Most of the people I meet who are trying to lose weight do not have a very high opinion of themselves, and certainly not of their bodies. When asked what is wrong with them, the response is generally first a look that seems to scream, "Are you kidding??? Isn't it obvious?" and then they will recount the many faults they see as a result of not being the "proper" weight...their thighs, double chin, flabby arms, cellulite, muffin top and on and on.
I believe that we must first learn to embrace our beauty--as we are (fat faults and all)--in order to achieve a satisfying, successful and permanent weight loss.
Underneath our criticism of our bodies due to our weight is really a dissatisfaction with our bodies in general that no amount of weight loss will fix.
Somehow, most women have absorbed this idea that beauty looks a specific way. In other cultures, beauty may be marked by attributes that we find odd. As an aside, if you didn't see Jessica Simpson's series on beauty, it is worth watching as she explores this very concept.
As our world becomes more homogenized these concepts of beauty may begin to meld into one accepted definition of beauty, which I find rather sad. Truth is, "beauty" is merely a concept, an idea. Beauty is not a thing and it is not even a specific look...otherwise it would be identical everywhere.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is an idea that has been expressed in writing since at least the 3rd century BC. It is true today, yet somehow we have chosen to allow someone else's vision of what is beautiful obscure our own.
This is the great disservice that beauty pageants do to our young women. We are taught from an early age that if we do not conform to a specific body type we are not beautiful. We are taught if we are too old, or too young, to be eligible for a pageant that we cannot possibly be beautiful. Thus girls and women of all ages and body types struggle to fit this single model.
I recognized at an early age there was no way I would be able to compete in a beauty pageant. My bones and musculature just didn't fit the mold. I was too short and too heavy to be beautiful. Even when I wasn't fat, I couldn't accept that I was not. After all, I weighed more and was shorter than the Miss America crowd, therefore I must be fat. In my young mind that was the only explanation!
Whether you are naturally pear shaped or have a build more suited to shot-putting than running track you do not fit this narrow mold of beauty.
Well, this mold deserves to be shattered, and shattering it is one of the best gifts you can give yourself! By breaking the mold, you free yourself to be the best person YOU can be, not limited by anyone else's preconceptions.
Accept that you are beautiful just as you are right now. Even if you are still overweight or out of shape. Even if you think your nose is too big or you don't like the shape of your butt. You do not have to love every single aspect of yourself...but you don't have to criticize them incessantly, either!
Beauty is the entire package, not just one part or even the sum of those parts. It certainly isn't a balance sheet where you list on one side all the best parts and on the other side all the weaknesses! Beauty starts with a belief in yourself, in your core being, which is much, much more than even our physical bodies--and waaaay more than what our physical body looks like!
Give yourself the gift of looking at yourself, including your body, in a new way. This may be the best holiday present you can possibly give yourself. If you've been well-practiced at judging your body against others then this won't be easy--it won't be a cheap gift...one that you ran to Walgreen's to buy. But then, the best gifts rarely are. It will be a gift that takes time, effort and consideration.
This is a gift that will keep giving to you for years to come. And ironically, as you learn to see the beauty in yourself as you are in this moment, you will find the path to a permanent weight loss--because you will have started the shift in your mindset regarding losing weight.
Happy Holidays!
Showing posts with label body image. Show all posts
Showing posts with label body image. Show all posts
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Favorite Foods for True Weight Loss Success
Last week I gave my Chiropractor a copy of my book, Refuse to Diet: Weight Loss Success Starts with Your Mind...Not Your Mouth. He was very excited to get a copy and see what I've been up to. Yesterday when I went back to see him he told me that someone else had already borrowed it from him!
That was a really cool feeling, to know someone was so excited about my book that they asked to borrow his copy...and that he [reluctantly] agreed (she is a very important person in his life, after all!)
He had read a large part of the book and was asking me if I really still have my favorite treat (for those of you who are new to following this blog, that would be ice cream, the richer the better.) I said definitely. I also enjoy pizza, beer, wine and lots of other goodies. I just don't eat them as often or in as large of quantities. And the truth is I don't crave them like I used to!
A huge part of the "magic" is that I no longer put foods that I love on a list of forbidden foods. That didn't work for me. That doesn't mean I have gallons of ice cream on deck (although I have upon occasion.) I prefer to give myself permission to eat whatever I want, give myself smaller portions and then go back for more if I really want it.
See, the next part of the "magic" is making it all a conscious choice.
I couldn't do either parts of the magic when I was dieting, or when I was trying to lose weight because it was what my doctor told me to do, or my mother wanted me to do, or even because I would get a better health insurance rate.
I had to totally decide that I deserved to be healthy...which is a completely different mindset than wanting to lose weight or look good. With this mindset I can enjoy my favorite foods and not stress about what I am eating.
Am I stick skinny? Could I be a model? Hell no...but then that has never been my goal. I am a healthy weight for my body. I can go hiking like I never could before. I enjoy food like never before. I feel better about my body than ever. In my book, that is true weight loss success!
That was a really cool feeling, to know someone was so excited about my book that they asked to borrow his copy...and that he [reluctantly] agreed (she is a very important person in his life, after all!)
He had read a large part of the book and was asking me if I really still have my favorite treat (for those of you who are new to following this blog, that would be ice cream, the richer the better.) I said definitely. I also enjoy pizza, beer, wine and lots of other goodies. I just don't eat them as often or in as large of quantities. And the truth is I don't crave them like I used to!
A huge part of the "magic" is that I no longer put foods that I love on a list of forbidden foods. That didn't work for me. That doesn't mean I have gallons of ice cream on deck (although I have upon occasion.) I prefer to give myself permission to eat whatever I want, give myself smaller portions and then go back for more if I really want it.
See, the next part of the "magic" is making it all a conscious choice.
I couldn't do either parts of the magic when I was dieting, or when I was trying to lose weight because it was what my doctor told me to do, or my mother wanted me to do, or even because I would get a better health insurance rate.
I had to totally decide that I deserved to be healthy...which is a completely different mindset than wanting to lose weight or look good. With this mindset I can enjoy my favorite foods and not stress about what I am eating.
Am I stick skinny? Could I be a model? Hell no...but then that has never been my goal. I am a healthy weight for my body. I can go hiking like I never could before. I enjoy food like never before. I feel better about my body than ever. In my book, that is true weight loss success!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Fat Feet
I've always had fat...ummm, "wide"...feet. My mom likes to blame it on herself. Not her genes mind you. She says it is her fault because she let me run around barefoot as a kid. Like every other child had her feet bound in the ancient, crippling, Chinese tradition!
I seriously doubt I ran around barefoot any longer or earlier than most American kids...earlier and longer than some, later and shorter than others. Certainly not as long as a lot of kids in Africa and I don't remember ever seeing a video that talked about their having extraordinarily wide feet.
