Detox Your Way to Summer

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:13 -0400

Pools across the country are officially open for business this weekend. Can we all send up a celebratory cheer?!? And while I love lounging by the pool with my favorite glossy (and sunscreen, of course) I don’t always love how my diet makes me feel. Chips and cookies are probably not the best pre-lounging foods am I right? And after a long winter of heavy foods and a few extra treats, I need a kickstart this week to feel my best. But I’m so not a fan of shelling out big bucks on a juice cleanse or going on an extreme deprivation diet. Luckily there are ways to detox safely and naturally before we hit the poolside.

1. Stop Eating Junk Food
I know, this seems so obvious. But if you’re like me, this is probably the hardest to do. Foods filled with sugar and fat are a fast ticket to weight gain, irritability, and low energy levels. And nobody wants that. To make this happen, take a pause before you eat anything to make sure you’re really hungry and that what you’re about to shovel in is worth it. When you stop eating junk food, you quickly start to lose your cravings for it. In fact, if you can cut out the junk for 21 days, you might just lose the cravings for good. It’s only a few days of willpower!

2. Banish the Bloat
No one wants to feel puffy and gassy when they pull on their bikini. If you already eat pretty well, try cutting out foods like beans, artificial sweetener, alcohol (yes, bummer), and anything salty to flatten your tummy.

3. Hydrate the Right Way
Now is the time to get rid of the empty calories found in soda and alcohol. Focus on hydrating with water or metabolism-boosting green tea. If you think water is super-boring, check out these fun ways to add a little flavor. You can also try this secret from Jillian Michaels!

4. Keep it Fresh
Stick to all natural whole foods that are as close to nature as possible. The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants of fruits and veggies will make you glow from the inside out as they help eliminate the toxins you let in over the winter. Not to mention, fresh foods help to maintain your energy levels and promote healthy sleeping habits, which help you stick to your beach body workouts!

And go the extra mile by…

5. Choose Foods with Detoxing Properties
You already cut out the junk for a few days and are picking fresh, whole foods, but you can go an extra step and pick foods full of natural detoxing powers. They decrease belly bloat, aid in healthy digestion, help to alkalize the body, and more, so you're sure to feel lighter after eating these good-for-you foods. Check out watercress, lemon, any dark leafy green, any fresh fruit (but especially berries), cabbage, artichokes (but not in a cheesy dip!), beets, ginger and garlic, green tea, oatmeal, and salmon.

17 Healthy Promises to Make Today

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:46:12 -0400

Creating a positive body image takes work. But one of the easiest ways to get started is to use mind trick and little mantras. I love the idea of making promises to yourself, just like wedding vows. Here are 17 promises you can make each and every day to help you stay positive about yourself and build your confidence.

I vow to…

Remember that the sun will still rise tomorrow even if I had one too many slices of pizza or an extra scoop of ice cream tonight.

Never blame my body for the bad day I’m having.

Stop joining in when my friends compare and trash their own bodies.

Never allow a dirty look from someone else influence how I feel about my appearance.

Quit judging a person solely by how his or her body looks – even if it seems harmless – because I’d never want anyone to do that to me.

Notice all the amazing things my body is doing for me every moment I walk, talk, think, breathe…

Quiet that negative little voice in my head when it starts to say mean things about my body that I’d never tolerate anyone else saying about me.

Remind myself that what you see isn’t always what you get on TV and in ads – it takes a lot of airbrushing, dieting, money, and a team of people to look like that.

Remember that even the girl who I’d switch bodies with in a minute has something about her body she hates.

Respect my body by feeding it well, working up a sweat when it needs it, and knowing when to give it a break.

Realize that the mirror can reflect only what’s on the surface of me, not who I am inside.

Know that I am already beautiful just the way I am.

Not let my size define me. It’s far better to focus on how awesome I look in my jeans than the number on the tag.

Surround myself with positive people. True friends are there to lift me up when I’m feeling low and won’t bring me down with criticism, body bashing, or gossip.

Accept the changes that my body is going through. I will celebrate my new shape and curves. I will rock what I’ve got!

