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One of the very special and memorable times of my childhood was vacationing during Christmas break every year as a family. Being from Detroit, there was nothing better than escaping the frigid temperatures and traveling to sunshine and tropical weather. Each year, my goal remained the same, and it was to see how tan I could get in one week. Therefore, the bottles of sunscreen were gathering dust, and containers of aloe vera gel were on hand and conveniently accessible. In fact, more than not applying sunscreen, I brought tanning oil to lather all over my body before finding the perfect lounge chair that exposedRead More →

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The internet age was just launching, and AOL was the leading network for online services. The first AOL program that I can remember was when I was in high school. It offered email, and a way to message people who were, also, logged in at the same time. The most impressive feature allowed us to add friends by their ‘screen name’ to accumulate an ongoing table called, “The Buddy List.” It all started then. “How many buddies do you have?” was a common question in conversation at the time. It was as if the one with the most ‘buddies’ was the best, most popular, andRead More →

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We are born and raised in a society where we all have the same vision of beauty and of the perfect body. We strive to conform to that picture, and when we are unsuccessful, we become extremely hard on ourselves and attempt many different strategies to reach it — exercise, diet, make-up, even surgery. It all began when my physique transformed from skin and bones to curves and muscles. Pants began fitting snugger, and my inner thigh gap gradually turned from existent to nonexistent. It seemed I became an expert at doing the “jean dance” to work the stiff denim up my legs. Shopping forRead More →

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The greatest time of year to self-reflect is Thanksgiving. This year, I am focusing on being grateful for my body—how and why it looks and feels this way. Don’t get me wrong. There are definitely some improvements I would love to make to my figure. But, when I recognize the positives, I am able to be more forgiving and appreciative of my body. Here are five reasons I am more thankful for my body this year: My body has given me babies. Not all women have the privilege to give the miracle of life. I successfully delivered three beautiful, healthy children. For that, I amRead More →

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I had the pleasure of speaking to an entire sophomore class at a local high school the other day. As I stood at the podium watching each and every student walk through the entryway, I could feel the tension in the room increasing as they took their seats. They were informed of the topic that was going to be addressed—eating disorders and body image–issues that are far too misunderstood and unspoken, yet, so imperative. And, based on their attentiveness, questions, and discussion following my presentation, it was clear these students were more than familiar with these happenings. Our family, friends, and community learned of this speaking engagementRead More →

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“Mommy. Mommy,” a sweet, innocent sounding voice called from his room. Austin’s early morning shout let me know he was awake, and ready to start the day.” I braced myself, and took a deep breath knowing it was the last respite until bedtime—a long twelve hours later. The anticipation of a new day gave me a feeling of unease. The stress involved in parenting a child with severe food allergies is intense. “Alright, let’s go down to eat breakfast, guys,” I said after getting dressed and teeth were brushed. My sons sat in their designated seats, and waited for me to pour cereal in their bowls I hadRead More →

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My last collegiate soccer game was in November 2006 against Notre Dame in the NCAA tournament. Eleven years seems like a long time (and, it is), but my memories of playing college soccer are just as clear and vivid as they were then. While watching college games this fall, I could not help but picture myself out on the field…dressed in uniform…crossing balls…high-fiving my teammates…acknowledging a great pass…and leading by example. But, there was definitely one thing I could not picture. And, unfortunately, it goes back to the body image and eating disorders epidemic occurring in society today. Just as styles and trends in clothingRead More →

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You have to be kidding. This has to be some sort of joke, right? Or maybe someone dreamt this happened, and shared it to the point the story made national headlines—but, in fact, it didn’t actually happen. That is me dreaming, I suppose. On Friday, President Donald Trump met with children of the White House press corps so they could trick or treat in the Oval Office. While handing out candy to the children, Trump said, “You have no weight problems ― that’s the good news, right?” As a child, I recall salivating over a piece of cheesecake—my favorite dessert of all-time—following a steak dinner.Read More →

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Let me share a quick conversation I had with my neighbor when I first moved into our new neighborhood 5 years ago… A couple of weeks before Halloween of 2012: My neighbor (all excited): What kind of candy are you going to pass out? Me: MY favorite chocolates. That way, whatever is leftover is mine! My neighbor: Are you going to give out Reese’s peanut butter cups? Me: Uhhhh, obviously! What is Halloween without Reese’s—my all-time favorite!!! My neighbor: Oh, I was just wondering. I decided not to this year because our other neighbor has a peanut allergy. Me: Well, then she can just take aRead More →

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If only I were skinny… I’d be so much happier. This is not the case at all. Actually, when I was my skinniest, I was the most unhappy I had ever been. I was clinically depressed, and was completely miserable. All I was able to think about was food and my body, and not gaining weight. I was trapped inside. I’d have so many more friends. See, it seems as though skinny people tend to be more popular. I worked so hard at attaining thinness that my personality completely dwindled to nothing, I had no energy, and I was withdrawn from everyone and everything. Clearly,Read More →