I don’t know about you, but when it comes down to my body image, fashion and self-esteem, my mental checklist often goes something like this:
- Do I look fat in this?
- Do I look smarter than I actually am?
- Do I look like a total slob?
- Does this make me look like I don’t care about myself?
- Do I look like a total hipster?
Then, there’s always that little voice in the back of my head that corrects me every time I think I look good.
“You know you’re supposed to wear skinny jeans with a plain T-shirt, not a long-sleeved top. And what are you doing with your hair? You’re a mess. Why are you wearing it in a bun? You look like a weirdo.”
It’s exhausting just thinking about my own brain, and I often wonder if there’s a mental illness that makes me overanalyze every aspect of my appearance. Maybe there’s something called “paranoia of the mind,” where you think everyone is out to get you and you’re the only one who could ever love you.
I wish I could just snap out of it and get on with my life. I’m sure many of you have felt the same way at some point in your life. If this sounds like you, there are many ways to feel better without going under the knife. We’re going to tell you about some of those ways, including a diet that may help you lose that unwanted belly fat.
The Hazards Of Assessing Your Body Size
Letting your body positivity flag fly and loving every inch of your body regardless of what number you see on the scale is what’s called for here. Of course, you don’t want to hurt yourself by eating something that’s going to cause you to gain weight.
While it’s great to want to celebrate your body and what it can do, it’s also essential to understand the differences between healthy and unhealthy body weight. If you want to lose weight and are concerned about the number on the scale, it may be a good idea to consult with a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis.
The first thing you need to understand is that your body is a product of your genes and your hormones. Your metabolism, your DNA and your lifestyle all play a role in determining your ideal weight. Just because you’re five feet tall and have a large Family Viking doesn’t mean that you’ll magically become a curvy, athletic beast. Likewise, being born and raised in Japan doesn’t mean that you’ll suddenly start packing on the pounds. The way you live your life now will determine how you live your life later. Don’t get discouraged if the scale never lies. It may just be that moment when you need to adjust your perspective.
Tips For Those Who Want To Lose Weight
If you’re looking to shed some pounds, there are a few things you can do. The first and most important step is to acknowledge that you want to lose weight. Whether you’re completely unhappy with your current weight or just want to feel better about yourself, saying it out loud may help get you there.
Eat a healthier diet. Cut out the biscuits, pasta and potato chips. Instead, opt for brown rice, whole wheat bread and vegetables. Keep a food journal, and try and be as honest as possible about everything you eat. Knowing what you’re putting in your body is essential to staying on track, and this can only happen if you’re being 100% truthful about what you’re eating.
Exercise regularly. Even a short walk will do wonders for your health. Try and build up your routine, and make sure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Try and avoid sitting down for more than 30 minutes at a time. Take the stairs instead of the escalator, park a little farther away from the entrance, and get up and moving as often as you can. Don’t forget about yoga and meditation. Those are also great for helping you focus on your mental and physical wellbeing instead of what you look like.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to lose weight. No one is an expert in your head, and no one has the right to tell you what you should or should not do with your body. Especially if they haven’t walked a mile in your shoes.
If you want to lose weight, celebrate the fact that you’re alive and enjoy every moment of it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough or that you need to change something about yourself. You’re a wonderful person just the way you are, and you have a wonderful body that you’re quite capable of changing for the better.