Remember that sometimes I will have down moments. And in those times, I will remind myself of how awesome I am by looking in the mirror and saying, “I’m good! I can do this! I’m number one!”

Accept that beauty isn’t just about my looks. It’s my fantastic personality and my energy that creates a whole, unique package.

Do you have any promises that you make to yourself?

How to Get That Perfect Beach Body

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:16:23 -0400

While being in shape to be healthy and feel good about yourself is important, and we like to provide tips and tricks for you from time to time, this article from Gawker says exactly what I want to say to all of you: Just go to the damn beach and enjoy yourself already.

I want to go hug Hamilton Nolan, the author of this article. His article is a breath of fresh, rational air.

So we all know pools across the country open in a week or so and beach vacations are coming up quick. It’s scary! People might judge you! He asks, “What shall you do, then? Shall you head to the tanning salon? Shall you visit Slimming World? Shall you transform your life with the Beachbody home workout videos? Shall you follow the Diet Chef Beach Body Blitz summer diet? Shall you chew your food in a slow, laborious manner to cut calories? Shall you use lighter weights to hit the whole body in one workout? Shall you tone your belly, butt, and thighs with your fat-blasting summer fitness plan? Shall you combine The Biggest Loser, Crossfit, the Juju Cleanse, and the HCG diet into one formidable calorie-sapping cocktail of beach body readiness? Shall you just stick to the magic diet and the magic workout that will give you the magic body in two days, or seven days, or twenty-one days, or just, you know, fast?” That sounds exhausting, non?

So let’s all agree to do nothing, ok? Can we just metaphorically throw them all away? Because we don’t need them to have the “perfect beach body.” Hear me: You don’t need anything! Nothing. Zippo. You have the perfect beach body already.

Do you have the perfect body? No. You do not. In all likelihood your body suffers from myriad physical flaws which we won't go into here except to just nod meaningfully at your undeveloped quadriceps. But you do not need the perfect body to go to the beach. You just need your body to go to the beach. I think we’ve all forgotten that the beach supposed to be fun.

As Nolan writes, “You don't need visible abs to go to the beach. You don't need baseball-shaped biceps to go to the beach. You don't need perfect curves, a slim figure, or a nice tan to go to the beach. You, with the body in which you currently reside, pale/ fat/ scrawny/ mediocre though it may be, should go the beach and have some f*cking fun. You should put on your bathing suit, take off your shirt, apply sunscreen, and frolic in the water. You should lay on a towel. You should throw a frisbee. You should even play Pro Kadima, if you so choose. And you should enjoy yourself. The only people who would insinuate to you that you should not do any of these things because of how your body looks are assholes.”

You have as much right as anybody to go to the beach and enjoy yourself. So stop worrying and just go already.

{Summer Guide} 10 Tricks for Toned Arms

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:32 -0400

Tank tops and swimsuits and sundresses, oh my! It’s almost time to break out these arm-baring styles, and if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a little bit of body anxiety. While I know I’m probably not going to get Cameron Diaz-like guns in time for the beginning of the season, I’d like to my arms a little! Luckily, there are moves you can do right in your own home that can quickly get your arms ready to show off!

1. Front Arm Raises
Hold a 3 to 5 pound dumbbell in each hand and raise your arms straight out until they are level with your shoulders. Lower back down to in front of your thighs. Repeat 10-15 times.

2. Bicep Curls
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes forward and knees soft (but not locked). Place a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward. Slowly exhale and curl the dumbbells toward your chest. Inhale and lower the dumbbells three quarters of the way down, maintaining tension in the biceps. Keep your elbows tucked in at your sides to challenge your muscles even further.

3. Hammer Curls
Follow the same directions for the Bicep Curl, but instead of facing your palms forward, face them in towards your body.

4. Plank
While watching TV, do a plank for the duration of a commercial (usually about 30 seconds). Get into a push-up position with your forearms on the floor. Lift your legs and torso up off the ground so that only your toes and the flats of your forearms remain on the floor. Keeping your back neutral and your belly button pulled in, and hold this position. Keep your gaze on the floor to avoid putting stress on your neck, and remember to take deep breaths. Bonus! You’ll tone your tummy at the same time!

