Friday, March 11, 2016

What Your Daughter With an Eating Disorder Wants to Say but Can’t


This is going to be a series of post. I want to be the voice for those who haven’t found the strength yet to voice what they wish they could say or who maybe haven’t identified what is going on beyond the chaos and confusion of their disorder and pain. I remember being there many years ago, these posts are from my own experiences and from what I have learned from others who I have mentored. I acknowledge that everyone’s experiences and disorders are different but this is what I found to be my truth and know it will help many others out there.
My first “voice” I want to give to your daughter (or son) who is fighting their eating disorder, of which I feel inspired to address, is to mothers and their own dieting goals while your daughter is fighter her battle with recovery.
 Personally, even many years later this still strikes a sensitive spot with me and my own mother and I have heard this countless time from young women I mentor, “What do I do when my mom is constantly dieting?”
Parents with children of eating disorders need to realize that food, exercise, and dieting have become an obsession and addiction to their child. It is like a drug to them. If your child was in rehab for alcohol abuse or drugs, would you wave a beer in front of their noses? Would you talk about your getting high and your nights of partying?
You also need to realize there is much pain associated with weight. They are fighting against the world and their old self telling them that they need to be thinner. They are looking to you for support and an example. If you are trying to lose weight it is almost as if you are not “on their team” they feel betrayed in essence and that they are alone in the fight.
From the mother’s perspective I might hear, “What if I really do need to lose weight for my own health?” Of course I’m not against being healthy. My advice is to keep it to yourself. NEVER involve your daughter in the process. Do not tell her how much weight you have lost, don’t tell her your work out goals, just don’t wave that glass of beer in front of her!
 Exercise when she is not around, eat rationally, balanced meals that the whole family is also eating, don’t restrict food or calorie count and if you do PLEASE never say it out loud. Numbers and especially weight numbers are VERY triggering to eating disorder patients.
Instead, let’s be an example of loving our bodies the way they are and giving your daughter the support she needs of being in a non-diet atmosphere!
-By Haley Freeman, Author of A Future for Tomorrow: Surviving Anorexia, My Spiritual Journey.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Step It Up!

I want to make a plea to women everywhere and to especially mothers.  It’s time we step it up. I see the repercussions of this issue almost daily in the field I’m in with my public speaking and my books’ topics and I don’t think women get it and the damage they do to their children without even knowing it.

I believe we do better when we know better so my hopes are with this message that maybe just one mother will change her conversation and influence her daughters and other women around her once she knows better.   

To make my point I’m going to share three true situations I’ve come across just in the last couple of weeks.  

True Scenario #1: 
At dinner, a teenager girl was scolded by her mother as her mother observed the daughter’s plate of food, her mother said, “you will never keep your figure if you keep eating that way.”   Really? Does this mother think this comment is helpful? First of all, make no mistake these type of statements sting and will be moments this girl will never forget. The words might even feaster into an eating disorder one day.  Best case scenario the teen has been taught that her appearance is very important to her mother and that her size needs to stay under a specific weight to be acceptable in her mother’s eyes. Next, the teen has been taught she now needs to hide the amount of food she eats from her mother.  Most likely, the teen will now crave even more “forbidden” foods and eat them in secret, creating an unhealthy relationship with food that she will probably fight her entire life.

True Scenario #2: 
A seven year old girl was offered nourishing milk to go along with her meal, she replied. “no, I don’t want milk. My mom told me it will make me fat.”    Wow. I was blown away when I heard this with my own ears! Firsts of all, that is false.  Statistics show people who drink milk actually weigh less than those who don’t. And metabolically calcium aids in weight lose because calcium stored in fat cells plays an important role in breaking down fat, it also helps with the body's fat-burning.
 But that is besides the fact, how sad it is that a mother would tell a SEVEN year old to not eat or drink something to prevent “getting fat.”    Again, this has taught this young girl, who shouldn’t even have fat and food intake on her radar yet, that weight is important and being heavier is bad and not acceptable.


