Things I Love and Don’t

Hey party people!

Can we chat for a second about something that I feel should be addressed?

When I was at my personal trainer workshop, I heard one of the trainers-in-training ask the instructor how she could get rid of her flabby arms.  (For your sake, I will not even touch upon how annoying a question like that is in the context of trying to learn all those muscles, physiology and science.)  But for the purposes here, I think it makes sense to answer this question in the most basic way I know how, because it comes up ALL THE TIME.

Here’s the short answer: You can’t.  You cannot specifically get rid of flab/fat in one area of your body.  It doesn’t work that way.  You can do a zillion crunches and sit ups a day and it still won’t make you have a firm, flat belly..IF you’re not combining it with cardio and/or some kind of fat burning exercise.

This is not just for chicks, either.  One guy at my gym actually bought some sessions with my trainer and then told him that all he wanted was big biceps so that he could “get the ladies.”  I kind of wish I were kidding about this.  This is a frustrating situation for a trainer.  Working only one muscle group isn’t going to get you in better shape, help you live longer, or “get you ladies.”  In fact, if you’re not working the muscle groups that stabilize those muscles, you’re doing more harm than good.  I digress.  But the point is that women aren’t the only ones who think like this.      

Our bodies are one big package.  We don’t just lose fat in one area, we lose it all over.  Similarly, when we lose weight, we lose it all over.   We may notice it easier in the areas that were the biggest (like my ass) but its really coming off everywhere.  A good example of this is how we can notice weight loss in someone’s face.  Is anyone ever really like, “man, I just really need to lose some of this cheek fat I got?’  No one ever really TRIES to lose weight in their face.  I can’t even think of an exercise that they would do.  Nose crunches? Aggressive smiling?

That’s my rant for the day.  It was sparked by yet another misleading e-mail newsletter from SELF magazine telling me how to get a firmer butt.  Apparently, all I need to do is like 6 exercises for 4 minutes 5 times a week and I will look like Jennifer Aniston.

I’ll let you know how that works out. 

 

Now I will tell you about some things that I actually like and love!

Kombucha!!! 

This stuff is DEELICIOUS!  But wait! I didn’t like it at first.  It kind of tastes like vinegar.  But it has totally grown on me and now I like all the flavors, especially Grape, Raspberry and Guava!  I should also mention that my GI system has not always been my friend.  But this stuff makes it happy.  Therefore, I am happy. Read about it and try some! Let me know what you think.  They sell it at Whole Foods and other health food joints.

Balega Hidden Comfort Socks

 

It’s like running on pillows. Which is a miracle when all you run on is concrete.

 

Madden Girl Sursey Patent Pumps

They come in teal, yellow, grey, eggplant, black, red…I just can’t pick which color I want. Suggestions?

 

I’m so glad that it is finally Spring!  The birds are chirping, my windows are open and I’m dragging out all of my cute dresses and skirts!  Soon it will be time for bonfires and BBQs!  I love it all!

What are YOU loving right now?

NEDA Week

Technorati Tags: eating disorder,lists,motivation

I’m about a week late with this post (again).  Seems to be a recurring theme with me lately.  With two months until our wedding, I really need to kick this habit and get stuff done. 

Lists help.  Showering before 5pm helps.  A lunch break that actually allows me to step away from my desk helps.  Its the little things that help with motivation.  I don’t know about you all, but when I sit at my desk for hours and hours with no break, I end up doing less than I do when I sit down for just an hour.

But I digress..

Last week was National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.  I thought it worth mentioning because it is a cause close to my heart (although I try not to make it the focus of this blog or my life).  It is also worth mentioning because awareness about eating disorders in general don’t just center around what is it and how to I get better.  It also includes legislation, insurance issues and education and outreach that goes far beyond what many people understand about eating disorders.

That being said, when I did my interview over at Weightless, I was contacted by a woman named Shannon Cutts who runs a program called MentorConnect.  MentorCONNECT is an organization that believes that supportive relationships are key to eating disorder recovery.  The organization works to bring together those people in recovery(or successfully recovered) with those who are seeking recovery from an ED. 

I think the model makes a lot of sense because eating disorders tend to be very isolating.  Encouraging those suffering to reach out (either to ask for help initially or to share a personal story) is probably the most important step in recovery.  Once the cycle of loneliness and lies is broken, there exists an opportunity to have new, healthy relationships that support a new and healthy life.

Shannon was kind enough to send me a copy of her book, Beating Ana: How to Outsmart Your Eating Disorder and Take Your Life Back for me to give away to one of you!

I have read the book myself and I found it to be very clear, concise and practical.  It is a book geared more towards those suffering with an ED, as it has workbook type exercises throughout.  But there are excerpts from letters that she has exchanged with other sufferers looking for help, and I found those to be very revealing. 

So, kids, for the price of a comment below, I shall enter you into the drawing.  If anyone knows anyone suffering, or is suffering from an ED themselves, this would be a very helpful resource.  If you want to remain anonymous (I understand this is a very personal issue) but still want to be entered, you can e-mail me at: RebeccaOot at gmail dot com.

I’ve never done a giveaway before, so I’ll pick a winner on Friday. Yeah. Friday.