THE ACTORS DIET: SWAG!!!!

What is The Actors Diet?

Let's make it clear. We're not calling this "The Actors Diet" to tell you how to eat so you end up looking like a certain celebrity. We know that like all people, actors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and their diets vary accordingly. But unlike most people, actors have unique circumstances that center around their bodies. Sometimes we need to get strong for an action movie, lose weight to look sick, tone up for a bathing suit scene, figure out how to fit into the same costume for reshoots.

How to deal with all this in the healthiest way possible? Especially when confronted with the crafts service table on set?

"The Actors Diet" will show you how we attempt to navigate these unique challenges.

Christy's Story

Food has always been an important part of my world. My parents were always insistent that we eat healthy - lots of vegetables, limit the sweets - you know the drill. My grandfather had a huge garden while I was growing up and we spent countless hours helping him tend to his plants and ate mostly the food that he grew.

When I moved to NYC and began working as an actor, I developed a different relationship to food. Because an actor's body is their instrument and they often need to change it to fit a role, eating disorders are rampant. Every actor you meet is on a different diet of some sort. In an effort to preempt an eating disorder for myself, I went to school and studied nutrition.

During that time, I really got to know my body and how it wanted to be fed. I started to see food as a tool (a yummy tool!) that could help me do the things I wanted to do and see the results I wanted to see. From there, it became easy to understand how to change my body healthfully and stay creative and energized. Now, in addition to working as an actor, I counsel other people around their health and nutrition! (Take a look at my new website - How to Chow)

My hope is that this blog will dispel the crazy diets you hear about in celebrity magazines and tabloids. That we can talk openly about what we eat and what works for us and our bodies. And that it will encourage you to try some new things and see what works for you.

Lynn's Story

Ugh. I kinda hate talking about my history with food because it’s been such a roller coaster. I’ve been a binge eater my entire life and have spent the last six years balancing it out with anorexia.

In 2003 I had literally worked my butt off to play a ballet dancer. When I stopped the dieting, I naturally gained the weight back. But my managers weren’t happy. My fans called me chubby. My relatives commented. And since I wasn’t booking, I figured it must be because of the weight. I looked for examples of women who were about my size but I wasn’t even sure what I saw anymore; the bingeing and anorexia were taking over every aspect of my life.

In an attempt to get my life under control in a healthful way, I tried to do what I thought other actors did. I went on the zone, did cleanses, ate macrobiotic, got hypnosis, hired a personal trainer, had private pilates sessions, ate specially delivered/overpriced meals, went vegetarian, all while seeing an eating disorders specialist. I would scour magazine interviews with actors, stopping when they described anything having to do with food. “She ate a hamburger and fries,” I would read, and think, “And then what? How much of it did she eat? Did she have anything else the rest of the day? What about the next day?” I couldn’t figure out how other actors did it, why it was so difficult for me to stay as small as everyone else around me without counting every calorie.

I took a year off from show business to come to terms with my disordered eating. I’ve been doing well,and now I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, both mentally and physically.

Now that I’ve reentered the acting world, I want to hold myself accountable. The same pressures are going to be there and I don’t want to fall back into abusive behaviors. I’m hoping this food blog will present an honest look into this actor’s diet, burgers and fries and all.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

SWAG!!!!

As actors, sometimes we get invited to events where they give out gifts.

FREE CLOTHES!!! FREE MAKEUP!!!!

This is the wonderful world of SWAG - sometimes called "Stuff We All Get," "Stolen Without a Gun"....most of the time it's pretty worthless but we tend to stash the useful items. Now, dear blog readers, we pass some of it along to you. Announcing our fist official SWAG - "Stuff We Actors Giveaway!"

TWO winners will receive this fantastic lip gloss by Mirabella in the universally flattering shade, "Subtle," and since this is a food blog, we're also throwing in two bags of Lynn's favorite after-meal treat, Ginger Chews - in Peanut flavor!!!

Many ways to win!

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Subscribe to this blog and leave a comment saying that you did (or, if you're already a subscriber, let us know in another comment).

3. Link back to this post on your blog and leave a comment saying that you did.

4. Twitter about this post and leave a comment saying you did.

5. Re-link or re-twitter throughout the week and leave comments saying you did.

6. Add us to your blog roll and leave a comment saying you did (or let us know in another comment if we already are on it!)

We've been hearing that some people are having issues commenting lately, so if you are having trouble, you can email us at actorsdiet(at)gmail(dot)com and let us know if you entered, subscribed, linked back, etc.

We'll be choosing TWO winners by random integer next Saturday, July 18th. Check back to see if you're one of them!

Good luck! (Dog not included)

share on: facebook

73 comments:

heartswholefoodsJuly 11, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Love those ginger chews and the lip gloss sounds fabulous! Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)
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CindyJuly 11, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Is Julius a professional model?? First thought was, "Is he included?" I scrolled down to discover you anticipated this question. :-)

You keep mentioning/showing the ginger chews and I can't resist anymore. Whole Foods trip is in the weekend to do list...unless I win. Would happily apply the lip gloss before eating the first chew.