Really the only reason having wide feet is an issue is when it comes to shoes. So maybe it isn't my fat feet that are a problem...it is just that somebody decided we should NOT run around barefoot and made us wear shoes. Of course my Nordic ancestors were tough...but they'd have to be to walk around in all that snow and ice without shoes, so I guess I get the point of footwear.
Becoming obese does not help our feet...in lots of ways. Of course there is the added pressure on them, so they hurt a lot. That alone is a good reason to drop a few pounds. But what a lot of people don't think about...mostly because the change is gradual...is that our feet get fat, too. Yup...by boards got wider simply because I was fat.
You may be wondering how wide could her feet be, and why is this an issue. If you are a typical American female your feet are somewhere in the A-C width range. C being considered "wide" by many shoe manufacturers. Kind of like a size 12 dress is considered "large".
At my peak weight my feet measured EEE in width. Well, actually they were poured into EEE shoes...but that was the widest I could get "off the shelf" and even then I could only find shoes at a specialty store...and if I found shoes for under $100 I was ecstatic. Looking down at my feet I noticed they closely resembled squares. I could literally get half the number of shoes in my closet or suitcase as anyone else I knew. I generally limited myself to 1 extra pair of shoes on trips...and they practically filled their own suitcase.
I used to really begrudge my feet. Like the rest of my body. I found fault with them--just because they were fat, **ahem**, wide. Truth is, my feet are built like the rest of me...strong, broad, stocky. My bones are bigger around than most people my height...and my muscles are, too. I don't think there is a single thing that is delicate about my body.
I'm not being critical when I say this now. God knows that wasn't always the case. I longed to have legs that rose to meet my armpits, dainty digits that looked good sporting rings, and muscles that were strong, long, and seemed to come from no where instead of my obvious bulk.
What made the difference? I had an adviser at one point who, upon hearing me regale him with my body woes for no doubt the millionth time told me my body gave me a "firm understanding" that was a blessing.
That really got me thinking...and it is true...this body has always been sturdy, solid and anything but an easy pushover.
That moment wasn't complete magic...I didn't start to love my body without reservation...but it was a start. It was the first time I began to accept that my body was okay, just as it was, and that being different was not the same as being bad.
Now that I have dropped over 125 pounds my feet are no longer fat. Sure, they are still ***wide*** but they are definitely not fat! In fact, my feet now measure E and EE width (one foot is significantly wider than the other...maybe I hopped barefoot too much. That darned hopscotch!) OK, it still isn't easy to get shoes for these feet...at least I never developed a shoe fetish or a love of high heels. And thank goodness there are asexual shoe styles, my saving grace.
My firm understanding is still there...more solid and strong than ever...and a lot less painful. My feet are a reminder of how far I've come...and I think, maybe I'm ready to bequeath my EEEs to someone who needs them. Any takers?
I seriously doubt I ran around barefoot any longer or earlier than most American kids...earlier and longer than some, later and shorter than others. Certainly not as long as a lot of kids in Africa and I don't remember ever seeing a video that talked about their having extraordinarily wide feet.
Really the only reason having wide feet is an issue is when it comes to shoes. So maybe it isn't my fat feet that are a problem...it is just that somebody decided we should NOT run around barefoot and made us wear shoes. Of course my Nordic ancestors were tough...but they'd have to be to walk around in all that snow and ice without shoes, so I guess I get the point of footwear.
Becoming obese does not help our feet...in lots of ways. Of course there is the added pressure on them, so they hurt a lot. That alone is a good reason to drop a few pounds. But what a lot of people don't think about...mostly because the change is gradual...is that our feet get fat, too. Yup...by boards got wider simply because I was fat.
You may be wondering how wide could her feet be, and why is this an issue. If you are a typical American female your feet are somewhere in the A-C width range. C being considered "wide" by many shoe manufacturers. Kind of like a size 12 dress is considered "large".
At my peak weight my feet measured EEE in width. Well, actually they were poured into EEE shoes...but that was the widest I could get "off the shelf" and even then I could only find shoes at a specialty store...and if I found shoes for under $100 I was ecstatic. Looking down at my feet I noticed they closely resembled squares. I could literally get half the number of shoes in my closet or suitcase as anyone else I knew. I generally limited myself to 1 extra pair of shoes on trips...and they practically filled their own suitcase.
I used to really begrudge my feet. Like the rest of my body. I found fault with them--just because they were fat, **ahem**, wide. Truth is, my feet are built like the rest of me...strong, broad, stocky. My bones are bigger around than most people my height...and my muscles are, too. I don't think there is a single thing that is delicate about my body.
I'm not being critical when I say this now. God knows that wasn't always the case. I longed to have legs that rose to meet my armpits, dainty digits that looked good sporting rings, and muscles that were strong, long, and seemed to come from no where instead of my obvious bulk.
What made the difference? I had an adviser at one point who, upon hearing me regale him with my body woes for no doubt the millionth time told me my body gave me a "firm understanding" that was a blessing.
That really got me thinking...and it is true...this body has always been sturdy, solid and anything but an easy pushover.
That moment wasn't complete magic...I didn't start to love my body without reservation...but it was a start. It was the first time I began to accept that my body was okay, just as it was, and that being different was not the same as being bad.
Now that I have dropped over 125 pounds my feet are no longer fat. Sure, they are still ***wide*** but they are definitely not fat! In fact, my feet now measure E and EE width (one foot is significantly wider than the other...maybe I hopped barefoot too much. That darned hopscotch!) OK, it still isn't easy to get shoes for these feet...at least I never developed a shoe fetish or a love of high heels. And thank goodness there are asexual shoe styles, my saving grace.
My firm understanding is still there...more solid and strong than ever...and a lot less painful. My feet are a reminder of how far I've come...and I think, maybe I'm ready to bequeath my EEEs to someone who needs them. Any takers?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Honest Self-Appraisal or Self-Loathing?
I'm moved to write today in response to a blog post by one of my favorite bloggers, Karen Anderson. Like so many of us, she struggles with self-image and has been working on loving herself and her body...and then was shocked when seeing a recent photo of herself. Karen was also responding to another blogpost where a gal was reflecting back on her body and honestly appraising her physical situation, at least theoretically, without self-loathing.
You can read Karen's post here, and the other post here. Both are thought provoking and it is great to have all sorts of different perspectives. As I've often said, there is no one right answer that fits every body...
With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts from reading these provocative posts.
I agree that being honest about where you are is not the same as hating oneself, however using the word "fat" tends to come with so much emotional baggage that it can tip the scale into disgust or loathing even if it is also accurate. For that reason alone it may be appropriate to come up with new terminology without the existing connotations.