5. Tricep Dips
Do this while watch your favorite show! Grab a chair, and extend your legs straight out, with your hands flat behind you on the seat and your elbows tucked against your sides. Bend your arms and lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Hold for a beat, then push up through your palms to straighten your arms and repeat.

6. Single-Arm Bent-Over Rows
Take a slight bend in your knees and bend forward, keeping your weight in your heels to steady yourself. With a flat back and your arms hanging below you, perform a "row" by pulling one dumbbell back, arm bent and your elbow close to your ribs until the weight reaches your armpit. Try to keep your body as still as you can to challenge your core muscles even more. Repeat on opposite side to complete one repetition.

7. Modified Push-up
Position yourself on a carpet or towel, resting on your knees. Place hands in front of you, shoulder-width apart, fingers spread. Tuck in abdominals, keeping your upper body in a straight line. Slowly inhale and lower your chin to just above your fingertips. Exhale as you press up.

8. Reverse Flies
Stand with feet close together with a slight bend in your knees. Bend over to a 90-degree angle, keeping your back flat like you did in the bent-over row. Hold dumbbells with your palms facing towards each other and raise your arms to your sides until they're at shoulder level. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back to starting position.

9. Lateral Raises
Standing in the same position as the biceps curl, turn your dumbbells to face thighs. Slowly exhale and lift arms straight out to the side; pause, then inhale and lower three quarters of the way down. Note: Always move slowly through each repetition.

10. Fake It
When all else fails, count on a dose of self-tanner and a smile to give the illusion of extra toned arms. I guarantee no one is noticing your arms as much as you are!

{Exercise Descriptions from RealBeauty.com}

The 5 Secrets of Staying Young

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:12:45 -0400

I read an adorable article this morning and it was too sweet not to share. We are all looking for the “Fountain of Youth” right? And not just with how we look. We all want to act and feel young, because in general, it’s a better feeling than your normal tired self. It’s been said that if you want something that someone else has, just study the strategies they utilize, implement them and anything can be yours. So this blogger, Martin Rooney, decided that he would study and spend time around the youngest person he knew, his three year old daughter. After only a half day with her, he learned some valuable lessons that I will pass along to you! Too bad Ponce De Leon wasted his time seeking what was probably in front of him all along.

Secret #1: Get A Full Night Of Sleep
As Mr. Rooney found out, children wake up on their own in the morning. Amazingly, without an alarm clock and on their own terms. As he remarks, “the fact that she properly managed her time by going to bed early, gave her a full night’s rest and had her happy, cheerful and wide awake.”

We’re not always so lucky. As a result of being “too busy”, we’re up working late or wasting time much later than we should be. And as a result, we’re always tired. I know I hardly ever feel refreshed and “cheerful” in the mornings. And if I didn’t have the alarm, I’d never see the early side of 9am.

Secret #2: Eat A Healthy Breakfast
Kids are obviously not nutritionists, but they instinctively know how to fill their bodies with nutrients following the night of fasting. Eating an actual breakfast, not just a cup of coffee on the way out the door, is so important. Not only does it help you stay slim because you are less likely to overeat later in the day, but it helps you be more alert and feel more energized, two very young feelings!

Secret #3: Stay “On Purpose” and Have Fun
Kids have one purpose to their day: Having fun. If it’s not fun, they do everything in their power to go back to being “on purpose” and having fun. Kids also laugh a lot. Like 300 times, a lot. Comparing that to the “too busy” adult that laughs 15, I can see that our purpose is less about having fun than it is to deny fun in order to get the stuff done that is keeping us “too busy.”

Secret #4: Get Daily Exercise
Kids love the be physical. Climbing, sliding, swinging, jumping and running? All fun! Bring some of the fun back into your workouts and you really will stay young inside and out.

Secret #5: Make Sure To Take Rests
Oh naps. Remember those? I took one this weekend and before that, I can’t even remember the last time I indulged like that. But rest is the critical time to recover get stronger from the activities you have performed. We’ve gotten “too busy” to remember that periodic rest is as important as playing hard. For those that think taking some recovery is not important because you believe “you are doing nothing,” imagine instead that you are doing the most important thing. You are coming back stronger to do more.