Twitter Post coming...
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Kaolee HoyleJuly 11, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Oh my! I hope I win!

I also subscribe.
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fittripJuly 11, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Hey! I'm a loyal subscriber :) It would be cool to get some actors' swag!
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theskinnyplateJuly 11, 2009 at 1:12 PM
OMG.... SWAG for us too! Thanks for the giveaway.
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theskinnyplateJuly 11, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Already on my blog roll.
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theskinnyplateJuly 11, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Just tweeted.
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JunghwaJuly 11, 2009 at 1:39 PM
i'd love to win this contest!
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blueskyworldJuly 11, 2009 at 1:40 PM
I'd love to try those ginger chews because i ADORE ginger!
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MichelleJuly 11, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Aww the dog doesn't come too? I LOVE trying new lip gloss!
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MichelleJuly 11, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Oh and you're already on my blog roll :)
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RachelJuly 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Mmmm...the peanut ginger chews are awesome! Have you tried the apple - those might be right up there with peanut as my favorites.
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RachelJuly 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM
and I'm a subscriber :)
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RachelJuly 11, 2009 at 2:03 PM
oh! and you're on my blogroll...and now I feel like a cyber-stalker ;)
Thought I'd enter since your giveaway is on my b-day. Yay!
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Peanut Butter SwirlJuly 11, 2009 at 3:06 PM
that is so cool that you guys get all of that free stuff :)
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SarahJuly 11, 2009 at 3:24 PM
What a fun giveaway!
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AlisonJuly 11, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Cool giveaway! I'm a subscriber.
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peanutbutterpassionJuly 11, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Hey girl (s)! Thanks for the comment and stopping by my blog! You guys sound so amazing for showing the world the right way to eat and work in front of the camera! I'm a dance minor, so I understand the role of being thin and trying to fit a certain look in order to perform well..I'm hoping to defeat an ED/DE I've been battling for 3 years. You guys are deff an inspiration! :-)

<3<3 Jenn
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ChristinaJuly 11, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Aww, I want the dog too - He's adorable! I'm going to link back on my next post :)
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mamasweedsJuly 11, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Stolen Without A Gun??

BAHAHAHA never heard that one before!

Dang it I totally want to win that sweet little pup!
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Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection)July 11, 2009 at 7:33 PM
oo how fun! I love swag!! and thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! :-) I will subscribe to yours too!
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angiesappetiteJuly 11, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Yum! Love the ginger chews! And of course love any lip gloss!

I'll send you a link tomorrow!
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Andrea@WellnessNotesJuly 11, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Oh, a fun giveaway! :)

Have a great weekend!
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Andrea@WellnessNotesJuly 11, 2009 at 9:58 PM
And, of course I am a subscriber of your blog! :)
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lynnchenrocksJuly 11, 2009 at 11:57 PM
thanks for giving away free stuff ladies. i'm prob not qualified cause i'm from canada but just for the record, i'm a subscriber, i follow you on twitter (and have just twittered about this post), i follow Lynn Chen on facebook, and i've added you to my blog roll but i don't blog. i'm only here to follow (or in the words of my hubby "stalk") Ms. Lynn Chen....what an actress! goodluck to all those qualified! free stuff or not, i'm still luvin' this blog. great job Lynn and Christy! have a wonderful weekend.
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RobinJuly 12, 2009 at 9:20 AM
I wish the dog was included :)
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ThinspiredJuly 12, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Ooooh! I just discovered those ginger chews but had no idea there was PB flavor!! Yes please!!
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EricaJuly 12, 2009 at 10:20 AM
owwwwwwwww I saw these products on another blog and have been wanting to try them so bad! Your puppes is such a cutie!
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C.G. the FoodieJuly 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
The puppy is so cute. LOL :-)

Those ginger chews sound delicious!
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C.G. the FoodieJuly 12, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I am a subscriber in Google Reader
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C.G. the FoodieJuly 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I linked back on whoiamuncovering.blogspot.com
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lowJuly 12, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Yay for SWAG! I already subscribe, but will be linking back tonight. I'll let you know in another comment.
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aprilJuly 12, 2009 at 11:04 AM
I want a fancy lip gloss!! lol. Plus those ginger chews are my favorite flavor!
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aprilJuly 12, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Your on my blogroll! :)
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erinbeeJuly 12, 2009 at 11:06 AM
aye aye aye! i mostly just want the dog.
but i suppose ill take what i can get. :]
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Kristi @ Sweet CheeksJuly 12, 2009 at 11:27 AM
cool giveaway!! I am in need of some lippies so I would love to win!
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SuzieJuly 12, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I'm so excited for chance to win some SWAG! Yay, for lip gloss and ginger chews!!
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glidingcalmJuly 12, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Ooo lala! I've heard good things about those ginger chews!!
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Daria (Summer of the CSAs)July 12, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Excellent giveaway! I'm already a loyal subscriber. :)
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LaurenJuly 12, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Ginger chews sound quite tasty.