On the other hand, in our effort to reflect the "truth" or to be "honest" we can be hurtful to ourselves or to others.
If we find that we are larger than we “should” be, that we are eating more than our body needs in order to survive then it is possible that there is some reason behind eating more than you burn that is emotionally based. Once we figure that out and break those habits (physical and mindset patterns) it is much easier and natural to drop the excess weight. This doesn't mean some big traumatic event happened in your life...it just means that we are eating for some reason other than actual physical hunger. We deserve to figure out what that is so we can move on to the healthy, energetic, slender bodies we deserve. Until we do, we are destined to ride the diet roller coaster, which is not a fun ride...one that literally can make you sick!
In the mean time we definitely deserve to look at our bodies and ourselves in a more loving way. Rather than looking at our saddlebags or acknowledging that our boobs are too big or parts of our bodies jiggle, we deserve to focus on our strengths and how well our bodies serve us.
Does that mean we might have moments when we are captured on film/tape/or in the mirror where we do not recognize our bodies? Sure...but do you recognize your voice when you hear it on the tape recorder or answering machine? Most of us do not because as our voices resonate around in our own heads we literally sound different. But people around us hear our voice and accept it as us without the criticism that we often place on it--even if our perception is "honest". The same is true for our bodies.
We may be shocked when we "objectively" see a photo of ourselves, but part of the reason we are surprised is we are used to seeing ourselves from specific angles, doing specific movements and in the mirror which reverses us. People around us see us for the animate, loving, moving, fully 3 dimensional people we are...and can accept us that way. Remember, photos are merely a snapshot of one split second. The unattractive shot of us sweating and grimacing is no more an accurate representation of what we look like and who we are than the perfectly coiffed and poised "glamour shot."
You can read Karen's post here, and the other post here. Both are thought provoking and it is great to have all sorts of different perspectives. As I've often said, there is no one right answer that fits every body...
With that in mind, here are some of my thoughts from reading these provocative posts.
I agree that being honest about where you are is not the same as hating oneself, however using the word "fat" tends to come with so much emotional baggage that it can tip the scale into disgust or loathing even if it is also accurate. For that reason alone it may be appropriate to come up with new terminology without the existing connotations.
On the other hand, in our effort to reflect the "truth" or to be "honest" we can be hurtful to ourselves or to others.
If we find that we are larger than we “should” be, that we are eating more than our body needs in order to survive then it is possible that there is some reason behind eating more than you burn that is emotionally based. Once we figure that out and break those habits (physical and mindset patterns) it is much easier and natural to drop the excess weight. This doesn't mean some big traumatic event happened in your life...it just means that we are eating for some reason other than actual physical hunger. We deserve to figure out what that is so we can move on to the healthy, energetic, slender bodies we deserve. Until we do, we are destined to ride the diet roller coaster, which is not a fun ride...one that literally can make you sick!
In the mean time we definitely deserve to look at our bodies and ourselves in a more loving way. Rather than looking at our saddlebags or acknowledging that our boobs are too big or parts of our bodies jiggle, we deserve to focus on our strengths and how well our bodies serve us.
Does that mean we might have moments when we are captured on film/tape/or in the mirror where we do not recognize our bodies? Sure...but do you recognize your voice when you hear it on the tape recorder or answering machine? Most of us do not because as our voices resonate around in our own heads we literally sound different. But people around us hear our voice and accept it as us without the criticism that we often place on it--even if our perception is "honest". The same is true for our bodies.
We may be shocked when we "objectively" see a photo of ourselves, but part of the reason we are surprised is we are used to seeing ourselves from specific angles, doing specific movements and in the mirror which reverses us. People around us see us for the animate, loving, moving, fully 3 dimensional people we are...and can accept us that way. Remember, photos are merely a snapshot of one split second. The unattractive shot of us sweating and grimacing is no more an accurate representation of what we look like and who we are than the perfectly coiffed and poised "glamour shot."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Traveling, Tech Troubles and Feeling Fat, Triple Whammy of Weight Loss Challenges
I'm visiting my mom right now. Visiting is technically accurate, but really only partially true. She had surgery on Monday and I wanted to be here to help her through it. I am glad I came and really appreciate that I have the ability to!
Traveling in general can be rough on our health and fitness goals...for me, visiting family is a bigger challenge than a business trip or simply going on vacation. They all have their challenges but being in my mom's home sets off lots of triggers for me. I love my mom, but there are tons of memories that come up and the stresses of being under someone else's roof that just does a number on my head and emotions. Top that off with the fact that she is aging and I'm having to face her increasingly fleeting memory and her dwindling size...it is just a bit scary and I don't want to have to face it. Tempting to bury myself in a few gallons of ice cream. Doesn't really make it go away, but I can forget about it for a while...maybe...not really. It doesn't work any better now than it did when I was a kid...or any of the hundred + pounds in between!
Ironically, I have had major technology issues during this trip. Ironic because I am in San Jose, California...the Silicon Valley...home of so much of this fantastic technology. Fortunately my brother, much more of a tech-head than I, was able to get things sorted out...but I was left with little ability to be online for several days. That left me with fewer things to keep my hands busy...not a good thing to have when ice cream calls from the freezer!
To top all this off, I am feeling fat...it is an interesting concept, that of self-image. I look in the mirror and see this huge person, yet I put on my clothes and they only feel a little tighter than normal. Have I really put on weight in just a few days? Lord knows it is possible for me to do...but haven't I learned all about emotional eating and how to avoid it? I mean, after all, didn't I just write a book about it???
So, I decided to take a closer look and I noticed a couple things. First I noticed that my fingers are pudgier...hmmm...that does not happen from a few days of stress eating...then I noticed my legs...where my socks stop there is a marked indentation that normally isn't there. Ah ha, Dr. Watson, I have figured it out! I am bloated! OK, makes sense...flying...drinking less water than normal...stress...hurray! I'm not fat--it is just water!
What a great relief that was...I don't have to hide my head in shame...the weight loss without dieting expert has not somehow magically gained 100 pounds in a week...and fortunately I took the time to really look at my hands...they were for me the big give away.
The truth is, I have eaten more ice cream than normal this week. And I have also NOT eaten ice cream on numerous occasions when I felt like it...because I took a moment to interrupt the urge and recognize it was the siren call of emotional eating, not physical or even pleasurable eating...or even eating just because it was there.
I'm proud of myself for all the successes I've had this week...and I may (or may not) go home weighing a pound or two more than when I arrived...but I am reassured any weight gain I do experience will be minimal and temporary. I have reconnected with support folks who help me when I am stressed...I have my walking shoes ready to roll...all is good.
