Dieting made me fat! This mom says she went from drinking diet shakes to making six figures as a healthy-living YouTube star – MarketWatch
Dani Spies, a suburban mom in New Jersey with two young children, says her troubles with food began long before she had any weight issues.
I often say, dieting made me fat, she says. In fifth grade I was drinking [diet] shakes with my mom and thinking I was doing something good.
As a teenager, she says, she wanted to look as slim as the girls and women she saw in magazines, on TV and online. She got sucked into the common trap of yo-yo dieting dieting, then bingeing, then dieting. It continued through her 20s.
Today, at 44, shes stable at a healthy weight. She says her relationship with food is completely different. And shes making bank as a healthy-eating blogger and YouTube GOOG, -0.60% star.
Spies says she makes a six-figure income producing one cooking video a week from her own kitchen and from her food blog. (Others say its extremely difficult to make such a sum on YouTube, even with a couple of million views a month.)
She has made about 650 videos, and her YouTube GOOGL, -0.67% channel, Clean & Delicious, just broke one million subscribers. Her views range from 12,000 to 1.3 million per video. Her husband, Beng, taught himself videography and films the videos.
She made her first videos about 10 years ago. At the time, she was working as a personal trainer and life coach, and started making videos to help her clients. We really didnt focus on YouTube as a business business, Spies said.
All that changed about three years ago, when both her children were in school, she says. She and her husband began focusing more on the YouTube channel, making one video a week.
She also writes one item a week for her blog, and says that generates as much income as the videos. Youd be amazed what some food bloggers are making, she says. I know some food bloggers making $30,000, $40,000 a month.
She says she still works a normal amount of time for a middle-class mom, about 40 hours a week, but has much more flexibility. And, of course, she doesnt have to commute.
Revenues mainly come from advertising on her YouTube channel and her blog, plus affiliate and sponsorship deals with companies for using their products on her videos. Spies says she was even paid by a jewelry company for wearing their bracelet on her channel.
She isnt alone. Google spokeswoman Kimberly Taylor says the number of YouTube channels making five or six figures in revenue has risen more than 40% over the past year, but its obviously difficult for most people to reach that milestone.
The biggest shift for me happened when I was pregnant with my daughter, Spies recalls. She was 30. She stopped putting pressure on herself about her body image: I finally had permission not to be slim, she adds.
Ironically, lifting that pressure helped her drop the weight shed been trying to lose. Her relationship with food went from deprivation and restriction to nourishment. Now, she says, she focuses on nutrients instead of calories.
Spies, who is 5 foot 4 inches tall, has dropped about 30 pounds from her peak weight. Its enough to make a significant gain in health. She went from significantly overweight, according to the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to a healthy 135 pounds. That includes plenty of muscle, she adds. I do a lot of weight training.
Weight remains a hot-button issue. TV commentator Bill Maher caused a stir when he targeted the U.S. obesity epidemic in a recent episode of his HBO T, +1.75% show, proposing that in order to make more progress fat-shaming needs to make a comeback.
CBS CBS, -2.73% talk-show host James Corden, who described himself as overweight, replied, Theres a common and insulting misconception that fat people are stupid and lazy, and were not. He said he has struggled with fat-shaming his entire life.
Obesity now kills more people worldwide than smoking. Being overweight raises your risk of premature death from multiple causes. Obesity is also a big factor in rising health-care costs, analysts say.
Spies, who has degrees or certifications in psychology and nutrition, is planning to launch digital classes next. She says her eating plan should be called The Dont Diet.
Food is supposed to be a source of pleasure and nourishment, she says. You cant have one without the other. She stopped trying to diet, she says, and started to look at real, fresh food.
Its a lifelong process, she adds. I still struggle. I still eat emotionally at times.
She thinks most diets are too prescriptive and too focused on imposing a set of rules. They dont pay enough attention to the person. You cant leave out the most important part of the puzzle, which is yourself, she says.
