My 23 years in the fitness industry, didn't prepare me for this important realization. IT happened one day when I did an internet search, on behalf of one of my clients. Her daughter was having those questions (her body was changing shape...it was confusing). The search revealed websites that were less than desirable, even shocking.
With an all volunteer Board of dedicated women doctors, moms, aunties and grandmas, we birthed..."COOL GAL HEALTH SECRETS", in 2003. In 2010, the project and blog launched in Hawaii, and became a "club" (by invitation only thus providing even more privacy). Below is an example of what the first COOL GAL ambassadors created (all of this done by the kids, including the design of the blog!) Please email Cool_Gals_Health_Secrets@yahoo.com for information about how to become a member of the club!
The original "COOL GAL Ambassadors"(the 12-19 year olds) are the contributing writers for this "being healthy" blog (I and my board moderate/approve the comments.) The gals design/update the look of the blog and maintain it. New posts are added regularly. The "Cool Gal" ambassadors take turns answering the questions!!!
When appropriate , I, as "Head Cool Gal" WRITE AND POST ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS PROVIDING TIPS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE FOR EVERYONE TO BENEFIT BY...IT TAKES ONLY 5-10 MINUTES TO READ OUR BLOG REGULARLY.
Imagine that the more we talk about good health, the more we bring it about...we attract it!
Scroll down to the heading IN PURPLE and read a few posts/writings...and then PLEASE return often and read more about HOW YOU CAN HELP THE LAUNCH OF "COOL GALS HEALTH SECRETS HAWAII"!!!!!!!! All the "contributing writers" are from age 12-19 so please bear with their developing writing talents!! An introduction written by each "Gal" is featured to the right.
Anna from Georgia's Writing #3
When asked what she does that works when it comes to loving the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Anna says:
Whats working for me is that I am working hard in P.E. -which is alot of running- and swimming in the pool and conditioning for volleyball. I am also starting dance today and I'm super excited!! I am loving this because I'm having fun and staying fit at the same time. Fun is very important to me. I really don't like being serious but with doing things I love i can be healthy but kinda serious but mostly fun. I'd Love to hear from y'all!!! Thanks, Anna
Whats working for me is that I am working hard in P.E. -which is alot of running- and swimming in the pool and conditioning for volleyball. I am also starting dance today and I'm super excited!! I am loving this because I'm having fun and staying fit at the same time. Fun is very important to me. I really don't like being serious but with doing things I love i can be healthy but kinda serious but mostly fun. I'd Love to hear from y'all!!! Thanks, Anna
Sara from Connecticut's Writing #2
When asked what she does that works when it comes to loving the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Sara says:
hey guys its sara! My tip is that if you feel like you are being lazy or whatever, you can go outside or up to your room and just do some exercises that will get your heart moving. also if you play a sport you could go outside and practice that.
hey guys its sara! My tip is that if you feel like you are being lazy or whatever, you can go outside or up to your room and just do some exercises that will get your heart moving. also if you play a sport you could go outside and practice that.
When asked what question is she interested in YOUR feedback about Sara asks:
i have also been wondering if you guys could tell me what some healthier eating options are or some other ways to stay active during the week if you don't have something every day. thanks! -sara
Paige's comment to Sara's Post
Hey sara its paige and I think that if you want to stay busy during the week that all you have to do is like go into the living room and like sit ups or something or go for a jog. Also so healthy things to eat is like instead of making youself an ice cream, make yourself a salad. -Paige
Anna from Georgia's Writing #2
What works when it comes to LOVING the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Anna says:
Hey Everybody!!!
I have a really cool tip for getting healthy! It is.... that I swim laps in my pool in my backyard when I feel sluggish and lazy. I know, not everyone has a pool in their backyard so this would be kinda hard to do! I have a solution. For people who like running (not me) you might want to take a jog with a dog around the neighborhood or with your iPod or MP3 player. If you don't like running and you don't have a pool maybe get some kids together and play like capture the flag, kickball, flag football, or anything else you like to play!!
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Anna asks:
I have a question too! What if you are feeling picked on by your family if you eat like one sweet?? I know don't eat them alot and all but what if you just eat one like every other week and they still pick on you??? Luv Ya'll Anna
Hey Everybody!!!
I have a really cool tip for getting healthy! It is.... that I swim laps in my pool in my backyard when I feel sluggish and lazy. I know, not everyone has a pool in their backyard so this would be kinda hard to do! I have a solution. For people who like running (not me) you might want to take a jog with a dog around the neighborhood or with your iPod or MP3 player. If you don't like running and you don't have a pool maybe get some kids together and play like capture the flag, kickball, flag football, or anything else you like to play!!
