In an effort to share my thoughts, like those confident girlies do, I tried to do my best to be outspoken in all my classes. I participated more and more and felt better about myself. I realized it was silly to hold back because of a fear of being wrong.
           
I changed up my outfits, too. Over the years I have developed my own style, not saying I don’t adore it, but I usually don’t try new things when it comes to my wardrobe. During the week, I dug out all those outfits that I had been too scared to wear. At first I was self-conscious of my new look but then I remembered I liked what I was wearing (that’s why I bought it!) and that was all that mattered. At the end of the day, it felt great knowing that I had put aside what other people thought.
 
Having this clearer look into myself I took the last step and brought my new found poise into my social life. For me, this was probably the hardest part. As far as my friends go, I am all about pleasing. I don’t want anyone’s feelings to get hurt and my way of making sure this didn’t happen was being passive in my relationships. This left me in the dust because I would end up being used and my kindness abused. After I spoke up for myself and told my friends how I felt I was amazed by the respect I received.
 
After living a week with a bright new attitude and a whole lot of confidence I will never go back to my old self. I love the positive image I have about myself and the respect I have been getting from others. I would highly suggest everyone trying out a week of sheer confidence!

By: Olivia Arrington

 

 

My choice for frozen? Bananas! All ya have to do is throw ‘em in the freezer—no peeling necessary—and when you’re hankering for some sweets you’ve got a yummy banana popsicle that won’t melt into an oozing mess.

 

I can’t remember the last time I ate a steak—  I haven’t eaten pork or red meat since high school. I stick to a mainly vegetarian diet. I enjoy fish sometimes and maybe the occasional baked chicken breast. So, I guess technically I am a semi-vegetarian. 
 
My appetite for red meat became nonexistent when I learned about animal cruelty. Eventually, just the thought of eating a hot dog literally made me queasy.  It wasn’t too hard to make the switch. I come from big Italian and Polish families and both love to base their meals around animals that go “moo” and “oink.”

I held my ground and was eventually got used to finding tasty veg alternatives when eating the meat-filled meals with my family. Surprisingly, the biggest struggle for me was the loss of A1 Sauce. Suddenly, I had nothing to soak delish steak sauce in! No biggie though, now if I get a craving for it, I just add it to baked potatoes or eat it with yummy fish.
 
I make up the protein loss with veggie burgers, nuts (almonds are my fave), and natural peanut butter. I love veggie stir-fry. Hummus is always top on my grocery list. It’s high in protein, iron and vitamin C, which are all important in every diet! I also love sushi (of course!) and all kinds of curry.
 
I’m not cheering all you girlies on to go veg or go home.  I am encouraging any of you who are or who are thinking about becoming vegetarians to make your own healthy plans. You don’t have to follow every rule and recommendation. I certainly don’t and I’ve been sticking to mine for years. If you’re passionate about your diet, whatever your reason for it may be, you should find a way to make it work for you!
 
By: Taeler Lottino

 

Yoga is fab, but the sad truth is that bending yourself into a pretzel and focusing on your breathing only stays fun for so long. Girls’ Life found the solution: the Pulse Yoga Express DVD. It’s a heart-pumping workout, perf for the girl who thinks “bo-ring” whenever the word yoga is uttered.

Unlike typical yoga, Pulse Yoga incorporates weights and lots of movement and only takes 30 minutes to finish. Plus, doin’ the DVD three times a week has been proven to create a smaller waist and help balance cholesterol. How cool is that?

As soon as I started the DVD, my blood was pumping. I could feel the burn in every muscle, especially in my core. One of the best parts was I didn’t get bored! I did the entire DVD without once wondering, “When will this be over?” While most of the workout focuses on strength and toning up those hard to hit places, I also like how the instructors fit in time to relax.


By: Olivia Arrington