Why is all this important to you? Because if I can do it, then you can too! Learning to be gentle with ourselves and not always expect perfection is a very important factor for those of us who suffer from "good girl syndrome"....we must learn to allow ourselves to have flaws and weaknesses...ironically, by allowing for these weaknesses we actually suffer from them less!
If you are feeling fat, take a minute and check out your fingers, your legs...or whatever will help you to identify if this is real or just bloat...if you are having tech troubles, or some other challenge that is causing you some stress and making you want to eat, who can you call on to help you through it...and if you are traveling, then drink your water, walk, and cut yourself a little slack!
Traveling in general can be rough on our health and fitness goals...for me, visiting family is a bigger challenge than a business trip or simply going on vacation. They all have their challenges but being in my mom's home sets off lots of triggers for me. I love my mom, but there are tons of memories that come up and the stresses of being under someone else's roof that just does a number on my head and emotions. Top that off with the fact that she is aging and I'm having to face her increasingly fleeting memory and her dwindling size...it is just a bit scary and I don't want to have to face it. Tempting to bury myself in a few gallons of ice cream. Doesn't really make it go away, but I can forget about it for a while...maybe...not really. It doesn't work any better now than it did when I was a kid...or any of the hundred + pounds in between!
Ironically, I have had major technology issues during this trip. Ironic because I am in San Jose, California...the Silicon Valley...home of so much of this fantastic technology. Fortunately my brother, much more of a tech-head than I, was able to get things sorted out...but I was left with little ability to be online for several days. That left me with fewer things to keep my hands busy...not a good thing to have when ice cream calls from the freezer!
To top all this off, I am feeling fat...it is an interesting concept, that of self-image. I look in the mirror and see this huge person, yet I put on my clothes and they only feel a little tighter than normal. Have I really put on weight in just a few days? Lord knows it is possible for me to do...but haven't I learned all about emotional eating and how to avoid it? I mean, after all, didn't I just write a book about it???
So, I decided to take a closer look and I noticed a couple things. First I noticed that my fingers are pudgier...hmmm...that does not happen from a few days of stress eating...then I noticed my legs...where my socks stop there is a marked indentation that normally isn't there. Ah ha, Dr. Watson, I have figured it out! I am bloated! OK, makes sense...flying...drinking less water than normal...stress...hurray! I'm not fat--it is just water!
What a great relief that was...I don't have to hide my head in shame...the weight loss without dieting expert has not somehow magically gained 100 pounds in a week...and fortunately I took the time to really look at my hands...they were for me the big give away.
The truth is, I have eaten more ice cream than normal this week. And I have also NOT eaten ice cream on numerous occasions when I felt like it...because I took a moment to interrupt the urge and recognize it was the siren call of emotional eating, not physical or even pleasurable eating...or even eating just because it was there.
I'm proud of myself for all the successes I've had this week...and I may (or may not) go home weighing a pound or two more than when I arrived...but I am reassured any weight gain I do experience will be minimal and temporary. I have reconnected with support folks who help me when I am stressed...I have my walking shoes ready to roll...all is good.
Why is all this important to you? Because if I can do it, then you can too! Learning to be gentle with ourselves and not always expect perfection is a very important factor for those of us who suffer from "good girl syndrome"....we must learn to allow ourselves to have flaws and weaknesses...ironically, by allowing for these weaknesses we actually suffer from them less!
If you are feeling fat, take a minute and check out your fingers, your legs...or whatever will help you to identify if this is real or just bloat...if you are having tech troubles, or some other challenge that is causing you some stress and making you want to eat, who can you call on to help you through it...and if you are traveling, then drink your water, walk, and cut yourself a little slack!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Self Acceptance Leads to Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight then you have to start by accepting where you are today.
Lots of people have a misconception about what self-acceptance means. They think...or fear...that by accepting themselves as they are they are actually saying they don't want to change.
That's not it at all.
Think of your body as a scientist would who is studying it. They would be detached. They would observe but not criticize or judge it.
By accepting yourself you release judgment. You let go in your head. This letting go in your head is what then sets you up to let go in the body.
This is simple, but it isn't easy. After all we have lots of years of practice at NOT accepting ourselves. So start today. Cut yourself a little slack. Observe where you are. Take stock. But don't beat yourself up over it.
After all, you've probably beat yourself up over your weight in the past...and where did that get you? So try something new and see how that works for you.
It worked for me!
Lots of people have a misconception about what self-acceptance means. They think...or fear...that by accepting themselves as they are they are actually saying they don't want to change.
That's not it at all.
Think of your body as a scientist would who is studying it. They would be detached. They would observe but not criticize or judge it.
By accepting yourself you release judgment. You let go in your head. This letting go in your head is what then sets you up to let go in the body.
This is simple, but it isn't easy. After all we have lots of years of practice at NOT accepting ourselves. So start today. Cut yourself a little slack. Observe where you are. Take stock. But don't beat yourself up over it.
After all, you've probably beat yourself up over your weight in the past...and where did that get you? So try something new and see how that works for you.
It worked for me!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Celebrity Weight Loss Week: Inspirational Mo'Nique
This week's theme is celebrity weight loss...successes, inspirations, and thought-provoking. There has been so much in the news lately about this topic...we can definitely learn from all of it!
Comedian Mo'Nique was on both the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show last week. She was promoting her new movie, Precious, but another big topic was her recent weight loss success. Seeing the clip from the movie and then her in real life now you couldn't NOT see the difference.
The reason I find Mo'Nique to be a weight loss inspiration is her attitude. She was very happy with her appearance at 262 pounds...she say a "big sex kitten" when she looked in the mirror. Her husband gave her the health wakeup call however. He loved her as she was...and was concerned for her health...so he said to her 262 was too much, adding, "I want you around forever."
She could have gotten pissed off, taken this comment to mean he didn't really love her, or didn't find her attractive...she could have chosen to allow his comment to alter her perception of herself as a big sex kitten. She chose instead to hear the love in his words, and to do something about it. She is still an ample woman...a big and beautiful woman...who is now considerably healthier.
Mo'Nique took some flack from some of her fans...they liked her large. I love that she looks them in the eye (albeit through the camera lens) and asks them if they would like her dead!
We can all take a cue from this weight loss inspiration...be comfortable in our body, no matter our size. See the beauty that we all have in us, and still go for improved health.
Congratulations Mo'Nique. Not only are you a funny woman, now you are a healthy role-model for others...thanks, from the bottom of my healthy heart!
Celebrity Weight Loss Week continues tomorrow...with more lessons we can learn from a "larger-than-life" star!
Comedian Mo'Nique was on both the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show last week. She was promoting her new movie, Precious, but another big topic was her recent weight loss success. Seeing the clip from the movie and then her in real life now you couldn't NOT see the difference.