As we go through daily life, it’s easy to see how we can condition ourselves that it is acceptable to eat poorly, skip exercise, miss sleep and be too serious to laugh. Why do you think that is? The classic answer is that we just get “too busy.” But it’s not acceptable to live an expendable life.

I simply love Mr. Rooney’s final words:

“Perhaps the greatest reminder I can give you is that sleep, exercise, food and laughter are all medicinal. In the right doses these critical elixirs can keep you young, but as soon you begin to develop a deficiency, you will start to get old. The question for each one of us that may be “too busy” is this: Are you making sure you are meeting your daily requirement?”

So there you have it. The elusive Fountain of Youth. Surprised it’s so simple?

Ten Steps to a Positive Body Image

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:51:26 -0400

It seems I really struck a nerve yesterday when I brought up weight stereotyping. I guess that dealing with body image, both our own and others’, is a big deal. I know it is for me. I’ll go personal here for a minute: I struggle with this pretty much constantly. My inner monologue is relentless. “Does anyone notice I gained 2 pounds?” “Ugh, look at my arms in that picture.” “How do I look standing next to her? Better suck it in.” All day long. And I don’t know why. I’m not thin by any means, but nor am I really overweight. And here’s the kicker: Nor does it really matter!!! I run all the time. I eat healthy foods (but also love cookies). I have close friends and family and a good relationship with my husband. I have a career that I love. So why the insecurity? Do you feel the same way?

Well, at least we know we’re not alone right? Even a freaking Olympic gold medalist feels like she has to lose weight because of “fat talk.” That is some sick sh*t right there ladies. Shawn Johnson said: "I was at the Olympic Games winning medals and I still doubted my image. I doubted what I looked like. That's sad. Girls should be taught different than that. I think everyone should be taught different than that."

Well, it’s probably too late for us to be re-taught, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do about it. I know that reading these ten steps can’t automatically start putting good thoughts in your head. Fat talk is really hard to get rid of. It takes conscious and constant work to make it happen. But this list can help you think about new ways of looking more healthfully and happily at yourself and your body. The more you do that, the more likely you are to feel good about who you are and the body you naturally have.

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you --running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself -- things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about you.

3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.

5. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.

6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.

7. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it. I have this one dress that never fails to make me feel amazing. I always put it on when I need a pick-me-up.

8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message.

9. Do something nice for yourself -- something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.

10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

Well, there you have it. I’d like to say follow these 10 easy steps and you’ll be happy all the time, but you’d know I was making false claims. They’re not easy. But it’s important to take on these negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones instead. I know I’m starting to makeover my mind and eliminate the fat talk right now. Will you?

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips from Eco Tan’s Eva Pawlus

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:52:44 -0400

It's Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention month and while we love to get ourselves a healthy summer glow, getting skin cancer is not sexy. Instead, we'd rather protect ourselves. Since 1970, the incidence of melanoma among young women has skyrocketed, rising eight-fold, and current estimates predict that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, melanoma rates in the U.S. are expected to jump: 76,250 new cases will be diagnosed, and that’s 6,020 more than in 2011. That’s some scary stuff, ladies!

We want to kick off this summer right, but still get in our time at the pool, so we asked Eva Pawlus of Eco Tan in Chicago for some advice on how we can protect ourselves (without becoming complete hermits!) Here’s what Eva advises!

1. It’s the summer, and we know we’re going to be lounging by the pool and hitting the beach on our vacay. What are the best sunscreen products we can buy to keep us safe?

I love Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist 75 SPF for all-over protection. It’s non-sticky, easy to apply, and won't clog pores.
For your face, I recommend Cetaphil UVA/UVB 50SPF Defense Facial Moisturizer. It’s lightweight enough to wear under makeup everyday and great for sensitive skin just like other Cetaphil products.
If you hate wearing face makeup in the summer, but you want a tiny bit of color MAC prep+ Prime BB Beauty Balm is perfect. It's a tinted primer that will give you a glowy, even look with SPF 35.
When you’re at the beach, use Aveeno Hydrosport Sunblock Sray SPF 85. You can spray it directly onto damp skin the second you hop back onto the water—no towel required—and it will absorb.

