Guiltless Recommends: About Face

There are quite a few websites I go to for constant inspiration, to stay up to date on Guiltless fodder, and that I enjoy browsing in my free time. I decided to take this Monday to talk about one of my favorite Media "Watch-Dog" sites: About Face.

Their mission is to face a "toxic media environment" face on, advocating against low self-esteem, depression, persistent anxiety over weight and appearance, extremely unhealthy diets and exercise regimens, and eating disorders, by equipping women and girls with the tools to understand and resist harmful media messages that affect their self-esteem and body image.
They divide ad campaigns into a Gallery of Offenders and a Gallery of Winners-both equally informative and eye-opening. Reading their list of 10 ways to empower yourself, is just that-empowering and uplifting. Browsing through their "Facts" page I find 1238793847 new things i could write passionately about. Check out the entirety of the About Face website for many more juicy fact, figures, pictures, and inspiration!
You can also support About-Face's work. Follow them on Twitter, and Like them on Facebook!

What are some of your favorite websites? What else should I have my eyes on?

Reminder

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face. - Helen Keller

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Have a guiltless weekend!

Find your Pearls

By: Stephanie Horton

Many moons ago, Elizabeth wrote about Matt Demer's Pearl Photoseries. It wasn't long after that before we so happily accepted his gracious invitation to join him on this endeavor.

During our photo shoot, Matt brought out something in me that I write about every week: confidence, comfort in my own skin, and inner beauty. I don't think I have to remind you how much easier this is said than done.

His camera, his creativity, his vision: Wow. He had me at "Let the pearls represent what's going on in your life right now."

Maybe it was the fantastic playlist, maybe it was Matt's moving story leading up to the actual photoshoot - Whatever it was, it was an experience I will never forget. I walked out of it feeling like a strong, confident, fun & exciting woman. And I saw Elizabeth for the graceful, strong spirited, ambitious beauty that she is.

When I first looked at these photos last night, which is now months after the actual shoot, my initial reaction was to critique. "Ok, which picture flatters me most, or more importantly, which photos are the least flattering..." But then as soon as I clicked on the first picture, the expression in my own eyes reminded me of something REALLY important:

This photoseries, much like this life, is not about showing others your most flattering moments or showcasing your strengths. It's not about hiding your flaws or covering up your weaknesses. It's about celebrating who you are, how you experience life, and where you plan to be.



A HUGE applause to my good friend Matt for bringing so much joy into this world with the click of a camera.

Balance-Self Discovery Word by Word

I've been inspired by many of the posts started by Nourishing the Soul- Self-Discovery Word by Word Blogger Series. The word for August is Balance.

Who out there is NOT looking to balance their lives more? to spend more time doing the things they love vs the things they need to do? Unbalance is never fun, whether it be too many french fries in one sitting, or over-exercising to the point of injury. But balancing work and pleasure is the balance that most of us think of first when balance comes to mind.

I found this quote by Donald Trump himself, and while he's not my favorite person in the world, i thought it was very true:

If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable. -Donald Trump

I am very lucky to be studying and learning how to practice in a field that I love-nutrition. However there are certainly things about it that I don't love. I personally am not a fan of working in a hospital calculating tube feeds, and don't believe in a reductionist view of nutrition that some of my colleagues take. Timely enough for this post, I am currently working in a situation that encompasses some of my least favorite things. So how am I personally trying to maintain balance with my own true self, and stay happy? I'm continuing my routine, of working out, spending time with the people that matter in my life, making sure to call those I miss who are far away, eating well and taking time to relax, and watch a television show, or play with the puppies. The relaxation part is key, and usually the first thing that I squeeze out when I'm tackling a big to-do list. But my quality of life greatly improves when I bring the balance back.

How do you find balance in your life? Share in this self-discovery!

Maintain a Healthy Body Image

Body image is influenced by so many factors, both inside of our minds and within our environment. Here are a few ways to help you maintain a healthy body image when you're encountered with a body-image-destroyers (think magazine ads, runway shows, etc).

1. Don't compare yourself to others. You are unique and beautiful, and everyone sees you as a special individual person, not as a pants size.

2. Turn off the TV, and open a book. Characters in books have much more depth, and it's up to your own imagination to create their image. And when you picture these characters, you're not thinking of how many inches their thighs are - you are thinking about personal characteristics that stand out to you, and you create their image from those important traits.

3. Take a yoga class. Studies show that people who practice yoga have more self awareness and tend to pay more attention to what they eat. This kind of mindfulness helps us maintain a positive image of ourselves.

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There are always obstacles in the road. They key is learning how to get around those obstacles successfully. This is your journey, and it's up to you to live in a way that makes you happy and content.

Be well, and enjoy the weekend!

Do More of What Makes You Happy

source: Johnny Cupcakes

Negativity Stats

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.....

Recent research conducted for new eating disorder charity The Succeed Foundation, in England found that 30% of women would trade at least one year of their life to achieve their ideal body weight and shape. 93% of the women surveyed reported that they had had negative thoughts about their appearance during the past week. 31% had negative thoughts several times a day.

What good do those negative thoughts do? Is hating your body going to make it magically change? Nope. Is thinking negative thoughts about your appearance going to make you more attractive? Not at all. In fact they often turn right around and bite you in the back, as they make you seem insecure, unsure, and not confident.

So let's reshape that inner dialogue.

What is one thing you love about yourself today?
repeat after me: I am so absolutely incredibly extraordinary

How often do you have negative thoughts about your body? What will you do this week to reshape that inner dialogue?