What 6 year olds talk about: Weight, and Fat.

In case you haven't seen it yet, this panel of 5-8 year girls discussing weight is very depressing



At an age when kids should be playing, learning, and growing into their bodies, healthy kids shouldn't be worrying about being fat at age 6.

A recently released study confirmed common sense-disordered eating practices in adolescence continues into adulthood. Those little girls are going to continue to be fat-phobic, thin-obsessed teens, and young adults.

The things we say about ourselves and those around us in the presence of little ones is reflected directly to them. We need to stop disowning and hating our bodies around children, not just for our health and happiness, but for theirs and their futures.

Maybe it's starting off small-thinking a couple less negative thoughts about our bodies a day. (The average woman thinks at least 13 a day!) Maybe it's celebrating our strengths, both inside and outside, more often.

Something needs to change.

how did this video make you feel? what can we do??

Guiltless Giveaway!

Elizabeth here! It's been a whirlwind weekend at FNCE-the annual convention of Registered Dietitians, held in Boston this year. I've been meeting RDs that inspire me daily, real role models and mentors in my life. The sessions have been educational, conversations superb. I have a lot of thinking, and digesting to do in the next couple of days!. But I am very excited to announce the First Ever Guiltless Giveaway!!!! There is a fantastic event coming to Boston this week and we were asked if one of our readers would like a pair of tickets. We thought you'd be interested so we're hosting a Giveaway! Unfortunately it's only for those who are free November 10th, at 7pm in Boston, but we have two tickets to LUNAFEST! First more info on the event:

LUNAFEST is coming to Boston!!! Lunafest is similar to other traveling indie film festivals except one thing...it's films by, for and about women! You will find the films offered unique, artistic efforts by female directors, producers and writers, who are under-represented in the world of film. And, it's the feel-good event of the season. Add on some dessert and drinks, and it will be the best night out you've had in awhile.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 @ 7pm

THE LIBERTY HOTEL

215 CHARLES STREET

BOSTON

Post-show reception in the Rotunda includes open bar (wine & beer), dessert, door prizes

More information can be found here

In case you've never been the Liberty Hotel is FANTASTIC. It's going to be a stellar event and I'm so bummed I can't be there. A few ground rules:

All entries must be in by 6pm Tuesday 11/09/10.

Only enter if you can attend the event in Boston at 7pm on 10/10/10

1 entry per comment below

1 entry per tweet (you can copy n paste " @iamguiltless is giving away 2 tickets to #LUNAFEST #BOSTON Enter at http://iamguiltless.com " )

Best of Luck-Here's to a guiltless week!

Girls on the Run

There are so many reasons I love the world of twitter and blogging. From fresh ideas to constant inspiration, the cup runneth over. I was reading through some of my favorite blogs and I saw a link about Girls on the Run. What’s this I wondered? When I digged deeper to discover this fantastic organization it was like, once again, everything in the universe was just perfectly aligning. Just a few weeks ago, on a run (of course), I was thinking about what a positive impact running has made in my life, and on my body image. And this lead to me wondering how I could share this love, and inspire other people through my running. “Wouldn’t it be awesome”

I thought, "if we could empower younger girls, before negative body image gets in the way, how wonderful moving your body feels? That you don’t have to be a competitive track star to get outside for a jog, and that the imperfections about running are what make it perfect?" Well, Molly Barker beat me to it, and this is already happening across the country through a fabulous organization called Girls on the Run.

So what exactly is Girls on the Run? It is a program for girls in 3^rd through 5^th grade whose mission is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. This is achieved through two meetings a week for 12 weeks, culminating in a 5K. Not only is this a workout and training program, but the lessons encompass everything from getting to know themselves, team building, and community service. Evaluations of the program have shown statistically significant improvements in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem. The participants leave the program with an improved sense of identity and increasingly active lifestyle. Not only are the girls getting fit, they are feeling more confident about themselves, and improving their self-esteem. Win-Win!!

These programs are throughout the USA, you can find the one closest to you here. A program just started in Suffolk County out of the Hill House. They are starting small but I am hoping to join them at Walter’s Run, here in Boston, December 12^th 5K

SoleMates- an adult runner, male or female can choose any race, anywhere, and raise $262 to go to the GOTR program of your choice. You can sign up here This is a very manageable fundraising goal and you know it's going to a great cause!

Health comes from the inside out-let's show young girls this at a young age!

Growing up did you have positive role models to show you what true beauty was? How has this shaped your life?