All those who are unhappy in the world
are so as a result of their desire for their own happiness.
All those who are happy in the world
are so as a result of their desire for the happiness of others.
- Shantideva

I know many young models who are terribly shy (I would be too if I was 2 feet taller than all the boys) , which ends up holding them back in castings. Dr. Mercola’s website explains that shyness has everything to do with how comfortable you feel in your own skin…its all about confidence!

However, I understand that it might be a little overwhelming being an awkward Giselle in the midst of adolescent bullies. To cope with being the wonderful freak of nature you may be, try checking out these tips that Dr. Mercola has to offer: 20 tips to attack shyness.

Believe it or not, but I used to be horribly shy growing up, so I know what you’re going through. But I worked really hard to overcome it, and I know you can too. Shine!! Don’t hold yourself back!

xo,

Betsy

I recently took a quick vacation to Sedona in Northern Arizona with my family where we hiked, relaxed and drank wine like we usually do; however, I ended up making a discovery that has changed my life. 

 I grew up in Oak Creek Canyon during the summers, so we have some neighbors down there that I consider family. One neighbor in particular is Shelly. 

I love Shelly because she lives full time deep in the canyon and grows her own vegetables: garlic, spinach, tomatoes, basil, squash…you name it. She wears no make up and is always outfitted in her teva sandles and hiking shorts, yet she has this natural quite beauty which causes me to probe her on her lifestyle any chance I get.  The latest wisdom she gave me was on a 2 mile hike, straight up the canyon wall….

We were on the topic of food as we were enjoying some almonds she had soaked and dried herself.  I don’t know quite how it came about but I think I asked her if she drank soy milk, and in the dry, even, “matter of fact” tone she always uses she said “No, soy is really bad for you…”, just like that!! (Shelly actually drinks raw unpasterized whole milk…)

“What!?!!” I was thinking in my mind.  If anyone was going to eat soy I was sure it would have been Shelly.  Then I felt embarrased to tell her that I consume soy every day…mainly because milk upsets my stomache.  So I just let her go on about how soy causes moodswings, elevated hormone levels (this explaines a lot!), cancer, malnutrion in 3rd world countries, thyroid disease etc. etc. ….

I was crushed. So I decided to do my own research, and she was right…
In an article titled “Cinderella’s Dark Side”  by Sally Fallon & Mary G. Enig, Ph.D., soy is bashed for containing “giotrogens-subtances that depress thyroid function”, and “haemagglutinin, a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together”. Hmmmm, not cool.

There are tons of articles written about soy, its origin, and why it can be very harmful to one’s health.  Here are a couple key facts about soy:

- Soy became a food during the Chou Dynasty when it was discovered how to ferment it to make foods like miso and soy sauce (Cinderella’s Dark Side)

-The Chinese did not eat unfermented soy beans because they contained large quantaties of anti-nutrients, stuff that cancels out the absorbtion of other nutrients the body needs, these toxins are not completely deactivated during cooking  (Cinderella’s Dark Side)

-Soy is synthetic…99% of soy is genetically modified and soy contains one of the highest levels of contamination by pesticides (Cinderella’s Dark Side)

-There are studies that show soy may increase the prominance of estrogen dependent breast cancer (mercola.com)

The Weston A. Price Foundation lists their reasons for boycotting soy:

 In conclusion, do not give your babies soy milk!! I highly suggest you research a little bit for yourself if you are a soy eater like I was. Visit Dr. Mercola’s site and read about Why Soy Can Damage Your Health.

Here are some healthy protien alternatives if you are a vegetarian and  used to getting your protein from soy products like Tofu: Pumpkin Seeds, Chickpeas ,Beans and Legumes, Peanut Butter, Dairy Products, Algae, and Vegetables like Broccoli, Kale and Turnip Greens.

Personally,  I think it is ok to eat meat.  Just make sure it is a lean meat like Chicken or Fish and that it hasn’t been given antibiotics or hormones.  I hope this has been helpful to you.

I am pretty relieved that I don’t have to feel guilty anymore about hating Tofu…

xo

Betsy

Attitude is Everything

My father used to hang this huge poster in my room that simply said “Attitude is Everything” when I was in high school, I think he was searching for means to get me out of bed in the morning so I wouldn’t be late for class (I did not like mornings!). At the time I was just like daaad, you’re a dork.

Then in College I was going through a tough time and he gave me a book called Hard Optimism, this time I actually paid attention…and it really has become my bible.

As much as the body needs training, so does the mind. Hard Optimism is one of my favorite books because it focuses on training the mind to dismiss negative thoughts. Basically it is saying that you can be a positive person, but if you still have negative thoughts they will cancel out the positive….

I try and read a little bit every once in a while or when I’m feeling unmotivated. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“The key is to be hopeful on purpose. Deliberately. Hope is a muscle that needs regular exercise”

I strongly believe that having a positive attitude is the real key to success; do not take your optimism for granted ever, because for most people, positivity is something they must work on every day…you must be proactive in finding positivity!

