Health for True Beauty

Quarter life crisis

2013-11-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

As a recent college graduate, and young 20 something, conversations seemingly always revert back to the typical, "What do you want to do with your life?" questions. This broad topic includes a slew of questions involving career aspirations, moving plans, love life and post-college feelings. If you're anything like me, you aren't sure about what you're doing next week, let alone in the coming years. These are some realizations that I've come to over the short 6 months since graduating from college. And being the quote junkie that I am, I also found some great quotes to go along with some of them.

1. It's ok to not have a plan. If you have a plan, great, but more often than not, plans change. Focus on the things in life that you are passionate about and that fulfill you.

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

-Howard Thurman

2. Gracefully accept advice...and then make your own decisions. Nobody knows you like you, and advice is just that--advice. No one person holds all the answers, and you know what is best for you better than anyone else. There is a lot to be learned from others' experiences, and that cannot be discounted, but at the end of the day, you are the one living with the decisions you make. Take time to get to know yourself so you can make the best decisions for your future.

3. Embrace "failure." Often times we learn more about ourselves through failure rather than success. I put failure into quotes because failure is defined as "not meeting a desired objective." The beautiful thing about failure is that it provides an opportunity for growth, change and improvement. It's also a sign that you're pursing something!

"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do."

-Samuel Smiles (what a great name)

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but also more useful, than a life spent doing nothing."

-George Bernard Shaw

4. Appreciate and take advantage of your freedom. The time between 20 and 30 is the perfect time to be selfish. Make decisions that are going to best for you. You have the rest of your life to take care of a significant other, kids, or parents, but take the time now--while you're young--to just do things for you.

5. Live within your means, but also spend money on things that will enrich your life. If you love to travel, spend some hard-earned money on a trip across the state, country or ocean. Of course, it is important to be fiscally responsible, but it's also important to make memories.

"Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it,

but because they didn't stop to enjoy it."

-W. Feather

6. It's ok to be single. There's no clock that will run out and deem you single for the rest of your life if you haven't found a man by 25. Being single can be such a blessing (see #3), so appreciate the time you have for yourself and enjoy becoming more of you are meant to be without a man mudding the waters.

7. If you're not single, I always hear 2 schools of thought.

"Never make decisions or change your life plan for a boy."
"Follow your heart."
I agree with both, and I don't believe that there is a "right" answer. I think a careful (and honest) evaluation of your relationship and where your significant other stands is important in order to make a good decision. If there are any doubts about his/her commitment to the relationship, it may be better to not make drastic life choices. On the other hand, if you value the relationship enough and see potential in the future, why not try to make your life work with that person? If it doesn't work out, at least you tried. I am personally afraid of "what if" so I would rather take a chance than spend my life wondering what could have been.

8. Don't worry about what people will think. If you're a people pleaser like me, I am always thinking of what my family, friends, coworkers or the bum on the street will think of my life decisions. Why? Ultimately, it is my life and I have to live with the decisions. Take responsibility for your decisions, and do what makes you happy.

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation for your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

-John Wooden

9. Cherish your time in college, but move forward into the next, wonderful chapter of life. College was amazing, I agree, but it's not coming back. Keep the friendships, the memories and the experiences, and use those to build your future. There are still wonderful things to come in life, but it's important to stay open to those things.

10. Take care of and love your body. We still have a long time with it, so fuel it with good food and exercise it! The more you take care of it now, the better it will work in the future.

11.Do something that scares you. Whether it be moving to a new city, pitching a new idea to your boss or just trying out a new food, going beyond your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow.

"Always, always, always do what you are afraid to do."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

12. Make the choice each and every day to be happy.

"When faced with the inevitable, you always have a choice. You may not be able to alter your reality, but you can alter your attitude towards it, and this, paradoxically, alters reality."

