I’ve recently started reading your blog and I started tearing up after reading this post. You’re such an inspiration for me. I am on a restrictive gluten-free and dairy-free diet because of food allergies, and I am also anorexic. So needless to say, my relationship with food is difficult. Hearing you speak so confidently about yourself and about food is refreshing and makes me so happy! I hope I can one day feel that confident, too.
Keep posting all of your wonderful recipes (especially the gluten free ones!)
Love and thanks,
Me
Me says
Hi Katie,
I’ve recently started reading your blog and I started tearing up after reading this post. You’re such an inspiration for me. I am on a restrictive gluten-free and dairy-free diet because of food allergies, and I am also anorexic. So needless to say, my relationship with food is difficult. Hearing you speak so confidently about yourself and about food is refreshing and makes me so happy! I hope I can one day feel that confident, too.
Keep posting all of your wonderful recipes (especially the gluten free ones!)
Love and thanks,
Me
Nik says
Well written posts and great recipes…thank you!
Jennifer says
Hi Katie,
This is such a great post. I notice that it’s pretty old, but I follow your blog often and had just stumbled on it. I especially love the last paragraph. I totally doesn’t make sense that people think its okay to call someone out on being underweight even though it’s rude to tell someone else they’re overweight! There will always be people who are mean to others because of their own insecurities, I’m glad that you don’t let it bother you! You shouldn’t even have to justify yourself on your own blog!! I think you responded to the negative comments in such a mature way. I personally love your blog as do so many other people! I think it’s something unique. You seem like a genuinely nice person. Thanks for sharing your awesome recipes! 🙂
Jennifer
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thank you so much, Jennifer. I’m thankful to say I’ve come across way more wonderful, caring individuals (like you!) than mean ones in my years of blogging.
Anonymous says
I’m somewhat lazy, pretty thin, and also curvy. An odd mix, I guess, because I also have a history of eating disorder accusations. I’m also quite healthy and don’t count calories. I’m extra strange in that I’m quite thin but still curvy. That doesn’t seem to be very average, I hear. We don’t choose our body shapes. I eat more than my husband (who, incidentally, is a bit overweight) but remain thin. I do exercise a few times a week (combined jogging & sprinting as well as stretching) but not as long as you and I usually neglect weights. I’m on the low end of “normal” for BMI. If I exercised more, I would most certainly be “underweight.” I also tried to gain weight to no avail when I was younger due to nasty comments from others. Glad to hear someone willing to tell others to lay off the insults. Healthy is beautiful and it comes in so many different shapes, even (gasp) thin.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
You sound like my sister! She doesn’t exercise at all, and she works at a burger place (so eats lots of burgers). Yet, she’s really tiny… I think if she did exercise, she’d even be smaller than me!
Leah says
I know you wrote this post YEARS ago, but just wanted to say I so relate! Unless I am pregnant, I cannot gain weight. I’m stuck below the 90 pound mark no matter how many healthy fats, calories, or how often I eat a day. I too don’t like my stick-like-arms and scared people think I have an eating disorder (but I’m sure they haven’t seen how much I eat!). My parents were the same way as well, both of them. It runs in my family and at 30 years old I’m told it will change and I will have to watch what I eat.
Thanks for sticking up for not only yourself, but for other healthy stick-like-arm people 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
And even though I wrote it years ago, it helps ME so much to read a comment from someone who “gets” it! I know it’s hard for people to understand, when we’re stuck in a world where people have an obsession with thinness… that some people actually would like to be BIGGER. My mom and grandma were also the same way, not being able to gain weight, and my mom went through school with a skinny nickname she absolutely hated.
LOL I am told the same exact thing as you! My mom always tells me to enjoy it now because she now wishes for that mega metabolism she had growing up! (And when I catch her eating a sleeve of oreos I have to remind her it’s gone ;)).
Kristin says
Today marks my first visit to your blog, on the behest of one of my friends. I don’t know what awful comments this is in response to or even if there was a specific post that triggered them, but I just have to say: Rock on. Love this post. My body is totally different from yours, but I love everything you’ve written here. Thanks for saying it.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, thank you, Kristin! 🙂 🙂
Amy says
Hi Katie,
I just came across your blog lately and I LOVE it! I am really inspired and can’t wait to try your recipes. I am not vegan but I have GI issues/IBS, and I have been looking for some new desserts to try.
