Bloom Book Club - Summer Selection

Bloom Book Club is a recovery community focused on reading and discussing books as they related to eating disorder recovery.

For our Summer selection, we'll be reading Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight, by Linda Bacon, Ph. D.

Begins May 15! (but feel free to join in anytime)

The excerpt about the book from Amazon:

Fat isn’t the problem. Dieting is the problem. A society that rejects anyone whose body shape or size doesn’t match an impossible ideal is the problem. A medical establishment that equates “thin” with “healthy” is the problem.

The solution?

Health at Every Size.

Tune in to your body’s expert guidance. Find the joy in movement. Eat what you want, when you want, choosing pleasurable foods that help you to feel good. You too can feel great in your body right now—and Health at Every Size will show you how.

Health at Every Size has been scientifically proven to boost health and self-esteem. The program was evaluated in a government-funded academic study, its data published in well-respected scientific journals.

Updated with the latest scientific research and even more powerful messages, Health at Every Size is not a diet book, and after reading it, you will be convinced the best way to win the war against fat is to give up the fight.

Join Us!

Interested in becoming a Bloom Book Club member? We read a book every quarter with themes advocating Intuitive Eating, HAES, positive body image and more. Check out some of the benefits:

The Book Club includes:

• LIVE discussions of the current selection members can attend as a group.

• Action challenges and homework assignments emailed directly to you to help you implement the material of the reading.

• The ability to vote and recommend upcoming selections.

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• A separate, private Facebook group with weekly discussions, live videos and lively debate about the current selection.

• A way to improve your learning, continue your recovery and promote positive change without attending sessions or webinars.

For a limited time, you can get membership access to the Bloom Book Club fora LIFETIME for just $25.00. Click the link below to learn more.

Bloom Book Club - Monthly Access

$60.00

Purchase

#WakeUpWeightWatchers (My WW Story)

A few weeks ago, Weight Watchers announced the company would be offering free signups for adolescents this summer. In a press release the company voiced, "Weight Watchers intends to be a powerful partner for families in establishing healthy habits. During the summer of 2018, Weight Watchers will offer free memberships to teenagers aged 13 to 17, helping the development of healthy habits at a critical life stage." The same release also revealed the company stands to increase revenue by more than $2 billion by new member growth and retention. 

This is both disturbing and problematic the company would take such a bold move to "hook" an audience and following at such a young and vulnerable age. With much of society targeting children and adolescents with alarming (and skewed) statistics citing that today's generation will be the first to not outlive their parents due to obesity, the company seems to be taking advantage of a "global problem." 

There is much that could be said on this subject and I'm sure there are numerous articles and information you can read which will share all of the data and research as to why this is such a bad idea. Instead of sharing that information again, I thought I could lend to speak to you from experience.

When I was 12 years old, Weight Watchers was my first introduction into the diet world. At this young and vulnerable time, I don't even remember being "overweight," or what society may have deemed as overweight for an adolescent. What I do remember is attending the meetings with my Mom and thinking that it looked like fun. I was intrigued by the community the women had and the idea of a weekly weigh-in where I would be showered with positive attention (if I lost weight) sounded like something I wanted to be a part of, too. Joining Weight Watchers felt like a rite of passage because all women who are grown-ups are on some sort of a diet - or at least that's what I believed.

Obviously I was young, at the age of 12, but I thought I would share here my memories that stand out the most for me from my experience of being a participant of Weight Watchers as an adolescent. My hope is that if you are a parent considering this for your child, that you will reconsider.

What Weight Watchers Taught Me:

• That losing weight was positively rewarded and reinforced, while gaining weight was something to be ashamed of. Many women would even have meltdowns and end up crying after a "bad weigh-in" at the back of the room.
• Lunchtime at school became very complicated and uncomfortable while on WW. During my time at WW, tuna fish sandwiches and carrot sticks were all the rage. So, while all the other children at school were enjoying their lunches with fun snacks and well-rounded meals, I was eating tuna fish and crackers. I remember it feeling very isolating.
• Weight gain was something to be ashamed of. I can remember our WW counselor once posing the question, "What good things come from weight gain?" It was as if implying that only bad things come from weight gain, when really, this shouldn't even be part of the conversation we're having because a specific weight is not the only indicator of better health.
• My Binge Eating began while I was a member of WW. It was almost a known fact that all the women would congregate after the meetings and have a "cheat meal" out together somewhere after the meeting. I can remember eating so much that afterwards I always felt sick and miserable. 

These are specific memories I have, but there are many other take-aways for how being an adolescent in WW would have a negative impact on my life for years to come. The program would be my first experience in positive reinforcement for weight loss, thus solidifying in my young mind the falsehood that a thinner body is a better body. Weight Watchers would be the first of many diets that I would try for the next two decades. Like many other individuals who are susceptible to an eating disorder after dieting, Weight Watchers would become my gateway onto this path where I would later struggle with anorexia, binge eating and exercise bulimia.

Considerations Before Enrolling Your Teen

Meeting Are Not Led By Professionals - Perhaps one of the most notable faults of Weight Watchers in considering the program for your teenage child is the program lacks medical or mental health professional guidance. Most community meetings are hosted by a "leader." The Weight Watcher leaders (at least during that time) were untrained professionals who usually were "graduates" of the program having reached their goal weight. As such, they have practically no training as a medical or mental health professional.

Diets Are Not Conducive for Development - Another criticism is the fact that due to this lack of professional guidance, the program would most likely lack the information and knowledge needed to be able to provide adequate care for a developing adolescent body. In present day media, we see numbers and bold, fear-mongering statements indicating that the vast majority of Americans are overweight and are just on the cusp of death! Other statements also tend to claim that childhood obesity is at it's highest ever recorded. However, there is very little said about how many young children and adolescents will actually gain weight during puberty. This is NATURAL and supposed to happen. I'm sure at some point, you've probably heard the statement that children, "grow out, then up." Placing adolescents on a diet could deprive their growing body of the needed nutrients and resources to aid their bodies in the maturation process. This could have a significant impact on brain development, psychological functioning, as well as cause lack of energy.

