Mindfulness

"Mindfulness is the miracle by which we can call back in a flash our dispersed mind and restore it to wholeness so that we can live each minute of life." Thich Nhat Hanh 

Want to learn more? Read Elizabeth's guest post on Marci RD today!

Sizing up the ad world

I recently came across this article that talks about how PLUS Model Magazine is purposed toward inspiring consumers to encourage retailers to stop pushing the skinny ideal. One interesting tidbit from the article: "'Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less."

Every day we encounter thousands of ads that market different products, ideas, and services. But no matter what the message of that ad is, if you read between the lines, you will likely inference that an ultra skinny weight is the ideal weight. However, that's just not true! If a dietitian encountered you in a hospital setting and you were less than 80% of your ideal body weight, he/she would be concerned. According the the article above, many models out there meet the body mass index criteria for anorexia. You do the math.

It's time we start appreciating our bodies for what they can do! These are our only bodies in this life, so we must stop hating on them so much! Think about it. Your body is capable of doing amazing things when you show it respect and care, both physically and mentally. There is simply not enough time to do anything otherwise.

Mirror, Mirror

The Hand Mirror by Frederick Carl Frieseke

Oh mirror. A shiny piece of glass that we put so much pressure and weight on ourselves because of. Subtly peering at reflections in windows, primping before running out of the house, that one last glance to make sure everything is in order and we are our best version of ourself. It's easy to get caught up and rest a lot of feeling and meaning on what we see staring back at us in that mirror. One woman went as far as going for a year without any mirrors. That's a little unrealistic for most people, in my opinion, though a very interesting social experiment.

Mirrors are going to be part of our life. But we can make them a more a self-affirming agent than a self-esteem reduction agent.

Look into your eyes. Cheesy as it is, tell yourself one thing you think is fabulous about yourself today. Forgive yourself while looking into the mirror. Tell the world how much you rock every time you look at that shiny piece of glass

Getting a Wonder Woman mirror wouldn't hurt either...

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Surround Yourself

You have a choice of whom you associate with, hang out with, are friends with. Choose positive successful people and they will elevate you to be the best version of yourself. at least that's been my experience.

Who inspires you on a daily basis?

Guiltless Recommends: Curvy Can

Not only do the Italians enjoy plenty of pasta and wine but they have a fantastic group of "ex size 0 models" who have teamed together to spread some self-love around a country known for love.
Curvy Can started in 2010 and has been featured in numerous Italian publications-including Vogue. I love some of these quotes this beautiful women have to share with other beautiful women:

"Love Yourself because each tiny imperfection can be a strong point that makes us unique and special." Aija Barzdina

"We women, with our different colours, shapes and scents, the essence of our being, should love ourselves and who we are... It’s only in this way we’ll be free, alive and happy!" Marina Ferrari

"Take care of yourself and love yourself, respect yourself and try to accept yourself with your emotions and your feelings. Love yourself as your are...simply special and unique!" Valentina Fogliani

Vogue Italia is also embracing their curves-with a regular "Curvy Blog" Can you imagine a major US fashion magazine doing the same thing? I was so glad to see someone setting a great example-if it is across the Atlantic

What do you think of Curvy Can? Is it a step in the right direction? When will we see this in American Vogue?

May Your Weekend Be....

source

Weight Stigma

Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me. Right? Words like “fat” “obese” get tossed around a lot in our society. Unfortunately they are often also associated with words like “gross” or “lazy.” These words do hurt. The stigma of weight hurts not only the person at which they are directed, but our society in general.

Learn more about weight stigma on my guest post on MarciRD's Blog!

What are you reading??

hello amazing lovely fabulous readers.

We have a question for you....

What are you reading?? Blogs, books, magazines.
We want to know! Comment below, post it on Facebook or tweet it to us!

Just Say No

Last night, I cried over a Dr. Oz episode. No, seriously. The episode was about women struggling with anorexia and also the pro-ana movement. Pro-ana websites are "thinspiration" websites that encourage women to "strive for perfection" through the "anorexic lifestyle." I'm sorry - I know that last sentence probably just made you lose your lunch.

Dr. Oz invited several people onto his show to discuss the horrors of this movement. I will admit, I couldn't watch the whole thing. But I did watch the segment when he interviewed the creator of one of the most widely read pro-ana websites out there called prettythin.com, James Watson. On the show, Dr. Oz invited women who are in a deadly battle with anorexia to talk about their heartbreaking stories in front of James. When asked if their stories caused him any regret, he said "No." I watched in disbelief. How can this man - with zero background in healthcare - sit in front of a national audience and admit that he is behind the pro-ana movement and stands by it? I have absolutely no capacity to understand this behavior.

I could go on and on about how gut-wrenching this episode is, but I figure I will let you see for yourself. Click here to watch Dr. Oz interview people involved in the pro-ana movement. And keep your tissues handy.

As one woman on the show put it, once the thoughts gets into your head, you are immediately at risk of being anorexic. She believes that this characteristic of the disease alone is proof that Watson is "signing death certificates."

Please join Guiltless & JUST SAY NO TO FAT-TALK. It could save a loved one's life...or maybe even your own.

You are beautiful. You are worth it. You deserve happiness.

You are Worthy

"The thing that keeps us out of connection is the idea that we are not worthy of connection.

You are worthy. Of love and happiness and belonging. Believe it.

You're Prettiest When..

When are you prettiest?