How to Love Yourself Fat, Skinny & Everything In between. - Part 3

I’m continuing my series on “How to Love Yourself Fat, Skinny & Everything In between.”  Part 1 & 2 were posted earlier.  I go into how to let go of limiting beliefs about yourself and how to honor your body and love yourself through the power of affirmations.

In part 3 we will review how to eat intuitively while reconnecting with your body.

A diet full of quality calories will trump a diet full of no calories “aka - restriction.” Depriving yourself of food does NOT work.  I’ve seen it backfire with multiple clients as well as myself.  It causes binge eating and may even trigger negative thoughts that can lead to depression. “Diet” is a long-term lifestyle; it doesn’t mean you completely change your eating habits temporarily. “Diet” is simply whole natural foods which contain all the nutrients your body needs to stay thrive. Crash diets deprive your body of basic nutrients it needs to function properly.  Think about how you want to look and feel in 10 years. Malnutrition, stricken with disease or glowing & healthy? 

In order to take care of yourself, you need to reconnect with your body and take the time to understand your emotional needs, rather than hiding them in food. Eating should be a pleasant, controlled way to keep your body healthy, not a means to deal with emotional challenges.

The following steps will help you maintain a healthy weight while reconnecting with your body!

• Portion control: Even healthy food is not intended to be consumed in vast amounts. Use smaller plates filled with whole natural food to control your portions but still provide your body with the necessary nutrients.
• Crowd out junk by crowding in whole natural foods.
• Eat superfoods that contain all the nutrients required by your body, such as protein, complex carbs, fiber, etc., Empty calories only starve yourself.
• Develop mindful eating habits and have several small meals throughout the day instead of monster meals twice a day.

• “Me” time: Taking time for yourself can help you to avoid the resentful and irritable feelings that ultimately lead to comfort food. Think about yourself first and carve out some time to look good and feel good in order to impact the people around you in a positive way.
• Sleep: Treat sleep like food. It is necessary and enjoyable but don't overindulge. Get the proper amount of good, quality sleep and try to maintain a steady routine to feel your best.
• Get creative: Find a creative outlet to steer you away from comfort food. Try writing, painting, or arts and crafts. The Internet is full of quick, easy ideas. Just do anything creative that engages your attention and takes your mind off food.
• Appreciate nature: Fresh air can also take your mind off food (one of my favorite tips!) Plan a trip to the seaside or countryside, or even just a walk around the block—anything that will help you to appreciate nature.
• Dance: Crank the music and shake your thang’.  Girls night out or just being silly with your family will help turn a bad mood into a great mood. .
• Swap it: Avoid “boredom eating” by finding other activities or opportunities to fill your free time. For example, go to an art exhibition, or enroll in a workshop that you have wanted to attend, or go visit a friend you haven’t seen in ages.

Your #1 Goal Crushing Fan,

-Mary