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Anna asks:
I have a question too! What if you are feeling picked on by your family if you eat like one sweet?? I know don't eat them alot and all but what if you just eat one like every other week and they still pick on you??? Luv Ya'll Anna
Sara's comment to Anna's Post
hey anna!i totally agree with your tip because i have soccer practice every monday and wednesday, but wednesday is usually cancelled, so to stay in shape i usually go for a jog with my dog or with my friend down to the beach. if you feel like you are being picked on by your family for just eating one sweet, make sure that you go jogging (or swimming) to show them that you are responsible for keeping your body in shape! hope that was helpful! -sara
Other Than My Cool Gal Comments to Anna's Post
From the health standpoint eating one sweet is fine. You eat foods for nutrients, so you have to have a variety. You eat sweets for well.. TASTE!!! So since they are not doing anything to your bod except getting you hyper, it's fine to stick to one sweet. And no matter how much obsessed you are with something YOU WILL GET SICK OF IT!!! So, maybe it IS time for change.And trust me once your sick of something it takes a year at the minimum to get over it.. even chocolate. Kat
Paige from Arizona's Writing #1
What works when it comes to LOVING the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Paige says:
Also my comment is that when I feel like I've been a lazy bum I like to go jogging or go and play dance dance revolution to make sure I am staying active. Well please help me out. Thanks guys, Paige
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Paige asks:
Hi Guys...it's paige. It took me a while to come up with my question and comment but I was thinking about my life situation. My life eating habits situation is that I'm a super super fast eater, so my question to you guys is how do you know when to stop eating if your a fast eater?
Also my comment is that when I feel like I've been a lazy bum I like to go jogging or go and play dance dance revolution to make sure I am staying active. Well please help me out. Thanks guys, Paige
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Paige asks:
Hi Guys...it's paige. It took me a while to come up with my question and comment but I was thinking about my life situation. My life eating habits situation is that I'm a super super fast eater, so my question to you guys is how do you know when to stop eating if your a fast eater?
Anna's comment to Paige's Post
Paige, to answer your question eat a little at a time then wait and see if you feel full after a while and if you do stop.~Anna Banana
Sara's comment to Paige's Post
hey its sara! another way to stop eating so much or to slow down your eating is to stay active or to have something to do. most people start to just eat and eat if they are bored or don't know what to do on the weekends or in the afternoon...
Lindsay's comment to Paige's Post
hey paige-i am a fast eater at lunch, and often when people at my school finish eating, they go and eat more because we have a snack bar. instead, i try to avoid that by talking with my friends untill our short lunch period is over, and it passes the time realy quickly!Good luck!-Lindsay
Other Than My Cool Gal comments to Paige's Post
Paige, I love to play ddr (Dance Dance Revolution)! This kid weighed 200 pounds when he was our age and he played ddr for like a month and he was down to 110 pounds! So keep it up. Luv ya all, Lacey..........
Hi everyone this is Izzy!! What i have to say about Paige's post is that you will know you have had enough food when you wait a little while after eating part of your plate. Also don't take the whole bag of chips when you sit down only take a little bowl. After you finish that and wait about 10 minutes if you are still hungry get a little more. I hope that is helpful!!I am on the track team and it is really fun!! It is a good way to stay in shape!!Love,Izzy............
Hey I am one of Anna's friends but none of you know me because I live in Utah. But, I do know alot about health.Paige- Stop eating when your 80 percent full. Not only can will this keep you slim and healthy but health experts have proven that this is the only thing that can can do to improve your life span. No lie!!! Eating slow helps to :) Kat
Hi everyone this is Izzy!! What i have to say about Paige's post is that you will know you have had enough food when you wait a little while after eating part of your plate. Also don't take the whole bag of chips when you sit down only take a little bowl. After you finish that and wait about 10 minutes if you are still hungry get a little more. I hope that is helpful!!I am on the track team and it is really fun!! It is a good way to stay in shape!!Love,Izzy............
Hey I am one of Anna's friends but none of you know me because I live in Utah. But, I do know alot about health.Paige- Stop eating when your 80 percent full. Not only can will this keep you slim and healthy but health experts have proven that this is the only thing that can can do to improve your life span. No lie!!! Eating slow helps to :) Kat
Paige's comment to her own post...A Thank YOU!
Thanks everyone for the great feed back i will definitely keep all of your guys ideas in mind.-Paige
Sara from Connecticut's Writing #1
What works when it comes to LOVING the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Sara says:
Hey...its Sara! And my tip is (kind of responding to my own question) is that by taking even a couple extra minutes, to go for a run or to do some core exercises!
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Sara asks:
My question is how do you stay as healthy during the summer as you do doing the school year? I have been noticing that food in general is so much worse!
Hey...its Sara! And my tip is (kind of responding to my own question) is that by taking even a couple extra minutes, to go for a run or to do some core exercises!
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Sara asks:
My question is how do you stay as healthy during the summer as you do doing the school year? I have been noticing that food in general is so much worse!
