How you feel about your body can be
central to how you feel about yourself.
Many people despair when comparing
the way they look to the way they feel
they should look. This results in
emotional hurt. Having a positive view
of your body — no matter how imperfect
it may be — is critical to success. To
feel good about what you’re achieving
by losing weight and improving your
health, you have to feel good about your
body.
Here are suggestions to help you view
your body in a more positive light.
-Think of your body as a gift. It allows
you to live, move, achieve and
experience pleasure. If you focus on
the good things about your body, it
becomes more of a friend and less of
an adversary.
-Don’t equate body image with selfesteem.
The assumption that how
you look is who you are can sabotage
your weight goals. Your appearance
is only one aspect of your life. You
can be a success at many things,
regardless of appearance (or how you
think you appear). Focus on the
things that you’re good at.
-Don’t avoid looking at your body.
Many people avoid mirrors and
windows so that they won’t have to
look at their reflections. Instead,
consider your reflection as a way to
measure success.
-Write a list of positive things about
yourself and add to it often. Refer to
the list when you need support. In
addition, post self-affirming
messages (“I’m strong and resilient!”)
on your bathroom mirror, in your car
or at your desk at work.
-Spend time with people who are
positive and supportive of your efforts
to lose weight and live healthy.
-Remember that appearance can be
independent of health. Some people
are slender but deal with increased
health risks. Conversely, other
people may not have a picture-perfect
appearance, but their attitudes and
spirits are wonderful. Beauty comes
from within. When you feel good
about yourself, your positive outlook
will shine through.