True Scenario #3 
This is actually an accumulation of events. I have yet to attend any kind of party, shower, or any other gathering of women where the conversation doesn’t end up being about diets and how they “shouldn’t” have the refreshment. Really ladies? Are we not of deeper substance and intellect than to not have anything else to say to each other besides what our fitbit bands say or what our next diet strategy will be? Personally it drives me crazy and I think it’s a poor example to the little listening ears around us who are watching us, learning to emulate how they too will interact with peers when they grow up.  We need to step it up.  Hold ourselves to a higher standard. Decide that we want a better world for our daughters and next generation of girls. Teach them to value intrinsic characteristics. Let them hear us discuss services projects, educational acclimates, spirituality, and the building of each other up by complimenting each other on something besides each other’s weight loss and appearances.  I know we can do better when we know better, please ladies let’s step it up.  

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Author Interview

Catch my interview with Double Decker Books.
Do you want to know my answer to:
What is the hardest part of writing a book about yourself?
and
What was different between your first copy and the new copy of this book?

Click Here to read it.









Also, if you have blog or popular facebook page and want to read A Future for Tomorrow for free, you can join the blog/facebook tour! You just need to post your review! For more details contact either Haley (haleyshearttoheart@gmail.com)  or Double Decker Books through their link above.  (Blog Tour dates extended)




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, April 6, 2015

Book Release Party!

You are invited to come celebrate the release of the second edition of A Future for Tomorrow by attending a Facebook party at your own house on your own computer/smartphone/tablet etc.

When: April 11th, Saturday
 Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: Facebook


Visit event page and WIN PRIZES and have fun playing games!

click here below and
Join A Future for Tomorrow Facebook Party


https://www.facebook.com/events/624740687658371/

10 Ways to Love Your Body

I stumbled upon this list online and loved it! I wanted to share it with you.
I especially love number 5 and 10.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Win Amazon Gift Card!

Trailer Release!

 
 
Post my second edition book trailer of A Future for Tomorrow: Surviving Anorexia, My Spiritual Journey and be entered to win a $15 Amazon gift card!
 
Drawing winner will be announced Friday, April 3rd at 12:30 p.m. Deadline to share/post the trailer and my website info. is Friday at noon. Thank you for your support and helping me share my story.
 
Here is the info you need to post on Facebook to be in the drawing: 
 (You can find the info on my facebook page (Haley Hatch Freeman) and you can just share my post.)
Or you can use the info below and the youtube link:
 A Future for Tomorrow second edition book trailer. Book is available now for pre-order at www.haleyhfreeman.com
Make sure you tag me in your post or in a comment of the post so I can enter you in the contest.
 
 
For twitter: if you post my video and website (www.haleyhfreeman.com) you will also be entered to win, use @haleyhf to let me know you posted it.
 
 
 
That's it!  Thanks again for your support!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Second Edition of A Future for Tomorrow Cover Reveal!

It's time to reveal the cover of the second edition of A Future for Tomorrow!



 
Book Release Coming Soon!!!!
 
 
The second edition has two new chapters, new layout, new updates, several new pictures, and a never before section for parents in the back.  I can't wait to share it with the world!
 
 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager

I'm excited to share this book since it deals with self-image and finding your "true colors."  I'm delighting that it is a Clean Reads Book, meaning no worries about it being appropriate for our teens to read.
 
True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
 A little competition can really bring out people’s true colors.

 Landry Albright just wants to be one of the interesting girls at school who always have exciting things going on in their lives. She wants to stand out, but also wants to fit in, so she gives in when her two best friends, Ericka and Tori, push her into trying out for a teen reality show modeling competition with them. Landry goes in nervous, but impresses the judges enough to make it to the next round. However, Ericka and Tori get cut and basically "unfriend" her on Monday at school. Landry tries to make new friends, but gets caught up between wanting to be herself and conforming to who her new friends want her to be. Along the way she learns that modeling is nowhere as glamorous as it seems, how to deal with frenemies, a new crush, and that true friends see you for who you really are and like you because of it.