What Message Do We Want To Send Our Youth? - Lastly, another consideration - do we want the conversation with our youth about better health to be based on their appearance? If as a parent, the concern is of your child's health, are there other areas you can provide improvement without labeling them as a WW member? Are there sports clubs or groups they can become involved in which may also lend to healthy discussion about their changing body? For example, Girls On the Run is a national organization which teaches young girls about their body and has mission to encourage confidence, self-respect and empowerment. There may be other ways to help your adolescent rather than a central focus on their weight and appearance, which could only further solidify a negative relationship with their body.

As stated previously, it is my hope that this discussion will give you pause and consideration before you decide to sign your teen up for Weight Watchers. Perhaps instead of Weight Watchers, you might consider an intuitive eating or Health At Every Size therapist for your teen's weight concerns. I would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have! 

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Each season we read a new selection of a Intuitive Eating or HAES related book.

Free Membership Available! 

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Intuitive Eating Review (Video)

The Bloom Book Club kicked off it's first pick for the Winter edition of 2018 with the ever popular and infamous Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. Below you will find a video of my take on the book as I answer some of the thought provoking questions shared in our exclusive, private Facebook Group for the Bloom Book Club members. 

The Bloom Book Club offers an additional level of support for those wanting to learn more about incorporating Intuitive Eating, those recovering from disordered eating and those wanting to embrace a non-diet lifestyle. The Bloom Book Club includes a private Facebook Group to inspire discussion related to the current selection, as well as a quarterly review video or written discussion. By joining as a Bloom Subscriber, you also receive live group attendance in the quarterly discussion and a homework assignment or action challenge emailed. Join today for FREE! 

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Free Membership Available.

Bloom Book Club: Body Respect

It's that time! The Bloom Book Club members have voted and our next quarter's read has been selected!

We'll be reading Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain to Fail to Understand about Weight by Linda Bacon, Ph. D. and Lucy Aphramor, Ph. D.

Begins April 15th! (but feel free to join in anytime)

The excerpt about the book from Amazon:

Weight loss is not the key to health, diet and exercise are not effective weight-loss strategies and fatness is not a death sentence.

You’ve heard it before: there’s a global health crisis, and, unless we make some changes, we’re in trouble. That much is true—but the epidemic is NOT obesity. The real crisis lies in the toxic stigma placed on certain bodies and the impact of living with inequality—not the numbers on a scale. In a mad dash to shrink our bodies, many of us get so caught up in searching for the perfect diet, exercise program, or surgical technique that we lose sight of our original goal: improved health and well-being. Popular methods for weight loss don’t get us there and lead many people to feel like failures when they can’t match unattainable body standards. It’s time for a cease-fire in the war against obesity.

Dr. Linda Bacon and Dr. Lucy Aphramor’s Body Respect debunks common myths about weight, including the misconceptions that BMI can accurately measure health, that fatness necessarily leads to disease, and that dieting will improve health. They also help make sense of how poverty and oppression—such as racism, homophobia, and classism—affect life opportunity, self-worth, and even influence metabolism.

Body insecurity is rampant, and it doesn’t have to be. It’s time to overcome our culture’s shame and distress about weight, to get real about inequalities and health, and to show every body respect.

Join Us!

Interested in becoming a Bloom Book Club member? We read a book every quarter with themes advocating Intuitive Eating, HAES, positive body image and more. Check out some of the benefits:

The Book Club includes:

• Tiered membership levels, including a FREE membership!
• Quarterly LIVE discussions of the current selection participants can attend as a group.
• Action challenges and homework assignments emailed directly to you to help you implement the material of the reading.
• The ability to vote and recommend upcoming selections.
• A written review of the quarterly selection.
• A separate, private Facebook group with weekly discussions, live videos and lively debate about the current selection.
• A way to improve your learning, continue your recovery and promote positive change without attending sessions or webinars.

Signup for your first quarter for just $5 or select the FREE membership option!

Join Us

Basic Membership Free!

Winter Loving Lately

Cozy Fireplaces

Last year my husband and I made the investment to install gas logs for our fireplace and it has definitely been a great decision. I never had a fireplace growing up, so having one now has been such a cozy experience during these icy Winter months. Jasper LOVES the fireplace and often we'll find him cuddled up in front of it or sometimes leaning on it so that he can get even warmer. It absolutely cracks me up when sometimes he walks over to the fireplace and leans on it even when it's not on. It's like he's saying, "Hello? Can someone please turn this on?"

Pajama Sets

You guys. I could LIVE in pajama sets! Especially wintery ones with polar bears in scarves. Or penguins. Or puppies! It's always a sad day when it starts to get too warm for these and I have to pack them away during the warmer months. I make sure to soak up every minute I can spending time kicked back in my jammies while I can.

Snow Days

Last year, we actually did not see a lot of snow in Kentucky. This year we've had a couple of small snows, but we did have a pretty great one a couple of weeks ago. It was beautiful!

ALL The Books

I've been trying to make a consistent effort to read more. I love reading, but between flipping through social media accounts and everything else going on in life, reading often gets tossed to the wayside. That's why I decided to come up with my new Bloom Book Club, an intuitive eating book discussion group that is completely virtual. It's definitely helping to keep me on track with my reading AND it's turning out to be a ton of fun getting to know others from all over. Have you joined? It's free!

What favorite Winter things have you been enjoying lately?

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Bloom Book Club

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How One Magazine Changed My Life

In present day society, diet culture is everywhere you turn. Hundreds of television commercials advertising the latest beauty products and fitness brands, your favorite celebrities talking about what diet they're currently on and even the publications we read.

There are many reasons and ways one can be susceptible to disordered eating or an eating disorder. The factors which contribute to these issues are often multifaceted, meaning there are usually multiple factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: family pressures and dynamics, images portrayed by the media, experiences with peers throughout childhood, genetic predispositions, trauma, and more. We cannot always control for all of these factors. In fact, many are out of our control. However, I do believe we can work towards creating a more positive environment by creating personal boundaries.

When I was a pre-teen adolescent, verging on the entry of those dreaded middle school years, I was very susceptible to the influences of the diet and fitness industries. Like many young girls (and young boys) the puberty years are some of the toughest to endure because of all the bodily changes that take place.

During this time of my adolescence, I can remember wanting very much to change my appearance. Whether it was so boys would like me more or to fit in with my peers, I was desperate to learn everything I could about how to change my appearance to look more like what I was exposed to at the time. Magazine publications became a huge influence for me and how I would cultivate my identity, or at least what I thought my identity should be based on the messages I received.