The reason I find Mo'Nique to be a weight loss inspiration is her attitude. She was very happy with her appearance at 262 pounds...she say a "big sex kitten" when she looked in the mirror. Her husband gave her the health wakeup call however. He loved her as she was...and was concerned for her health...so he said to her 262 was too much, adding, "I want you around forever."
She could have gotten pissed off, taken this comment to mean he didn't really love her, or didn't find her attractive...she could have chosen to allow his comment to alter her perception of herself as a big sex kitten. She chose instead to hear the love in his words, and to do something about it. She is still an ample woman...a big and beautiful woman...who is now considerably healthier.
Mo'Nique took some flack from some of her fans...they liked her large. I love that she looks them in the eye (albeit through the camera lens) and asks them if they would like her dead!
We can all take a cue from this weight loss inspiration...be comfortable in our body, no matter our size. See the beauty that we all have in us, and still go for improved health.
Congratulations Mo'Nique. Not only are you a funny woman, now you are a healthy role-model for others...thanks, from the bottom of my healthy heart!
Celebrity Weight Loss Week continues tomorrow...with more lessons we can learn from a "larger-than-life" star!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Weight Loss Tip: Do What Works for You Not What Works for "Them"
We are all different and sometimes that means what works for one person, ie our teachers, parents, best friends, co-workers, doesn't work for us.
This is true for just about every facet of our lives, including successful weight loss.
I firmly believe there is no one plan, diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle that will work for all of us. What is universal is how much our attitude plays a role in our weight loss success.
One of the best weight loss tips I can offer is for you to find something that helps you to feel good about yourself and moving towards your health goals...in other words, be loving towards yourself...and you will have success.
On the other hand, if you are constantly criticizing yourself and the progress you are (or are not) making, comparing yourself to others then you will not have success. At least, not permanently.
Don't "should" yourself into further failure, as in
Criticizing ourselves and "shoulding" ourselves only makes us wrong and puts our focus on what we don't want. Shift that focus to what you DO want.
So look at what you are doing a little more objectively and with love. Evaluate it as you would help your best friend out...without judging her as wrong or bad. And if you find that what you have been doing isn't working, then be open to the possibility that something else might work for you and it is time to try a different path.
Begin to focus on positive things that work for you, help remind you of your success, how you deserve health, what your goal is, and that you can do it.
Here are some ideas or tools that have worked for me or people I know
This is true for just about every facet of our lives, including successful weight loss.
I firmly believe there is no one plan, diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle that will work for all of us. What is universal is how much our attitude plays a role in our weight loss success.
One of the best weight loss tips I can offer is for you to find something that helps you to feel good about yourself and moving towards your health goals...in other words, be loving towards yourself...and you will have success.
On the other hand, if you are constantly criticizing yourself and the progress you are (or are not) making, comparing yourself to others then you will not have success. At least, not permanently.
Don't "should" yourself into further failure, as in
- It should work for me, it is how Sue/Mary/Bob lost weight
- I should be able to stick with this
So look at what you are doing a little more objectively and with love. Evaluate it as you would help your best friend out...without judging her as wrong or bad. And if you find that what you have been doing isn't working, then be open to the possibility that something else might work for you and it is time to try a different path.
Begin to focus on positive things that work for you, help remind you of your success, how you deserve health, what your goal is, and that you can do it.
Here are some ideas or tools that have worked for me or people I know
- Daily affirmations
- Dream board (or vision board) with images that represent the body & life you want
- Meditation, or visualize your healthy body
- Pictures of yourself when you were a healthy (healthier) weight
- Post positive messages on your mirror
- Picture of a bikini
- Find a weight loss (or walking) buddy
- Loving notes in or on the cupboard/freezer/frig reminding you to think before you eat
- Listen to (or watch) positive body image messages
- Write in a journal WHY you want to change your body, your successes & challenges
- Express gratitude for the current level of health you have & the possibility of even more
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Don't Let Your Size Stop You From Living Your Life
We all have dreams and aspirations. Some are huge--for our lifetimes. Others are quite small.
Sadly, too often we shelve our dreams because of our size.
Don't let your size stop you from doing what you want to do, from being the person you want to be.
Be the person who listens to her spirit.
Be the person who hears the call and responds.
If you want to play with your kids at the beach then do it! Do it with your heart and to teh best of your physical abilities. Don't allow fear of what other's MIGHT think stop you. Don't let your EGO keep you from living your life.
I've met so many people--women mostly--who won't take their kids to the pool, the beach, or the water park because they are embarrassed to be seen in their bathing suits. They are ashamed of their bodies and don't want to be seen in all their glory.
Please, do not put your life on hold until you lose weight. Be the person that you feel inside and live that life and then you will lose the weight.
Don't wait to Have first thinking then you can Do and Be.
It starts with BE-ing. Be, Do then Have the results!
Sadly, too often we shelve our dreams because of our size.
Don't let your size stop you from doing what you want to do, from being the person you want to be.
Be the person who listens to her spirit.
Be the person who hears the call and responds.
If you want to play with your kids at the beach then do it! Do it with your heart and to teh best of your physical abilities. Don't allow fear of what other's MIGHT think stop you. Don't let your EGO keep you from living your life.
I've met so many people--women mostly--who won't take their kids to the pool, the beach, or the water park because they are embarrassed to be seen in their bathing suits. They are ashamed of their bodies and don't want to be seen in all their glory.
Please, do not put your life on hold until you lose weight. Be the person that you feel inside and live that life and then you will lose the weight.
Don't wait to Have first thinking then you can Do and Be.
It starts with BE-ing. Be, Do then Have the results!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Get Comfortable in Your Skin
No it isn't me urging You to run out and join a nudist colony .... Although that could be interesting...but let's not go there...
What I'm really trying to say is to accept yourself and to strive to be the best YOU that you can be.
Not better than anyone else.
Not THE best.
YOUR best.
We deserve to Stop comparing ourselves to others. The nature of comparison is that someone comes off as worse, or not as good as the other. I know for myself, when I compare myself to someone else, it is usually just a way to put myself down! So comparisons can never lift both people up and if I usually feel worse as a result, then I think it is clear what I have to do--stop!
Instead of comparisons how about we look at ourselves and others with compassion. We may not look exactly the way we want yet, or have our perfect health yet...but we can and will get there.
And we'll get there more quickly if we love ourselves through the process rather than beating ourselves up for what we have done in the past.
What I'm really trying to say is to accept yourself and to strive to be the best YOU that you can be.
Not better than anyone else.
Not THE best.
YOUR best.
We deserve to Stop comparing ourselves to others. The nature of comparison is that someone comes off as worse, or not as good as the other. I know for myself, when I compare myself to someone else, it is usually just a way to put myself down! So comparisons can never lift both people up and if I usually feel worse as a result, then I think it is clear what I have to do--stop!