Like others, I want to congratulate you for standing your ground against anon hate. I have a history of disordered eating myself (which is actually the reason I have GI issues). I am too familiar with the kinds of people who are quick to point the finger and accuse naturally thin people of having eating disorders. They always have issues with themselves and taking it out on others makes them feel better. I have lost weight in recovery and have taken a much healthier attitude towards food and weight, and yet at the hight of my eating disorder I was much heavier (70% of eating disorder sufferers are actually in or above the healthy weight range). My weight loss has made me self conscious and I worry a lot about coming across as a “hypocrite” (especially to those who know my history).
I was advised by strangers on the internet to “stuff myself” with food until I reach a “healthy” weight and stay completely inactive until I get there, just because I am now underweight. Never mind the fact that I am behaviour-free. I’ve seen a lot of people follow this same advice and end up even more miserable and often relapsing straight away because they never learnt how to get in touch with their bodies without being told what to do.
Like you, I love exercise and have recently taking up running and weight lifting. I eat a tonne of healthy food and am the happiest I’ve been in years. I am working on caring less about the opinions of others. I choose not to listen to strangers and let my body do what it wants to do. Being healthy on your own terms is more important than pleasing others!
You are an inspiration! Keep up the great work 🙂
Nicole says
You go girlie!! I can kind of relate. A while ago my dad started telling me I was getting too skinny (and i’m only a sophomore in high school). I had lost a bit of weight but thats only because I started to stay away from processed and unhealthy foods, on top of riding horses. When I kept hearing him say this, it would force me into eating not only more but more unhealthy foods. After a while I didn’t care anymore and I went back to eating what I want to when I want to because I love to think that i’m taking care of my body. You’re such an inspiration and a great role model! Im obsessed with your blog!!! Its all I do. I’ve made a few recipes and I was so shocked on how good they were (I ate 1/4 of the ultimate fudge pie yesterday….) Keep doing what you’re doing!!
xo
leigh says
Hi Katie!
I am new to your blog and this post really caught my eye. While I can’t relate to being too skinny (I’m usually trying to lose weight, not gain it!) I understand how it feels to have anonymous writers post things that are hurtful. I work in television and have seen posts about me on the internet commenting on anything from my hair, weight, clothes, personality, intelligence, etc. Being so new to the real working world (I’m your age) it was incredibly discouraging to see how people can be so quick to judge.
That being said, I think you handled the situation with great tact. It’s so easy to get caught up in emotions when someone makes a “mean girl” comment, but you didn’t let it get the better of you. It’s unfortunate how many bullies are out there, but you stood up to yours and have set a great example for any other young woman who may be facing a similar situation! Congratulations to you on facing a very tough challenge head-on, and for inspiring others to do the same 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Thanks, Leigh. I’m really sorry you’ve had to experience it too. It’s incredible how hateful people can be when hiding behind an anonymous profile online. Definitely don’t pay attention to what they think… normal people don’t sit online all day posting horrible things about others. You should probably just feel sorry for them; they’re wasting their own lives.
ilovedessert says
I definitely know how you feel! My story is similar to yours: I originally grew up at a normal, healthy weight, but as soon as I started a vegan diet I ended up losing a lot of weight. Looking back, I was a bit misinformed about vegan dieting–it takes a lot of effort (but it’s worth it!!) to be healthy when you have to cut out so many things, and especially since my family are 100% meat-eaters. However, I didn’t know this, and when people started saying things like “my mom thinks you look anorexic.” It really hurt. So definitely, I agree with you in saying that comments like these can be just as hurtful as calling someone overweight.
Caitlin says
I understand completely when you say you eat healthy because you want to and that it helps you feel healthier, it really does. I’m the same way and really cutting out fast food and sugary sodas have made me feel so much better and giving me more energy in the long run. I wish I could like running though I’ve tried a handful of times but just can’t get into it, your running is like my swimming. I could literally swim for HOURS. I love your blog and definitely plan on trying as many of your recipes as possible in the near future. ^.^
Emily says
I guess my only question to you would be how do you eat all of the foods that taste great and not feel guilt.