I can remember wanting to buy all the magazine publications I could. I would inpatiently wait every month for new editions of my favorites to hit the stands. Teen, Seventeen, Glamour, Cosmogirl - I spent my allowance on all of them. What articles was I most interested in reading? Everything that had to do with diet, fitness and beauty.

The magazine industry is a multibillion dollar industry that bases all their earnings from the advertisers that support them. Flip through any given magazine and you're likely to find more than half of it is advertisements about beauty products, fitness brands and diet companies. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of these publications, is that many of them masquerade as a way to try and help and improve you. With headlines like, "Age proof your whole body," and, "Flat Belly Finally - Score Flat Abs," the headline sounds like it's trying to solve a problem you have, when in actuality, it's telling you that your body is the problem.

But that's how advertising works. It's a cycle. The magazine publication headlines and articles need to convince you that there is something wrong with you so that you will subscribe to wanting/trying to fix the "problem." To do so, you have to buy beauty products, diet supplies and fitness gear. And that's how they earn their money, because the advertisers pay the magazines to publish these articles convincing you to feel bad about yourself so that you will buy their products. (Mic drop.)

To this very day, I can remember a very specific issue of a magazine called YM. I can remember exactly what the cover looked like and most of the content of the magazine. I read this issue SO MANY TIMES that I practically had it memorized. This issue was their "Fitness and Beauty Special Edition" for that year and was riddled with hundreds of tips for "getting the body you want," and "finally getting thin." I soaked up all of these messages like a dry sponge. I read this magazine cover to cover so many times that the actual cover did eventually wear off. I read it so many times that even now, nearly twenty years later, I had no problem picking out the cover of the magazine from a Google image search.

Action Challenge

Looking back, these magazines did not teach me how to prioritize my health, but brainwashed me into having a diet mentality. As an adult, I am amazed even to this day how many of these magazines are still using these same tactics. Magazines that by the very title and definition should be helping you to achieve long-lasting health, have a very different motive entirely. One of the challenges we complete in my Break the Mold: Building Better Body Image course is to complete a Google image search of your favorite magazine publication. In this example here, we search for the popular Women's Health Magazine.

When I think of my health, I think of it as a part of myself that is comprised of many different aspects. There's my mental health, physical health, emotional health and my social health (how I relate with others). However, a quick Google search for the Women's Health Magazine blatantly demonstrates that the magazine's definition of "health" primarily focuses on appearance, NOT other important measurements of health.

What You Can Do

It is unlikely the magazine industry is going to read this post and make drastic changes overnight. After all, they are already aware of the damage they cause, but do little to make changes unless pressured by greater demands. For example, YM magazine acquired a new editor who boldly decided to stop publishing harmful articles and headlines for their magazine. Subsequently, advertisers began pulling their ads from the magazine. YM ceased publishing shortly thereafter.

It will not be enough for one editor to make the decision that these articles and advertisements are harmful. We will only see change once consumers begin spending their money in other industries other than beauty products and diet brands. Perhaps that begins with you. I challenge you to take a look at the publications, advertisements and other media avenues you subscribe to and ask whether or not the messages you are supporting are helpful or harmful to you and your values. We CAN make a choice to spend our money on things that bring us joy, peace and harmony with ourselves and our bodies. Instead of spending your money on the latest beauty trend or diet food, think about investing that money in a evergreen experience which will bring you joy for years to come, such as travel or relationships. 

My hope for the future is that we see more and more of these publications respond by pulling advertising targeting towards beauty and diet brands. Instead, I believe if we (as women) demonstrate that we want to be valued for other reasons, then we will begin to see different features in the media. I, for one, would rather read about travel experiences, personal stories of growth and health articles that speak of health in the many different ways that are NOT related to weight or size. 

Setting Your Non-Diet Resolutions

I love the feel that a New Year brings. I know some are completely against setting New Year's Resolutions, and if that's you, I totally understand. Resolutions have gotten a bad rep in a lot of ways because some view them as standards they set for themselves and then are unable to keep.

I view New Year's resolutions as a way to reset for the next year to come. Resolutions help provide me with a framework for the intentional life I want to lead. During this time, I can shape a plan with both short and long term goals about whatever way that I want to make the most out of the next year.

I think another reason New Year's resolutions have grown to be a bit of a punch line for a bad joke is because most setting goals for the new year will almost always include some type of fitness or weight loss goal. The health and fitness industry experiences a boom in marketing this time of year. Participate in any gym and you're likely to have difficulty finding an open treadmill until March.  

So for all of us who are exposed to these messages, this push to change our body - this message is for you. You can say no. You can make a decision to NOT participate or set diet and weight loss goals this year. Research indicates that 95% of diets will fail and of those 5% that succeed, it's likely those individuals have had to shape their entire lives around being a certain size or shape (i.e. meal planning, working out, counting calories, skipping social outings, etc.).

If you're in recovery, or newly embracing the intuitive eating message, you may find it especially difficult during this time of year. Promotions and advertising are centered around weight loss and the office becomes a place where diet-talk and trading New Year's resolutions intentions will be constant. It's likely you'll feel a pull to engage and participate with everyone else and that's okay. Use this as an exercise to not get sucked back into the diet culture. Use this as an opportunity to share with others why you're not setting diet resolutions this year. Challenge others to share resolutions that have nothing to do with changing their appearance. 

Here are some non-diet resolutions you can consider instead:

• Learn to play an instrument (it's never too late!)
• Set a number of books you wish to read this year. (Have you joined the Bloom Book Club? #shamelessplug)
• Aim to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and nature daily.
• Plan quarterly home projects with monthly financial plans to make those projects happen.
• Write in a journal daily.
• Develop a bedtime routine that will allow you to have better rest and sleep.
• Treat yourself at least once a month to a massage, a day at the spa, or just a lunch out alone.
• Catch up with an old friend at least once a quarter.
• Join a recovery related support group via online or in person. (Bloom has a free Facebook Group!)
• Plan a destination vacation trip, even if it's just for the weekend. Set monthly goals to make it happen.
• Try one new recipe a week or a month, whichever fits your schedule better.
• Take one day a week to totally relax and recharge (i.e. stay in your comfy clothes, wear no makeup, etc.)
• Learn about a new subject. Read one blog post or article about the subject every morning to get your day started.
• Schedule a date night with your significant other at least once a week, even if it's just a movie together at home.

