I know I'm only just starting out and I shouldn't try to do a mini series on anything, but this one has been on my mind recently. I'm not sure how many parts this will have, but at least 3. This is the introductory one to talk about where we are at with body image. Then starting Monday I will be testing at a 28 meal plan along with a workout plan as well. The 3rd part will be the followup at the end of that 28 day challenge to see if I am healthier and more importantly happier. But first let's talk about body image.
Body image can almost be like political. On one side you have people that are comfortable in their skin no matter the body type. The other extreme are people who are self conscious about their body whether in shape or not. Then there is the middle ground where people can move from one extreme to another. And just like political parties they can change over time as your body and perceptions change. The final bit about this comparison, no one party is completely right. There are bits and pieces from each one that can make something better.
Let's get into perception. The media portrays beauty in many ways, but it likes to show no or very strategic flaws. So when either a man or woman looks at a magazine and says, "I want to be like that!" Is it possible? Yes anything is possible. That is there job though, they get to focus there complete attention on looking "beautiful". So just remember that next time you are striving to match Chris Pratt or Jennifer Lawrence.
How do we change perception though? This is hard and can take years. I have had friends that mentioned times in their life where they thought they weren't pretty enough and had eating disorders. These were people in high school, college, and "adult life" that were what society calls beautiful. This is a real thing and I want to take a minute and say this, "I love all of you and want you to know you are and have always been beautiful" Now to overcome negative body image you have to realize there is no one fix all, but a good place to start is by being around people that build you up. Positive support from loved ones is major block. Second taking time to tell yourself you are beautiful is another step. A lot of times we are our worst critics, so take a minute and look in the mirror and say something like, "Whoa, look at that good looking fella." Try that for 2 weeks and see what that will do for your perception.
Now if you are thinking this is great about loving yourself so we do I need to eat healthy or workout if I love who I am? That is the reason for the challenge. I used to to blow off things by saying it's because I'm fat. Now that I look back I could have been healthier, but I really wasn't that bad. So we will see if after 28 days of doing this challenge to see if being "in shape" means I will be happier.
Sorry this was a little bit of a long one, but if you have any supportive suggestions for my challenge, thoughts or stories about body image or just want to tell me something feel free to leave me a comment and give the blog a like on Facebook. Have an American day!
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