Awww, really? Pup not included? :( Haha, oh well, still a great giveaway!
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KristenJuly 12, 2009 at 6:22 PM
I've never seen the peanut ginger chews but I am OBSESSED with the plain ones, they are delish. Great giveaway!
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traveleatloveJuly 12, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Great giveaway! You are so pretty too!
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HollyJuly 12, 2009 at 7:19 PM
ohhh those PB chews look fab, but i do really want to win the dog :)
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blogmommyJuly 13, 2009 at 4:44 AM
If the dog was included, I'd start my own blog just to get that Jack Russell SWAG!!! Toooooooooo cute. also that wrapped sushi looks beautiful
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ohonemorethingJuly 13, 2009 at 6:43 AM
I use to eat crystalized ginger cubes at the end of my meals too :) Plus ginger is good for digestion. Peanut ginger chews sound yummy!!!
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Jenna ZJuly 13, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Mmmm, I've been tempted by those ginger chews before! Would love to try them, thanks for the chance to win!
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Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move WriteJuly 13, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Ooooh Free lip gloss! Sign me up! The chews sound good too. Too bad no puppy included. Way too cute.

P.S. I'll mention your contest on my blog tonight.
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AnonymousJuly 13, 2009 at 7:37 PM
This is my first post, just discovered your blog through carrots and cake.

I'd love to win the ginger chews, I've seen them in the store but keep forgetting to buy them!

hobokennp@yahoo.com
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MollyBJuly 14, 2009 at 4:55 AM
I've been wanting to try those ginger chews...but can I have your dog, too? :)
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katecooksJuly 14, 2009 at 8:19 AM
haha i love swag. at my PR job, we just call it "stuff we 'borrow' from the product closet" tehehe. i want those ginger chews though! i've been eyeing them lately :)
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ClarissaJuly 14, 2009 at 9:26 AM
comment!
clarissa at digitaldeacons dot com
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Feed Me I'm CrankyJuly 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Hello!
Added to google reader and linked on my post today: http://www.feedmeimcranky.com/?p=1561

Lovin' the blog!
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ikkinlalaJuly 14, 2009 at 1:04 PM
I'd love a chance to try those ginger chews if Canadians may enter.
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Laura: Learning to LoveJuly 14, 2009 at 1:39 PM
I just read your post on Carrots and Cake's blog and I have to say that you truly are an inspiration! I've been suffering from Anorexia/slight binge eating for over 3 years, and I too find it difficult after meals to "call it quits". I have been trying your "sweet candy" idea today (it's actually been a sweet mint!) and it's worked wonderfully! However, those peanut ginger chews look DELICIOUS and I would love to try them!

Thank you so much for being such a great role model!

-Laura
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lynnchenrocksJuly 14, 2009 at 1:48 PM
oops, guess i didn't add you to my blog roll. as i don't blog i guess i don't have a blog roll. i should correct myself and say i added you to my "blogs i follow" list. i'm such an amateur.
loved your guest post on carrots n cake. way to be honest with yourself, your fans, and the world. you're truly beautiful inside and out! you're still tops on my list Lynn!!!
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BarbaraJuly 14, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Love this blog girls...You are both very inspiring:) Keep it up!

Barbara
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Balance, Joy and Delicias!July 14, 2009 at 6:45 PM
I love everything with ginger!!! these sound really yumm~~
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amyJuly 15, 2009 at 6:06 AM
love giveaways!
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amyJuly 15, 2009 at 6:06 AM
i'm also a subscriber! love your blog
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EmilyJuly 16, 2009 at 4:49 AM
Yay, sounds like a great giveaway! Pick me! :-)
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havefaith4everJuly 16, 2009 at 12:10 PM
That dog is so cute! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
<3 jess
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EmilyJuly 16, 2009 at 5:25 PM
I love ginger anything! =]
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Melinda H.July 16, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Bring on the SWAG!!! Hope I get lucky :)
<3
Mel
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JuliaJuly 16, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Swag how fun! I'd love any of those products!
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SusanJuly 17, 2009 at 4:56 AM
Ooh! Ooh! Peanut ginger chews sound awesome!!
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SusanJuly 17, 2009 at 4:57 AM
...aaaand you're already on my blogroll ;)
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KelseyJuly 17, 2009 at 2:19 PM
aww, the puppy picture!! sooo adorable!!
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AlwaysJoyJuly 17, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Hi,
I just found your blog (through your guest post on carrotsncake) and I am so so so glad I did! I am going to email you Lynn but would love info on the ginger chews
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ShamrockquinnJuly 17, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Love Ginger People products - good & good for you! WILL TWEET!!
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LeaJuly 17, 2009 at 6:43 PM
love love ginga~

&& a girl can never have too many lip glosses~
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ccboobooyJuly 17, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Swag is cool! Thanks

charisscharity [at] yahoo [dot] com
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ccboobooyJuly 17, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/2700394358
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ccboobooyJuly 17, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I subscribe.
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