What people are saying about True Colors:

From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK:
"This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!"

From Books & Authors Spot: This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are teased about them. This thing is looks aren't every thing. This book is related to every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel.


Author bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager is an author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and also writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. True Colors is her international bestselling debut novel from Astraea Press and the first book in the Landry’s True Colors series. The second book, Best Friends…Forever? will be released on March 24, 2015. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite TV shows. She received her master’s in American Culture from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Buy Links:





Connect with Krysten:




Author talk show interview: http://wdtn.com/2014/11/06/true-colors/



 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Awards!

Thank you Double Decker Books for the acknowledgments with these awards from your Award Night this week. It was an honor.



Saturday, October 11, 2014

Saturday Blog Tour of From Head to Tummy

Last Blog Tour Day


Sunshy Books

"Little girls of all ages will enjoy the bright, colorful pages of this story book while learning,"
says the blogger. She continues,
"The is a book girls should be reading."

Cover photo
To see the rest of her review of my book visit her blog:

Sunshy Books Blog Tour Review

http://sunshybooks.blogspot.com/2014/10/from-head-to-tummy-blog-tour.html

Spilling Words Blog Tour Review

kayceek


"The art in this book is beautiful and also help tells the story while showing the facts."
Says KayCee.
"This is a story that parents should be reading to girls who’s growing up in this world."

For the rest of her review click below:
Spilling Words
http://spillingwordskck.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/fromheadtotummytourgiveaway/

Thank you ladies for your great reviews!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Friday Blog Tour of From Head to Tummy


I Love to Read and Review Books Blog Tour Review

"This book is WAY DARLING!
AND. OH. SO. NEEDED.

So many people, including little girls, are looking to the media and what others think to tell them how they should look and what they should eat.

This book teaches sound truths about food, self-esteem, and real beauty.

"Journey with the adorable Ashley as she's faced with life's unavoidable moments that create confusion about food and her body."

"But soon she will discover the truth and find happiness in learning how to listen to her tummy's signals, use tools to deal with social pressures, and focus on her true beauty."

A story so FABULOUSLY TOLD!
A way to see that health is more than what you look like.

Told simply enough for a child to understand, it's a message that is vital for EVERYONE!" -- Shauna Wheelwright
 
To see what else Shauna posted about my book and to read her other book reviews check out her blog from the link below.

I Love to Read and Review Books
http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/2014/10/from-head-to-tummy.html



Post Card Reader's Blog Post




To enter my GIVEAWAY follow the link at the bottom of this post 

Post Card Reader
http://postcardreader.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/fromheadtotummygiveaway/



Purple Book Reviews Post


In my interview with Double Decker Books (the host of this blog tour) I was asked this questions,

Q. I noticed while reading “From Head to Tummy” that one of the issues you bring to the forefront was commercial advertisement, what are your thoughts about what today’s society and the ads young girls see?

Follow the blog link below to see my answer and the rest of the interview.

Purple Book Reviews

http://purplepenbooksreview.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/blog-tour-author-haley-hatch-freeman/

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Thursday Blog Tour of From Head to Tummy

The Book Swap's Blog Tour Review



"Haley’s book “From Head to Tummy” is a light hearted, lovely, insightful and informational children’s book that I would recommend to any parent to read, even though it is targeted for girls, this book also has a great message for young boys too."

"Haley’s illustrator Lori Nawyn created such warm, colorful pictures that fit right with the book storyline, I truly enjoyed the colorfulness and it gave off a warm glow to it has I read."

To read more of her five star review click on the link below!

The Book Swap

http://thebookswap.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/book-blast-review-with-author-haley-hatch-freeman/


Ink Spell Reviews Blog Tour Post

Ink Spell Reviews
http://inkspellreviews.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/giveawayfromheadtotummy/

BOOK RELEASE DAY!!!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!
From Head to Tummy is officially released to be purchased on amazon and on my website!!!!!