Instead of comparisons how about we look at ourselves and others with compassion. We may not look exactly the way we want yet, or have our perfect health yet...but we can and will get there.
And we'll get there more quickly if we love ourselves through the process rather than beating ourselves up for what we have done in the past.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Picture Yourself Thin
Most of us have had lots of practice picturing ourselves as being fat.
Whether or not these pictures were accurate when we first developed them...these images have been burned into our subconscious.
Until we destroy these images...these "negatives"...we are doomed to live up to them.
I remember, even as a young child, believing I was fat. I didn't like having my picture taken because I thought I was so fat and ugly--I recall more than once saying taking my picture would "break the camera".
Now there aren't many pictures of me...people gave up fighting me about taking my picture. But the pictures that I do find, I find something quite curious. In fact, in all objectivity, I was not fat. I was not SKINNY...but I was not fat. I was a very healthy looking person...and I was not ugly, either.
But the power of my thinking and the images I held in my mind was so strong that I grew into being an extremely fat adult...fat enough that I would be ugly to most people. And if someone found me attractive I just got fatter to, subconsciously, "prove" how ugly I really was.
One of the key steps I had to take to successfully lose weight--and keep it off--was to change those mental pictures of myself.
What are the pictures you are holding on to? Are they accurate? Do you want to keep that picture in your brain's photo album? Or would you like to create a new set of images that you can enjoy...for the rest of your life...starting today?
Claude Bristol wrote in TNT The Power Within You
He wrote this in 1954 and it was true long before then and will remain true forever.
You have the power...in fact, you are the only one who has the power...to change those pictures in your mind.
Develop a new set of prints, get rid of the old ones, and live into your new pictures!
Whether or not these pictures were accurate when we first developed them...these images have been burned into our subconscious.
Until we destroy these images...these "negatives"...we are doomed to live up to them.
I remember, even as a young child, believing I was fat. I didn't like having my picture taken because I thought I was so fat and ugly--I recall more than once saying taking my picture would "break the camera".
Now there aren't many pictures of me...people gave up fighting me about taking my picture. But the pictures that I do find, I find something quite curious. In fact, in all objectivity, I was not fat. I was not SKINNY...but I was not fat. I was a very healthy looking person...and I was not ugly, either.
But the power of my thinking and the images I held in my mind was so strong that I grew into being an extremely fat adult...fat enough that I would be ugly to most people. And if someone found me attractive I just got fatter to, subconsciously, "prove" how ugly I really was.
One of the key steps I had to take to successfully lose weight--and keep it off--was to change those mental pictures of myself.
What are the pictures you are holding on to? Are they accurate? Do you want to keep that picture in your brain's photo album? Or would you like to create a new set of images that you can enjoy...for the rest of your life...starting today?
Claude Bristol wrote in TNT The Power Within You
The pictures you hold of yourself in mind today have only to do with your past. If you don't take charge and create new pictures of yourself, you will only repeat tomorrow what you have done today and yesterday.
He wrote this in 1954 and it was true long before then and will remain true forever.
You have the power...in fact, you are the only one who has the power...to change those pictures in your mind.
Develop a new set of prints, get rid of the old ones, and live into your new pictures!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Weight Loss Success Calories NOT Key
It is not the number of calories you eat versus expend that is the most important measure of success for losing weight.
While reducing calories taken in and/or increasing the number of calories you burn is part of the equation--it is not the be-all to end-all.
This is my story--and I'm sticking to it--despite a federal study that claims otherwise.
This study followed people for 2 years (which for a dieter is an eternity) and found that whether the diet was low-fat or low-carb or high-protein did not matter...it wasn't the kind of diet that had the effect. The participants who had the greatest success, no matter what type of diet they were on reduced their caloric intake--and stuck with it.
Ah-ha! That is the key then, the sticking to it part!
Even in this study they note that the participants had trouble sticking to the plan--and weight lost was modest for most!!!
I've heard the calories in vs calories out theory since I was in high school. As a competitive athlete who worked out several hours a day and who did not eat a lot of food--and yet was still considered overweight--it just didn't make sense.
I knew in my heart there was more to it than simple math or physics!
Eating, body image and weight loss are emotional issues. And, defying all logic, it is quite possible for us to "hold on to" fat even if follow the mathematical equation.
This is why programs that include some sort of counseling or peer support have much greater results than diets that are simply following some eating rules.
With support, it is much easier to make the permanent life-style changes that are required to have permanent weight-loss results.
And to make the changes in our behavior we have to change what is going on in our heads first.
Bottom line, get your head 'in the game', decide that you are worth it, decide that you can achieve it, get some support, and every day take the action steps to get you to your health goals.
While reducing calories taken in and/or increasing the number of calories you burn is part of the equation--it is not the be-all to end-all.
This is my story--and I'm sticking to it--despite a federal study that claims otherwise.
This study followed people for 2 years (which for a dieter is an eternity) and found that whether the diet was low-fat or low-carb or high-protein did not matter...it wasn't the kind of diet that had the effect. The participants who had the greatest success, no matter what type of diet they were on reduced their caloric intake--and stuck with it.
Ah-ha! That is the key then, the sticking to it part!
Even in this study they note that the participants had trouble sticking to the plan--and weight lost was modest for most!!!
I've heard the calories in vs calories out theory since I was in high school. As a competitive athlete who worked out several hours a day and who did not eat a lot of food--and yet was still considered overweight--it just didn't make sense.
I knew in my heart there was more to it than simple math or physics!
Eating, body image and weight loss are emotional issues. And, defying all logic, it is quite possible for us to "hold on to" fat even if follow the mathematical equation.
This is why programs that include some sort of counseling or peer support have much greater results than diets that are simply following some eating rules.
With support, it is much easier to make the permanent life-style changes that are required to have permanent weight-loss results.
And to make the changes in our behavior we have to change what is going on in our heads first.
Bottom line, get your head 'in the game', decide that you are worth it, decide that you can achieve it, get some support, and every day take the action steps to get you to your health goals.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Focus on the Positive Changes Not What is Left to Be Done
I am feeling positively wonderful...
Interesting thing how ones outlook or attitude can affect your entire day...and choosing different ways of looking at something can make all the difference.
For example, you know that I've lost over 100 pounds (over 120 now)--what you may not know is that I still would like to drop a few more.
In the past, I would have allowed the "fact" that I have not accomplished my goal to diminish my ability to celebrate and embrace the success to date. Maybe I haven't lost 100 pounds before, but I have lost 50 pounds before--and not respected that achievement or myself enough and instead of maintaining that loss I actually put it all back on AND MORE!
So as I look in the mirrow while exercising I notice and love my body--even with some extra fat jiggling around. I am not perfect. May never have the perfect body--however, I am PROUD of what I have done. I am enjoying seeing the changes in my body.
