Friday, July 15, 2011

A Guiltless Birthday

My how time flies. 1 year ago this week Steph and Elizabeth were talking about body image, and decided to stop just talking amongst themselves and start spreading some body love! Change is coming, Elizabeth's moving to Texas, and Stephanie's starting a full-time nutrition communication job, but you can believe we'll be sticking to our 3x a week schedule and sending some guiltless messages out into the universe!
And you can bet on our birthday we'll have our cake and eat it too!




Have you felt yourself grow more comfortable with your body since this time last year? What does the future hold for you! What would you like to see more of from us?

A Guiltless Birthday!

My how time flies. 1 year ago this week Steph and Elizabeth were talking about body image, and decided to stop just talking amongst themselves and start spreading some body love! Change is coming, Elizabeth's moving to Texas, and Stephanie's starting a full-time nutrition communication job, but you can believe we'll be sticking to our 3x a week schedule and sending some guiltless messages out into the universe! And you can bet on our birthday we'll have our cake and eat it too!

Have you felt yourself grow more comfortable with your body since this time last year? What does the future hold for you! What would you like to see more of from us?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Dish up a healthy body image!

My favorite childhood memories are my family dinners. I loved hearing about everyone's days, learning my family members as they spoke (especially being the youngest of three children), and sneaking little bites of food to the pups under the table. But I also remember that family dinners were a rule. If you were not home for dinner, it was an issue. As I grew into adolescence, I craved independence and wanted to eat dinner on my own time. This was not allowed. And while back then I may have had a slight attitude about it, today, I feel very fortunate that this was the case.

A recently released study showed that teens who eat at least five meals a week with their families are 35 percent less likely to engage in disordered eating than teens who don't. It's amazing what one small tradition can do for a person's well-being and happiness! As if that wasn't enough, here are a few more reasons (supported by good research) why dishing up a healthy meal for the whole family is a good idea:

1. Inspire kids to eat healthier food
2. You maintain the portion control
3. Family dinners mean better grades in school
4. Teens who eat family dinners are less likely to feel depressed
5. I said it once, but it's worth saying again: Family dinners help prevent eating disorders

And just because you live with a roommate and not your family doesn't mean you can't have family dinners! The simple act of cooking, eating, and cleaning together brings joy and stress relief to all.

What's your take on family dinner?

P.S. Laughing is good for the soul. So while we're on the subject of family, please check this out:
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Monday, July 11, 2011

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??

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tips to Stay Guiltless This Summer...

Hi friends! Hope you all had a lovely Independence Day weekend and that you're slowly getting back into the swing of things. Summer is often a time of stress for those who struggle with body image woes. With all the swimsuit action and body-baring outfits, it's all too common to think bad thoughts about our bodies. Let's change that this summer and live guiltlessly through these warm, sunny months! Here are a few tips on how to stay Guiltless this summer:


1. Just say NO to fat talk!
Instead of asking yourself, "do I look fat in this?" tell yourself, "I look fabulous in this!" If you feel it, you'll be it.
2. Wear that swimsuit confidently!
Don't let that swimsuit fear get to you! Join Curvy Girl and Land's End in National Swimsuit Confidence. Bring it, Bikini!
3. Sweat once a day.
Exercise keeps us healthy and happy. Get some of those good endorphins going with your favorite activity! Or take advantage of the warm weather and try something new! Kayaking? Tennis, perhaps? The sky is the limit!
4. Color your plate.
One of the best things about summer is the fresh produce available. Go to your local farmer's market and pick up a colorful array of your favorite fruits and veggies!
5. Take a break.
Leisure time is SO important. When you're feeling tired or run down from the hectic schedule that is your life, take a break! Lay in the sun by the water, or bring a picnic to your favorite shady spot. Whatever you do, don't get down on yourself for taking some "me" time.
6. Read a book.
It's always nice to get lost in a good book. When you're involved with the characters and the story, everything else tends to melt away. Up next on my list: A debut fiction novel called Learning to Swim by Sara J. Henry. Anyone read it yet?
7. Have fun!
Summer time is fun time. Kick back with your friends, have a fruity cocktail, and soak in the slow days of summer.

Be well, and enjoy the day!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence Day

This Fourth of July, Celebrate Independence from guilt and self hate


Rejoice for the strength of your body & Enjoy the Day


In all cheesy honesty............


Friday, July 1, 2011