-Margaret Atwood

13. Make no little plans! Dream big, imagine, strive for more than you think is possible.

"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir one's blood and probably in themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram one recorded will never die but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence. Remember that our sons and our grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty."

-Daniel Hudson Burnhman

Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it is inspiring!

The Wonder Woman Illusion

2013-08-17T13:01:00.001-04:00

Discouraged about why you can't do it all? Join the club of hard-working, passionate and dedicated women who just can't master the unattainable feat of Wonder Woman.

An article by Debora L. Spar, featured in Glamour Magazine, discussed this perfectionist goal that many women today feel they must accomplish. The pressures of working in a successful and fulfilling career, raising a healthy family, keeping the house spotless, staying in great shape, and having a perfect marriage--all while making it appear effortless--seem to fall on the shoulders of women. I think most women can relate to the pressures of trying to do it all--and do it perfectly. It is part of our inherent nature to please and nurture others before stopping to think about ourselves. In reality, the best thing to do for the people in our lives is to take care of ourselves.

Let me know what you think of this article:

Why the Woman Who "Has It All" Doesn't Really Exist.

The negative comments aren't only affecting you.

2013-04-17T14:41:00.002-04:00

Have you ever taken a moment to think about how your negative comments about your body are affecting those around you?

Think about it.

Over the last year, I have become dramatically aware of the way that my words, actions and attitude can influence others. Our mouths are a one of the most valued resources we have, but are often misused. After watching the newest Dove True Beauty video, I began to think about where my insecurities generally stem from. The common denominator in all of these is from hearing or seeing other people. For example, about a month ago, my friend was talking about how she needed to get her upper lip waxed. "Huh? People do that?" I thought to myself. Later that day--while looking in the mirror--I noticed my hair on my upper lip. "Should I be getting that waxed, too?" I had honestly never noticed this "flaw" in the past, but because someone else was dissatisfied with theirs, I felt I should be as well.

Photo from revandy.org

Then I began to think about all the negative comments I have made about myself and wondering who I have affected in that same way. I saddens me to think that there are probably women out there who are now self-conscious about a part of their body--that they weren't before--just because I made a negative comment about mine.

So yes, loving yourself is incredibly important for your individual well-being, but also for the well-being of others around you. The way our generation thinks about our bodies and the amount of attention that we give to society's view of "beauty" is going to be transcended into the generations to come. Love yourself. You were fearfully and beautifully made!

It just doesn't matter.

2012-06-25T20:54:00.001-04:00

Is the quality of person you are or the imprint you leave on this world dependent upon what size jean you wear?

Although I am not an expert, I find that there are two parts of your body that matter when it comes to size:

1. Your heart. Obviously not literal size, but emotional size. Women are blessed with being natural nurturers--full of compassion, understanding and sympathy. That compassion and warmth is contagious and can be elevated and spread to more people than you can imagine.

and...

2. Your smile. Audrey Hepburn once said, "I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls." I could not agree with her more!

Today is the youngest you will ever be, so stop wasting time worrying about the way that you look. It just doesn't matter. As a student looking towards a profession in the health field, I absolutely believe that health affects quality and longevity of life. Size and shape, on the other hand, do not. There are many healthy sizes---starvation, purging and self-loathing are not any of them.

Butterfly Effect...
Do you believe in it?
I'm not a theologist, nor do I claim to be, but I absolutely believe that one small change can significantly alter the future. I challenge you to smile at someone who may be having a bad day. Have some sympathy for someone--even if you feel they do not deserve it. Although you may not see the immediate results--rest assured that your one small act has changed someone, somewhere.

New Year Resolutions

2012-01-20T09:35:00.003-05:00

That oh-so-exciting time of the year is here; the gym is packed at all hours of the day and weight loss supplements are at their highest sales. What is the cause of all of this pandemonium and motivation?

New Year Resolutions.

