We live in a world that is diet crazy. There are hundreds and hundreds of different ways out there “how to lose weight.”
I always say that I feel like I’ve tried every single diet out there, and made up five more of my own. If our main relationship with food is what can I eat to make me skinny, instead of what can I eat to give my body the nutrients it needs to live, then something is terribly wrong here.
The weight loss industry is a 500 billion dollar industry. But because it is driven so often by appearance and vanity, I also believe it is an industry filled with self-hate. Adolescent girls are more afraid of gaining weight than getting cancer or losing their parents. Two out of five women would give up 3-5 years of their life in exchange for weight loss. Nearly 50% of girls aged 3-6 are already concerned about their weight. 97% of women confess they have at least one “I hate my body moment” each day.
These numbers are staggering and very sad.
But I believe that we can see them change for the better, if we are willing to change our approach to being healthy and how that affects our weight and appearance.
The world today is obsessed with looks and being the thinnest person out there. The goal is to do whatever it takes to look like the airbrushed models in a magazine, and for a lot of people, that is the only way they will love themselves.
“I won’t like myself unless I get these extra two pounds off.” These were words that came from someone I was working with on their health. Two pounds? Does two pounds really make that big of a difference? To most of the population, yes. While it is very important to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle, excessive dieting is not healthy.
Don’t misunderstand me, I work hard to keep my weight and appearance as healthy as I can, but I’ve also discovered (the hard way) that there is more to to the process than just the appearance.
It also requires a mindset that positions you for success.
Here’s a recommended starting point for you…
Instead of the crazy dieting, try loving yourself first instead. What does this look like? And where do I start?
Here are 3 simple things to do every single day that can help change your mindset and start loving yourself well:
1. Stand in the mirror and tell everybody part that you love it and that you appreciate what it does for you. For example, tell your arms you love them and are thankful that they are there to carry things, lift, things, give hugs. Tell your legs you love them and are thankful that they allow you to walk. Tell your stomach you love it and are thankful it is there to support you.
2. Feed your body the nutrients it needs.It needs love on the inside just as much on the outside.
3. Rest and reflect.Take time during the day to sit, breathe, and reflect on how grateful you are that you are alive, able to walk, talk, breath. When you dwell on the positive, it is hard for negative thoughts to get in.
I have been on the journey of loving myself for a while now. It isn’t easy, especially when comparison to others creeps into the equation, but when you can truly say you love yourself it is one of the most freeing feelings. I challenge you to do one or all three of these and see how it changes the way you feel and think about yourself.
Don’t give up on losing weight, but let’s not make that the starting point.
It’s time to love yourself first.
What are some things you do to love on yourself?
This Post Has 2 Comments
I love my self, eat right ,fruits vegetables
I love myself ,talk to GOD everyday
I love myself ,I forgive other,who have hurt me
I will start on my journey tomorrow, I love myself journey with God,has already has begun
thanks really appreciate you