The only form of chocolate I can convince myself to actually consume is coco powder.
And anything High in fats has been cut out.
(slowly increasing my fat intake as of now)
I was actually anorexic for some time but my mother caught it early and recovery is hard because on some level I want to be like you(eat anything look tiny) But I’m not built that way, the scientist in me knows that.
Then on the other hand I don’t want to recover because I want the body that isn’t healthy. And my arms are like you’re, skeletal.
I weighed around 148-150 (at 5,6″) Freaked out because I never wanted to weigh 150.
so I starved myself essentially. Lived on an all fruit/veggie (fat free) diet. 1000 calories and less a day.
half a year later I dropped down to around 110-113,
currently at this time.
I don’t know what purpose this comment serves, or why I’m sharing my high school junior year life story.
But I guess talking about it to someone who has no personal opinion is therapeutic in a way.
I actually do count my calories. I run (right now I need new sneakers because mine have no support and I don’t want another bout of runners knee) I also do zumba on mondays.
And everyday, I walk at least an hour on top of regular daily activies.
I eat around 2000 calories
I have no clue whats normal anymore.
and recognizing hunger is something that only occurs in the morning. Breakfast is the only meal I’ve justified eating. The others just seems like irrational greed in my mind, and its just so dumb.
,…..
well I’ve babbled on for a while. Please don’t take this as an attack. I love you’re blog, you’re bubbly personality, and how you live life to the fullest.
mostly I’m just jealous. 🙂
Maya says
you are so strong and beautiful! My friends and I have made it our goal to cook all of your recipes, and we are actually getting there!
I love eating healthy, but I also love desserts. So finding your blog was like the biggest relief!
I never doubted that you were just naturally thin. I actually never thought anything of it. I think it’s a shame that people come across a blog like yours and consume time looking at your pictures and making judgments.j
Katie (Too!) says
I loved reading this post. I tried out your cornbread yesterday (and even wrote about it on my blog 🙂 ), and since I loved it so much I spent a lot of today perusing your old posts. I stumbled across this one, and I have to tell you how awesome I think it is. As someone who is trying to lose weight, sometimes I can get caught up in having an attitude about people like you: thin by nature, and healthy by choice. It’s just really easy for me to think “She is sooooo lucky.” But luck has nothing to do with it, and I honestly think that reading this (old!) post helped remind me that everyone’s body is different and that we all struggle in different ways. It’s so easy to assume that you are anorexic, just like it might be easy to assume that I sit around and eat all day, neither of which is true! At the end of the day, eating what makes you healthy and happy is all that matters.
Lenore says
Excellent post. I am so glad you wrote this, and the one about your health scare. My friend just introduced me to your blog, and I noticed your arms too. But your face and hair look so glowy and healthy so I admit, I was curious for younger girls who might be reading this, what was the story. I am relieved that you are just a lucky girl who gets to eat and remain thin. Though, I did know a girl in college who had the same “luck” and she did not consider it luck at all. She said she was so tired of eating. 🙁
You very clearly look lovely and healthy and quite nourished. Thanks so much for satisfying the curiosity; you handled it amazingly well. I’m so sorry for any ugly comments you have received. Words do matter and they can do great damage. Anytime I hear yucky things about me I forcefully say, “I reject that!” And pray it all off. I hope you will do the same. Blessings to you and many thanks, Choco girl 🙂 xoxo (chocolate covered, of course)
Jules says
Hi Katie…sorry for posting this, like, years late (hehehe!), but I just stumbled onto this post and had to speak. I am not too good with telling words that express how I am feeling, but I will try.
