When it comes to our bodies statistics tell us that more than 80% of women are dissatisfied with their bodies, and the problem starts young - 65% of young girls think they are fat and start dieting at an early age.
Believing in yourself, in who you are, and in how you look... is the foundation to achieving what you truly want out of life and letting go of all the unnecessary worries comparing yourself to others. I know this isn't an easy thing to do...but it is worth it when you are free of negative thoughts towards yourself that will keep you from truly living a beautiful life.
The following steps, that I feel are crucial is that no matter what body you have, even if you feel you need to lose a few pounds or get in better shape... start by loving the body you have today. Here are some suggestions to do just that:
1. Create an "I love myself because..." list
First, write down 20 things that you love about yourself. Your list may include your personality, your kind heart, your outgoing personality, sense of humor, compassion, smile, elbows, feet, etc. Include things that you're good at, or various ways you're proud of yourself. If you have trouble with this exercise think about what your best friend would say about you. It's time to be your own best friend!
2. Look at the beauty around you
Take a deeper look at nature surrounding you. It may be a flower, trees, water, butterfly, a bird...is it perfect? Does it have imperfections, maybe a few blemishes on a leaf? Start to notice the beauty around you. Train your mind to let go of the "imperfections"
3. Who are your beautiful people?
Who do you admire and love? What is it that you love about them? Is it a person that exudes happiness? Joy? Love? Excitement? Enthusiasm? As you begin to take notice in the qualities you love in others understand that those qualities are in you too. The qualities that you love about who the people you admire are the qualities that make them beautiful. Focus on who people are not what they look like.
4. Delete Negative Self-Talk
Every time you hear yourself talking negatively about how you look,...STOP! Instead, turn the negative into positive self-talk. Your worst critic is YOU, which means only you can change that. You do have the power to focus on the positive, change your own state of mind and delete the negative self-talk whenever it shows up.
5. Cut the tags out of your clothes!
Don't buy a closet full of clothes that are too small for you to fit into, hoping that you'll fit into them soon - it's just depressing and it doesn't always motivate you either. Buy and wear clothes that fit the body you have today. They call it a "fitting room" for a reason. Size doesn't matter, it is all about how you feel in your clothes. My experience working with clients has proven over and over again that dressing the body you have today will help increase your self-esteem and in-turn weight will begin to fall away. When you feel better about yourself, you take better care of yourself. It's that simple!
6. Stop dieting!
Stop feeling guilty about what you've been eating and start eating healthy! Diet is a four letter word for most of us. Healthy eating is a lifestyle that leads to feeling good and a longer life. Not only does your health improve, but your mind does too. Good nutrition means you're nourishing your body by eating healthy foods, like veggies, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, lean meats, and nuts, and limiting sugar and unhealthy fats. Eat small frequent meals (every 3 hours) that contain protein. This will increase your metabolism and help you burn fat.
7. Get your heart pumping!
Everyone should exercise, not just for weight loss, so that you continually strengthen your heart and muscles. If you don't really like to exercise in the gym, explore your many other options for being physically active, like dance, yoga, or even Zumba! Whatever keeps you active! It's the best way to give back to your body for all it does for you.
8.Appreciate your beautiful body
Women are familiar with their face, not necessarily their body. Start to look at your body in the mirror. Study your shape and find the beauty. Notice how your body supports you and your daily life. If you stand there and detest your thighs, you are resenting a part of your body that you would certainly miss should you not have that beautiful leg anymore. Our bodies are beautiful vessels to support our gorgeous souls.
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