Instead of focusing on the remaining fat, I am choosing to focus on my emerging muscles that I can see and feel . I am focusing on their growing strength and that they are coming out of hiding from beneath layers of fat.
I am choosing to focus on noticing my bones--seeing my skeletal structure. How strong my bones are! How loyal have they been as they carried my body around.
I am choosing to notice how my arms and legs, and even my fingers and toes, are appearing to grow longer. The truth is they are less round than they were before--the shortness was an illusion that I am shattering.
What an exciting discovery this "new" body is!
Interesting thing how ones outlook or attitude can affect your entire day...and choosing different ways of looking at something can make all the difference.
For example, you know that I've lost over 100 pounds (over 120 now)--what you may not know is that I still would like to drop a few more.
In the past, I would have allowed the "fact" that I have not accomplished my goal to diminish my ability to celebrate and embrace the success to date. Maybe I haven't lost 100 pounds before, but I have lost 50 pounds before--and not respected that achievement or myself enough and instead of maintaining that loss I actually put it all back on AND MORE!
So as I look in the mirrow while exercising I notice and love my body--even with some extra fat jiggling around. I am not perfect. May never have the perfect body--however, I am PROUD of what I have done. I am enjoying seeing the changes in my body.
Instead of focusing on the remaining fat, I am choosing to focus on my emerging muscles that I can see and feel . I am focusing on their growing strength and that they are coming out of hiding from beneath layers of fat.
I am choosing to focus on noticing my bones--seeing my skeletal structure. How strong my bones are! How loyal have they been as they carried my body around.
I am choosing to notice how my arms and legs, and even my fingers and toes, are appearing to grow longer. The truth is they are less round than they were before--the shortness was an illusion that I am shattering.
What an exciting discovery this "new" body is!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Lose Weight by Law of Attraction
I have now shed 120 pounds--and it all started with the Law of Attraction.
Huh? Shed through attraction...that doesn't make sense, does it?
Actually it does. This is my story.
A few short years ago I was over 120 pounds heavier than I am today.
I made a conscious decision to change my life by changing my mind--by changing my thinking.
I didn't focus on foods to eat or not, exercises to do or not. I focused on my attitude about myself, about food, about my body, about my ability to be healthy. This is what made the difference.
I began to attract teachers and tools that helped me to facilitate my weight loss. From learning to listen to my own body, to affirmations that help me accept and appreciate what I had, to being open to the possibility that I actually could become a healthy weight.
I learned that it was more about my mind than the foods going into my mouth.
For years I had followed diet and exercise plans without success. It wasn't until I actually mentally and emotionally let go of the fat that I had attracted in the first place that I was able to drop the pounds.
I accepted responsibility for my physical condition. I acknowledged that on many levels my weight had protected me. I also let myself know that while I was grateful for that protection, I no longer needed it--I now had other, better, more healthy ways to protect myself and so it was free to leave me. I would be be safe.
That's my story (and I'm sticking to it!) So don't tell me the Law of Attraction doesn't work.
Huh? Shed through attraction...that doesn't make sense, does it?
Actually it does. This is my story.
A few short years ago I was over 120 pounds heavier than I am today.
I made a conscious decision to change my life by changing my mind--by changing my thinking.
I didn't focus on foods to eat or not, exercises to do or not. I focused on my attitude about myself, about food, about my body, about my ability to be healthy. This is what made the difference.
I began to attract teachers and tools that helped me to facilitate my weight loss. From learning to listen to my own body, to affirmations that help me accept and appreciate what I had, to being open to the possibility that I actually could become a healthy weight.
I learned that it was more about my mind than the foods going into my mouth.
For years I had followed diet and exercise plans without success. It wasn't until I actually mentally and emotionally let go of the fat that I had attracted in the first place that I was able to drop the pounds.
I accepted responsibility for my physical condition. I acknowledged that on many levels my weight had protected me. I also let myself know that while I was grateful for that protection, I no longer needed it--I now had other, better, more healthy ways to protect myself and so it was free to leave me. I would be be safe.
That's my story (and I'm sticking to it!) So don't tell me the Law of Attraction doesn't work.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Size is Relative, Beauty Comes in All Sizes
Look, I'm never going to be a size 2--and that's okay. My bone structure and muscle mass does not lend itself to that size.
Right now I'm a size 16. My ideal body is a healthy size 12. Over time with my positive attitude and the changes I have made and continue to make to my lifestyle I will get there. But that isn't really my point.
My point is that we are all made differently. I happen to come from sturdy stock...I don't think there were any lithe royalty in my lineage. My ancestors were farmers and the like. And a lot of them were poor. So my build was very useful. I am strong..."strong like booll"...oh how I wish accents worked in blogs....anyway, my body strength I'm sure came in handy. Maybe we didn't have a bull (or cow or horse) and had to pull the plows ourselves. I could have done that.
We can learn to appreciate our differences. I used to be envious of the delicate boned beauty pageant types, or people like my best friend who had long legs that seemed to reach her arm pits. This did nothing to help me. All it did was diminish my own sense of worth. It was no more beneficial than it would be to be jealous that someone had green eyes or blonder hair.
By appreciating our differences we can better love ourselves. There are things that tall leggy gals can do that I can't (like be a Rockette, for one!) and there are things that I can do that the showgirls can't. Guess that makes us even. Not the same, but even.
One of the greatest lessons I got on beauty in all its varieties was when I was working at the swimming pool as a very fat lifeguard (I was fat, but I was strong and fast in the water!) I saw people of every size, shape, color and shade. And I learned to see how beautiful they all were.
It took me a while to learn to see the beauty in me...but once I did, amazingly, that is when I started to drop my fat shell!
Now I'm learning to be the best that I can be. Not the skinniest. The best. That may mean that by some people's standards I will always be "large"...that's okay...if I were a latte, I guess I would be a venti!
Right now I'm a size 16. My ideal body is a healthy size 12. Over time with my positive attitude and the changes I have made and continue to make to my lifestyle I will get there. But that isn't really my point.
My point is that we are all made differently. I happen to come from sturdy stock...I don't think there were any lithe royalty in my lineage. My ancestors were farmers and the like. And a lot of them were poor. So my build was very useful. I am strong..."strong like booll"...oh how I wish accents worked in blogs....anyway, my body strength I'm sure came in handy. Maybe we didn't have a bull (or cow or horse) and had to pull the plows ourselves. I could have done that.
We can learn to appreciate our differences. I used to be envious of the delicate boned beauty pageant types, or people like my best friend who had long legs that seemed to reach her arm pits. This did nothing to help me. All it did was diminish my own sense of worth. It was no more beneficial than it would be to be jealous that someone had green eyes or blonder hair.