That's right, those dreaded goals that virtually nobody can attain. Why is it that I am unable to go from never working out to working out 6 days a week, and why do I keep eating dessert when my resolution is to never eat dessert? I'll tell you why...because it's unrealistic! Society tells us to make these ghastly resolutions that we start out with strong for a week or two, but by the beginning of February, we barely remember that we made them. May I make a suggestion instead? Try making your goals things that are going to make you a happier person and things that you enjoy doing more of, instead of goals that focus on your body. For example:

1. Paint your nails weekly.
2. Utilize all those accessories that you are saving for a special occasion.
3. Wear your new Christmas clothes...even when you are just running errands!
4. Get to know someone new.
5. Get involved in a new activity, club, organization, team, etc. (I know you've always wanted to take swing dance lesson, so just do it.)
6. Try new hairstyles.
7. Say yes to any new experience presented to you.

I can almost guarantee that any one of these resolutions will make you feel way better than a failed weight loss resolution. I definitely support becoming healthier each year, but make some attainable and enjoyable goals so they are easier to stick with (and allow yourself that forbidden chocolate occasionally).

Greeks promoting good body image

2011-12-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

In typical college student fashion, I was surfing the web--procrastinating studying for final exams--when I came across an article about a body image workshop for new members of sororities at Trinity University. All new members of sororities participate in a student-led workshop that focuses on promoting a positive body image, rather than a thin body image. As a Greek myself, I am so proud to know that such fabulous things are being done in the "fight against the thin ideal."

Interested in reading more?
Trinity University Body Image Program

How to positively influence children

2011-11-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

Although I am not a parent, I know that most parents want nothing more than for their children to be healthy and happy. With that being said, all parents are forced to face the times when their child struggles; whether this be with school, friends, behavior, weight, sports, etc., it is always difficult for a parent to know what the right path is to take in dealing with these instances. For example, currently in the United States, about 17% of children and adolescents (2-19) are obese (CDC) and 5% of adolescents suffer from some form of eating disorder (even more cases that are undiagnosed). So who or what is to blame for these problems? Society? Genetics? Family? Peers? Personality? And what can parents do about it?

I do not know the exact answer to this question (if I did, we would have a lot of our problems resolved), but I do know that all of these factors can play a heavy role in the development of children and lead them in certain directions. Many mental disorders--as well as genetic factors--can be passed down from one generation to the next, our society bombards every age group with images and messages about what children should act/look like, a dysfunctional family can cause added stress, peers can be bullies or negative influences, and personality traits can make a child prone to obesity or mental disorders.

One of the easiest of these influencers to control is family impact; parents and siblings play a huge role in the development of a child, and it is so important to generate a positive atmosphere that encourages healthy thinking and behaviors. Here are a few tips for being a positive influence on your child:

1. Have pleasant family mealtimes; this will give the child a sense of security as well as a place to be listened to and valued. Studies have shown that children who family meals many times per week do better in school, eat a healthy diet and have a decreased risk of disordered eating.

2. Promote physical activity as a fun family gathering. Kids do not need to go to the gym--they will get plenty of that in adulthood--because they naturally have the energy and time to play. Make use of this, and play with your child. Go on family bike rides, play tag in the yard, play with them on the jungle gym, go hiking and enjoy nature. Kids will value this time they are getting with their parents and it will keep them away from the video games and TV.

3. Feed your child healthy foods from the beginning. From the time they start consuming food that is not breast milk or formula, they should be ingesting vegetables, fruits and whole grains. This will allow the child to acquire a taste for healthy foods and make them more open to eating those foods as they get older.

4. Avoid any negative self-talk--in front of your child--and in general. Kids pick up on the slightest cues, so even just seeing mom weigh herself everyday will make that child think that this is a necessary and normal habit. It is important for parents to ensure their health, but make sure that is not obsessive or done in front of children.

For an interesting video from a mother on this topic, check this out:

Shoulds and Should Nots

2011-11-01T15:58:00.001-04:00

"Hands leaf through pages with long ago words. Hearts search through stages with long ago hurts.

