Skip to content

Follow Erin

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Follow Me
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram
Kick the Scale - Blog by Erin Konheim Mandras

An Inspirational Blog By Erin Konheim Mandras

Primary Navigation Menu
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Awards & Credentials
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • My Story
  • Media
  • Contact

kids

Why I Hate The Sound of an Ice Cream Truck Now.

2019-05-19
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: May 19, 2019
In: Blog

The sound of the ice cream truck reverberated through our community, and instantly all of the kids began screaming and shouting in pure excitement. I don’t blame them. Still, as a grown adult, when I hear that music, I associate it with delicious summer treats, neighborhood camaraderie, smiles and laughter. As a kid, there was nothing more exciting in the summer than to hear an ice cream truck in the vicinity, sprint inside to plead for money, and then  track it down. Since having a child diagnosed with food allergies, so many things have changed. Now, I experience anxiety and fear in situations that onlyRead More →

The One Moment That Would Shatter My Body Image Forever.

2019-02-25
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: February 25, 2019
In: Blog

It only takes one moment, one second, one phrase to shatter a girl’s self-image, and take away her innocence forever. And, that defining moment can never ever be taken back as the damage has already been done. For me, that one moment was when I was told I needed to be more fit in order to perform at a higher level in my sport. I believed the only way to be more fit and faster was to lose weight. Before that moment, I never counted calories, looked at the nutrition facts panel, or “dieted.” In fact, none of those things ever even crossed my mind.Read More →

Southwest Airlines Major Breakthrough Shows Great Promise To Food Allergy Families And Could Save Many Lives.

2018-07-10
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: July 10, 2018
In: Blog

I am the parent of a 4 1/2 year old with MULTIPLE life-threatening food allergies. I have lived the nightmare that no parent should ever experience—anaphylaxis—three times. When he was 21 months old a nice elderly woman in the daycare center at my gym was snacking on peanut butter crackers and offered him a bite. Here she thought she was being considerate and thoughtful by sharing her food. But, in reality she almost killed him. Over a matter of four hours, he had vomited, developed hives all over his body, and was gasping for air to get just a breath.  I live in Baltimore, butRead More →

Why It Has Taken Tragedy For Me to Truly Feel Gratitude.

2018-02-19
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: February 19, 2018
In: Blog

Most of us approach daily life thinking we are safe, events are predictable, and that others are trustworthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and tragedy strikes unexpectedly. Our beliefs are shattered, we lose hope, and we see life as filled with danger, uncertainty, and suffering. But, it is in these moments, in the face of adversity, that we recognize not to take things for granted. Fifteen years ago, my life flashed in front of my eyes. My initial plan to lose a few pounds spiraled out of control resulting in the development of an eating disorder. After starving myself and exercising compulsively, IRead More →

5 Reasons To Be Thankful For Your Body This Year.

2017-11-22
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: November 22, 2017
In: Blog

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 →

Why Having A Child With A Disability Can Be Exhausting, But So Rewarding At The Same Time.

2017-11-14
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: November 14, 2017
In: Blog

“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 →

When You’re Body-Shamed By President Trump While Trick-or-Treating.

2017-10-31
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: October 31, 2017
In: Blog

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 →

Why Halloween Is The Most Anxiety-Provoking Day Of The Year — And How I Deal.

2017-10-30
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: October 30, 2017
In: Blog

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 →

At Age 5, This Was Just Cruel.

2017-08-22
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: August 22, 2017
In: Blog

“I don’t want them to see my body,” the 5-year-old screamed down from the top of the staircase when her mom asked her to come downstairs. I watched as my friend teared up–terrified, sad, and troubled. I happened to have not heard what she yelled down, but my friend made sure to repeat it to me.  Not much makes me speechless, but when my friend continued by sharing a story, I was in disbelief. She explained that just a few weeks ago her 5-year-old daughter came home from camp after a day filled with swimming, fun activities, and bunk camaraderie, and said, “Mommy, some ofRead More →

The Brilliant Lesson My 3-year-old Taught Me After Weighing Himself.

2017-07-25
By: Erin Konheim Mandras
On: July 25, 2017
In: Blog

At 3 years of age, he stands tall at 36 inches. A tiny toddler to me. As his mother,  all I want is to soak in as much as I can of his little feet, small hands, soft skin, and adorable high-pitched voice. But, all he wants is to “get big.” Like any ordinary morning, my 3-year-old son came sprinting into my bathroom so proud that he got himself dressed without any help. (Mind you, his shorts were on backwards, and his shirt was inside-out.) As I was brushing my teeth and analyzing each and every black pore on my face, I heard him shout,Read More →

Posts navigation

1 2 3 Next

Recent Posts

  • Suicide Among College Athletes Is Contagious, And There Must Be An…
  • A Senior’s Goodbye: Inside the Mind of a “Larger-than-Life, Fierce Competitor.”
  • When My Anxiety Was Too Crippling to Complete a Work Obligation Overseas
  • The #1 Reason Body Shaming Needs To F*ing Stop.
  • Why I Hate The Sound of an Ice Cream Truck Now.

© 2022 Erin Konheim Mandras
KickTheScale.com

Website Design: Access Computer Technology