Hey lovebugs! Are you enjoying this Saturday? Do you usually make plans for Saturdays, or give yourself the day to relax? I generally prefer the latter, and today was just that =)
I went to a 9am yoga class, which (not surprisingly) was packed. I worried that it wouldn’t be as good as usual, but I was quite mistaken. I love how the sense of peace and calmness overcomes a yoga class, even when it’s crowded.
However, before the classes started, an older woman pretty much made me move so she could have my spot. Her exact words were, “I hate to say this, but you’re in my spot.” Hmm, okay? Funny thing is, she then went on to give her reasoning, which was that it was only her second class so she needed to feel comfortable. Even people who go to class regularly know that you don’t have an “assigned” spot, yet she already established her’s after one class…? GRRR. I sucked it up and moved because I didn’t want to get any more riled up. Thankfully I managed to calm down and get the most out of the 90-minute class.
Breakfast this morning was simple but so SO good. I made a big Green Monster with plain Greek yogurt (for added protein).
I also had a chunk of this Cinnamon Date Manna Bread.
Check out the impressive ingredient list:
But even more impressive? The taste and texture of this bread was unreal. I am officially obsessed! It was perfectly sweet, soft, and chewy…almost cake-like.
I drizzled the bread and some sliced apple with macadamia butter.
Now don’t even get me started on that! Let’s just say that it’s my new favorite nut butter food. Warning, though: it’s very thin and runny. But the plus-side is that it drizzles easily and a little bit goes a long way.
I also grabbed some coffee (+ heavy cream and stevia) on the way home from yoga.
After running some errands and stopping by my sister’s house (to open the windows for her spoiled cats 
) I came home and decided to bake another batch of cookies! You see, yesterday’s batch only made 6 cookies, so clearly they were gone by last night. 3 people, 6 cookies, you get the picture.
I made another recipe from my NuNaturals package; Averie’s Vegan Coconut Banana Cookie Bites.
Yet another simple but mind-blowingly good cookie recipe!
Seriously - these babies were bomb. And my first vegan baking experience, actually. Would you believe that my dad loved these?! That is a milestone, my friends.
I somehow managed to only snack on one cookie since I haven’t eaten lunch yet. Speaking of which, excuse me while I go raid the kitchen =)
While I’m doing that, I suggest you get your reading glasses ready because I’m about to wear your eyes out. What else is new? 
an open letter to health magazines.
The other day I was standing in line at the grocery store, and as usual I began scanning through all of the health and fitness magazines. I know that there are many bloggers don’t like fitness magazines, but I generally do. Er….did. You see, based on the past year or so, I see exactly why it is that most bloggers feel this way towards the mags.
Let’s rewind to the Fall (my last) semester, shall we? I wrote a paper for a Race & Gender in Media course in which I compared a popular men’s health magazine to a popular women’s health magazines. Long story short, I found that while the content of these magazines was quite similar, it was the communication techniques used that proved to be where the most differences lied. While men prefer communication that relates to objects, status, and concrete information (“report” talk*), women communicate in ways that seek a connection, emotional bond, and relatability (“rapport” talk*). (Deborah Tannen’s Genderlect Theory*)
Blah blah blah, right? Long story short is this: What I didn’t conclude in that paper, but am coming to realize now, is that the use rapport talk can only take you so far. First of all, when it comes to health magazines, content is key. Furthermore, I believe that rapport talk is only effective if you can truly convince me of your honesty and credibility, and quite frankly, I’m not getting that. Instead, I’m getting the same articles issue after issue, and the impression that most health magazines don’t really care about their readers.
But here’s the thing: I want these magazines to improve! There’s nothing I love more than reading through a good magazine that’s full of interesting and helpful information that I’m passionate about. In fact, a favorite pass time of my best friend Nicki and I is to sit in Barnes & Noble for hours on end reading our favorite magazines (yeah, we’re those people). She’d have a mile-high pile of fashion magazines while I’d choose every single health-related one. But as of late, it seems as though every magazine has the exact same articles, fitness regimens, “diet” programs, and so on. So all of you health and fitness magazines out there - this goes out to you. I’m pretty sure I speak on behalf of good deal of your readers, so hear me out!
