Dashing Dish

I know this post doesn’t have much to do with fitness or nutrition…But I have realized one thing about both of these topics.  Our society always seems to try to motivate people to ‘eating right’  and  ‘get fit’ in order to look better.  I admit, I do feel better about how I look when I eat right and exercise, but when it really comes down to it, those two things have nothing to do with being beautiful!

Regardless of your weight, height, age, or overall appearance, has anyone ever told you that you were WONDERFULLY made!? Well…You were! The Bible says in Psalm 139:14 that you were both “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!” Now I understand that the Bible is not exactly the ‘common’ or even ‘popular’ standard used to measure beauty…But I have found through my own personal experience that it is the ONLY way.  Why do I say this!? Because I have looked to people in the past- men, other women, even myself- to define and affirm my beauty, and it it didn’t matter what kind of validation I received, I was  always disappointed. In fact, when I looked to others (or the mirror) to tell me I was beautiful, it was then that I found myself reaping feelings of doubt, loss of self esteem, and seeds of insecurity.

I read this post today on a fitness/health site (www.thatsfit.com) and I thought WOW…I wish more women knew/understood this truth about having six pack abs! Basically, in order to have a ‘six pack’ you need to shed the fat that covers them, (you could have a 12 pack and it be covered with fat and they would never show through!) In order for a woman’s abs to show (in relation to a man’s version of a six pack), she must get down to exceptionally low body fat, (which when too low is not healthy in a woman). Now I’m not necessarily saying having a ‘six pack’ as a woman is ‘right’ OR ‘wrong’ and i’m sure there are cases when women are perfectly healthy (body fat wise) and have RIPPED abs…But I do think there are way too many mis-conceptions about abs out there, especially when it comes to women having them! :) So I thought i’d pass this along…and I’d love to know other people’s thoughts on this!! :)

What to Eat…What Not to Eat…That is the Question!

I think one of the ‘easiest’ traps to fall into when desiring to loose weight is to start putting foods into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories.  I know there was a point in my life when I would not eat certain foods, (or even entire food groups) because I heard something about how they make you gain weight… (Example: I stopped eating popcorn because I heard it was bad…now I think really?!? It is a perfectly healthy source of whole grain, and a yummy healthy snack as long as it isn’t smothered in butter!)

I recently got an e-mail from a friend about Dashing Dish that really encouraged me! In that e-mail there was something that she said that really stood out, which was this:

“America is so deceived (especially women) to look a certain size. Girls starve themselves or try the latest fad diet and end up binging because of the calorie restriction. Then they end up feeling guilty and worse than before they started dieting. It’s a vicious circle. I want to work to impart healthy eating habits among the young women in America. I want them to know who they are in Christ, not what the world says they are.” ~Danielle Frontiera

This statement is truly inspiring and straight to the heart of why I started this site to begin with! There are SO many myths out there about the latest ‘diet’, how to drop 10 pounds in a week, and what foods are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for you.  While I may not be an expert, I am someone who has tried many diets, fads, and unhealthy routes of losing weight, all to see that they backfire and end in failure.

I MUST share about the necessary equipment that is used to make protein shakes because it is ESSENTIAL in order to have a perfect consistency. I must of gone through at least 5 blenders before I found one that didn’t crack/break/or just not do it’s job!  I have found 3 ‘wonders’ that will last you (literally) years or they send you a new one free! I listed the main website where they can be found, but you can usually find a deal on them at Kohl’s and other department stores!

Kitchen Aid 5-Speed Blender- This blender has lasted me literally years and it is worth every penny! This was my first item placed on my wedding registry, because I couldn’t imagine my life without it.  The first year I got it, I did cause it to malfunction (totally my fault) and they replaced it no questions asked!  The great thing about this blender?  They come in adorable colors :).