The story keeps changing from this day to next. The mind rearranging, to what it likes best.

A tale told over, a familiar groove. A place to take cover, no need to move.

But it’s time to tear up and toss away plots. Close that book shut on the shoulds and should nots.

Live in the moment for the past is gone. Don’t sit and ferment, it’s time to move on.

Grab this day for all it’s worth, don’t be afraid to let go of old hurt.

Look up and look out to see the best view, for living out loud is all you can do.

Be bold in your choiceto not sit and stew. But give this day voice, and shout out Thank You!"

By Meg Lawton, Soul Seeds

What's a girl to do?

2011-10-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

Why did I just eat that cookie?

She is just too skinny...she doesn't even look good.

I can't believe I let myself gain 2 pounds.

I HAVE to go to the gym tomorrow.

Can you believe how much weight she gained! She really let herself go.

You're going on a run? Ugh...now I feel guilty.

I just feel so bloated.

Sound familiar?

It does to me. These are thoughts that many of us have daily...but why? Why can't we just be happy with who we are? I know, sometimes it feels like no matter what we do, we are criticized. We are criticized for not having a models body, or for being too skinny, or for eating 2 pieces of dessert, or for working out too much and making someone else feel bad. What, then, is a girl to do?

Katie Halchishick took a stand for beauty

Shut down this unattainable view of perfection and beauty that we are bombarded with, and start loving ourselves and supporting one another. There is no way that we can fully and truly love others to our fullest potential if we don't even love ourselves, nor can we allow someone else to fully love us. Our bodies were created this way for a reason, there is no changing that, so lets embrace it. Flash that beautiful smile, rock those new shoes and be proud and confident with who you are. Take a stand for what true beauty is, and I guarantee others will notice.

What are you afraid of?

2011-10-05T12:57:00.001-04:00

How many times have you not tried for something because you were afraid of rejection or failure?

How many times have you not done what you felt was right because you were worried about the gazes of others, loneliness or seclusion?

Well, you are not alone. This plagues the majority of us, but the good news is, it doesn't have to be this way.

This weekend, I had the pleasure of listening to Mr. Bill Rancic (winner of the first season the The Apprentice) speak as a part of my sorority's (Delta Gamma) lectureship at Purdue University. Among all the other fabulous advice that Bill gave during his speech, the piece of advice that struck me the most was to be fearless. I learned from him that we are born into this world two fears--the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. That's it. All other fears are learned--which means they can be overcome. How will you ever know what you are capable of if you don't try?

"When you look back on your life, you will regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did."

"Always, always, always do what you are afraid to do."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take a chance. Take that leap of faith. Go out of your comfort zone. You might just surprise yourself.

Tried and failed? Not to worry; you are in good company, and there is a quote for that too.

"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do by finding out what we will not do."
-Samuel Smiles

Love is louder than the pressure to be thin: Demi Lovato

2011-09-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

Disney channel star, Demi Lovato, has recently opened up about her struggles with an eating disorder, and now she is an advocate for a positive body image. Read this article about an inspiring and amazing woman!

Demi Lovato, Body Image Role Model

A new perspective

2011-09-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Not sure what to eat?

2011-08-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

Depending on what generation you grew up in, we all were raised with different dietary guidelines to follow. The baby boomers probably remember the "Basic Four," and those of us born in the late 80's or after grew up learning about the food pyramid. The dietary guidelines are reviewed and changed every five years, and because of this, society gets new advice to follow all the time. It can be overwhelming and hard to keep up with, but I think they are doing a good job trying to keep it simple. If you haven't heard yet, as of July 2011, we are no longer following MyPyramid; instead, they have created MyPlate. It is a simple version that is easy to look at and understand. The food groups are easily categorized and separated into different dishes on a plate. Take a look, and if you are interested, you can get more info at choosemyplate.gov!

Turn that negative day around.

