Why Photoshop Isn’t Actually the Problem
My graphic designer Photoshopped one of my images — just barely. And honestly it looked great. As the Happy Calories Girl I asked him to change it back. But here’s the thing — Photoshop isn’t actually the problem. Here’s the more empowering perspective that changes everything about how we see media images.
The Most Important Relationship You’re Ignoring — And How It Affects Your Body
Whether you know it or not you are in a relationship with your body. The only question is what kind. Do you ignore it? Abuse it? Fight it? Here’s why the relationship with your body is the most important one you have — and what your Valentine can teach you about it.
Why Counting Points Is Just Counting Calories in Disguise
Oprah told us weight loss isn’t just about calories in and exercise out — it’s about the emotional and personal stuff too. And then she told us to count points and turn it into a game. Does anyone else see the contradiction? Here’s what Oprah and Weight Watchers are still missing.
Why Your Beliefs About Weight Loss Are Sabotaging Your Values
Year after year, losing weight tops both the New Year’s resolution list and the broken resolution list. Here’s a theory about why — and it has nothing to do with willpower. It’s about a hidden conflict between what you believe about weight loss and what you actually value in life.
Why Accepting That Life Sometimes Sucks Is the Secret to Food Freedom
I’ve been bingeing The Vampire Diaries — and before you judge me, hear me out. A conversation between two immortal vampires accidentally said everything I’ve ever wanted to say about why fighting “what is” only creates more pain. Including with your body.
Why Controlling Your Body Will Never Make You Happy (And What Actually Does)
I binge-watched enough Netflix to notice a pattern — every show about power ends the same way. The characters who fight hardest to control their circumstances are the most miserable. Here’s why that’s exactly what’s happening with diet culture, and what personal empowerment actually looks like instead.
What a Boxing Champion Taught Me About Your Relationship With Food and Exercise
I met the 2013 National Boxing Champion at an event where we were both honored as fitness influencers. She told me she got into boxing because she “didn’t feel expressed.” Those three words have stayed with me ever since — because they explain everything about why so many women suffer with food and exercise.
Why Your Fitness Tracker Can’t Replace Your Relationship With Your Body
Everyone seems to have a Fitbit. And I get it — the data feels useful. But what if I told you there’s a fictional gadget called a Lovebit that tracks how many times you’ve texted your spouse? Here’s why that analogy explains everything wrong with tracking your way to wellness.
Why “What Can I Do to Feel Better?” Is the Only Weight Loss Question That Matters
People are always surprised when I order french fries. They assume Happy Calories Don’t Count is a permission slip to eat whatever I want as long as I’m happy about it. It’s not. Here’s what it actually is — and the simple four-step process that replaces every diet you’ve ever tried.
Why “Eating Whatever You Want” Is Actually Good for You
Everyone loses it when I say women can eat whatever they want. But here’s the thing — they’re usually proving my point. Here’s what “eating whatever you want” actually means, and why it might be the key to ending the food fight for good.