2. What are some of your do's and don'ts for getting a summer glow while protecting your skin?
First, THERE IS NO SUCH A THING as a safe tan. Any tan is skin damage! :)

But…there is no doubt that the coolest complexion these days is having that “out of the beach” appearance. Like I said, there is no such a thing as healthy UV tan. If you just can't give up on that glow, opt for an alternative: bronzers, self tanners, gels and professional spray tanning work great.

1. Exfoliate: Prepare the skin and remove old dead layers by creating a new summer regimen. Use an exfoliating scrub at least once a week in the shower. Your skin will glow and any faux tanning you do will be more even.

2. Be a Sunscreen Snob: Use a high SPf everyday, even while driving to work. No excuses!

3. Limit Unprotected Sunbathing up to 20 Minutes a Day. The truth is, humans need the sun to get their daily dose of vitamin D. That being said, 10 to 15 minutes in the sun everyday is enough to get your vitamin D, so watch your time. And please, still cover and protect the delicate skin on your face!

4. Pay a visit to good spray tan salon to get your glow: Sunless tanning is becoming the rage of today’s fashion trend. For days between tanning appointments, find the best self tanner for you.

3. We’ve all seen the disastrous “Friends” episode when Ross has some serious issues with the spray tan! It’s not a great look. How can we get a spray tan without looking like a carrot?

1. Make sure to pick a good airbrush salon, not a spray tan machine. That was Ross’s mistake! ;) At Eco Tan we customize the color and adjust it specifically to your skin tone and desired color.

2. Do not attempt to apply spray tan solution on consecutive days. Wait at least four days between applications to keep it looking natural.

3. Have realistic expectations and do not try to go too dark. When you are very pale and want to go to dark, the orange effect will happen.

If you live in or visit Chicago, be sure to stop by and get a tan from Eva and her EcoTan team! Check out her website here and connect with her on Facebook!

Lazy Girl Recipes: 3 Easy Summer Meals with 6 Ingredients

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:54:46 -0400

In the summer, the last thing I want to do is cook. I spend all winter making heavy meals like stew and as I start to shed my layers of clothing, my meals get lighter too. It’s not only due to the heat outside, which just kills my desire to ever turn on the oven, but I just don’t want to spend my time inside! I’d so much rather spend my limited free time after work running or walking my dog or playing in the park! So, needless to say, I’m always on the lookout for quick, creative, and easy recipes I can whip up on the fly. Here are three of my favorite weeknight dishes for the summer!

Pesto Pasta with Lemon, Spinach, Edamame & Toasted Almonds
serves 4 to 6 (perfect for a picnic or leftovers!)

There’s no better combination than pesto and pasta (okay, maybe chocolate and peanut butter…) and this dish mixes them in a bright and elegant way, and the only time it takes is the time to boil water and cook the pasta. Easy peasy! This is a great option for an outdoor party or picnic as it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is delicious room temp or chilled.

Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup pesto
8 ounces spinach
2 cups edamame (shelled and shucked, the peas, not entire pods)
juice from 2 lemons (plus fresh lemon wedges for serving)
3/4 cup almonds, crushed and lightly toasted

Directions
Heat a large pot of water to boiling, cook pasta until al dente. Remove from water, strain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, stir pasta, pesto and spinach until combined (some spinach will wilt, some will stay firm — this is a nice contrast of textures). Finally, stir in the edamame and squirt the lemon all over the finished dish. Reserve a few lemon slices for people to add more if they like. On a low heat, toast crushed almonds until just fragrant. Garnish pasta with the toasted almonds.

BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions
makes 2 thin crust pizzas, serves 4 to 6

Pizza is the ultimate in weeknight time-saving dinners. Everybody likes it and it only takes 15 minutes. To save time, you can pick up pre-made dough from the grocery store or pizza shop. And if you have a leftover piece of grilled chicken, you’re even closer to enjoying the yumminess of caramelized onions and BBQ chicken!