2011-08-19T21:04:00.000-04:00

Are you having one of those down days? A day when you feel like nothing is going your way and you'd rather just stay in bed than go out and face the world? Well, these are exactly the days when it is important to push through and give yourself a little mood booster! Here's a little list of things that can help your day by boosting your body image and attitude.

1. Force yourself to smile in the mirror. You will feel so much prettier that way!

2. Listen to some music that makes you happy. My choice is Jack Johnson, but it can be anything.

3. Ignore your negative self-talk! As soon as you hear those voices in the back of your head, turn them off and replace them with positive words.

4. Put on a little lip gloss. For some reason this just makes people feel better (just try it).

5. Workout. This can just be a walk around the neighborhood or an intense cardio or weight-lifting session. Either way, your body will produce endorphins--which make you feel happier!

6. Go buy your favorite latte, mocha or drink of choice. I don't know about you, but I am easily motivated by some coffee. Any coffee does the trick, but a coffeehouse drink will really get me motivated. If you only get these on special occasions, you can save them for the days when you need that extra push to get moving.

7. Wear your favorite perfume. The perfume mixed with some cute lipgloss will make you feel so much better throughout the day.

8. Spend 5-10 minutes stretching. Stretching just makes your body feel less tense and more active.

9. Eat something healthy. This could be exchanging the donut for some oatmeal at breakfast, or grilled chicken instead of pizza at lunch or dinner. Either way, a healthy meal will keep that sugar high and crash away and keep you going all day.

10. Take a few deep breathes, and spend just 2 minutes in silence. This can be used for meditation, self-reflection, prayer, etc. Whatever helps to calm you down and create positive energy. Just 2 minutes can do a world of good!

Day 6 in Haiti

2011-08-04T17:01:00.000-04:00

As I sit here--anticipating tropical storm Emily--trying to decide what to write about my trip, I have found that there are far too many things that have impacted me to write about them all. Today was my 6th day in Haiti, and we will be leaving to come back home tomorrow. On initial arrival into the capital of Port-au-Prince, I was in complete tourist mode. I was easily amazed by the crazy traffic/driving, colorful buildings, dirt roads and people running in and through the streets. I experienced these same feelings of amazement and awe as we ventured hours into the mountains--driving on dirt paths next to the edge of the mountain--to view a landscape like one I have never seen and the ruins of a castle from 1804. I have never seen a more lush area with such rich, deep red soil.

After the initial beauty of the land, I started to take a closer look at the people of this country. As we drove up the mountainside, we saw tons of people walking to get water, carrying food and items on their heads, or farming. These were all sites that I have never experienced in my life, nor will I ever forget. 80% of Haitians are currently living below the poverty line, over 1/3 of the population do not have access to potable water and only 7% use the internet (compared to 80% in the US).

I immediately felt feelings of guilt as I snapped pictures from the window of the truck I was comfortably riding in with my water bottle full of clean water. I realized that I had been looking at this country much like a storybook; interesting to look at and learn about, but failing to realize the reality of what I was experiencing. I will be leaving to come home tomorrow (weather permitting); back to my life of plenty. $3 lattes, pedicures, a surplus of any food or drink that I want, air conditioning, a bed, and a home all await me back in the United States. As much as I have back in the states, I can't help but be a little jealous of the simplicity and lack of distraction that the people of this country have. Life and it's simple pleasures are a treasured gift and not taken advantage of. That is the message that I think I will take away most from this country.

As I complain about a bad grade in a class, not getting my morning coffee, or being hungry because I didn't have time for lunch, I will remind myself of the people who do not eat if the garden doesn't supply food, the kids who are not able to go to school, and the over 600,000 people still without a home (in Haiti alone). I have had an amazing trip with my best friend and learned so much about myself and the country of Haiti. I am so thankful that I have been blessed with the many wonderful opportunities in my life, and I can only hope that the people of Haiti and my experiences here will always be with me.