I’d personally love to see you broaden your horizons. Look, just because you print an article about a certain health/fitness trend, it doesn’t mean that you have to support it 100%. Give us some new information! There are tons of health and fitness-related studies coming out each year, and I want to hear about them. Do some research and maybe clue us in on the pros and cons of a given topic. I feel like you’re constantly sticking with the “safe” articles and health recommendations, but those concepts have been challenged and even changed as of late. I’m a smart lady, and I’d rather come to my own conclusion than feel like I’m being prescribed one. Come on, risk being controversial, will ya?
Along those same lines - dig a little bit deeper…especially when it comes to celebrity interviews. Look - I love reading about the fitness regimen of my favorite celebrity as much as the next girl. But do I really believe that they ALL live on egg whites and steamed veggies all day? And can I relate to that? Nope. I understand that maybe this one is out of your hands to an extent, but as a reader I’m losing interest in celebrity interviews. It’s like if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all! It’s hard enough trying to relate to a celebrity, but even more difficult when I feel like the truth isn’t fully being presented. I’d love it if you could find celebs that are willing to be more honest with you rather than giving the politically or healthfully correct answer.
Oh, and here’s a biggie. Lose the airbrushing! Sorry, but I don’t really see a way around this one. If you really want us as readers to focus on being *healthy and fit* rather than thin (which, sometimes I question those intentions), shouldn’t we be given a realistic example of what healthy looks like? Even the most fit woman in the world will never look as perfect as her airbrushed version. I’m all about viewing women who have worked HARD for their body, but I’d much rather believe that that’s at least somewhat attainable.
For me, I think the main area of disappointment is that I no longer feel a connection to health magazines. I want to read through a magazine and feel like the writers are speaking directly to me. I want to be inspired, empowered, and motivated to live a healthy life. Sure, I guess I wouldn’t mind having a “bikini body in 2 weeks.” But is that realistic? Don’t think so. And does it leave me feeling like I SHOULD have a bikini bod in 2 weeks? Yes. Myself and (I believe) most of your readers would agree that prescriptions like that are not healthy for our bodies or our minds. I’d much rather you give me a realistic plan that includes not just nutrition and exercise but also other aspects of health; such as cultivating relationships, self-confidence, spirituality, and so on.
I think I’ve made my point. Once again, let me stress that I truly want health magazines to succeed. When I look at the plethora of magazines out there, I want health magazines to stand out - not blend in with the tabloid and fashion magazines. It’s no secret that we as a society are inundated with unhealthy messages about what our bodies should be, and I can only hope that health magazines can begin working against that trend.
To be honest, I was on the fence about posting this. Why? Because I would love to write for a health publication(s) in the future, and I really don’t want to tick anyone off But the bottom line is that I do feel strongly about this issue. Not to mention that I can’t help but think that health magazines want feedback from us - their readers. So now let me ask you - what do you think about the state of health and fitness magazines? Please, feel free to disagree with me!
Okay, now my stomach is seriously growling. Off I go! Enjoy the rest of the day, babes! xoxo G
- Have you ever had a “situation” with someone in a fitness class like I did today?
- What do you think about the state of health and fitness magazines? Do you agree/disagree with anything I pointed out? What would you like to see health magazines change/add to their publications?
P.S. Make sure to check out my guest post over at Missy Maintains! =)
i agree, i feel like i read another version of the same thing month after month in every issue. i’ve even been thinking about not renewing my subscriptions… but im not sure what i would suggest other than NEW FRESH info
ooo p.s where did you find this yummy manna bread?