Go here to read the rest:
Dieting made me fat! This mom says she went from drinking diet shakes to making six figures as a healthy-living YouTube star - MarketWatch
- Cindy Crawford: 'In the '90s People Thought a Big Bowl of Pasta Was Low-Calorie' [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- In 1990s people thought pasta was low-calorie: Cindy Crawford [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Healthy Weight Loss & Dieting Tips: How to Lose Weight and ... [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Dieting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot: Full Day of Flexible Dieting IN COLLEGE - REFEED EDITION - IIFYM - Ep.16 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- DO YOU JUDGE YOURSELF IF YOU'RE NOT DIETING? - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Flexible Dieting Q and A - Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Elliot Fitnes Q&A - Reverse Dieting, Future Goals, and Competing? - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Why Can't I Lose Weight Eating Healthy: Healthy Dieting May Slow Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Dieting - Ep. 19 | As We Proceed - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- The Deal With Diets - KidsHealth [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Post Competition Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Why dieting doesnt work [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Crash dieting IS the best way to loose weight, say experts [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Crash-dieting more effective that gradual weight loss, study suggests [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Losing weight quickly is just as good (or bad) as losing it gradually [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Crash-dieting more effective than gradual weight loss, study suggests [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- The Geordie Motivator on Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- SAVING YOUR DIETING MACRO'S TO EAT JUNK FOOD & CRAP: IFBB BIKINI PRO - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- HOW TO MAKE DIETING EASIER - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2014]
- Flexible Dieting Q and A - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2014]
- Calories VS. Food Volume - The Secret To Successful Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- How to Stop Yo-Yo Dieting For Good - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- Dieting How to Do an Isagenix Shake Day - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Donna Noble ~ "But I've been dieting" (HUMOUR) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Q&A with Sohee episode 2: revelations with flexible dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2014]
- Dieting For People Who FEEL Too much - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- IIFYM Day of Eating Ep5 Chili Cheese Fries, 1400 calories, flexible dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Dr. Oz Show Schedule 10/22/2014: Ending Yo-Yo Dieting Weight Loss Traps - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- Does Flexible Dieting Work? IFBB Pro opinion - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Full Day Of Eating IIFYM Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2014]
- Common Sense Dieting Tip! - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Flexible dieting Grocery shopping run - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2014]
- Dieting Tips: Avoid This #1 Mistake If You Want To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- Most important item to have while dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- No Dieting Thanksgiving Day 2014 Metro Detroit Boot Camp Burns Thousands of Calories Eat Anything - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- IceCream4PRs Podcast 2 - Donuts, Post-Show Feels, Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Liposuction. Take off what dieting wont! - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot: Full Day of Flexible Dieting Ep. 19 IIFYM (Natural Teen Bodybuilding College) - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Here I will teach you how to pronounce 'dieting' with Zira.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Interview with Sohee Lee on metabolic adaptation, reverse dieting, and more... - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- Full Day of Flexible Dieting IIFYM IN COLLEGE Ep.20 (Being Basic) - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Reverse Dieting: Tips & IIFYM Grocery Pickups - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Kevin Van Voris-Full day of Flexible Dieting #2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Full Day of IIFYM #17 Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- How To Balance Dieting and Social Life | FitnGeeky QnA - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- Lets Play the Sims 4 [Part 23]- Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- Drew Barrymore Has No Interest in Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Full Day Of Eating IIFYM Flexible Dieting 2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Top 10 Ways to Lose Weight Fast Without Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Dieting just got easier - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Almost a Full Day of Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]
- Post Bodybuilding Contest: Reverse Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 18th, 2014]
- Cutting with Elliot - Full Day of Flexible Dieting IIFYM in College - Ep. 21 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Exercise and Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- IIFYM/ Flexible dieting/ IF Day Of Eating EP.1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Ogus Chat #1 (Reverse Dieting Controversy, Competing, Etc) - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2014]
- Healthy Living Looks at Dieting for Diabetics - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- OpenLine: Holiday Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- High Fat, High Protein, Medium Carb Bodybuilding Meal Example While Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2014]
- The 'Weight Loss' Goal is a Dieting Thing - Gain Health & Fitness VS Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2014]
- Dieting Websites Let You Make a Healthy Wager on Your Weight Los - Video [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2014]
- Q&A Part 4: Flexible dieting tips, lifting and cardio, and female training - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2014]
- The "Dark Side" of Dieting and Fitness Modelling - Video [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2014]
- IIFYM Day of Eating - Flexible Dieting - Day 9 - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Peter Brooks Does a Commercial for All in One XS Dieting Pills - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Dieting Makes you FAT - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- Fat Loss Transformation - Part 2 - Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: November 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2014]
- Is dieting necessary post weight loss surgery? CODS nutrition team answers - Video [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2014]
- Holiday Detox and Dieting CHTV Episode 42 - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2014]
- Full day of eating 6 - IIFYM - Flexible eating/dieting? - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- IIFYM - Full Day of Eating - - Flexible Dieting - Day 10 - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- Holidays are coming... with Macros & Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- Biology Documentary on Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2014]
- VLOGMAS DAY 2: Rebellious, Dieting, Netflix, Laundry - Video [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2014]
- 2015-16 VENUSFACTOR LoseWeight Without Dieting Discover a Slimmer, Sexier, and Healthier You - Video [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2014]
- Reverse Dieting Book Sohee Lee | Amazing Reverse Dieting Book Sohee Lee - Video [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2014]
- She's DIEting the Gangster - Video [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2014]
- The Uplift Movement Flexible Dieting - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2014]
- Dieting - with Jane Plan - Video [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2014]