Models have their cake and eat it too
CONTRARY to popular belief beer, burgers and pizza do form part of some models’ diets.
The Independent on Saturday this week spoke to three models to find out exactly what it takes to look good after concerns were raised about the emaciated appearance of models at Victoria Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2017 show.
“Some people erroneously see models as these wonderful people, when in fact, we’re not all that. Looks fade, so the ride is short,” said 23-year-old male model from Durban, Warwick Thomson, whose diet consists of mainly protein, with three to four boiled eggs for breakfast and a tin of tuna for lunch.
Dinner varies. On two or three nights a week he said he would comfortably put away a large pizza.
“Thursdays is always a burger and chips at my local… and you can’t forget the classic chip and cheese, I’ll always… grab a triple cheese and mutton gravy, especially after a shoot when I’m starving.”
Thomson said most models leaned towards light beers, but he couldn’t be that extreme.
“I never drink to excess, but I do drink beer quite often, I’d say at least four times a week.
“One part of my diet that is strict is my water intake… On most days I drink between five and seven litres of water.”
One of the ways Thomson keeps his shape is through regular exercise. “I go to gym at least once a day.”
Khwezi Ngwenya, who models for Ice Models, said it was better to break her meals into small portions so she could eat snacks during the day. Even though she boasts a small waistline and long legs, her diet includes eggs, bread, chicken and sweet potatoes. Her guilty pleasures are burgers, peanut butter, honey and yoghurt. “Breakfast helps me control my weight. I eat a lot of small meals. I’m strict with my diet, in fact I’ve made it a lifestyle, but I do allow myself some cake on birthdays and Coke.”
Model Xia Narain said her diet was flexible enough to eat different types of foods in order to maintain a balance.
“I allow myself to indulge most of the time, without going overboard. Like normal people; I love fast foods, cakes and beer, but I also enjoy healthy food – as long as the healthy food tastes good and fills me up. And it’s also useful to drink water, it’s a vital part of my diet.”