Once too thin and unhealthy, the now plus-size model has a new career and book and is happier with her body and job. Discovered at age 14 by a model scout in Mississippi, Crystal Renn thought she was living the dream. But when her obsession to conform to her stick-thin peers nearly took her life, she re-evaluated her career goals. Today. she’s one of the most successful plus-sized models, with bookings with the likes of Dolce and Gabanna and Jean-Paul Gaulthier. Renn talks about embracing the new look and her new book, “Hungry.” When did you decide that you had to make a change? I had an epiphany- I could lose my job for a job. I was booked for a Polaroid shoot on Monday, and that weekend I’d worked out for 16 hours. The cancelled the shoot telling me I still didn’t make the cut. They gave me two options: Carry on and do commercial work, or be my natural size and go into plus-size modeling where I could do arty shoot and editorials. How does your diet today compare to before you became a plus-size model? I was addicted to Diet Coke. I’d drink up to six cans a day. One day I woke up and decided to stop putting chemicals in my body. I’ll have natural soda once in a while but it’s been three years since I’ve had a Diet Coke. Today, I make a point of listening to what my body wants. 
“Hungry” talks about your transition from a size zero to a plus-size model. Why did you write this book? I have this burning desire in me to accomplish, and now I have more confidence and a different mindset. With “Hungry” I wanted to tell people that life doesn’t need to be extreme – I was at the lowest place with my body and I wanted people to be conscious of that. According to Renn, “plus-size” is actually smaller than you may think. “In the modeling industry, it’s based on measurements, it’s extremely technical,” she says. “Plus is a size 8 to 20, yet the average person tends to think plus is a size 18.” “Today, I’ve found a healthy medium with food and my mind. Worrying about weight gets in the way of everything; relationships, friends and your hobbies. Lose the obsession and you will open your mind and have time for everything else that matters.” Article by Metro.
About The Author
Patricia Colli, Editor of Beutiful Magazine, is a human rights activist, equality advocate, and promoter of health, acceptance and wellbeing. Having experienced disordered eating, unhealthy exercise patterns and poor body image, she is especially passionate about shedding light on eating disorders and the power of body acceptance.
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