Bondye beniw (God Bless in Creole).

Off to Haiti we go!

2011-07-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
1 Peter 3: 14-16

Jenny and me in Madrid, Spain

A last minute invitation from my best friend, Jenny, to travel with her to Haiti has opened up an opportunity for an experience and adventure that I am so excited--but also nervous--to partake in. Jenny and I are not new to traveling adventures together (we embarked on a trip to Spain a few days after our high school graduation), but this is one that is going to be completely different for me. Although I definitely felt called to go on this trip, I feel completely unprepared. Not in the physical sense, but emotional. I have started to realize that nothing is going to be able to prepare me for what I am going to encounter and how I am going to be changed, but I think that is what God's plan is. I've learned that the times I grow the most are the times that I step out of my comfort zone with my only security blanket being trust in God.

We will be leaving for Haiti very early on Friday morning and spending one week. We will be in Petionville (outside of Port-au-Prince) and taking a trip to Jacmel at some point. Jenny has some experience in Haiti and a good Haitian friend (Frantz) to help us out, so we won't be flying completely solo. I may have some internet opportunities that I will use to update my travels as frequently as I can. All prayers and support for our trip are greatly appreciated!

Positive body image can go a long way.

2011-07-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

This new article out suggests that obese and overweight women who have good body images are more likely to lose weight and keep it off than women with poor body images. The study came from researchers in Wales and has been published in the Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Check it out!

"Positive body image may help you shed extra weight"

Social Networking: A powerful tool

2011-07-13T22:59:00.000-04:00

As the "Millenial" generation, in the last 5-10 years, we have been bombarded with numerous social networking sites. Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ are just a few examples of these mentioned sties. Can our experiences on social networking inf luece our body image and how we feel about ourselves?

I think yes. Now I don't think in any way that social networking sites are to blame for a negative body image, but I do think that they can contribute to some feelings of low self worth. Think about it. It's Friday evening, and you have no plans for the night or weekend. So what do you do? Get on Facebook--obviously. You start reading about you friends adventures in Europe and South America, looking at the photoshopped pictures of younger girls in bikinis, and reading the latest status updates about all the great things your best friend's boyfriend is doing for her. It can definitely be draining.

Maybe this doesn't ever happen to some people, but I know it can defintiely cause some feelings of unhappiness. Instead of speading your down time on your free evening (think of it as a positive) creeping on Facebook, try instead to go out for a walk or run, watch a movie, or read.

Reach for the Stars

2011-07-06T09:51:00.000-04:00

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
-Harriet Tubman

The power behind Harriet Tubman's words are so incredible because of the obstacles and odds that she was able to overcome in her life. Born a slave in the early 1800s, Harriet escaped slavery but returned on numerous occasions--risking her life--to help free fellow slaves (that whole underground railroad situation). So what does this typical 3rd grade history lesson have to do with us?

Harriet is such an amazing example for women to look up to today. She was raised being told that she had no worth, yet through all that, she was able to save and lead hundreds to a life of freedom--never losing a single person. I guarantee that she did not do this by criticizing herself and downplaying her talents. It took an extreme amount of courage and self-confidence in order for her to accomplish all that she did in her life. The point here is that every person has the ability to accomplish greatness; it is up to us to use those skills and talents that we were blessed with in order to change the world. Never underestimate the unbelievable amount of power you hold.

Why do you want to lose weight anyway?

2011-06-29T09:48:00.000-04:00

Are you preoccupied with losing "a few pounds" or "getting in shape?" If so, when does this harmless challenge become an unhealthy obsession or negative way of thinking?

It is important to take a long look at the reason for the desire to lose weight? Are you looking for acceptance, happiness, a man, love? Chances are you won't find those things in being thin; that would be too easy. These issues are rooted much deeper inside, and the way to resolve them is healing from the inside, out. If you are searching for ways to become happier or be accepted by others, start by accepting yourself. If you can't love yourself, how can you let others?

