Pretty by Nature » women’s health magazine

Glamour Shares A Fuller View of Beauty

Michelle Smith — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:10:38 +0000

The other day I was with a friend when she buying jeans at Forever 21. While I waited for her, I looked through the clothing in the plus size section next to the dressing rooms. Did you know that if you wear a size 12, Forever 21 considers you a plus size? I’m a size 14, size 12 when I’m at my best. I wish I was closer to a 10, but I’m unwilling to go without a meal in order to have the body that I did when I was in my 20s. My 6th grade daughter wears a size 9. She’s in no way overweight.

One of my favorite magazines is Women’s Health. I love the articles, the workouts, the recipes, but I wish they’d use more realistic women in some of their photos. It’s a magazine aimed at active women, but the women inside the covers are frequently very thin and with no visible muscles. Arms that thin would have a hard time lifting a dumbbell.

Body image is a huge issue with women. This is not an original thought – we all know this. I want my daughters growing up feeling beautiful and smart and strong. I want to feel beautiful, smart, and strong, myself.

Glamour magazine has recently offered an alternative view of a beautiful woman. In September, a photo of model Lizzie Miller appeared in the magazine. She was nude and had a little belly. She looked healthy and happy and beautiful. Women loved the photo and the magazine recieved a flood of positive comments.

The November issue goes a bit further with a photo shoot that features seven beautiful fuller figured ladies. I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a trend in the magazine industry, not just some sort of publicity stunt. Reading about Mark Fast’s London Fashion Week runway show that included a number of plus size models helps that hope to grow a bit brighter.

Image credit: Zuma Press

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Women’s Health – Are You Game Event

Michelle Smith — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:27:38 +0000

If you are going to be in the New York City area this Saturday, July 11, 2009, or Chicago on July on 18th, then grab your girlfriends and head over to the Women’s Health Are You Game? event.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to experience fun events like Euro Bungee, Rock Climbing, Beauty and Spa Treatments, a variety of workout classes, fashion shows, and more. Be sure to wear something comfy!

Here are the specifics:

Are You Game? New York
SATURDAY, July 11th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
Manhattan’s Hudson River Park at Pier 46
(Charles Street and West Street)

Are You Game? Chicago
SATURDAY, July 18th, 2009
FROM 10 AM – 5 PM
North Avenue Beach

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Building A Better Belly

Michelle Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:22:42 +0000

It’s not too late to get in shape for Summer. Women’s Health magazine has the Belly Off Club going on now. The Belly Off Club is an 8 Week program.

You can watch a short video with trainer David Jack (cute boy, of course) where he outlines the workout requirements. You can download the workouts straight to your iPod, download them to your computer, or print them out.

In addition, real womenfrom around the country have thier information – starting weight, goal weight, age, personal motivation – posted for inspiration and support. Pretty cool.

I’m starting the program today. I plan to do a triathlon in September and I have a good amount of weight that I want to lose first.

Two years ago I was at a point where I felt very comfortable in my body, but unfortunately, I got lazy (I was in a happy relationship) and I got sad (relationship turned horrible) and I gained weight.

I need to find a way to avoid the emotional eating more than anything. I want to be happy and healthy and not let stress send me running straight to the Brownies (brownies!). I think that the key is to get back into a regular exercise routine. A little success provides a good boost in motivation.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Pretty by Nature