I would love to hear any other non-diet ways that you plan to be more intentional for this upcoming year. Feel free to share in the comments!

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Introducing the Bloom Book Club (And a Giveaway!)

Hello everyone,

I am excited to announce a project that I've been working on quite a while now! If you're like me and are a fan of all things books, learning, friendly debate, coffee, tea and wine -- then this is for you!

Imagine an engaging community where we can discuss with one another popular (and sometimes not so popular) titles and selections regarding a variety of topics. Intuitive eating, disordered eating recovery, women and feminism issues are just a few of the topics we'll be exploring. I think this will be a great opportunity to take advantage of a more affordable service if one on one sessions or group sessions are unobtainable at the moment.

The Book Club will include:

• Tiered membership levels, including a FREE membership!
• Quarterly LIVE discussions of the current selection participants can attend as a group.
• Action challenges and homework assignments emailed directly to you to help you implement the material of the reading.
• The ability to vote and recommend upcoming selections.
• A written review of the quarterly selection.
• A separate, private Facebook group with weekly discussions, live videos and lively debate about the current selection.
• A way to improve your learning, continue your recovery and promote positive change without attending sessions or webinars.

First Selection

Our first book selection for the first quarter, January through March, will be the ever infamous Intuitive Eating! 

*************GIVEAWAY******************

To kick off this launch, I'm giving away 5 Quarterly Memberships to the Book Club!! Just follow the link below and enter!

Enter GIVEAWAY Here ---> http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0d1a90104/?

Drawing ends next Saturday, January 6th. Book Club begins on January 15th.

Special Promotion Ends January 15th

In addition, you can also signup for a Quarterly Membership for a promotional rate of just $5 (ordinarily $15) for your first quarter. Ends January 15th!

Enter GIVEAWAY Here ---> http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0d1a90104/?

Explore Bloom Book Club Here ---->https://www.maddenwellnessky.com/bloom-book-club/

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and your family and loved ones have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving holiday! 

Below is a round-up of many great posts for if you struggle with disordered eating, want to learn more about intuitive eating, or simply need some additional support through the holidays. I hope you find something that resonates!

Being Better to Your Fat Friend This Thanksgiving - Medium

Tips for Dealing wit Diet and Weight Talk Over the Holidays - Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW

5 Tips to Have a Health Thanksgiving - Jessica Spiro Nutrition

How to Not Obsess Over Food During the Holidays - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP

The Holidays Aren't 100% Healthy - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP

Intuitive Eating Holiday Survival Guide - Emily Fonnesbeck, RD

The Day After a Holiday... - Emily Fonnesbeck, RD

Self Care During the Holidays - Rachel Hartley Nutrition

How to Have a Stress Free Holiday Eating Experience - Anne Mauney, RD

A Holiday Survival Guide for Sad People - Pinch of Yum

How to Feel Less Stressed Around Food During the Holidays - Robyn Nohling, RD, NP

Self Care and Saying No Through the Holidays

Since I was a small child, I remember the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals as always being a time when everyone would eat to past fullness. It was normal and common to fill the dinner plate to the brim and then go back for seconds...sometimes thirds. There have been many holidays in my past in which I can remember feeling sick afterwards, finding it necessary to even go lie down right after dinner to "sleep off" the meal. 

Of course, there's nothing wrong with some over indulgence at the holiday meal time. Some may refer to this eat past fullness as a binge, but according to the DSM V and the diagnostic criteria for Binge Eating (link to archive blog), eating past fullness or eating more than others normally would only applies if it occurs in a situation in which others do not normally eat more than usual. In this case, the overeating behavior would not apply as a binge eating episode because it is normal for overeating to occur during the holiday season. 

However, I can remember my father engaging in the holiday meal time very differently. My father suffered and still suffers occasionally with acid reflux, in which sometimes certain choices with food results in having a very negative reaction for his stomach and digestion. He learned that it was better for him to start saying no to eating past fullness. He practiced saying no at family gatherings if he knew he had already ate a satisfying meal. Though at times other family members initially questioned and were dismayed at his behavior, most learned to expect and respect his decision in his eating behaviors during the holiday meal. My dad was making the choice to eat for how he wanted to feel, an intuitive eating practice.

During the holiday season it is known and nearly expected to overeat. Many find it difficult to skip out on meal selections that perhaps, they wouldn't normally eat. For example, if you don't LOVE green beans, but perhaps you still feel compelled to put them on your holiday meal plate just because they're there. Some reasons might be because you want to "get in your vegetables" or because "they were there and so I thought I would eat them."

Another common mistake some make in intuitive eating at holiday time is eating items in order to make others happy. Many individuals are blessed with multiple family gatherings, sometimes back to back in the same day, where they feel obligated to eat at each get-together. Again, it's a cultural expectation to eat during the holiday season and many fear offending the host or the cook if they skip certain food selections or if they were to not eat altogether.  

Sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is to learn to say no. If you don't love the green beans and you're only eating them because you feel like some "food rule" has told you to eat all your veggies, or because they were there, then mark this as your freedom to say no. Instead, choose to eat items at the holiday meal that you truly love. For example, this time of year may be the only time you will be able to enjoy Grandma's apple pie. The pie is something you definitely want to make room for, so why take up some of that room with green beans you don't love and can have any time of year? 

During the holiday season, there can be a lot of pressure to eat ALL THE FOODS because you don't want to offend the host or the cook. This could easily turn into a problem if you are going to multiple engagements and there are multiple hosts to please. Practice saying no in these circumstances. Sure, it's plausible someone might become slightly curious about why you're not eating, but remember that most individuals will be in the same boat as you, with multiple holiday gatherings to attend in which they won't feel hungry for. Just like the experience with my father, your family members will learn to expect and respect your choice to not overindulge. 

All of this to say, listen to your body's cues this holiday season. The holiday meals ARE a time to indulge, celebrate and engage in fellowship with others which usually involves food. This time of year it is considered "normal" to eat past your fullness cues and it would not be considered problematic to do so. However, if you feel it is best for YOU to pick and choos what items or meals you plan to eat because ultimately you will physically feel better after eating, know that it is not selfish or bad manners to say no. 

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BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL

The Break the Mold: Building a Better Body Image Course is available for half price until 11/30/17. Click here to for more information about the course and to claim your special!