I am naturally, by no outside effort of my own, very skinny. I also recently learned that I have a naturally slow metabolism, which means that I don’t get very hungry and I don’t need as much food to fill me up and keep me happy and healthy, because I digest stuff slowly. But I hear comments like the ones that “anonomous” left so often, and they hurt just as much as it would hurt for an overweight person to be called a “fatty”. Anyway, I also have a very close friend who I’ve known since the 6th grade who is currently battling an ED (eating disorder) where she skips meals and avoids food alltogether during the day, and then binges on tons of food at night. She is getting therapy and she talks openly with me about it, and she is making progress and getting healthier. But recently we were walking through the mall food court, and a guy was giving out samples of chicken (I’m vegan and she’s vegetarian), so we said no. He then said this (it is a quote of what he said, and he actually said it, word-for-word, when I said “no, thank you” to the samples:) “Geez, you are going to die of starvation if you don’t get some meat on your bones!” (and then, turning to my friend) “Well, here, you can have you’re anorexic buddy’s…You obviously don’t have any problems pigging out like she does!”
Words can’t even describe how awful it was- I know he just though he was joking around, but what he said was so horrible, and I had to support my friend for the next few hours while she sobbed in the parking lot because he said she had no problem “pigging out” and that he had made such a joke of something as serious. anyways, i saw your post and I just wanted you to know how much of an impact it had on me that you have to deal with people telling you that you’re “too skinny”, and I wanted you to know that you do not endorse unhealthy relationships with food in any way. You are beautiful AND healthy- and healthy means getting enough food to make YOU happy, and getting food that will give you the most energy and happiness to do the things you love. So thank you, for showing how to deal with bulling about things like being “too skinny” with class, grace, and beauty, and thank you for posting delicious healthy vegan recipes that everyone can enjoy. You are super, super awesome! 🙂
Anonymous says
Strong independent woman :D! You are like my twin from another planet! Now as a side note, you should add some more granola recipes on here.
anonymous says
Katie,
I check your website at least once a day and you are such a wonderfully genuine and beautiful person and I wish i could be friends with you. I’m 16 and was developing some eating issues recently and just want to say that you’ve inspired me and shown me that being happy is more important than how much you weigh.
You’ve also helped me actually like running, instead of dreading it and only doing it because of weight loss. You are a real inspiration for health and happiness to everybody.
Love to Run says
Hi Katie!
Granted this was written ages ago, so I’m not sure if you will still read this comment. Your post is so inspiring. I’m not vegan or even vegetarian, but I do try to be an informed consumer when it comes to buying food (local vs commercial, un-processed vs processed, etc). When I was in highschool I had heart problems (two leaking heart valves) due to too much running and not enough eating (I am also luckily naturally thin). However, I did have a mental disease, and the physical me was reflecting how much I was hurting inside. This was a blessing in disguised as it lead my family to work through so many problems and to heal.
Ten years later, I still love to run and am naturally thin and fit, but work hard to also be healthy (eating enough). I often get pressure from other people to eat foods I don’t like or to skip out on a run because they are insecure about their own bodies. (I actually weigh much more than people think because I muscle weighs more than fat).
I’m tired of defending myself when I want a salad (“is that ALL you are eating?”) OR cheesecake (“do you know how many calories are in THAT?”). I feel like I’m always defending myself because of others insecurities.
You’ve inspired me to do what makes me happy and healthy (mentally and physically).
Thank you!
Kathy
Kathleen Larsen says
Oh you GO GIRL! I am JUST like you. VERY active and very thin. People ALWAYS think I have an eating disorder cause they have no idea how MUCH I eat. It used to bother me to the umpteenth degree; now I am better at ignoring it. THIS BLOG helps so much.
You ROCK.
Kathleen
josiah says
WOW. That is totally true, i admire your willingness to tell us whats happening with you:)….Plus who cares what people say about you ( they really dont know you and you dont really know them either! so i think alot of people wont believe them either:)
no ones perfect peeps 🙂
Jenn says
My sister was the same way as a child (and still is). She is very active an was always very thin, even under weight. She ate like a horse and still does. She’s a triathlete and marathon runner so she burns it up quickly. She played soccer, basketball and field hockey in high school and never stopped moving. People would make comments about her wright. That she was anorexic etc and it used to piss me off. My cousin even said it in front of a bunch of people one time because she was jealous that my sister was skinny and she wasn’t. People should worry about themselves and mind their own business. It’s not anyone’s business what you weigh or how much you eat. Well said!
