Friends Don't Let Friends Fat Talk

I've stumbled across this powerful video, which was produced as part of a "Fat Talk Free" Week that actually happened last fall - the idea was promoted by Delta Delta Delta in coordination with Seventeen magazine and some other interest groups to promote body image in women - check out the video by clicking here.

After the video, sign up to receive email blasts on the issue of ending fat talk - and, just for today, don't let the "f" word cross your pretty lips!

Raising Arizona Kids - April issue

I've got an article in this month's issue of Raising Arizona Kids, about starting to garden with your kids. I think learning how to garden is a lot like learning how to cook - it's best to start learning when you're really small and you can just absorb the lessons while you hang out and watch. I didn't grow up gardening or cooking, so I'm playing catch-up now as an adult. Kids that grow up watching someone cook (and garden!), asking questions, sometimes participating, sometimes messing things up - become adults who are truly comfortable in the kitchen (and garden!). They don't worry so much about minor details, and develop an intuition on what will work and what won't. So, let your kids bug you in the kitchen, and let them dig their hands in that garden - even if things aren't planted in neat little rows when they are involved!

Hot or Not? You choose

At my gym, the room where yoga is held has floor to ceiling mirrors, which can be kind of annoying on the days you're feeling pudgy. On one particular day, I was doing my best to avoid watching myself - but in yoga, you kind of have to watch yourself sometimes just to see if you are anywhere in the ballpark of the amazingly limber instructor as she demonstrates poses. So,I found myself gazing at my reflection, hating the way my hips seemed wider than usual.


But then, I decided to just stop it. And, beyond that, I decided to love the way I look, if just for this hour. And, I have to say - it really worked. I looked at myself as if I was another woman, admired my curves, and my strength. I went through the poses relishing my muscles and what they could do for me, and I felt, well....hot. Not as in overheated, I mean as in kind of attractive. Just because I changed my mind.


The image that we have of ourself is typically much harsher than reality. When we gain five pounds, we think it looks as obvious as pink hair. But, it's not - no one really notices. Do we really need to be so hard on ourselves over something that no one else really sees or cares about?


That saying that beauty comes from the inside is true, on many different levels; part of the truth is that beauty comes from us when we believe it is there. When we aren't beating ourselves up and wishing we looked different, and when we actually choose to like the way we look, we act differently. It also frees up some of our brainpower to focus on something other than our thigh cellulite - which is a relief.

Please visit me on PBS Parents!

I have a column posted right now on PBS Parents website - check it out by clicking here!