What To Do In Vegas (Part 2)

In this post, we're catching up on what we did on our trip to Vegas,  travel tips for the area and a suggested itinerary. If this is not of interest for you, feel free to check back later this week! Click here to read Part 1 of our trip. 

Day 3

On our third day, we decided to make an entire day of The Strip. But first....food!

Nacho Daddy

We found Nacho Daddy on the Strip and it was amazing and the perfect place for us to grab a late lunch. The hubby had a massive order of BBQ Chicken Nachos and I had the Fish Tacos.

The hubby finished ALL of his, while I finished most of mine. I have nothing negative to say about this spot. It was a great, and affordable place to lunch on the Strip.

National Atomic Testing Museum

As I mentioned earlier, the husband is a huge fan of a video game called Fallout. The game is set in a dystopian environment which envisions what life might have been like in Las Vegas had the United States actually been hit with an atom bomb in the 60's when the concern of such an event was very real. The nearby desert is where the nuclear testing grounds were many years ago, so of course, a stop at the Atomic Testing Museum was on the agenda!

I thought this was a really cool experience. I loved learning about all the history of the bomb testing sites and how it impacted not just the Vegas culture, but the culture of America in general. We learned about how Vegas business BOOMED as a result of people flocking to the area out of curiosity about the testing. We also learned how the atomic bomb testing influenced America's pop culture and even the way of life. Very interesting!

Cesar's Palace

One of the things I wanted to do the most on our trip to Vegas was try to wander inside as many of the grand hotels on the strip as possible. I loved seeing all the grand architecture and beautiful, over the top designs. We saw the Bellagio the day before, so on this day we made an effort to see Cesar's Palace.

The hotel was amazing and we especially loved the pool area. So beautiful and peaceful! (I could't resist the photo op below!)

Las Vegas Welcome Sign

Still tired from traveling and the time change, we headed back to the hotel for awhile to rest up before our next adventure. Later that night we traveled back out to see the infamous Las Vegas Welcome sign.

Our trip took place exactly 1 month after the shooting tragedy in Vegas. The Las Vegas sign area was adorned with a memorial to the 59 people who lost their lives during this traumatic event. It was very surreal to walk past the Mandalay Bay. I can only imagine how the many families that were impacted by this tragedy must feel. Prayers and thoughts to everyone.

Day 4

After battling the transit system, we were so excited to finally have a car rental to travel in! On this day we decided to visit Boulder City and Hoover Dam which is a short 40 minute drive from Vegas.

Boulder City

Boulder City was very cute and quaint and we decided that if we were to live anywhere near Vegas, we would want to live here. We enjoyed wandering around the antique shops and checking out the local neighborhoods. On to Hoover Dam!

Hoover Dam

This was, by far, one of our favorite things we did while on our trip to Vegas. The first stop at the Dam was the walking bridge.

The view was absolutely breathtaking! We climbed to the top and along the way were exhibits explaining how the Dam was built, the planning phases and major contributors. Very interesting!

At the bottom of the Dam we walked along the bridge taking in the beautiful scenery. It definitely helped being out away from the city for a day and was a welcomed break from all the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.

According to the story of these statutes, The Winged Figures of the Republic, you're supposed to rub their toes for good luck!

Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace

After Hoover Dam and a brief refreshing and relaxing at the hotel, we headed back out to the Strip. In search of dinner, before a show we were scheduled to see, we stumbled upon the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace.

Forum Shops

Most of the shops are very high-end, but we enjoyed walking around and taking in a lot of the unique architecture of the building which has a ceiling painted just like the sky. Beautiful!

Carmines Italian Restaurant

For dinner, we settled on Carmines Italian Restaurant located inside of the Forum Shops. This was definitely my second favorite eatery of the trip. Dishes are traditional Italian cuisine, but served family-style with a huge plate of the dish brought out for the entire table. We went with the Sausage Rigatoni with Broccoli. So good! 

Cirque Du Soliel

I really feel like one cannot go to Vegas and NOT go to one of the Cique Du Soliel shows. We had tickets to the Mystere show presenting at Treasure Island.

This show was beautiful, whimsical and every bit of the mysteriousness promised. We really loved the performance and just how much athleticism and talent the artists have! 

That's it for Part 2! Check back next week for Part 3, the last couple of days of our Vegas vacay!

Click here to read Part 1 of our trip. 

Las Vegas 2017

Hey all! We are back from an over packed week in Las Vegas! I know this is a bit out of the norm of our usual conversations here in this space, but nonetheless, I'm hoping some will find these life/travel posts of interest, as well. If not, feel free to check back next week when we resume normal programming. :)

The husband and I have not had any REAL travel plans since way back at our 1 year anniversary trip to Savannah, Georgia. We were WELL overdue for some fun and travel. The husband is a huge fan of a video game called Fallout, a dystopian type story set in Las Vegas. So, we decided to travel to Las Vegas and check it out for ourselves!

Day 1

We flew into Vegas on a Sunday and were already so exhausted by the time we arrived to our hotel room that we really had no big plans for the evening. 

Where did we stay?

We arrived late Sunday night and were already extremely exhausted and hungry. We had few plans of any real activity on this night other than checking our our resort and any nearby happenings.

We chose to stay at the Golden Nugget, one of the original hotels in Las Vegas dating back to the startup of the casino culture. Our hotel was beautiful and even though it wasn't located on the Strip, we felt it was perfect for us as newbies to the Las Vegas culture. Some of the amenities included on site casino, several 4 and 5 star restaurants, a spa, a pool that boasts an aquarium with a live shark, gift shops, chocolate shops and almost any other comfort and luxury you could think of needing.

We were very pleased with our room and I found the price of this hotel to be very affordable compared to some of the others in the area. 

That night we dined at the Grotto Italian Ristorant  in the hotel and the food was amazing. Sorry, no pics of this because it was too dark.  

Pros

• Located directly beside the Fremont Street Experience and Fremont Light Show attraction.
• Affordable and offers many of the same amenities as other hotels on the Strip.
• Hotel rooms very comfortable and nicely decorated.

Cons

• Not directly located on the Strip.
• Located directly on Fremont Street, which could be a negative if you don't like all the noise and crowd.

Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street is located just off The Strip on the North end and is it's own "experience" of Vegas. The vibe on Fremont was very laid back/party style and most everyone was out in the street drinking, singing and dancing. The main attraction on Freemont Street is the overhead Light Show, the largest screen in the U.S. to view. The Light Show plays after dark every hour, on the hour for most of the night. (We know because our room was directly above the show, lol!)

Day 2

Container Park / Arts District

On our second day, we decided to venture out on foot on Fremont Street and into the nearby Arts District area. Here you find what is known as the Container Park, a hipster like shopping center where the small boutiques are fashioned out of recycled shipping containers and other recycled goods. We grabbed coffee at the Black Cup and strolled along checking out the small shops and some of the artwork from recycled materials. A very cool little spot!

Las Vegas North Premium Shopping Outlets

The next stop was a walk to the North Premium Shopping Outlets located not too far from the Fremont Area. The hubby had forgotten his sunglasses at home, so our main purpose for stopping here was to purchase him some new glasses. I also decided to purchase some athletic type sandals at the Nike Outlet. I had brought walking shoes, but the weather was a blazing 85 degrees on this day and clearly the flip flops I was wearing were not working out for all the walking.

The Mob Museum

After the shopping outlets, we hopped back on the city transit bus (more on this later) and caught a ride back to the hotel. We rested up and then decided to check out the Mob Museum, which was a short walk from the hotel. This was easily one of my favorite things we did on the trip. The hubby and I love historic and educational type activities, so learning all about Vegas Mob culture was very interesting! I also really liked how the Museum included many of the popular mob movies, like Casino, into their exhibits and how those movies were influenced by history. Very cool and highly recommend!

The Chart House

After having only snacked since grabbing coffee earlier in the day, we were famished after the museum. We were also still a little tired from the time difference and from flying the day before so we decided to call it an early evening and head back to the hotel to grab dinner. We had dinner at the Chart House, an upscale restaurant offering steak and seafood cuisine. 

I had the Blackened Salmon which comes with string beans and stick rice. This dish was so amazing I don't know if I'll EVER be able to have salmon again without comparing. So good!

The hubby had Coconut Shrimp with a side of Baked Mac and Cheese. He also proclaimed this to be one of the best meals he has ever had. 

I loved the ambiance of The Chart House and highly recommend if you're staying at the Golden Nugget or just visiting the Fremont Street Experience. Though a bit pricey (entrees ranging $40 - $50), it's worth every penny.

Bellagio Water Fountain Show

After dinner, it was still a bit early, so we decided to venture out to the Strip for the first time. We took the bus transit system to the Bellagio and and took advantage of some of the Vegas free attractions. We watched the beautiful fountain show display. The fountain show is often listed as a 'must see' in Vegas and I can understand why. It really was amazing.

We also wandered inside the Bellagio to check out their amazing Botanical Garden and Conservatory display. They change the flowers and scene with every season.

The Fall scene featured a sort of rain forest type scene with forest creatures, trees with faces that moved and beautiful fall foliage flowers.

It smelled absolutely amazing inside the hotel because of all the flowers. I really do feel like seeing this free, and spectacular display is something everyone traveling to Vegas must do!

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That's all for Part 1 of Vegas. I'll be discussing the rest of our trip later in the week in Part 2!

3 Ways to Transform Your Body Image Perception

This week I'm sharing a post I wrote for Wellseek on body image. In this article I highlighted 3 ways to transform your body image perception. 

Wellseek is a collaborate that creates media and programs to help health and nutrition experts inspire happier and nourished lives. They are doing a fantastic job in connecting experts and creating a space that embraces the non-diet, intuitive eating concepts. Check them out!  

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Fall Loving Lately

Fall Coffee

I always know it's OFFICIALLY Fall when I get my first Fall coffee shipment in. Both of these flavors are amazing! 

Fall Coffee Flavors

Fall Porch

I finally got around to making it Fall around here. I love how everything turned out and I spent several hours enjoying the cooler temperatures and Sunday rain shower on my porch.

Fall Porch Decor

New Bedspread

We purchased a bedspread when we first moved, but it was too small for this bed. Even though this is a Queen bed, the pillow top mattress demanded a King size comforter. We loved this one we bought from Belk's!

Comforter

Hellofresh

A while back I posted about how much I love meal delivery companies. We had taken a break from them for awhile because I had gotten a little tired of all the cooking, but this past week we got another Hellofresh shipment in. This one was Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas. So good! 

Hellofresh

Kroger Clicklist

I have mentioned before about how much I love Clicklist and they continue to impress! This past weekend it was so nice to not have to get out of my car in a downpour. The Clicklist attendant was so nice to hand me a Halloween treat bag the store was passing out to all their Clicklist customers. So nice! I highly recommend Clicklist, especially if your area does not yet offer door stop grocery delivery.  

Clicklist Treat Bag

What Fall things have you been loving lately?

Should You Use My Fitness Pal? [Video]

When working with new clients, it never fails that most of them have either used or are currently using some sort of app to keep track of their food intake. In this day and age, there are an assortment to choose from in app stores, but one of the most popular is My Fitness Pal.

My Fitness Pal calculates calorie content and other nutritional measurements of food into a "counter" on the app. The app has the ability to create individualized goals based on several factors, including weight loss. Users can input data of their food choices into the app and then the app provides a listing of food choices with programmed data about nutritional information. Based on the goals the user sets, the app indicates whether or not the user is making progress towards their established goals.

In the video below I disclose my thoughts about My Fitness Pal and whether or not I think it is a helpful tool, especially for those with disordered eating issues or those striving for intuitive eating.

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A New Beginning...Blooming An Online Business - Edition 1

A LOOONG Story to Get Us Started!

At 32 years old, I fall into that rare in-between category of being one of the last age groups to remember what it was like not having a computer in the home and being the age group that would help technology boom and take over the world. I was fortunate enough to be in an elementary school that had a few PC's per classroom and blessed enough to have a 1st grade teacher that knew the value of learning how to type. By the time I actually took a typing class in high school, I was already a pro and doing a lot of the other students' classwork in a fraction of time.

During my grade schooling from elementary school to high school, I was often regarded as one of the proficient writers in my class. I don't share this to brag, but only to demonstrate that I truly believe writing is something many are born with an ability to do. In college, my analytical side chose to pursue Psychology, but my creative side was still restless. Even though Psychology was my Major, I sought out writing and Journalism classes, became the Assistant Editor on the campus newspaper and snagged a paid writing job with the Media Relations office on campus.

