Affirmation #8

Today I'd like to discuss Affirmation #8 on the list of this project's 10 affirmations:

#8 states "I will respect my body and treat it with love.  I will eat healthfully and exercise, but I will splurge from time to time."

This is important and I believe it is something so many of us forget. How many of you went to Super Bowl parties last night and indulged in some less than nutritious snacks? I know I did. I even make a naughty appetizer. It was so, so delicious and a hit at the party, but it contained 2 ingredients not typically consumed in this house" Cheez Whiz and Velveeta. I don't like processed anything, much less two processed "cheese foods," but these were part of the recipe I had for Philly Cheese Steak Dip. Let me tell you, this dip tasted just like eating the real deal. I did substitute deli London Broil for the Steak Ums, but the rest was left as is.

I enjoyed the dip. I also enjoyed cheese and crackers, meatballs, cocktail hot dogs, and more. I also ate a big healing of celery and carrots before the fattening treats. It was a party with our neighbors, though.

I like to eat a decadent chocolate mousse recipe I have on Valentine's Day as well. I also like to have cupcakes.

The point is to do it in moderation. I am not ever going to be a skinny little thing. That is OK with me. I love curves. I love food--cooking, baking, consuming...

I want you to remember that you can splurge from time to time. Do not beat yourself up for it. That's where the first part of #8 comes in. Before the party, I spent 50 minutes on the Wii Fit. This morning, I rode my exercie bike at a challenging pace for a half hour. I ate egg whites, wheat toast, and some yogurt for breakfast. There has to be a balance. Today, I was talking to a friend who told me that she's going to limit herself to 1000 calories a day all week to counteract what she ate last night. She was beating herself up for "falling off the bandwagon."

Parties are meant to be fun. Getting together with friends often involves food and that is OK--when you overindulge, treat your body to a bit more exercise. Don't beat yourself up. Get up, get active, and enjoy your day, beautiful ladies!

A Must Read

I apologize for my lack of posting much of the week. I have been getting ready for a Trunk Show at a local boutique. For those who don't know me from my other blog, I have a jewelry line called Loubird Handmade. I will be here in the Rochester area at a Webster boutique called Vintage Bliss from noon to 3:30 tomorrow with my entire line.

I will be back posting daily next week. Before I go, I want to pass along a book recommendation. I just finished a book called Size Sexy: How to Look Good, Feel Good and Be Happy At Any Size. It is by Stella Ellis, a  curvy model for Jean-Paul Gaultier.

I would love to talk to Ellis someday and, if possible, have her do an interview with us here at The Embrace Your Curves Project. I loved her book because she really epitomizes the idea of embracing our bodies, loving ourselves, and realizing that one can be healthy and beautiful even if we're not skinny girls.

Check it out!