Jenn says
Also, last year I had severe pneumonia and lost 25 lbs in addition to losing weight after dieting. I looked awful, but kept it off and started running and lifting rights and just eating better to look and feel healthier after my awful health scare. My aunt continually makes comments about how skinny I am and that if I lose more weight I’ll disappear etc. I’m not even that skinny! (5’5, 128 or so and a size 4). I think it all stems from jealousy. I love your blog by the way and I’m always making your recipes because I love to bake and hate all the butter and processed sugar used in other recipes.
Eden says
I don’t often post on other people’s blogs. I do not have my own blog. Pinterest, Twitter, and much of the social media outlets are foreign to me. Even in real life my close circle of friends is rather small, but I am more comfortable with that than a mob of faces that I have no personal stake in.
That being said, I really feel the need to say something here- outside my comfort zone.
I love you. I don’t mean some twisted sort of romantic obsession- I mean that thing they call “agape”. I love getting chocolate back. I love that your positive attitude shines through and helps to encourage me- and obviously others- to also stay positive. I’ve never met you and I do not need to- the inspiration you provide through your blog is plenty sufficient for me.
Your awesome recipes give me ways to defeat my desire to gobble up foods that can significantly shorten my life by setting alternatives in place that are simply divine. You see, I was diagnosed diabetic less than a year ago, and still quite often crave unhealthy sweets with painful intensity. I say “painful” because I frequently give in. Yes, even with the knowledge of what the possible results are: heart troubles, amputations, even death (and worse).The emotional fallout isn’t pretty, either. I am actively working to change how I think from wishing I could eat those foods that are bad for me, to being happy with what I can eat.
I am also morbidly obese so I know how hurtful it can be for people to judge you by your weight when they look at you, and not by the person looking back. Though I’m sure you get this from many other fans, I feel it bears repeating: don’t let the haters tear you down. YOU are the one that has to live with you, so let the ‘anonymous’ critics marinate in their own shortcomings without letting them have free rent in your head. Keep on being as awesome as you are.
Sincerely,
Eden
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thank you so much for such an honest and kind comment, Eden. Good luck in your own journey!
Alex says
Hi Katie,
Thanks for discussing a little of your personal life with your readers 🙂 as a skinny underweight girl who prefers to eat healthy I totally know what your going through. I hate the way hurtful comments about my shape make me feel too. I used to eat junk food to try and prove to others that I was not eating disordered but all it did was give me pimples and make me feel sluggish. You have inspired me to keep eating healthy and care less what others think. Thank-you!
Marissa says
Hi katie,
I just wanted to say thank you for writing this I know it was personal and it may be hard to share that with the world but I think you are a very strong woman and you can stand up for yourself while still being a sweetheart. Anyone who puts you down is just jealous and you look very healthy and beautiful so definetly don’t listen to them. I love your recipes and I am the same way as I eat a ton but am also very active. Anyways just wanted to say I think you’re great and I appreciate the posts.
Danielle says
This post literally just made me cry. I am in recovery from a serious eating disorder, and I so appreciate your blog and the motivation it gives me every day. Thank you for sharing your talents, beauty, and compassion with all of us!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Wow, thank YOU so much for such sweet words. And good luck in your recovery!
KaysSister says
Hi CCK! 🙂 I love your blog, the photos are amazing and detectable!
I became acquainted with your site a couple weeks ago, while looking for vegan and/or gluten free. And now, I see you again while I am looking for girl’s volleyball cake decor toppers! You are a woman of many fine talents. I know this post is old, I hope you receive it.
Tinka says
You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Honestly! (It even feels like I have met you!) You are so inspiring and kind. The world needs more Chocolate Coverd Katies.
Thank you for being so wonderful.
Summer says
Its sad that people feel the need to bring each other down… everyone is beautiful in their own way weather they are plus sized, a size zero or somewhere in between.
Diana Fleming, PhD, LDN says
Katie, Thanks for posting this. I’m a vegan of over 40 years and always a bit thinner for my height and build than the charts say I should be. I’ve received derogatory comments over the years but I just ignore them because I know I’m healthy and have a LOT of energy for my age. And that’s key. Keep up your good work. And don’t forget to add a cup of beans to your diet evert day. They’re an amazing source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. Very important for vegans. And if you want to build more muscle, be sure to eat those beans within 2 hours of lifting.