I remember being absolutely fascinated with Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. I loved the story and the other characters, but I really loved that she was a writer and just how glamorous that sounded (even though I realize writing is rarely glamorous). It was during college that I discovered blogging for the first time. I remember Facebook was just getting footing and was still only open to college students and blogging was only a way to record your diary and share it with the world. I started my first blog that Senior year of college. I think I published 2 posts. If you asks me now I would have no idea how to even get back to those posts, but I'm sure they live on the internet somewhere.

I picked up blogging again in my late twenties after being a long-time reader of several other blogs. I blogged at this Wordpress site for a couple of years on and off, but ultimately I have decided to make my home here on Bloom Nutrition.

All this to say, I want this to be the start of something great. I was inspired after reading Pinch of Yum's blog business reports and learning the possibilities. I further have branched out into their The Foodie Blogger Podcast, and have found that even more helpful. I'm sure there are others out there that would enjoy something much the same, so this will make the start of MY journey into intentional steps in building an online business. So here goes...

September 2017 Reports

Traffic

Here you can see we have traffic stats from two different tracking systems. Squarespace offers it's own analytics on their platform, but Google is a universal go-to. I did not signup for Google Analytics until a little later in the month, so that's why the page views here are a little lower. 

Income

That's right....nada.... Maybe soon!

Expenses

• 12.00 - Squarespace Site

• 14.99 - Zoom Platform - I use Zoom for online video recording, group chats with clients and live sessions.

Top Posts of September 2017

• A Closet Cleanout Guide for Body Acceptance

• Dear Diet - A Journaling Activity

• Ongoing Support for Your Non Diet Journey

TAKEAWAYS

September Tip of the Month

I have been focused on building my SEO and learning how to use Google Analytics. For newbies, SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and is basically a formula of ways you can enhance your content so that search engines, like Google, will rank the site higher in their search.

My best tip this month is to Google locating some type of checklist or system to help train yourself on how to best optimize blog posts and other content. I'm on the hunt for one that I really love!

September Recommended Resources

• Pinch of Yum Income Reports

• The Foodie Blogger Podcast

Goals Completed from September

This is our first month for Blooming an Online Business, so there were no former goals set. So I will take this space here for this month to highlight some accomplishments I did make towards my business for the month of September.

• Completed a Free Email Opt-in, along with a Free Resources page of my site.

• Attended my first "mastermind meetup" with a new group of great, like-minded female entrepreneurs. This was very helpful for motivating me to take action steps towards my business this month.

• Made the official decision to begin blogging completely on Bloom Nutrition, versus back and forth from my former blog.

• Added Swoop advertising to my site to begin building some monetization strategies.

Intentional Goals for October

• Publish at least 1 new blog posts to my site, as well as move at least one blog post from my former site each week.

• Submit at least 1 article to Huffingtonpost for consideration.

• Take a tutorial training online to learn how to better utilize Google Analytics.

• Take a tutorial training online to learn how to better utilize Facebook Ads.

• Finish completing my Opt-In sequence for my sales funnel.

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Why I Quit Running (My Exercise Bulimia Story)

This is a long one....so get settled in!

I have been running since I was 16 years old, nearly 2 decades. It's an amazing amount of time. There have been breaks here and there, but for the most part, I have been a consistent runner.

I have written about running MANY times on this blog and I absolutely love running. I love the rhythm of my foot strikes on the pavement, crisp white mornings covered in frost and the sense of accomplishment and strength I feel after each run.

When I was 16 years old, I began running for a boy. It sounds weird when I type the sentence, but I know that's the real reason. I began running for a boy because a boy I was interested in was a runner.We never actually ran together, and I'm not even sure he knew I was running, too. I would run around the pasture at home on our farm. It began very slow, running one stretch of path and walking the next, but I'll never forget the day I ran an entire lap around the field -- and then when I ran 4 laps. It was in those square paths around barbed wire fencing and Cat Tails that I found myself. I began running for a boy, but I continued to run for me.

Over the years running would turn into a passion, each day ending with a run and feeling a sense of power build within myself. Knowing that I was able to tackle mile after mile and do something many could never even think of gave me confidence, peace of mind, stress relief and grounding.

You may remember in 2015 I ran a half marathon, and I made several posts about training for the half marathon. It was an amazing feat, one that I definitely do not regret. However, it was during this time, I think I began to lose myself in running. Running further than I ever had before was a great accomplishment. I'll never forget the day I ran 10 miles, it was truly like running that first grassy lap all over again. But during this time, an obsession began to take hold.

I wanted to run more miles, more training, be better, do better and run ALL THE RACES. So, despite having a full time job, working a part-time business, spending time with friends and family, I began to prioritize running above all else. Running slowly became a chore. And because of my training schedule, it felt like something I was tied to. So I began to ask myself -- WHY?

WHY am I training for a race I no longer wanted to do?

WHY do I feel disappointed in myself?

WHY do I feel like I'm failing?

WHY am I doing this?

WHY am I scared to quit?

In all of these questions, I realized I had lost myself. Something that once brought such joy and strength in my life was slowly tearing me apart, crushing my spirit and taking away everything I loved about running in the first place. I felt weak. I was weak.

Along with all of this, another problem was emerging. Bulimia was taking hold, more specifically, Exercise Bulimia. Behind every race, every training day and every mile logged was also a precise count of every calorie burned. Deep down, my one thought behind all of the training -- Maybe I'll lose some weight, too. 

So I logged more and more miles without properly fueling myself. I logged more and more miles, putting stress on my body and causing more stress on my emotional state. I logged more and more miles even though I was both mentally and physically exhausted. I thought I needed to push through the anguish because that is what is expected and the only way for reassurance and strength. After all, everyone feels like giving up, but only the true fighters push through.

In April of last year (2016), I began experiencing irregular cycles (known as amenorrehea), a problem I hadn't had since my starvation days of high school. At first, I didn't tie it to overexercising. I actually was very concerned. As a female in my early 30's, I worried it was pre-menopause. My doctor confirmed that I had depleted my estrogen levels, a symptom common in those with bulimia or anorexia. I knew in that moment that I had relapsed.

So I stopped. I stopped racing. I stopped obsessing. I stopped counting. I stopped hating and chose to love myself more. So, I stopped running.

