Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Challenge of keepin' it real.


We are all different shapes and sizes and that is what makes us all so fabulous. As women we put so much pressure on ourselves to look a certain way and sometimes that "way" is unhealthy and unrealistic. We should all strive to be as HEALTHY as possible but remember that everyone's healthy will look different.

I love my cute little size 0 friends but I will never be able to share jeans with them. My body is simply not built to be a size zero and I am fine with that.

Don't focus too much on the number staring back at you from the scale. Sure losing pounds can make you feel good, but looking fabulous in your jeans can make you feel even better. A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat so focus more on shaping your body, not just losing it.

As we get older things are going to get droopier and softer and that is just part of life. Sure we can eat better and exercise but genetics are going to fight us and those droopy boobs and saggy butt may be there to stay. If you have had kids you also know how everything gets stretched out and soft. It is hard to lose baby weight, but don't put a rush on it. Especially of you are nursing. Talk with a doctor, trainer, or nutrition specialist in regard to your personal needs. Think of how hard your body worked to carry that baby and go through labor/delivery. We need to be forgiving to our bodies for putting on extra weight.
You don't have to have gone through pregnancy to appreciate your body. Think about how you kept it up late during college and all the caffeine, chocolate, burgers and whatever else you have put into your body and it is still working for you. Think about what your body CAN do and then push yourself to do more.

Also, don't stress about clothing sizes. I have clothes in my closet ranging from a 1 to a 10. What does that say about manufacturers? They all have their own idea of what a certain size should be. So, once again don't let a number run your life.

We only get one body and it is important to treat it right. What we do now with them has definite effects on them later in life. For example, if you are in or beyond your late twenties, your body has finished growing. You need to get your daily calcium intake and perform weight bearing exercises to keep the bone mass you have going strong.
Ultimately, just be comfortable in your own skin and make sure your weight loss/fitness/nutrition goals are realistic.
We can do it!!!

1 comment:

Trish the Dish said...

This is a great post! Body image is a tough one. It's so hard not to see something other than what's really looking back at me in the mirror. And society doesn't help me feel better about myself. But what you've said is exactly right - don't look at the numbers, go with how you feel. Are you tired, cranky, and depressed all the time? That's when you know something's not right - not when you just can't quite get those pre-baby jeans back on. If you are taking care of yourself, have energy to accomplish what you need to in a day, and your doctor says you are healthy, then you are! HOORAY!