Next, look at the root of your unhappiness. Generally, the only reason we are unhappy with our bodies is because we compare ourselves to others. Think of your body as being unique--just like your personality. No person has the same body, so it is a waste of time to work to try to look like Jillian Michaels. Work to feel healthy and comfortable in your unique body.

I challenge you to stop thinking about the number on the scale and stop comparing yourself to the celebrities or your friends. I think this will help you to feel more happy in your skin and lessen the desire to diet, lose weight, and feel self conscious.

NEDA Walk

2011-06-22T18:45:00.000-04:00

This Saturday--June 25th--one of my best friends and I will be participating in the National Eating Disorders Association Walk in Chicago, IL. We will be walking to raise money and awareness about eating disorders, while also promoting a healthy body image. Here are some quick facts from NEDA about eating disorders:

-80% of American women are dissatisfied with their body.
-10 million females and 1 million males are currently suffering from bulimia or anorexia. The number jumps even higher when you factor in compulsive/binge eating disorder.
-Only 6% of people suffering from bulimia receive mental health care.

This is a chart of the 2005 funding from the National Institute of Health for various illnesses:

Illness Prevalence Funding
Eating Disorders 10 Million $7,000,000
Schizophrenia 4.5 Million $412,000,000
Alzheimer's 2.2 Million $249,000,000

Thanks for reading, and if you feel compelled to donate and support my friend and I, you can click here. I really appreciate everyone's support!

Body image and relationships.

2011-06-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

The inability to love yourself is a problem that can quickly go from only affecting you, to affecting all of the relationships that you are involved in. Whether it be a relationship with a friend, sibling, parent or significant other, the ability to love yourself is a trait that is crucial to the survival of the relationship.

I get it, we (as women and men) are bombarded by images of "the most attractive people in society (according to someone's standards)" every single day through television, movies and advertisements. The truth is--however--that we are looking at a miniscule portion of people; not to mention that these people have also had every flaw airbrushed from their bodies. It's no surprise that after comparing ourselves to these people we have poor body images. This comparing and being unhappy with our bodies can have severe effects on some of our most important and valued relationships.

It is very difficult to experience a healthy relationship with someone else when you are not happy with who you are. Your family, friends, and significant other all think you are beautiful and wonderful on so many levels...that's is why they are your friends. They have chosen to stay friends with you even after learning about the fact that you have had the hiccups for the last 8 years, sleep talk, love camouflage, secretly play World of Warcraft, still sleep with a teddy bear, love to read, are awkward in some situations, or can eat a whole jar of peanut butter in one sitting. That is because that's what makes you unique; they could care less that you have a blemish on your forehead or that you feel that your thighs are too big (just think about the reasons that you love your own friends). Learn to embrace these positive thoughts about yourself!

Start appreciating your personality and cherishing those quirks that make you a unique individual and that make your friends and family love you. I guarantee that if you start loving yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin, your relationships will dramatically improve.

The Bad Fairy Critic

2011-06-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine directed me to this article on CNN about bad body image talk...take a look!

Bad Fairy Critic

Operation Beautiful

2011-06-08T11:22:00.000-04:00

I just discovered this wonderful campaign started by a 26 year-old woman from North Carolina--Operation Beautiful. The mission of the campaign is to "post anonymous notes in public places for other women to find." Its all about encouraging other women and spreading the message that we are all beautiful!

This is such an easy little thing to do that can dramatically change the mood of anyone who reads it. All you do is write an inspiring message such as "you are beautiful" or "your smile is contagious" on a small piece of paper or post-it note, then write operationbeautiful.com somewhere on the note and post in on a public place (bathroom mirror, public sign, etc.). You may not get to see the results of your deed, but I can guarantee that it will brighten someone's day. It's amazing the influence that one person can have on another's life. :)

2011-06-06T23:41:00.000-04:00