And you know what? I am happier.

I FEEL healthier. I feel like I got my life back. When I stopped training for races, running 5 miles after a long day's work and stopped dreading having to spend an entire Saturday doing the mandatory "long run," I actually realized all the things I had been missing out on in my life.

Like late nights enjoying a glass of wine...

 

Enjoying more time with family....

 

More couch time with these two...

 

More Redbox date nights with the hubby...

 

More time moving my body in ways that I want to, like taking walks...

 

Investing more time in my passion...

 

Time to be more creative in the kitchen...

 

And enjoy donuts without feeling one bit guilty...

 

I have not completely stopped running, but I'm definitely only running to the point that I WANT to be running. I have brought back the enjoyment of running, usually running no more than a couple of miles at a time. My cycle has returned to normal AND I FEEL much more saner. I think most of all I have REALLY enjoyed just getting to come home every evening and enjoy some relaxation time, family time and treat myself to some personal freedom from having to be tethered to a training plan.

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If you believe you have become OBSESSED with your training plan, with exercise, then I highly recommend you just STOP. Life is too short and the people in your life are too important. There are more parts of your life that make up YOU besides just your training plan. It is amazing to exercise to the extent that you feel happy with what you're doing - that you ENJOY doing it. But if you start to feel yourself slipping away, then reassess why you're doing it!

If you would like to learn more about your own behavior, there is a Compulsive Exercising Questionnaire available for you to take here. 

 

Similar Stories

For more recommended reading on this topic, a few other great female bloggers have also written on the topic. Their posts inspired me to share my own story and I would love for you to read theirs!

Not Having Your Period is Not Normal - Robyn Coale, RD, NP

Exercise and Me (AKA  My Story + Some Thoughts Helping You Get Out of an Exercise Compulsion - Kylie Mitchell, RD

Recommended Reading

Exercise Bulimia and Drunkorexia: The Lesser Known Disorders - Eating Disorder Hope

Exercise Bulimia: Symptoms, Treatments and More - Healthline

(Edited to add the below articles.)

What it Feels Like to Have Exercise Bulimia - Shape

The Reality of Exercise After an Eating Disorder - Shape

Originally posted on my other blog on February 13, 2017. Moved to this blog on October 13, 2017.

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Resource Roundup - Support for ED Recovery

Some of my favorite eating disorder recovery resources I've seen from around the web during the past month and I wanted to share them here with you. I hope you find something inspiring, encouraging and something you love. :)

Articles

To The Person Who Isn't Sure If They Should Stop Dieting

Disproportionate and Rapid Weight Gain During Recovery

Physical and Mental Signs of Starvation in Anorexia

Can I Call Myself Fat If I'm Just Chubby?

 

Blogs

Can You Want To Change Your Body and Still Exercise Intuitively? - Thereallife-rd.com 

Why I Won't Be Losing Weight For My Wedding - The Healthy Maven

Defining What Really Matters - Rachel Hartley Nutrition

 

Instagram

Podcasts

"Don't Salt My Game" Podcast by Laura Thomas, PHD - Episode #60 From Anxious Perfectionist to Non Diet Nutrition Boss w/ Haley Goodrich of INSPIRD Nutrition. 

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How To Know if Your Daughter Has an Eating Disorder [Video]

The numbers of young girls and young women who will be impacted by disordered eating or an eating disorder are alarming. The National Eating Disorder association reported that by age 6 young girls begin to express concerns about their body and weight. In Elementary aged girls, 40 - 60% are concerned about weight.  In the diet culture the American society promotes, young girls and women face significant pressure. 

In the video below I describe how to know whether or not your daughter may be displaying signs of an eating disorder. This includes physical symptoms to look for and behaviors to understand. I have also included here some helpful resources for you to learn more about helping your daughter.

If you would like to watch these videos live and have a chance to ask questions and participate, please join our private Facebook group, Bloom Nutrition - Disordered Eating Support!

Additional Resources:

Catch It, Challenge It, Change It: Supporting My Daughter Through Eating Disorder Recovery

How Mom Guilt, Diets and Body Shame All Have the Same Roots

I Am Fat. And I Wish My Mother Could Accept My Body the Way I Have

Your Dieting Daughter (Book Recommendation)

If I Lived On An Island... (A Meditation for Body Acceptance)

I often work with my Bloom clients on how to recognize the root of their diet motivation. Why do they want to diet? Why do they want to change their body?

One way to help individuals move towards body acceptance is to try and target who they would be without all the noise in their life. Who would they be without the pressure of the media, society, images, Instagram, peers, friends, family, etc.?

We conduct an exercise in guided visualization  in which I instruct them to think deeply and patiently about each question and statement. This exercise is intended to help move towards body acceptance. 

The visualization starts with a simple question:

If you lived on an island alone, who would you be?

Who would you be in your body? Who would you be around food?

This island is remote and there is no one else around. There is no one to see your body. There are no mirrors.

How do you feel about your body in this moment, on this island alone?

Are you thinking about what your body looks like?

Are you fully clothed? Wearing a bathing suit? Wearing nothing? How are you most comfortable in your body, on this island alone?

On this island, you’re also tasked with surviving. This may involve building a shelter, foraging for food and escaping from predators.

In what order does your body’s appearance fall in your list of priorities for living on this island alone?

What other areas of living take precedence? Why are they more or less important than your body’s appearance, on this island alone?

How do you want to nourish your body, on this island alone? What foods would you find satisfying on the island? What foods do you think your body would naturally crave in order to sustain living on the island?

What foods might you miss because they are unavailable on the island? What foods would you be okay with never having again?

On this island alone, how important is health? Exercise? Well-being? Peace of mind? Does your style of eating change based on these priorities?

On this island, if you were able to invite one or two people to join you, who could you invite that would NOT significantly alter this state of being, in your body, on this island? Who would you welcome in which you would feel it is unnecessary to change anything?

As you’re preparing to leave the island, think about what part of this experience you want to take back with you. How will you incorporate this into your everyday life? 

I would love to hear your reactions and thoughts to this exercise. Feel free to answer any of the questions above in the comments below!

If this exercise really resonated with you, then I invite you to take a look at my online, course on body image, Break the Mold: Building Body Positivity, where we dive even deeper into the complexity of body image and food relationships.

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