Leap into self-love

Happy Leap Day, Everyone! In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Leap Day, I'd like to take a minute to remind everyone that the first step in healing is acknowledging that there is something that needs to be healed. If you or if you suspect that someone you love is developing dangerous, self-injurous eating habits, please reach out to the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline to find out how you can start the healing process.

On Leap Day, we are granted one extra day to enjoy. Have the love for yourself that you deserve and give yourself the chance to be the healthiest you can be by enjoying nutrient-rich foods, having fun being physically activte, taking the time to rest when you need it, and enjoying the experiences life has to offer. Live in the moment and take advantage of this extra day!

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News Update: Tumblr Bans Self-Harm Blogs "In addition to taking down blogs that support eating disorders, cutting and suicide, Tumblr will refer readers to appropriate help organizations when they search for self-harm content."

Be well, and enjoy the extra time this year has to offer today on Leap Day!

Everyone Knows Somone: National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

February 27th-March 3rd marks National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. An important week for us here at Guiltless

Who is affected by eating disorders? Approximately 7 million girls and women, and approximately 1 million boys and men struggle with eating disorders. Everyone –including those who suffer, their loved ones. Men, women, children, older adults. Eating Disorders do not discriminate across age, socioeconomic or race boundaries.

So what can YOU do?

• The Barefaced & Beautiful, Without & Within campaign is challenging women to go without makeup on Monday, February 27th, and promote their participation through their social media networks by tweeting a photo or changing their Facebook profile picture to one of their natural self.
• Read: What can you tell by someone's weight? Not much
  
• Join National Organization for Women for a twitter chat Wednesday, Feb. 29th, 4pm - 5pm Eastern Time #LoveYourBody
• Talk about it. Everyone knows someone. Keep ED out of the closet or hidden away. In the light of day they are weaker.
  
• Be guiltless about your own body and your relationship with food. Exude this guiltlessness to those around you!

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time."
--Marian Wright Edelman,

Live for today

No yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves to today. ~Brendan Francis

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Break out of your prison cell

In the world of justice, you are innocent until proven guilty. But in the private world of your own inner-emotions, you are rarely innocent. Things as seemingly simple as skipping a workout or eating just one more slice of pizza can crawl into your psyche and trap you in your own little personal prison. Well it's time to go "Andy Dufresne" on that prison and break out!

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Give yourself a break! Treats are part of life (if you are LUCKY!). If you are the type of person who tends to get a little carried away with the treats life has to offer (and who isn't?), make yourself a schedule or set it up as a reward system. For example, I have a tendency to get sucked into the television. In fact, I actually canceled plans once while living in New York City to do something probably extremely awesome just so that I could watch the series finale of LOST on my lap top. Instead of beating myself up over the hours "lost" to television (no pun intended) and giving up my simple pleasure forever, I made a reward system. I got to watch one episode of my favorite new series every day as long as I -insert productive task.- Last night, I was talking to my friend Kara about TV guilt, because I could see that she was experiencing it as well, and I could totally relate. In fact, that conversation inspired this post. Hey, it happens to the best of us!

The moral of the story is to let go of the guilt and get going on life. There is no rule in the life rule book that says you can't enjoy yourself once in a while. So bake the cake, ice it & eat it too, and when life hands your lemons, don't just make lemonade - do 100 things that make you happy.

Miss Representation

Have you ever watched a movie that made you want to yell/scream/punch something/change the world/write/call your congressman first-thing? Food Inc was one of those movies for me. And then last week I saw Miss Representation with my good friend Kara

This documentary is a fascinating look at how media treats women-celebrities, average women, politicians, CEOs. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. We are constantly bombarded by messaging and consciously or subconsciously it affects what we think, do and say. I think this Women In Numbers infographic says a lot.

This film got me riled up. And I think it will have a similar effect on you.

• Go see if Miss Representation is playing anywhere near you
• Remember that our actions influence others. Mothers, aunts, sisters don’t downgrade or judge yourself by your looks. Fathers, uncles, brothers—treat women around you with respect. Remember children in your life are watching and learning from you.
  
• Use your consumer power. Stop buying tabloid magazines and watching shows that degrade women. Go see movies that are written and directed by women (especially on opening weekend to boost the box office ratings). Avoid products that resort to sexism in their advertising.
• Mentor! It’s as easy as taking a young woman to lunch. Start by having open and honest conversations with a young person in your life.
  

Have you seen Miss Representation ? Are you #NotBuyingIt?

Love

Guiltless celebrates American Heart Month with a salute to love....