Comment on this post with your email address and I will put you in a drawing for your own copy of Hard Optimism by Price Pritchett! (I’ll announce the winner on Sunday!)

xo,

Betsy

Hey Everyone,

I hope you had a great weekend, mine was filled with scouting and traveling! While exposing myself to the elements…I made sure to wear lots of sunscreen and was mindful of the humidity levels wherever I went so my face wouldn’t break out. I also made sure to bring my Brush2Go mineral powder, blush and bronzer. Its the perfect make up for an active lifestyle because it isn’t messy AND it contains SPF 20 protection… genius! Created by a formal model, the mineral makeup is 100% natural, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial… and it contains no parabens!

I personally like it because it goes on extremely light and natural; you can layer it on depending on how much coverage/color you would like. It is the perfect makeup for your model tote (great for touch ups on the go)!!

You can find more info about it at www.beautycosmedics.com.

Have a fab Monday!

Betsy

Hey there,

I’m a big fan of salads, but I’m not a big fan of all the fatty heavy dressings that are out there. Not only are they fattening, but they mask the flavor of the vegetables and other goodies I like to throw in!

So I created my own light salad dressing that everyone seems to really love! I like to mix it all together, then toss it in with a big bag of romaine lettuce or spinach, some chopped bell peppers, broccoli, shallots, grapes, feta cheese etc…( a little dressing goes a long way!).

Betsy’s Famous Salad Dressing (for Greek or Veggie Salads)

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The juice from 1 large lemon

2-3 minced garlic cloves

Salt and Pepper

Just mix together in a small bowl or mini food processor and drizzle over your salad! Its that easy! I also use it as a Caesar Salad dressing by using Romaine lettuce and adding 1 minced anchovie to the ingredients. I like to throw in a container of shredded Parmesan as well! (Add more lemon to taste if you’d like with this version).

Both versions create a light flavorful companion to your favorite salad!

xo

Betsy

Hey there!

You guys have to check out my girlfriend’s new blog: www.fitnessista.com! She lost 40 lbs six years ago and has been able to keep it off for good (she looks incredible!). She blogs every day about her personal workout and what she ate that day, she really provides realistic advice and motivation on eating healthy and on getting the most out of your work out! Personally, she has helped motivate me in my eating habits plus she’s given me great new work out routines! Let me know what you think, I know you’ll love her as much as you love me! xoxo

Betsy

                                                           Nutrition Thoughts from My Scattered Brain 

                                                          by BBB fitness correspondent Andy McDermott 

• I pretty much look at all things that I may intake and try to assess if it has something in it that my body can use.  Obviously, our bodies need fuel to operate, and the higher quality fuel we burn, the better the performance and appearance of our bodies.
• I do not advocate, however, having zero fun in your diet!  Unless you are getting ready for a bodybuilding competition or a photo shoot, our bodies need a lot of nutrients and can handle some bad stuff thrown in there occasionally as long as we are doing at least a little bit of exercise almost everyday.  Life is too short to never get to enjoy delicious foods and drinks! 
• I look at it as kind of 80/20.  80% of what I put in my body is good, clean fuel.  Then of course, 20% is the sweets, dessert, beer/wine (in moderation or not at all of course!), pizza, or Philly cheesesteak sandwiches!  These are the fun foods of which our bodies can only use a fraction for fuel or none at all.  They are kind of a waste of time for our bodies, and, if we are not heating up the furnace and burning a lot of calories regularly, our bodies will turn those sugars, empty carbs, fats, and alcohol into body fat!
• For me, a simpler way to look at the 80/20 is to have one cheat day a week.  That does not mean on Saturday I’m going to eat at burger king 4 times and drink a case of Budweiser!  But it does allow me to eat pizza and some dark chocolate, or have a couple beers or other “not good fuel but delicious” intake items.  This plan works well because the cheat day can be adjusted according to which day you are going out to dinner or a night on the town or the night you just want to eat a large dark chocolate ice cream with kit-kat mixed in from Cold Stone!
• The cheat day keeps you sane!  Don’t try to eat strictly pure and clean for the rest of your life: you will want to jump off a bridge!  I find if I have something important I am looking forward to and want to look and feel my best, I can do this for a set amount of time, even if it sucks…  Once that event is finished though- I want to eat everything I see!

