Elizabeth Taylor, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and iconic beauty, was also no stranger to the harsh glare of public scrutiny, particularly regarding her weight. In "Elizabeth Takes Off: On Weight Gain, Weight Loss, Self-Image & Self-Esteem," Taylor tackles these issues head-on, offering a book that's part memoir, part diet guide, and part motivational speech. Published in 1987, the book provides a candid look into the actress's personal struggles with weight, self-image, and the pressures of fame. This review delves into the various aspects of "Elizabeth Takes Off," exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting relevance.
A Personal Journey: More Than Just a Diet Book
While the book is presented as a diet and weight loss guide, it distinguishes itself through its deeply personal narrative. Taylor doesn't shy away from discussing the events in her life that contributed to her weight gain, such as her marriage to Senator John Warner, which led to a period of inactivity and boredom, triggering emotional eating. She frankly addresses the impact of binging, nibbling, and what she calls "grapple-snapping," offering insightful explanations for weight gain that go beyond simple calorie counting.
Self-Image and Self-Esteem: The Core of the Book
What sets "Elizabeth Takes Off" apart from typical diet books is its emphasis on self-image and self-esteem. Taylor shares her journey of divorcing her self-image from her public persona, answering only to those she was directly responsible to, not the general public. She admits to being an emotional eater, explaining how delicious, high-calorie foods became more enticing when she was unhappy or inactive. This honest exploration of the psychological aspects of weight gain makes the book relatable to a wider audience, even those not specifically seeking weight loss advice.
The "Click": Finding the Turning Point
Taylor describes a pivotal moment in her weight loss journey as "the 'click'," a reference to a line from her movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." This "click" represents the moment when she decided she had had enough and was ready to make a change. It's a powerful metaphor for finding the inner motivation needed to commit to a healthier lifestyle.
The Diet and Exercise Plan: Practical Advice
The second half of "Elizabeth Takes Off" transitions into a more practical guide, offering diet menus, recipes, and exercise routines. Taylor's recipes emphasize nutritious foods, particularly fruits and vegetables with low calories. The daily menus are presented as reasonable and easily followable, focusing on replacing unhealthy habits rather than strict starvation. The exercise portion includes simple and effective stretches.
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Taylor-Made Recipes: A Glimpse into Hollywood Dieting
While some of the recipes might seem unconventional by today's standards, they offer a glimpse into the dieting trends of the 1980s. Some recipes are fancy, but others are pure mid-century strangeness: steamed cucumber? Baked tomatoes stuffed with nutmeg-spiced spinach? Hamburgers with peanut butter? One particularly bizarre recipe is a tuna salad with water-packed tuna, low-cal mayonnaise, scallions, celery, tomato paste, and grapefruit segments, served in a grapefruit shell.
Exercise: An Optional Component
Exercise is presented as an optional component of Taylor's weight loss plan. She suggests simple activities like touching your toes or watching a water aerobics class. This approach might appeal to those who are intimidated by intense workout routines, but it also reflects the attitudes towards exercise prevalent at the time.
Lessons from Liz: Enduring Wisdom
Beyond the specific diet and exercise advice, "Elizabeth Takes Off" offers several valuable lessons that remain relevant today.
The Importance of Self-Acceptance
Taylor emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and separating one's self-image from public perception. She encourages readers to be honest with themselves and to prioritize their own well-being over external pressures.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Taylor's wit and humor shine through the book, making it an enjoyable and engaging read. She recounts anecdotes with self-deprecating humor, reminding readers to maintain a sense of perspective and not take themselves too seriously.
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The Value of Support
Taylor highlights the importance of having a support network during a weight loss journey. She describes the eccentric habits of her fellow dieters, emphasizing that no eccentricity is too strange to handle. She also advises readers to be discreet about their dieting efforts, avoiding unnecessary pressure from others.
Criticisms and Considerations
While "Elizabeth Takes Off" has its merits, it's important to consider some criticisms.
Dated Advice
Some of the dieting advice and recipes may seem outdated or even unhealthy by today's standards. Taylor's diet is fairly common for the time it was written, all low fat, low carb. Items such as skinless chicken breast and steamed veggies. The book's recommendation of a 1000-calorie-a-day diet is considered restrictive and potentially unhealthy for the average person.
Fat-Shaming Language
The book occasionally uses language that is now considered fat-shaming, particularly when Taylor describes her own weight gain. While this reflects the attitudes of the time, it can be jarring for modern readers.
The Role of Fame and Privilege
It's important to acknowledge that Taylor's experiences are unique due to her fame and privilege. Her access to chefs, trainers, and expensive ingredients may not be available to everyone.
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Lasting Impact and Legacy
Despite its flaws, "Elizabeth Takes Off" remains a significant contribution to the genre of celebrity diet books. It was a commercial success, becoming a big seller upon release. Taylor was one of the first celebrities to talk about their weight struggles in a relatable way. The book helped to destigmatize weight gain and encourage open conversations about body image.
A Proto-Pioneer
Some argue that Taylor was a "proto-pioneer" in the way she approached discussions about weight and body image. Her willingness to call herself a "fat person" without holding back was a precursor to the body positivity movement.
A Snapshot of a Time
"Elizabeth Takes Off" provides a snapshot of the attitudes and beliefs surrounding weight and beauty in the 1980s. It reflects a generation for whom discipline, self-esteem, and confidence were often intertwined in unhealthy ways.