THE PLAYBOY SPREAD GETS THE CONVERSATION GOING
Posted on July 8, 2008 | by Attention Interactive LLC
Hundreds of readers have responded to the news about Carol Alt doing a nude layout in Playboy by applauding her willingness to do something so adventurous “at this age”and in particular, her underlying reasons for even considering it in the first place: To get the message across that healthy living and eating “raw” can help anyone and everyone.
Of course, as with any slightly new or controversial idea, a tiny handful of writers simply didn’t get it and in fact strongly opposed it, which elicited a few very interesting thoughts and comments from Carol.
“I’ve never been comfortable with my body,” Carol says. “When I had to pose for Sports Illustrated in a bathing suit at the age of 20, it was some of the most difficult work I ever did. I was always a heavy kid; my sister is a plus-size model; and it’s not like I come from a long line of stick figures! I continuously battled with my weight! I always felt uncomfortable with my body – was very shy and really, rather conservative.
“Just to be thinking of doing something that is this radical, in a sense, but in such celebration of the female form, is really because I believe that this is the best way to reach people and get conversation going. I need to put my fears and nervousness aside, and get this message out there. This certainly wasn’t the last alternative, nor was it the first alternative. It is just “an” alternative way to get people talking.”
Carol reiterated that she believes that Playboy is without question the finest, most artistic magazine she could have chosen for her leap of faith. “The celebrity photos are not at all like the centerfold layouts, but no matter what, all of the photos I see in Playboy are beautiful and very tastefully shot.
“In reality, at my age, to know that I have come to such a point, where I am comfortable enough with my own body after 12 years of eating raw – that I actually feel better about my body at 47 than I did at 20 – is an amazing miracle in itself. I want to enlighten other people to the fact that as they age, they don’t have to start feeling worse about themselves – getting tired, getting moody, getting fat and becoming ill. There is an alternative, but the only way for people to find it is to educate themselves. One way to get them to do that is to start them talking about it. The only way I know of to encourage that kind of discussion is to do something a little…controversial. And yes – this is somewhat controversial.
“I’ve done a lot of soul-searching about this and have spoken extensively with Playboy about it. They have been amazing to work with and are embracing this message that I want to get across, which is eat healthy, look healthy and be healthy. It doesn’t matter what age you are. You can look sexy and feel great, and that doesn’t have to be a gift only for the young. It can be a gift for any age, even the old (whatever that is nowadays).”
Carol is well aware that whenever she talks to people about the raw life, they tend to become nervous and even a little defensive, because they worry that it will be too difficult, or that they won’t be able to give it 100% – any excuse at all for not even trying it. They defend their own way of eating, despite the fact that for most, that’s becoming an obsolete way of doing things. “It’s very hard to get people to embrace something ‘new’ or ‘different’, Carol reminds us. “But in this case, raw is not ‘new’ or ‘different’ at all. It’s the way food has been handled since the beginning of time. It’s only for the last couple of generations that we are processing foods and genetically altering them. Look at almonds, as just one example: We now pasteurize them, but still call them ‘raw’! Once you cook, or pasteurize, or homogenize anything, it’s no longer raw. So, we are now getting nothing like our grandparents got and nearly nothing like our parents got – our food is being genetically modified and chemically altered, one way or another.
“When I approach people about this concept, it freaks them out and they often just shut down. So I thought, let’s try a less aggressive approach and the Playboy shoot seemed ideal. Yes, it’s controversial, but if that’s what it takes, I’m OK with that. If someone thinks that I have anything but altruistic reasons for doing this, they’d better think again. Seriously.”
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piero says:
It’s ok…… but the photos????
i’m still waiting.
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piero says:
tic tac tic tac …. time is passing….
any news about the photos?
any preview?
I’m still waiting….
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TERRY FOX says:
I SAY CONGRATS ON THE PLAYBOY GIG. WHY SHOULD A HOT WOMAN LIKE YOU DO IT. IT SHOULD BE ABOUT BEAUTY NOT AGE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THOUGH HOW CAN I GET AN AUTOGRAPHED PHOTO OF YOU. THANK YOU
TERRY FOX
512 KRAKER AVE
JOLIET, IL 60432
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carol alt says:
hi terry,
send a self addressed stamped envelop to Ford Models at
111 Fifth Ave
NYC NY 10003
and they will forward it to me….
thanks for asking.
ca
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carol alt says:
hi piero-
i got the december cover of playboy…..
you’ll just have to wait….!!
thanks for asking.
ca
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piero says:
hi
may i make the same thing to have a photo?
thanks in advance
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Dale says:
Wow, Carol!
I was just completely blown away by this news when I came upon your website. I have been a fan of yours for a very long time. Might I also say (even though it probably sounds cliche) you’re like a fine wine that just gets better with time. When I was 15 years old, I had a crush on you because I simply thought you were the most gorgeous woman I had ever laid eyes on. Now that I am 38 years old, the reasons for my continued interest are a little different. After all of these years my crush has turned into a sincere admiration for everything that you have accomplished and become. You are a truly beautiful woman in so many ways. I could not have chosen a more lovely woman to admire in my younger years. I’m quite sure you are an inspiration and positive influence to many other people, young and old, around the world. I think your reason for posing in this case is a good one with a positive message for those that will take the time to look AND listen.
I apologize for the length of this post, but I just felt compelled to write something to you personally when I read this article and your purpose behind posing for the Playboy. It certainly got MY attention! Although I don’t subscribe to the magazine, I will be looking forward to purchasing December’s issue. I can’t think of a better reason to finally buy an issue of Playboy.
Take care of yourself (I know you will), the best of luck in all of your future endeavors and… thank you for being you all of these years!
Sincerely,
Dale in Virginia
P.S. – I feel a little inadequate for asking (but “here goes” anyway!) – Would it be possible for an old fan to get a personally autographed photo? You can be assured that it will be sincerely appreciated and cherished for many years to come! Thank you!
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RM Roberson says:
I wish you would not pose nude. Women do not have to expose themselves to be strong, beautiful or sexy. All posing nude does is give men erections — erections they should be having with their wives! Naked women in photos can lead men to be discontented and critical of the women in their lives. Anyway, I am disappointed in your decision. I can see you are healthy and beautiful with your body clothed.
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Debra Gutmann says:
Carol, I am 53 years old and have grown up with you on the big screen. I believe that eating raw is the healthiest way to eat . You have had a great influence on young and old alike. I am very disappointed in this newest venture with playboy mag. It’s not about women’’s liberation, you are exploiting your body( God given) to millions of people who will be lusting over you. Haven’t we as women been trying to get the message across that we are more than just a body?You are a woman of influence. Please consider carefully your choice that will effect generations to come. God bless you Carol. I care.
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Kirk says:
Hey, Carol!! Hearing the new is quite a shock. I never expect you to do this. But I support what you’re doing. It quite a good way to show a woman can look good no matter what her age as long she take good care of her body & eat right. So far, you look great as ever. If not better. Looking forward to the pics. I could’ve ask you what kind of nude poses you did, but that would be kinda rude. Ha ha!!
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PIERO says:
PLEASE CAROL ONLY 1 PREVIEW OF YOUR PLAYBOY’S PICTURE
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