I agree with the previous commenter that all of the magazines seem to be really redundant. It’s the same thing every month in every magazine.
nice eats gracie.
fitness magazines are useless to me. (i don’t exercise anyway, other than walk to be honest)…but anyway, useless cuz they repeat the same things, show horrible diets, airbrush (see the latest with britney spears?), and are so redundant…i dont know…!
Great post girl! I truly agree that the magazines need to change- i too want them to succeed, just on a better level!
~Christie
That manna bread looks soooo good!
I do like to read fitness magazines, but I totally agree a lot should change. I read them solely for entertainment purposes and sometimes get recipes or workout ideas…not for real health advice. The celebrity interviews always make me giggle because there’s no way many of them are living as healthfully as they pretend to be! And the airbrushing is out of control. I agree that the magazines are often unrelatable and unrealistic and I think we’re lucky that we can recognize this…what about the people who don’t?
I love this post!! And your confessions on my blog are hilarious - !! I do all those things …I have 4 open jars of nut butter and like another 12 in my cupboard…;)…and showering can seriously be such a drag - I love to be Clean!!! of course - it’s just sooo time-consuming…wet hair, etc…blah…
Oh my God that bread looks amazing - like carrot cake!!! I must try it if I can find it! And don’t you just love Averies’ delicious goodies
Loved your post on Missy’s blog!! This is an awesome post on health magazines. I get SO FRUSTRATED with the same information EVERY MONTH, yet continue to buy them for some dumb reason. The celebrity thing pisses me off too…okay, so all of Hollywood lives off of oats with berries for breakfast, salads with chicken for lunch, and salmon with broccoli for dinner? And “indulges” in Pinkberry? Come on. I’d like to think that my favorite actresses are a little more interesting than that!! And as far as airbrushing goes, I understand it to a certain extent…I probably wouldn’t want my pasty, bruised legs on the cover of a national magazine without some serious digital tanning, and I’m not going to suggest they stop covering up their pimples or whatever. But when I see celebs with totally different bodies on covers, I’m just pissed because not only is it fake, it’s insulting the reader.
Whew! Great post girl!!
I completely agree. I feel like I read the same exact thing in every single health magazine. It’s always the same stories, the same tips, etc. in magazines that are full of air-brushed pictures that are completely unrealistic and sending the worst message to readers. And they have the ability of being SO good, it’s frustrating!
Great post!
I used to be an avid health/fitness magazine reader as well and stopped for many of the same reasons. They say the same thing over and over again. And they don’t promote true health it seems. Or balance. They promote quick fixes, perfection, being skinny, etc. They may word it in a “promoting health” way, but when you look at the info it isn’t the reality. I too would love to change how health and fitness magazines are done. Maybe all us bloggers should start a new true health magazine.
Thanks for telling me you made my recipe and that you loved them…even dad
Wonderful!
As for health magazines…well, I dont feel like there’s much “new” information. I really dont have time on my hands to read them (food/health blog reading has taken over!) but yes, they are disappointing, that’s for sure.
Have a great weekend, Gracie!
Where did you find the manna bread?! I am hoping I can find some of that - looks yummy!
I totally agree with you, the fitness magazines are ALWAYS the same. I still read them though haha. Every once in a while there is a different article that is actually new and interesting, but most of the time its your typical “Flat abs fast” and “look at how fast Jessic aAlba lost her baby weight” and other such BS. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy doing some of the interesting workouts I see in magazines, but sometimes they just all seem the same. And I agree about the airbrushing- maybe its the magazine’s right to do it but it still gives people the wrong impression and unrealistic expectations. The truth is that nobody’s body looks like the ones in magazines, so why should anyone be made to think that they do? It only sets everyone up for failure, and health magazines should want you to succeed.
This is such an interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!
Couldn’t agree more in regards to fitness magazines, this is why I only buy them every once in a while. Every issues seems the same. I would love to read your stuff in a health magazine some day!