Ingredients
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Olive oil
1 grilled chicken breast, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 lb ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup tomato sauce
1 ball pizza dough (approximately 22 oz or enough for a large pizza)
Flour for rolling out dough
Tomatoes, to garnish

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Add a tablespoon of water to the hot pan and scrape off any brown bits. Remove from heat.

Using flour as needed, roll out half of pizza dough until thin (thin enough so the dough isn't in danger of tearing). Place dough on pan or stone. Spoon 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce onto dough. Add 1/2 pound sliced mozzarella and half of the chopped chicken. Repeat with remaining dough for second pizza.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until dough is crisp and cheese is melted. Add caramelized onions to cooked pizzas, and drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Add thin sliced tomatoes for garnish.

Artichoke, Spinach & Ricotta Pie
serves 4 to 6

Whenever I have an egg-based dish for dinner, I feel very French. I don’t know why. But there’s something so elegant about quiches and the like…even though they are ridiculously easy! This egg and ricotta tart does takes awhile to cook, there’s no getting around that. But I promise it’s worth it!

Ingredients
Olive oil
4 eggs, beaten
8 ounces ricotta cheese
4 ounces Parmesan, grated
1 cup canned artichokes, chopped
1 bunch spinach (or arugula)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan lightly with olive oil.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. Roughly chop the artichokes and thinly slice the kale leaves and add to the cheese and egg mixture. Season lightly with salt and generously with black pepper Stir until combined.

Pour contents of bowl into the greased cake pan and drizzle with olive oil. Cook until custard is set, about 40 to 50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes and serve.

Adapted from The Kitchn.

Weight Stereotyping: How People Judge You Based on Your Body

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:18:12 -0400

Nobody said it was fair, but it’s happening all day everyday. Weight stereotyping is harsh…and everywhere. Discrimination against heavier people is well documented—and, sadly, rising: a full 66 percent in the past decade, according to a Yale University study. But could this kind of bias extend to women of all sizes? And are people looking at your body and making assumptions about your life—and your personality?

To find out, Glamour commissioned a survey of women ages 18 to 40, designed with guidance from Rebecca Puhl, Ph.D., director of research and weight stigma initiatives at Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. They asked respondents to imagine a woman whom they had never met and knew nothing about except that she was “overweight” or “thin”; they then had to choose from pairs of words, like ambitious or lazy, to describe her. They could select neither, but fewer than half did—a telling statistic, according to Puhl. “Weight,” she says, “is one of the last acceptable prejudices.”

And not only is this bias acceptable, the results of their survey show—it’s out of control. The results:

Heavy women are pegged as…“lazy” 11 times as often as thin women; “sloppy” nine times; “undisciplined” seven times; “slow” six times as often.

While thin women are seen as…“conceited” or “superficial” about eight times as often as heavy women; “vain” or “self-centered” four times as often; and “bitchy,” “mean,” or “controlling” more than twice as often.

Even the “good” labels are unfair. An overweight woman may be five times as likely to be perceived as “giving” as a skinny one. “But it just fits into the stereotype that thin women are not that way,” explains Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D. “It’s still putting women in a box based on their body size.”

So it seems no women are free from body judgement. And almost all of us are guilty of participating. And these days the body-acceptance movement has inadvertently added another negative spin. Glamour writes, “Think about it: If ‘real women have curves,’ as one popular mantra asserts, then a woman without curves is by extension unreal, not to be trusted. “Not only is a skinny woman assumed to be tight with her calories and, therefore, tight with her emotions,” says Amy Farrell, Ph.D., a professor of women’s and gender studies at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and author of Fat Shame, ‘she’s also pushed away as someone who is not sharing in the same struggles as the rest of us. People look at her and say, “You’re not friend material; you’re alien.”’”

Historically, culture has been kinder to curvy women. For much of the past 700 years at least, a “robust” female figure meant health, wealth, and sensuality. But starting about 100 years ago, when food became more plentiful in this country and Americans began chasing thinness as a sign of wealth, extra weight became linked with inferiority. So while plus-size women may still be considered warm (hence their frequent casting as cheerful, supportive rom-com sidekicks), they are also seen as ineffective, lazy, ill-kempt, and unprofessional.

