Hey body positive yogis! I hope each and every one of you is having a rockin’ day. It’s rainy and gloomy here in the northern Shenandoah Valley, but the rain is more than welcome after a day of planting yesterday. Melons, peppers, and tomatoes are in the garden. Ready for those jumbo jalapeno peppers to be ready, already! Here are 6 hot links to get your Tuesday going!
Health at Every Size and the Important Difference Between Thin and Healthy
Health At Every Size supports the idea that a healthy mindset, self love, and enjoyable, sustainable eating and exercise habits are integral to health, and that these things exist independently of the number on the scale. On the other hand, hating our bodies, starving ourselves, and forcing ourselves to exercise in ways that feel like an unpleasant chore (and I do believe that there is a good exercise “fit” for everyone, and will write about this more in future) in order to be thin and thus have supposed appearance of health, is not very healthy at all, nor is it very effective in the long term. People take good care of their bodies when they feel good about themselves. They sustain healthy eating and exercise habits when they’ve found ways to eat and exercise that feel enjoyable and empowering, rather than a shameful obligation. Another great primer on Health At Every Size and why thin does not necessarily equal healthy from MsBehaved.
10 Favorite No Equipment, No Excuses Workouts
The workouts listed below all clock in at 10 to 20 minutes and include some of my favorite body weight movements. They can be done just about anywhere, indoors or out, and I encourage you to take advantage of your environment to make them more fun. Jump on rocks instead of a box. Replace flat running with hills, stairs, or bleachers. Hold something heavy in your hands during the situps or overhead during the lunges to make them even tougher (and, potentially, more rewarding). Right now I don’t have access to a gym or any equipment, so I’m loving these ideas from Mel at The Clothes Make the Girl.
If Diets Don’t Work… What Now?
Why is the end of the weight loss industry coming? Because people are starting to read between the lies. The facts, the results, and the effects of the weight-loss industry are becoming overwhelmingly clear. A post about if not dieting, then what? Including some great tips on how to start a you-centered approach to wellness by Dr. Rick Kausman.
Defense Against the Dark Arts
We all have shame. We all have good and bad, dark and light, inside of us. But if we don’t come to terms with our shame, our struggles, we start believing that there’s something wrong with us – that we’re bad, flawed, not good enough – and even worse, we start acting on those beliefs. If we want to be fully engaged, to be connected, we have to be vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable, we need to develop resilience to shame. Harry Potter fans will love this post from Brene Brown about vulnerability, shame, and resilience.
Our Top 5 Chocolate Obsessions
Cocoa and chocolate have been studied extensively for their impact on human health and disease; and the results have shown desirable effects in the reduction of blood pressure, antioxidant capacity, inflammation reduction, and even a boost in mood. Chocolate is, in fact, an ancestral food once held in high regard for its healing properties! Balanced Bites breaks down some quality dark chocolate picks. A square of dark chocolate dipped in almond butter is one of my absolute favorite treats. Ordering some of these right now!
Fiona Apple “The Idler Wheel”
And one just for fun. Next week one of my favorite artists, Fiona Apple, releases her first album in 7 years! I am super excited about this (and the fact that I’m going to see her live in a couple weeks, too) and NPR has the full album available so you can listen for free!
What’s next on the blog?
I have a few posts in the works:
- Chair yoga video sequence: by popular demand, for those who have a hard time being on hands and knees
- Fat athlete interview series: plus sized fitness trainers, competitive dancers, weightlifters, and more. Athletes who live, train, and excel at what they do, while “not looking like” athletes. I can’t wait to share these with you!
- Yoga wear for fatties: I’ve got a couple clothing reviews coming up!
- Ways to care for yourself when you’re feeling downtrodden
- Yoga for gardeners: how to stretch out when you’re feeling tight after spending the day in the dirt
Got another idea for a post? Have some other body positive links that have been rocking your world online? Post them to the comments!