I’ve never had that bread before but it looks great!
I completely agree! I love health magazines but they really do say the same thing in each issue. The air brushing bugs me too!! Wish they would stop, especially magazines like Self and Shape that claim to be about healthy women! While a healthy weight is important to health, it’s not everything and you can be healthy at a variety of weights.
Your yoga bully reminds me of visitors who come to church and sit in someone else’s “spot” haha. I’ve heard of a church member who has asked the visitor to move because they sit there every Sunday! About your health magazines, I totally agree. I do have a subscription to one magazine in particular, that being Shape. But as of late I have ventured out to read others such as Self, Fitness, Health, and I have to say that on the main Shape is the best. Although not perfect, but every month they have personal stories in there of real life women who decided to get healthy and it shows their journey, such as missymaintains.The other magazines seemed to just have a bunch of junk about diets to try and exercises to do. I want to read inspirational stories about women overcoming battles! And so I do believe that Shape offers that better than any other magazine. How about me and you start a new magazine together? ;D
@Jennifer - Yes, if I had to pick my favorite health magazines, Shape would be one of them (following Women’s Health).
By the way - I just realized you’re not on my blogroll!! I’m adding you k?
It’s funny that you should post this since I JUST recently stopped buying health magazines/magazines in general. The Last few times I have I’ve noticed that the only thing different is the cover. Even the celebrity interviews in Shape and Self are all very cookie cutter. It’s sad because that is one of things I would look forward to every month. Even Cosmo is the same recycled articles. I’d love to see more up to date research and findings on nutrition and health issues being presented. As well as some NEW recipes. Those are always very similar too. Anyway, I totally agree Gracie! Hope you’re having a great weekend!!!
Where can I find this Manna bread?? It looks like cake. I have a feeling I would be a big fan!
@Taylor - I found Manna bread at my local health food store! There’s some more info about where you can find it on the website
http://www.mannaorganicbakery.com/
xoxo G
I typically like my Saturdays to be a lil busier and my Sundays to be me lazy lazy days!
As far as health magazines, I just find them boring. Same ole stuff in every one of them! bikini body in 2 weeks! heres how to get better sleep! Eat this, not that”. Id like new more thoughtful content in those magazines.
Gosh I could have written this post myself about the health magazines. You were so articulate and insightful! I feel the exact same way. I want them to be more passionate about nurturing body, MIND, AND SOUL! I do read them and for the past few years have found them to be so belittling to women in the way that it’s all about the workout, all about the body, all about the food. It’s not just those things that fill us up as human beings. You said that so so well, I loved your writing!!
I also hate that you encountered a yoga bully! Who assigned seats at yoga??
The Manna bread looks out of this world, I’m going to keep my eyes out!
Hey girl, not sure if I have ever commented before but LOVE your blog
- just wanted to say that I totally agree with everything you said in this post about health/fitness mags. I used to love them so much (and even wanted to work for one!) but now I realize that every issue is exactly the same and the airbrushing is REALLY unethical… I don’t expect the airbrushing to ever go away, but it seriously bothers me that so many magazines encourage women to be “healthy at any size!” but insist on “fixing” celebs and models… Anyway, you rock, girl. 
[...] was…let’s just say…a surprise. A GOOD one! After I saw Gracie’s post about Averi’s Vegan Coconut Banana Bites, I was convinced. That would be our dessert, and [...]
Gracie you are so amazing!!! this post is so impressive- you wrote it so well. I agree with everything you said and you really got me thinking because I didn’t necessary have such concise issues with them myself. I mean, I knew they bothered me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on which aspects of them get to me. Now i feel like i can!! i hope some health magazine editors/writers read this
@Jennifer - just http://girlmeetshealth.com =) Thanks boo!
@Jessica - thanks for reading, lady
Writing for a health mag is always something I’ve wanted to do as well (still do!). But I didn’t want that to keep me from sharing this. Maybe they’ll come around! Especially if they hire people like us 
hehe
xoxo G
[...] a yoga bully & the state of health magazines. [...]