• OK, SO LET’S FIRST TALK ABOUT WHAT NOT TO INTAKE:  
• No WHITE FOODS!!  White pastas, breads, sugars, creams, sauces, chips: all have been overly processed.  These are the quintessential “waste of time foods!”  Sure they taste good, but your body cannot use them as well as other options (which we will get to) or not at all, and will turn them into body fat.
• Never drink another sugar drink again!  STOP IT!  There is SO much empty sugar in regular soda, certain juices, smoothies, coffee drinks, and energy drinks!!!!  You’re drinking more sugar than you would eat in an entire day. 
• If you must drink soda or energy drinks, ALWAYS choose diet. 
• Stay away from fast food.  Unless it is an extremely special treat, or it’s the only food option for 50 miles, there is absolutely no reason to go to any fast food burger or taco joint.  Even the healthy stuff is not totally healthy stuff!
• Can you eliminate salad dressing?  If not, try more clear stuff, like olive oils or balsamics, and not the creamy stuff.
• There is hidden sugar in a lot of stuff we don’t even think about.  Ketchup and BBQ sauce, for example, have more sugar than we think.  So, a good thing can turn into a bad thing if you eat a lot of it.  One or two pieces of FRUIT a day is healthy for you—more than that and it is just excess sugar that your body can’t use!

ALRIGHT, I THINK IT IS PRETTY EASY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT NOT TO EAT, AND IT’S KIND OF DEPRESSING TALKING ABOUT IT, SO LET’S THINK ABOUT WHAT ARE SOME GOOD FOODS TO INTAKE!: 

• Good protein.  As far as supplementation goes- getting some good protein into your body immediately after a workout is essential if you are doing any resistance training.  Basically you are tearing down your muscles while training, and then you are asking those muscles to build back up stronger/bigger/leaner.  Amino acids and proteins are the fuels for those muscles, so they are only able to develop with that fuel.  A good, clean protein shake after a workout is a staple.  If you are really trying to change your body, a second and maybe a third shake in a day is pretty important as well.  If trying to add muscle, I go more than a gram per pound of body weight per day.
• Lean meats.  Steak, chicken. Turkey is a lean sub: turkey bacon, ground turkey, etc.  Fish, especially salmon.  If vegetarian/vegan: you have to find another source: eggs, soy, protein shakes—it’s crucial!
• Greens!  Spinach, broccoli.  Green beans, edamame.  Raw is best, but steamed or prepared in olive oil is great too, and tastes better!
• Whole grains for your carbs.  Unless you are really stripping your body down for something special, carbs are crucial for your body to run correctly.  You cannot exercise hard and get no carbs. 
• Whole grain pasta, bread, snacks, etc!
• My wife makes awesome dishes using whole grains and ground turkey or turkey sausage: lasagna, pizza, turkey burgers, chicken pot pie, etc!
• We try to eat as organic as possible.  These healthy grocery stores are fantastic.  People believe they are more expensive, but we disagree for this reason: if you buy good, healthy, clean food, you eat it and your body loves it and uses every bit of it as fuel.  If you buy and consume what the average American gets at a grocery store, you eat a lot of stuff that is “waste of time food,” that may be cheaper for that moment, but you have to eat more of it to be satisfied because the nutrients aren’t there- your body isn’t getting the fuel it needs even though you are probably overeating.  This is one of the reasons people are more obese than ever, because the quality of our food has gone down, so people’s bodies tell them they are hungry again shortly after eating a meal—and we just eat and eat and eat!
• WATER!!!   Try drinking two full glasses of water with each meal.  Not only will you be hydrating, but your stomach will not feel as empty and make you overeat.  If you are “starving,” chug a glass of water before eating- for the same reason.  And if at all possible—and I personally know this is a hard one—try to substitute a water for a soda/energy drink/coffee drink.
• Another good trick I have learned is to brush my teeth or chew some gum immediately after a meal.  It helps me to somewhat eliminate my sweet tooth.  I think my body has been conditioned over the years to expect dessert—to expect something sweet after salty or tasty food.  This helps counteract it.
• Good fats: olive oil, almonds, natural peanut butter…
• SUPPLEMENTS:  there are SO many out there!  Too much info to be discussed here.  I use a LOT, but most importantly, get a good multi-vitamin, and plenty of protein to support your muscle development.  Even you LADIES!  It’s a misconception among women that the fastest way to change your body is to have killer workouts and starve yourself.  Wrong—you must eat to change!  Good protein, clean fuel, and lots of water will help you burn the fat you have and build lean muscle faster.

  SUMMARY:  It’s no secret– exercise hard and intake clean fuel and your body will get into the best shape of your life.  The best part is you will develop these habits as your lifestyle, not as a “diet.”  Having a healthy body will just feel natural to you!     This is one of the best guide’s I’ve read on eating for a healthy “lifestyle” rather than a fad diet!  If you have any more questions for Andy you can email them to Betsy@betsysbeautyblog.com. xo

Betsy

Model and Cop Andy shares with me why he’s so buff…

He also disclosed to me that he runs for 20 minutes in the morning before breakfast to burn off anything from the night, then he has a protein shake, then he hits the gym for like 45 minutes! Wow! Andy also attributes his nice body to eating a lot of ground turkey, spinach, peanut butter toast, and anything protein…

I’d say he’s doing something right!!

xo
Betsy