AWAREness
Evening friends,
I hope you have had a wonderful day! Mine has been so so to good. How's that for in the middle? 
I'm still feeling like my body is fighting something but we're still prevailing over here! I have plans to go to bed around 9 tonight….that is the best feeling in the world. Take a long bath or shower, drink some warm tea and then curl up in bed at least an hour earlier than typical. Ahh…I love this. I know, I'm one wild chick. I do have a wild weekend ahead of me so I need to rest up! I am heading home to the big state of TEXAS for my bridal shower! Yeehaw! It shall be fabulous!
Anyways…
As promised, a workout recap
I debated, thought about, contemplated, wrote out my pros/cons list in my head all day long about whether I should workout! Ridiculous. I truly just could not figure out if a workout would be helpful or detrimental to how I was feeling. Ultimately I decided to just do my Chalean Extreme strength circuit and nix cardio (not heart pumping sweat today). I think it was the most perfect decision because I felt energized, worked but not exhausted afterwards. Well done Jenn.
Chalean Extreme Challenge
Just a side note for you friends: I have started a Chalean Extreme Challenge for a few readers + friends so if you have any interest in embarking on a fitness 90 day journey with me as your coach, please email me so we can get you started! With my coaching, I will be emailing you daily with tips, a schedule and goals that we decide on and in 90 days you will find a stronger, more fit and healthier YOU! Email me at livewellfit09@gmail.com. You can check out Chalean Extreme here.
NEDAwareness Week
Please accept my apology for not bringing up this topic last week when it would have been most appropriate but better late than never if you ask me!
Last week, Feb 21-28 was National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Though eating disorders are a very prominent part of our reality everyday, this last week in February is a time to raise awareness and consider the struggles and battles of many who are around us.
Eating disorders are one of the most prevalent issues in our society today. There are an expected 24 million individuals who are fighting an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating, or bulimia. Can you believe those numbers? That is a higher occurrence than Alzheimer's, according to this source. Astounding. Some startling statistics that I came across:
- 40% of anorexia cases are found in girls between the ages of 15-19
- Roughly 42% of first to third graders want to be thinner
- Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of the population
- 1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating
- The most common behavior that will lead to disordered eating or an eating disorder is DIETING
- Over 1/2 of females surveyed between the age of 18-25 would rather be run over by a truck than be fat
Did you read those statistics friends? Read it again. Really think about those numbers and think about what that means. This means that every one of us knows at least 1 friend, likely more, who is struggling with some form of disordered eating or has an eating disorder. And these are only reported numbers. Eating disorders are often a quiet disease. Many who find themselves in that world suffer in silence, alone and in private.
The three greatest risk factors with eating disorders are low self esteem, feelings of inadequacy or lack of control and depression/anger/loneliness. Have you ever experienced any of these? I know I have. I know I did for a very long time and I did in silence. Eating disorders are a very sad but very real part of our society friends. It is time to bring action. It is time to learn how to love, care for and celebrate our bodies rather than tear down and hurt our bodies.
So, how do we act?
1. Talk to your friends, family and support system. Be open, willing and honest. Seek support from others if you are struggling with an eating disorder or if you feel someone close to you is. Start the discussion now friends. It is never too late, too early or not needed.
Want to hear my story? Read my journey…
2. Educate yourself on self esteem, body image, balanced living. Learn how to love your body and learn how to take small but valuable steps every day to make your body healthier.
You can start here. Or here. Or here.
3. Embrace movements such as Operation Beautiful and PASS IT ON! Share, discuss and learn!
4. Resist the desire to fit any particular mold other than the wonderful you have in yourself! Embrace your size healthy.
5. Celebrate YOU TODAY!
Love every curve, mark, movement, strength, quirkiness, crevice (yes, I said crevice), blemish, and ability your body has. Surround yourself with friends, family and loved ones who LIFT YOU UP and make you feel like you can go after the world!
Would you like help? Do you think you could benefit from a coach who can mentor and guide you through areas of your well being? Start with me friends! One simple step: livewellfit09@gmail.com
How I am embracing this reality
Goodness…I think the best way for me to try to promote awareness and try to make an impact on eating disorders is this: I share my struggles with those who need inspiration or hope, I share my acquired knowledge on what it means to live a balanced life and eat balanced and nourishing food, and I try to be an open, honest and caring individual wherever I go. You never know how a simple act or look or note can change someone's day for the better.
Have a wonderful evening all!
See you tomorrow.
Your weight does not define you. Your character defines you. Good health is essential, not a number on a scale. ~ Chalene Johnson
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Jenn,
This post is FANTASTIC. Thank you for sharing you truly have been an inspiration to me, and I look forward to my journey with you by my side!
Deana- you are so fantastic!!!!! Thank you.
You are going to have one incredible journey my friend!
I love this post! Beautiful!!
Why thank you!!!! It is such an important issue to be aware of, isn't it?