AMEN, SISTER! No, really, I definitely agree with everything you said. I also am very frustrated by the fact that many women’s health magazines have become very cookie-cutter, if you will - just saying the same thing over and over again. I want to see a magazine that is willing to be a little controversial, willing to step out and say something out of the ordinary, you know? Have you ever checked out Body + Soul? I just recently started reading it, and it seems like a great magazine for those of us interested in “health for the whole self” (sorry, I had to!) because it includes mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well.
Thank you so much for the link! I forwarded it to my Mama and she is just as excited about trying it as I am!
Hey girl, kudos on that health magazine revelation. I feel the same way! It drives me nuts that I seem to have to do all my own research in order to learn anything new.
“Give us some new information! There are tons of health and fitness-related studies coming out each year, and I want to hear about them.”
About this^ I’ve really come to enjoy blogging, but it started as a class project and my professor wants to see more “original journalism” So my question to you (and everyone reading) is what do you want to read about! I live in Baltimore (aka perfect place for health research) but I’m stumped on ideas (combo writers block and senioritis)Shoot me any ideas you have cuz I’d love to get my investigative pants on and write some posts people actually want to read about! Hope you have a great day!
@Gabrielle - I can totally relate to your situation…I’ve had to make blogs for 2 classes in the past before too. It kind of seems to suck the fun out of blogging, doesn’t it?
I’m personally very interested in the whole saturated fat “myth.” A lot of research has come out lately that saturated fat is not the cause of obesity and maybe not even the cause of heart disease. Or, what about something on the whole vegetarian/vegan “trend?” I actually did a piece for my journalism course on that, and it was pretty fun! I interviewed a few of my friends that are veggie/vegan. You could interview bloggers about it too!
Hope those suggestions helped
Good luck! xoxo G
girl i completely agree with the airbrushing!
SELF magazine airbrushes their models for a “self confidence” article.
disgusting.
i’m with you 100%! and those cookies look HEAVENLY.
-r
Omg, wow! So my mom and I had this SAME discussion over spring break. I was just ranting about how ridiculous these fitness magazines (that I have adored for so long!) really are. No celeb can live off of egg whites and salmon….if they’re doing that then they’re probably one of the ones under scrutiny for an eating disorder. Am I right or what?!
I mean sure, they may eat a little cleaner than others right before an event…but the healthy ones surely live their lives and enjoy themselves! They must! If not, I don’t want that lifestyle anyways
But also, let me just say how insane that breakfast looks! I am missing on my beloved green monsters like whoah right now! Hope you’re having a fabby day girl! XOXO
Hi! I’m a new reader and I just had to comment on this post to say that I couldn’t agree more! Just the other day I picked up a Women’s Health Magazine and I was so disappointed at how they seemed to focus on weight loss rather than health. They’re sending out the wrong message.
Hey, I am a newish reader, and just wanted to drop you a comment thanking you for the AMAZING blog. I sometimes find food blogs to be a bit obsessive and not that healthy, but yours is a great exception. I am think there should be more people writing with such balanced, down to earth approaches to food, health, and self-care, and I find your blog to be really inspiring. Just FYI!
You really love macaDamia nuts!!
Do you read Jezebel.com ? They are constantly pointing out the hypocrisy of women’s magazines. Here’s a good article:
http://jezebel.com/5450224/on-pseudo+fitness-magazines-and-eating-disorders
[...] made Peanut Butter Cocoa Cookies, Vegan Coconut Banana Cookies, Coconut Macadamia Cookies, Peanut Butter Oat Bran Muffins…not to mention I often use stevia in [...]
The the majority of stressful moments are those in which we feel we simply have too many pieces to concentrate on
Sure that’s great! By the way, I have you on my blogroll, but it goes to your old blog. How do I change the link to go to this one?