Society seems hell bent on making us feel bad about our bodies. TV and magazines bombard us with images of beautiful people, perfectly made up, stick thin and living lives so much better than ours - while adverts for such weight loss brands as Slimming World and WeightWatchers want us to think we'll only be happy, confident and accepted by others when we're a size zero.
Well, guess what? Body confidence can only come from within and no amount of starvation, gruelling workouts or 'diet' foods are going to make you feel better. So stop believing the lies and start following these six ways to love your body, whatever shape or size you happen to be:
1. Stop comparing yourself to people on Instagram
Because even they don't look like that in real life. Everyone knows that pictures of celebs and influencers are heavily edited, photoshopped and airbrushed. Unfollow any accounts which make you feel like your body isn't 'good enough'.
Work out because you can, because it makes you feel good and because you want to be fit and healthy. NOT because you need to burn off that extra slice of cake you just ate. Which brings me to my next point...
3. Stop dieting and just eat properly
Food is meant to be enjoyed. If you're constantly counting macros or calories, you're sending yourself the signal that you need to restrict foods in order to look a certain way. (And just FYI, no 'miracle tea' is magically going to melt away your fat or boost your metabolism). Get out of the dieting mindset and just eat fresh, locally-grown, in-season food to nourish your body. Mixed in with a little bit of what you fancy from time to time, of course.
4. Stop the negative self-talk
Telling yourself you're fat, frumpy or unattractive is harmful and just plain unhelpful. If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, why would you say it to yourself? Every time you catch yourself thinking something negative about your body, make a point to counter that thought with something you love about it.
5. Wear clothes that fit
Wearing clothes that are too tight or too baggy is going to make you feel self conscious. Wear things which actually fit and you'll feel a lot more confident. Only keep clothes in your wardrobe which fit you right now - get rid of anything you're holding onto for when you lose weight (or in case you put it back on). They're only making you feel bad about yourself.
6. Think about how amazing the human body actually is
Our bodies are ridiculously complex. All the work they do behind the scenes to keep us alive and functioning is mind-boggling. They can even grow another human being! That's pretty incredible.
So stop hating on your body and give yourself a break. Your body is amazing...and you're amazing!
I want to know: what's the best thing about your body?
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