This photo came from Living Happy. For more inspiring photos like this one, "like"
Living Happy on Facebook.

Wisdom & Grace at 90

Today is my grandmother's 90th birthday. Her name is Susu. I woke up this morning thinking about how amazing she is and decided to make a list of the top 90 things I love about Susu. As I sat down to write the list, I noticed that some of the first things that came to mind were very "guiltless," so I had to share:

Six out of 90 "Guiltless" things I love about Susu:

1. Her fierce loyalty to herself and her loved ones.
2. Always stands up for what she believes in.
3. Has it. Flaunts it. Works it...and yes, even at 90-years-old!
4. Her deep understanding of love (for others and for herself).
5. Her confidence in her abilities, intelligence, and strength.
6. Her grace.

And the list goes on.

Who doesn't want to be like Susu? I know I do. Happy Birthday, Susu!! Stay Guiltless, girl.

Who do you look up to in your family?

Happy Valentine's Day!

In case you were unaware; Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. A day to exchange sweet nothings with your loved ones, shower them with roses and chocolates and hope for another year of love. A day to make and remember important, wonderful traditions and memories. But did you ever stop and tell yourself that you loved you? Have you shown your body the respect it deserves today?

Head over to Me You Health to Read Elizabeth's top 7 ways to show yourself a little love this VDay!

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

Start a Revolution

source

Viva La Revolution!!

Take a Chance

We make hundreds of decisions every day. In fact, research shows that we make more than 200 decisions daily on food alone! But often, the memorable, life changing, decisions are preceded by one specific inner thought: "Take a chance."

I'm certainly never one to throw caution to the wind. In fact, I'm one of the most careful people I know. You'll never find me sky diving or race car driving or cliff climbing. I'm simply not a thrill seeker (though I am often inspired and amazed by those who are.) However, I have learned a valuable lesson, and it's that if you always "play it safe," you're bound to miss out on at least one very special opportunity that could have changed your life even just a little for the better.

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Whether its applying for the job you think you'd be lucky to get even an interview for, or taking a chance on love, we owe it to ourselves to take risks in life. It's better to try & fail than to always wonder what would have happened if you just...went for it!

Every day, do one thing that scares you. Maybe it scares you a little or maybe it scares you a lot. Either way, the really scary part is never giving it a shot.

What will YOU take a chance on today?

Monday Self Care

"When I’m at my best, it’s because I’m taking care of myself."

--Michelle Gass, Starbucks president, as quoted at Forbes.com


Start Monday off right with a little bit of self-care

• Ask for help. It's not a sign of defeat. Ask and receive help when you need it. Also don't be afraid to delegate.
  
• Be grateful. Write down 5 things you are grateful for. Right now.
• Rest. Schedule in sleep. Take a 5 minute mini break. Take a moment to even just shut your eyes and breathe.
  
• Take a walk/run/breath of fresh air. Sunshine and fresh air almost cures all.
• Laugh
  

maybe even try laughter yoga

May today be your best Monday!

Time Out

One major reason why we neglect to take a break from our busy lives is because we're afraid to disrupt the momentum. On the contrary, my friend. Studies show that vacation time is vital, and whether that "vacation" is an hour, a day, a long weekend, or a week, time to rest is one of the most important things you can do for your mind, body, and yes productivity!

Here are my top 5 ways to decompress and show yourself some love. Give at least one a try and pay attention to your productivity levels the next day. I guarantee you'll feel energized and ready to take on whatever tasks may come your way!

Take a break! (image source)

1. Take a nap - YES! It's that easy. Get the room as dark as you can, put on the most relaxing music or background noise you can find, fluff your pillows, smooth your blankets, put on your most comfortable PJs, and take a nap. Even if you can't fall asleep, simply relaxing will help rejuvenate you!

2. Hang out with friends - Pencil in a little time to spend with your best friend. Whether it's over a glass (or two) of wine or a cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea, spending time with you closest buds is a great way to let the stresses of the world roll of your shoulders.

3. Create a spa at home - Run a bubble bath, light some candles, and put on some spa-like music. Use your favorite face mask while you're in the tub, and splurge on some fancy lotion. After the bath, put on your robe, pour a cup of herbal tea and read something (for fun!!! not for work!).

4. Take a yoga class - Cancel plans that you're only half-way looking forward to and go to a yoga class. The fluid movements and 90 minutes of not having to talk to anyone while you stretch and strengthen your mind/body will leave you feeling refreshed.

5. No time for these things? Go for a walk. Even for just 10 minutes, a brisk walk can help clear your head when you need it most.

How do you decompress?

Be well, and enjoy the day.