Give your daughter the peace and freedom that come from knowing the truth about food, self-assurance, and real beauty.
It’s never too early to help your child build a healthy body image.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association
  • 42% of 1st–3rd grade girls want to be thinner
  • 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat


Your daughter will journey with the adorable Ashley as she’s faced with life’s unavoidable moments that create confusion about food and her body. But soon she will discover the truth and find happiness in learning how to listen to her tummy’s signals, use tools to deal with social pressures, and focus on her true beauty.

From Head to Tummy provides vital tips and assignments for mothers to help build a strong foundation of worth for themselves and their daughters, as well as help them create a healthy relationship with food in their families.
Author Haley Hatch Freeman
Illustrator Lori Nawyn



 
Books Sold at www.haleyhfreeman.com
Amazon link:



About the Author:
Haley Hatch Freeman is the author of A Future for Tomorrow which tells her remarkable true story of enduring and overcoming anorexia and detailed miracles along the way which including a unique near death experience.
Because of her incredible story she has been interviewed on radio shows both in the US and Canada. She’s been on TV including an appearance on the Good Things Utah show. Her story has been featured in newspapers, national publications, and her book is available worldwide. Entire retreat programs have been developed because of Haley’s book and she mentors women all over the world.
Haley not only studied Eating Behaviors in college, but since she defeated anorexia she provides valuable insight on both professional and personal levels. She has been professional trained in public speaking and is a member of the Mountain West National Speaking Association. She is a keynote speaker presenting at women’s conferences, schools, church groups, and more. To schedule her for your event contact her at haleyshearttoheart@gmail.com
Haley founded the company Haley’s Heart to Heart in 2012. Haley’s Heart to Heart is a resource of truth for women and children about eating disorders, media messages, and social pressures. Haley’s Heart to Heart encourages others to creating a healthy relationship with food, develop self-acceptance, and internalizing their divine-worth.
After seeing a great need of children in these areas Haley wrote her next book From Head to Tummy: The Simple Truth about Food, Media Messages, Self-worth, and True Beauty.
Haley delights in raising her three children in Utah with her eternal companion, best friend, and true soul mate: Brandon.

Social Media Links:
 


 
About the Illustrator:
Lori Nawyn’s essays, articles, and short stories have appeared in regional and national online and print publications including KSL.com and Deseret News. She is the author of My Gift to You (2010), Fill Your Day with Hope (2013), Simple Things (2014), The Great American Family Reunion Cookbook (2014), and The Pear Aficionado (2014).
An artist and graphic designer, Lori is the illustrator of What are you Thinking? (2010), Love, Hugs, and Hope: When Scary Things Happen (2013), and the author/illustrator of the forthcoming children’s series Abbie & Jack (2015). She is also the creator and founder of Hearts and Hands Dolls, a company that creates dolls to donate to the elderly, and to homeless and abuse children.
The wife of a fireman, mother of four, and grandmother of four, she loves to find the miracles in each new day.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Day of Online Parties!!!!


First a Twitter Party!!
I will be answering questions during this time so send your questions either about my book A Future for Tomorrow or about From Head to Tummy or any related topic to us on twitter this Saturday (the 11th)  starting at 3:00-4:00 the flier above has our twitter addresses.
Also there are three book giveaways!


Next a Facebook Party with Prizes!!!




Also this Saturday from 7-10pm pop into facebook to my event page (Event Page Party link) and you can play along and be entered in numerous drawings for a variety of awesome prizes!! Good luck!!!

This is all to celebrate my book's launch tomorrow!!!!!!

Also, I want to share a coloring page with your little ones!
Have them color it and if you take a picture of it or scan it and send it to me at www.haleyshearttoheart@gmail.com I will post their adorable coloring on my facebook author page!

For the older children, have them draw a picture of themselves doing something that always makes them feel the best about their self.
A little PRIZE will be given to any child that colors it (or draws a picture) and brings it with them to my book launch next Sat. the 18th at the American Fork Library at 3:30-5:30