Step #2

Ok so Step #2 is pick your safety food...

For me it has always been baby carrots. I could eat bags and bags of them- they have tons of Vitamin A (good for your eyes) and lots of good fiber. They also keep you full which is handy when you're having one of those "always hungry" days.

I say pick a safety food. One that is low in calories, rich in the good stuff, and keeps you full. If I have learned one thing in all my studies it's finding foods that you like and that keep you full, while at the same time giving you some good nutrients and fiber. Just so that we're all on the same page, Fiber is an amazing thing. It helps to regulate your digestive system by basically pushing out everything in your intestines. Picture one of those commercials for drain clogs. The cleaning solution you pour down the drain is the fiber and as it makes its way through your intestines it pushes out things in it's path. Regulating your bowl movements and getting all that junk out of there. You really don't need those expensive yogurts and pills to regulate your digestive system- Just eat your FIBER!!

So what are some good choices for that go- to snack:

Carrots/Celery

Apples

Shredded Wheat

Low Fat yogurt (try to stay as natural as you can here)

Steamed veggies (you can buy them frozen in the steamer bags)

Grapes (try freezing them in the summer for a cold treat)

There are tons of others out there- try expanding your horizons, eat some different stuff! Just try to go for low cal, low fat options and heck while your at it pack in that fiber baby!

Step #1

Stand Up:

I am so sick of dietitians and physical therapists making it seem like you have to work out 3-5 times a week or there is no point. ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE! Ok let me just say, when I first started getting into shape and working out I started off with a 10 minute workout Saturday mornings! That was it for like 5 or 6 months. I just managed a 10 minute workout once a week and my muscles would be sore for days after words. Gradually I started working up to more but just standing up- getting up and moving a little makes all the difference in the world.

Maybe it's a 15 minute walk around your neighborhood or doing a few squats and jumping jacks in front of the TV- You're moving and that's the important part. Also can I just say to the moms out there- Keeping up with the kiddos can be a workout all on it's own. Maybe while you're picking up the toys you can squat down instead of bending over. It's easier on the back and great for your quads. And carrying the babies around- whooo arm workout! I bet if you flex you have a ginormous muscle! So be encouraged, you ladies work your butts off and probably burn more calories than any of us!

So to sum up, baby step #1 is STAND UP! It's so easy once you start and hey if you need to make a note to yourself- DO IT! If you need to put some light dumbbells next to your bed to remind you- DO IT! Exercise doesn't have to be intimidating if you don't make it!

Introduction to my world

This blog is designed for women and teenage girls who feel that society's pressures on females to be "perfect" is too much. This is for women who are sick of being told what to become but can't seem to work in a 4 hour workout with 3 kids and a job. This is for teenage girls who try so hard to look like their favorite celebrities but their bodies aren't looking like that even when they do skip meals. With all of the focus on body type and weight it is almost impossible to feel good about your body today. Many girls and even adult women turn to an eating disorder to try and soothe their pain. Some self medicate by thrusting themselves into their work or hobby. It feels like the media is literally SCREAMING at us to improve our bodies, change our lives, and basically look like "them". I for one am sick of the constant pressure, the grueling diets, lengthy exercise, and negative input thrust at me from every direction. I want to put some real facts out there. To show you how to take care of your body, take care of your mind, and most importantly prevent you from becoming sucked into the lies that society throws at you.

As a student majoring in Nutrition, and as someone who has literally spent hundreds of hours pouring over books, articles, and websites, I feel that I can convey honest-to-goodness facts that are not drastic or dangerous measures.

But let's start off with Baby Steps. I believe that this is the ultimate key to success for staying healthy in mind and body. Baby Steps. Not giant leaps to loose 10 pounds in one week or Get six pack abs in 6 days. I'm talking about simple little hints to help you feel more confident in yourself. Not because we all need to weigh 90 lbs and look like a super model, but because when your body is strong and healthy you can feel more alive to do the things you are most passionate about. Baby Steps.

So are you with me? Let's get started...