Maryann Jacobsen - My Bodys Superpower: The Girls Guide to Growing Up Healthy

My Bodys Superpower

Copyright 2019 Maryann Jacobsen

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is not intended as a substitute for medical advice of physicians or any health professional. The reader or guardian should regularly consult a health professional (physician, mental health professional, dietitian) in matters relating to his/her daughters health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The advice and strategies in this book are used for education and may not be suitable for every situation. Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Cover Illustration by Hannah Patrico

Cover design and interior illustrations by Jeanine Henning, JH Illustrations

Book design by Maureen Cutajar, www.gopublished.com

Editing by Arnetta Jackson

Published by Jacobsen Publishing

MaryannJacobsen.com

For Anna.

Youve helped me discover superpowers I never knew I had.

Especially in the love department.

CONTENTS

Part 1: Physical Powers

Part 2: Emotional Powers

Part 3: Outside Powers

Introduction

From Secret Powers to Superpowers

Imagine if superheroes like Supergirl or Wonder Woman never discovered their powers. Think how different the world would be. All those people wouldnt be saved and the bad guys would have won. And the superheroes themselves would be unhappy, feeling like something was missing in their lives.

Although superheroes arent real, their stories tell an important truth you are about to discover. As you go through puberty and your body changes, you gain many superpowers. But unlike superheroes, your bodys amazing abilities are less noticeable and often stay secret.

Thats how it was for me growing up. I had no idea of my bodys superpowers. It wasnt until I graduated high school that I became aware of a couple of them. But it took many years to discoverand usethem all. Too long, I say. But thats why Ive written this book. I want things to be different for you, and every girl out there.

Change Is Coming

I am a registered dietitian, mom, and author. Ive written several books for parents about raising healthy children, but I decided it was now time to write for younger generations. Thats because as you approach and get into double digits (10 and beyond!), you need to learn how to take care of your body. This stage of development is considered early adolescence and it signals a great amount of change coming.

Adolescence is the time period between puberty and adulthood. Early adolescence (10-14) is important for learning about your body because this is when the changes of puberty start. Figure things out now, and it will help you not just for the rest of adolescence, but for the rest of your life!

You may be thinking, I already know about healthy choices. But just knowing what to do does not make a person healthy. Its better to get to know your amazing body because it holds all the answers. Thats why this book focuses on three steps to using and enjoying all of your bodys superpowers. Lets take a look.

Step #1: Super Knowledge

The first step is learning about all the changes going on inside you. Without this information, you may assume that something is wrong or even be scared. But I promise you, there is a reason for each and every change you experience. Without this knowledge your powers stay hidden and you are unable to fully use them. Thats why I call it Super Knowledgeit gives your mind all the information it needs to open up to your Superpowers.

There are other books that talk about menstruating, hygiene, and how sex organs like your breasts change. This is not that kind of book. The purpose of this book is to help you understand your changing body so you can learn to take care of it. Only then can you master its superpowers and use them for a force for good in your life.

Step #2: Body Talk

After learning whats going on inside your body, youll discover how your body talks to you. Learning its language is key to mastering each and every superpower. Whether its your Appetite Signals, Internal Compass, or Super Functioning, listening closely is key. Unfortunately, many girls dont know how to listen to their body, so they miss these signals. But not anymore!

Like any first-rate superhero, youll want to stick with the superpowers you have. I mean The Flash would probably love to fly like Supergirl, but thats not his superpower. He could work day and night trying to fly and make no progressand end up feeling awful about himself. Hed be better off mastering his own superpowerslike moving at lightning speed!

One example of this is when puberty starts. You dont have the power to change that because its mostly determined by your genes. You can work to speed up or slow down puberty but all it will do is frustrate you. By sticking to your superpower of X-ray Vision (being able to clearly see why things are the way they are), you will be happier and healthier.

Step #3: Time Travel

If you are like most young people, you think about how you feel right now . And that can tempt you to go against your superpowers. This is where your power of Time Travel comes in. When making a decision, imagine yourself in the future and how you will feel then as a result of your decision. This can even be a few days ahead. So if you have homework over the weekend, imagine how youll feel Sunday night if you decide to wait to do it then, rather than doing it now. It wont feel so hot then to have to skip family game night.

When you learn about and master your superpowers, your future selfwhich eventually catches up with youis always better off. But it's not always easy to see that right now. Like any skill, mastering Time Travel takes time and practice.

Together, Super Knowledge, Body Talk, and Time Travel help you make Super Decisions. Check in with these three and youll easily master your bodys superpowers. This book will show you how!

The Superpower Formula

The Three Types of Superpowers

This first part of the book focuses on your bodys physical powers : how your body changes during puberty and what you can give it so it thrives. The second part focuses on your emotional powers , those sticky feelings, friendships, and how you feel about the type of person you are becoming. Last is your outside powers and how to use them with the pressures of both the virtual and real worlds.

You will be introduced to a total of nine of your bodys superpowers which deliver super health, allowing you to live an amazing and full life. I call this My Bodys Superpower because together these superpowers make up a miraculous force of health and happiness. Leave one out, and your bodys superpower isnt as strong.