A Girl's Guide to Kicking Goals: body image - social media - workouts - recipes

by Steph Claire Smith, Laura Henshaw

As teenage models, Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith know exactly what it feels like to grow up in a media savvy world which makes growing up far more complicated. Having traded in skinniness for feeling great through fitness and a balanced diet, Laura and Steph’s book A Girl’s Guide to Kicking Goals traces their journey towards finding balance, happiness and self-acceptance in a digital world.

In the first chapter, Our Journeys, Steph and Laura narrate their unique journeys, from childhood to high school to their careers. They address pertinent issues such as eating disorders, beauty standards and the influence of social media.

The second chapter, Being Social, examines social media. Laura and Steph stress the importance of making social media a positive space, and avoiding traps that many girls fall into, such as conflating reality and online life and needlessly comparing themselves to others.

Steph and Laura talk about Beating the Bullies in the third chapter, and Your Body Changes, describes the natural changes girls go through at puberty and offers methods of coping with this turbulent time. Steph and Laura also offers pointers on maintaining loving, healthy relationships, both romantically and with family and friends, as well as how to manage time, including setting aside time to relax to reduce stress.

Later chapters discuss how to Find Your Career Path, Exercise, and lastly, You Are What You Eat, which includes healthy yet delicious recipes to go with your new exercise regime that is tailored to you. From Brekkie cups, which are packed with eggs, bacon and goat’s cheese and Legendary lamb salads to Trixy bikkies, Steph and Laura have savoury and sweet recipes that are suitable for everyone.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2019

Reviews

[Georgia Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely aimed at a younger crowd but had some great points for any stage of life. I’m going to give it to a 17 year old girl in the hope that it helps her navigate the remains of her teens easier 😂. Super easy and quick to read and if nothing else it has some good recipes at the back haha

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s aimed at younger women, I found it to be very informative and ‘real’, in the sense that everyone is different, and there is no one way to live life. They have great information in their book. A great read. The recipes and workouts at the end of the book are a bonus!

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book it is great for teenage girls

[BooksByDano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Quick easy read but there wasn't as much information as I would have liked.

[Bettina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very motivational, especially for younger girls, with some delicious recipes at the end.

[Taylor Van Orsouw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love both these girls and have been following their journeys for a while before, so I really enjoyed reading their book and the advice they had to offer!

[Gabrielle Conaghty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Especially good for younger teens I wish I had read a book like this when I was a teen. Great advice on body image and social media and heaps of yummy recipes at the end.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, very informative. Through the writing structure, you can tell the authors aren’t seasoned writers but have still done a great job. Am excited to read their next book and see the progress