By appreciating our differences we can better love ourselves. There are things that tall leggy gals can do that I can't (like be a Rockette, for one!) and there are things that I can do that the showgirls can't. Guess that makes us even. Not the same, but even.
One of the greatest lessons I got on beauty in all its varieties was when I was working at the swimming pool as a very fat lifeguard (I was fat, but I was strong and fast in the water!) I saw people of every size, shape, color and shade. And I learned to see how beautiful they all were.
It took me a while to learn to see the beauty in me...but once I did, amazingly, that is when I started to drop my fat shell!
Now I'm learning to be the best that I can be. Not the skinniest. The best. That may mean that by some people's standards I will always be "large"...that's okay...if I were a latte, I guess I would be a venti!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Before and After Photos
People have been asking for me to put up "Before" and "After" photos.
Truth is, I don't have a lot of photos. Maybe you can relate. I never really wanted to face what I looked like. I guess I thought if I never saw photos of myself maybe I really wasn't that big after all. Hmmm. That would be WRONG!
I'm not going to claim that never looking at photos of myself allowed me to get so big, but gosh, I don't think it helped. The truth was it was extremely painful to look at the pictures because I felt so out of control. I honestly felt like there was nothing I could do to lose weight--after all I had tried "everything"! So I chose to ignore it and hoped it would go away.
A lot of the "before" photos focus in on my face only, so I had to look for one that showed my entire body. And believe it or, this one looks GOOD! I actually was very proud of myself as I had lost 25 pounds when this first photo was taken! I was wearing size 3X clothes at the time.
This "after" picture I took just a couple days ago--when I reached the 100 pounds down milestone! Currently a size 16!
I still have some more fat to lose, but I am so happy with my progress and results! The best part is that it has all been so easy. I really don't have to think about it!
Truth is, I don't have a lot of photos. Maybe you can relate. I never really wanted to face what I looked like. I guess I thought if I never saw photos of myself maybe I really wasn't that big after all. Hmmm. That would be WRONG!
I'm not going to claim that never looking at photos of myself allowed me to get so big, but gosh, I don't think it helped. The truth was it was extremely painful to look at the pictures because I felt so out of control. I honestly felt like there was nothing I could do to lose weight--after all I had tried "everything"! So I chose to ignore it and hoped it would go away.
A lot of the "before" photos focus in on my face only, so I had to look for one that showed my entire body. And believe it or, this one looks GOOD! I actually was very proud of myself as I had lost 25 pounds when this first photo was taken! I was wearing size 3X clothes at the time.
This "after" picture I took just a couple days ago--when I reached the 100 pounds down milestone! Currently a size 16!
I still have some more fat to lose, but I am so happy with my progress and results! The best part is that it has all been so easy. I really don't have to think about it!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Have You Looked in the Mirror Lately?
It is important to look in the mirror and really see yourself. I don't mean the cursory I'm washing my face or brushing my teeth kind of looking--mostly at the face. I mean really look at your body.
Why? It is critical to have your brain recognize the changes your body is going through. Especially if you have been larger than you want for a long time. Otherwise, your brain will continue to believe that you are that larger person.
So as you are changing size, take it in. Notice the changes and appreciate them. Say loving things about your body and the changes it is going through.
This time, things are different. I look in the mirror and recognize and appreciate my body. It has gotten me through a lot! It deserves some love and respect and admiration for what it has done and is doing now!
Why? It is critical to have your brain recognize the changes your body is going through. Especially if you have been larger than you want for a long time. Otherwise, your brain will continue to believe that you are that larger person.
So as you are changing size, take it in. Notice the changes and appreciate them. Say loving things about your body and the changes it is going through.
- My butt is getting smaller--looking good!
- Wow, there's a waist showing up, giving me nice curves
- These "new" collarbones will really show off necklaces nicely.
- I like how my cheekbones show off my eyes
This time, things are different. I look in the mirror and recognize and appreciate my body. It has gotten me through a lot! It deserves some love and respect and admiration for what it has done and is doing now!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Mind as an Ally in Reaching Ideal Weight
Who can say "self-sabotage?" Just about everyone who has ever wanted to change the shape their body is in--whether that is to drop fat, gain muscle, increase endurance or some combination.
Self-sabotage is not an inevitability however. How do you combat it? By using the power of your mind in your favor.
One of my favorite ways of getting my mind to be my ally in my health journey (as opposed to my enemy) is to use affirmations. Sometimes my affirmations are about my body size or condition or physical appearance. Other times I will use affirmations about my health, or my level of energy. I also use affirmations about behaviors--either eating and/or those revolving around physical activity.
It is important when using affirmations to say ones that feel good to you. They don't have to be "true" (yet...they will be true if you keep it up!) but they can't feel bad. In other words, if you say "My body is slender and beautiful" and your inner voice is saying, "no it isn't, I'm fat and ugly" then it is time to try a different affirmation.
If I'm in that sort of negative mood, I consciously look for an affirmation that feels good (or at least better!) It might be "I have ample energy to go for a long walk this morning" or "I make healthy choices in selecting the food I eat today" or "I enjoy eating healthy food" or "I am open to improving my health every day."
It really comes down to how I feel--if I feel bad I tend to overeat. So my goal is to feel good and empowered in my health. I realize that the world is full of choices and I want to feel good about making decisions that support my health goals. Sometimes that means I will make the same choice over and over. That is how a new habit is made. Pretty reasonable, since to get fat I made the same unhealthy choice(s) over and over!
Self-sabotage is not an inevitability however. How do you combat it? By using the power of your mind in your favor.
One of my favorite ways of getting my mind to be my ally in my health journey (as opposed to my enemy) is to use affirmations. Sometimes my affirmations are about my body size or condition or physical appearance. Other times I will use affirmations about my health, or my level of energy. I also use affirmations about behaviors--either eating and/or those revolving around physical activity.
It is important when using affirmations to say ones that feel good to you. They don't have to be "true" (yet...they will be true if you keep it up!) but they can't feel bad. In other words, if you say "My body is slender and beautiful" and your inner voice is saying, "no it isn't, I'm fat and ugly" then it is time to try a different affirmation.
If I'm in that sort of negative mood, I consciously look for an affirmation that feels good (or at least better!) It might be "I have ample energy to go for a long walk this morning" or "I make healthy choices in selecting the food I eat today" or "I enjoy eating healthy food" or "I am open to improving my health every day."
It really comes down to how I feel--if I feel bad I tend to overeat. So my goal is to feel good and empowered in my health. I realize that the world is full of choices and I want to feel good about making decisions that support my health goals. Sometimes that means I will make the same choice over and over. That is how a new habit is made. Pretty reasonable, since to get fat I made the same unhealthy choice(s) over and over!
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