Anna from Georgia's Writing #1
What works when it comes to LOVING the responsibility of taking care of her health, body, body image, and quality of life Anna says:
One thing i now like is to ride my bike around the back neighborhood. This is fun because there are ALOT of hills and going down them is soooo fun! I am really starting to like riding my bike! (hey that rhymes)
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Anna asks:
The one thing i have a question on is when i want something sugary what do i do? I mean I eat fruit and veggies and other healthy stuff but sometimes i'm in the mood for something sugary. so i try to eat healthy stuff but it just makes me want more sugary stuff! HELP! thanks so much!! luv ya Anna :)
One thing i now like is to ride my bike around the back neighborhood. This is fun because there are ALOT of hills and going down them is soooo fun! I am really starting to like riding my bike! (hey that rhymes)
When asked what she is interested in YOUR feedback about Anna asks:
The one thing i have a question on is when i want something sugary what do i do? I mean I eat fruit and veggies and other healthy stuff but sometimes i'm in the mood for something sugary. so i try to eat healthy stuff but it just makes me want more sugary stuff! HELP! thanks so much!! luv ya Anna :)
AUNTIE CARMELA'S REPONSE TO ANNA'S 1ST WRITING
AC SAYS ABOUT EXERCISE: IN CLARIFYING A FEW THINGS ABOUT ANNA'S SUGGESTION...RIDING A BIKE AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BENEFITS THE BODY IN A WAY THAT IS CALLED "AEROBIC", MEANING THE MAIN MUSCLE THAT BENEFITS THE MOST IS THE HEART. HOW MUCH THE HEART NEEDS TO BE THE HEALTHIEST IS 1 HOUR A DAY...AND 10 MINUTES HERE AND THERE COUNT!!!! SO WHAT ANNA DID WAS TAKE CARE OF HER HEART A BIT. AND PLEASE DO THAT 6 MORE TIMES EVERY DAY...(OR A COMBINATION OF THINGS, SO YOUR ARE REALLY GIVING YOUR HEART THE WORK IT TAKES TO BE HEALTHY, OK?
ALSO, DEPENDING ON THE GOALS A GAL HAS...PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT 10 MINUTES OF BIKE RIDING BURNS AROUND 12 CALORIES UNLESS YOU ARE ALWAYS GOING UPHILL (COASTING DOWN BURNS "0"), AND 12 CALORIES IS THE AMOUNT IN ONE TABLESPOON OF JUICE!!! GET THE PICTURE?
AC SAYS ABOUT FUELING: EVERY TIME WE DESIRE SUGAR, THE FIRST MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO IS LOOK AT WHY THAT THOUGHT IS THERE. OUR
"BRAINS" LIVE ON GLUCOSE (A SUGAR THAT THE BODY HAS CONVERTED FROM OUR FOODS. AND TOO MUCH OF ANY KIND OF FOOD THAT TURNS TO SUGAR LITERALLY DEPLETES THE BRAINS ENERGY SUPPLY AND COMPROMISES THE BRAIN'S POWER TO CONCENTRATE, MENTAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRE A LOT OF ENERGY.
IN THE END EACH OF US HAS A CHOICE. I'M REQUESTING THAT "IF" YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING A SUGARY FOOD (ESPECIALLY SUGARY DRINKS, EVEN JUICE, CANDY, COOKIES, ETC.) PLEASE DO NOT HAVE THEM BEFORE YOU HAVE TO STUDY AND/OR TAKE A TEST. INSTEAD PLEASE HAVE THEM JUST BEFORE YOU EXERCISE OR WORKOUT, THAT WAY THEY WILL BURN OFF AND NOT GO TO STORAGE!!! IS THAT A DEAL?
GREAT JOB ANNA, AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A COOL GAL LEADER!!!
ALSO, DEPENDING ON THE GOALS A GAL HAS...PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT 10 MINUTES OF BIKE RIDING BURNS AROUND 12 CALORIES UNLESS YOU ARE ALWAYS GOING UPHILL (COASTING DOWN BURNS "0"), AND 12 CALORIES IS THE AMOUNT IN ONE TABLESPOON OF JUICE!!! GET THE PICTURE?
AC SAYS ABOUT FUELING: EVERY TIME WE DESIRE SUGAR, THE FIRST MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO IS LOOK AT WHY THAT THOUGHT IS THERE. OUR
"BRAINS" LIVE ON GLUCOSE (A SUGAR THAT THE BODY HAS CONVERTED FROM OUR FOODS. AND TOO MUCH OF ANY KIND OF FOOD THAT TURNS TO SUGAR LITERALLY DEPLETES THE BRAINS ENERGY SUPPLY AND COMPROMISES THE BRAIN'S POWER TO CONCENTRATE, MENTAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRE A LOT OF ENERGY.
IN THE END EACH OF US HAS A CHOICE. I'M REQUESTING THAT "IF" YOU FEEL LIKE HAVING A SUGARY FOOD (ESPECIALLY SUGARY DRINKS, EVEN JUICE, CANDY, COOKIES, ETC.) PLEASE DO NOT HAVE THEM BEFORE YOU HAVE TO STUDY AND/OR TAKE A TEST. INSTEAD PLEASE HAVE THEM JUST BEFORE YOU EXERCISE OR WORKOUT, THAT WAY THEY WILL BURN OFF AND NOT GO TO STORAGE!!! IS THAT A DEAL?
GREAT JOB ANNA, AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A COOL GAL LEADER!!!
Anna's comment to her first post...WAY COOL TO BE A COOL GAL!
OH MY GOSH!!! Carmi this is sooooooo COOL!!!i can't wait to get started!!!!!LOVE YA!Anna
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