How do we stop all this weight stereotyping? First, challenge the way people judge you. If someone presumes to know your personality based on the way you look, have a ready comeback. And question the way you judge others. If you see a thin woman and your mind leaps to something negative, question what’s really going on with you in that moment. Chances are, you’re channeling an inner self-esteem issue.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, hit pause the next time you find yourself sizing someone up. Every time you stop weight-judging in its tracks, you help the world see women for who we really are.

Are you guilty of body judging? Or have you been unfairly judged? Share your stories in the comments!

{Summer Guide} Best Diet Tips for the Season

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:49:55 -0400

It’s summertime, and you can expect to find yourself poolside, at the beach, at the ballpark, or at a barbecue, where you’ll be tempted by a juicy hot dog or a cool and creamy ice-cream sundae. I know in the summer I find it easier to eat healthfully most of the time because when it’s hot out, who wants to eat something hot? And there are so many yummy fruits and veggies that are in season! But, I really do enjoy backyard barbecues…and tend to undo any dieting progress in a few hours. And don’t get me started on vacation. Sure, I’ll have a beer on the beach at 10am. Why not?!? Are you the same? We don’t have to give in! Here are seven tips for eating healthfully during this tempting season.

Try Spicy Foods
Did you know, spicy foods have been shown to help people eat less during meals and throughout the day. Eating a tablespoon of chopped red or green chili pepper can also increase your metabolic rate! It’s all thanks to Capsaicin. It’s the spicy part of the pepper that makes your mouth feel like it’s on fire, and it has been shown to act as an appetite suppressant. Try adding red pepper flakes to pasta and omelets or make a spicy jalapeno burger! Sabra makes a delicious spicy hummus that makes a perfect afternoon snack with some crunchy carrots and celery.

Eat Grilled Fish or Chicken at the Barbecue
It’s simple, chicken and fish are much leaner options than many other summer foods – like hamburgers, for example. Make the event a potluck so you feel less weird bringing your own healthy option.

Focus On Calcium-Rich Foods
Research has shown that calcium in a woman’s diet can aid in helping to reduce body fat and to lose weight. Milk isn’t the only option – almonds and leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale are all high in calcium. Also, don’t shy away from nonfat yogurt. Summer is a great time to enjoy a fruit and yogurt and low-fat granola parfait or a smoothie for breakfast!

Eat More Often
If you eat only large meals with many hours in between, you’re training your metabolism to slow down. Having a small meal every three hours will keep your metabolism at an optimal rate, so you burn more calories over the course of the day. Also, if you snack regularly, you are more likely to eat less at mealtime. Some healthy snack options are nuts, berries, apples with peanut butter, and popcorn without butter.

Go Big On Protein
When your body digests protein, it burns many more calories than it does digesting fats or carbohydrates. Eating lean protein at each meal – particularly breakfast – will help keep away hunger pangs for longer so that you don't arrive at the next meal feeling ravenous. Some healthy protein options are turkey, lean beef, fish, tofu, beans, and eggs.

Drink Lots Of Water
Obvious, right? But it’s more important than you think. During summertime, you need water more than usual because of the heat, which can easily cause dehydration. In addition to its hydrating effects, water also fills you up between meals. Studies have shown that people who drink water before meals eat fewer calories. Why? Because your body has a hard time differentiating hunger from thirst, so if you don’t drink enough water, you may feel like you’re hungry when you’re really just dehydrated. And that can lead to eating more calories than you want to.

Enjoy Low-Calorie Frozen Treats
When it’s hot outside, there are few things that sound more appealing than ice cream. But there are several frozen options that are much healthier, such as low-fat frozen yogurt. Another tasty option is to freeze orange juice in an ice tray, and eat the cubes as popsicles. Frozen grapes and berries can also serve as refreshing summer pick-me-ups. I love to make my own soft-serve using…bananas! Trust me on this one. Freeze a few bananas (without the peel) and give them a whirl in the food processor or blender. You can even add some cocoa to make it chocolatey!