I want to talk to you all about body image…
The winter weather is slowing fading , warmer weather is fast approaching, and with that comes the added pressure to “drop a few extra pounds” and to “look our best in that bikini.” SO STRESSFUL!
For the past couple months I have been so self conscious about my body. I’ve gained some weight, haven’t been consistent with the gym and just have struggled with my body image. Before, I would force myself to diet and eat super clean. I would spend hours in the gym trying to burn extra calories just took look skinny. THAT'S NOT healthy! I don't want to be skinny, I want to be HEALTHY. I want to fuel my body so it can support me in living a long and healthy life. Killing ourselves to look a certain way is taking up too many precious moments that can be spent living our lives to the fullest and being HAPPY 😊.
We all have amazing bodies, and in summer we all throw on our favorite bathing suit, right? Rather than falling into the vicious cycle of feeling the need to have that “Instagram model banging body”, I think a much healthier and more effective way of building a positive relationship with our bodies is to focus on the way we FEEL and connecting our mind with our body. When we begin to focus on the way that we feel, feed our bodies healthy and nourishing foods, and choose to partake in exercise that we actually enjoy rather than forcing ourselves to do something that we hate, we can leave this horrible body shaming deal behind. When I stopped focusing on having a perfect body and really committed to focusing on how I feel, that’s when I was finally confident being in my own skin. I try and focus on what a gift it is that I have a healthy body that allows me to partake in exercises I enjoy, and try and replace any negative thoughts that may arise with a positive affirmation.
I follow so many bikini models and health influencers that sometimes it can be discouraging comparing their super fit bodies to mine. But thats not realistic. My body isn’t like that. I have stretch marks, my thighs are big, my stomach isn't flat and my boobs are small, but I love my body. Its my body!
We all come to love our bodies in many different ways. No one way is right. No one way is better than the other. But it is important to nurture this love for your body and turn it in to everything you hope it would be. I’m working on my body by living a healthy lifestyle. I eat a balanced diet, exercise, and treat myself. Thats what works best for me.
Stop struggling with the appearance of your body. Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself you are beautiful both inside and out, because you are ❤️
XO Alyssa ❤️