Trust Me I'm a (mom)(yogi) RD

 The last time I taught a structured yoga class was back in March.  Some of you may remember I was simultaneously attempting to write a blog series following the 7 chakras, (which would also mirror my classes' themes).  But of course, LIFE. HAPPENS.  Moving to Minnesota and starting a new chapter of life basically halted that idea for a few months...but now I'd like to revisit and finish what I originally started.  I've already summarized the first two Chakras (Root & Sacral) earlier this spring - so following suit in order, our next (& 3rd) chakra in the series is the Solar Plexus.    Manipura, our Solar Plexus Chakra, is located near our belly button, right at the center of our bodies.  It not only symbolizes our strength and power, but also our drives, desires, and self-esteem...the 'fire inside us'!  Just like the sun, this chakra is represented by the color ...

Every mom will tell you that the day their lil' one is born, it's the greatest day of their life.  After carrying him or her for 9-long months, you finally get to cuddle and kiss those cute little cheeks.  But if you thought pregnancy was a delight, motherhood is another thing coming. Now I'm only (almost) two years in to this whole "mom-thing," but on many occasions I've been told "You are the most patient mom ever!"  Which has got to mean something, right?  Well yes, it's code word for:  YOUR CHILD IS CRAZY! :) Elijah Arnell, my beautiful tanned babe, is my world.  He makes me laugh and smile everyday, and is never without surprises for mom and dad!  I should have known that my active boy in-utero would be just as wild and crazy post birth....I mean, it only took Eli 7 hours total at the hospital and 30 minutes of 'hard pushing' (thanks epidural!)  before he made is rapid entrance at 12:15 am.  And literally since day 1, he hasn...

Dietitian Confession #3: 'What-the-what' on Supplements  Dee will probably hate me for admitting this, but he recently dragged me into a GNC store without my consent.  His reasoning?  "I want you to look at a few labels and give me your professional opinion - WITHOUT giving the blanket 'this-is-ridiculous-you-don't-need-that' statement."  Hmm...point taken.  So we go in.  I'm immediately overwhelmed by the outrageous amounts of bottles, tubs, and containers of product.  Now, I don't consider myself that short of a person, but I literally felt like I was in a Costco or Sam's Club-type warehouse that was overcrowded with STUFF.  (Okay, there goes my "judge-y dietitian voice" again...sorry...I digress. I think it's safe to say that even health professionals can be amazed by the amount of advertising and marketing that goes into promoting these products.  Of course there were bottles of multivitamins or nutrien...

Even though summer is almost over, this topic is still relevant :)      Contrary to popular belief, summer is NOT measured by the size of your bathing suit.  For me, summer means warmer weather, family vacations, and even sipping delicious cocktails from time-to-time. :)  As an eating disorder dietitian, these pro-body image comments are probably expected from me.  I get it.  But truthfully, I haven't always felt so self-confident.    This (the comment above) is coming from a girl who used to spend hours in front of a mirror each day critiquing every part of her body...the girl who used to exercise compulsively to feel worthwhile...the girl who used to be scared to death to eat anything that wasn't deemed "safe"...   So yeah, I DO get it...   My body has held multiple shapes & sizes throughout the past 27 years.  And inevitably, it will transform...