Don’t let the Scale Define Success
Last month we talked about exercise and the ketogenic diet. Pairing the two together is a great way to live a healthy lifestyle. This month I wanted to touch on the topic of self-love.
Being overweight was difficult for me. I found myself saying negative things when I looked in the mirror. Picking apart my body for all the ways it was failing me. Instead of being grateful for all the things my body allowed me to do on a daily basis, I just didn’t appreciate it.
Something I discovered very quickly was that loving my body was the only way that I would find the ability to nourish it and care for it properly. I started finding things I really loved about my body. I reminded myself that I liked how my calves would slope down into my ankles and the shape of my shoulders. I even apologized to my body for how unkind I had been to it for so many years. Did you know you can give yourself a hug?
After weighing myself daily for almost two years I quickly realized that I was allowing the number on the scale to dictate my mood for the day. I was going through all the motions of eating well and moving my body, in all accounts a success. But I became obsessed with the number. Losing weight is hard and it is made harder by putting all of your attention on what the scale says.
I quickly learned that trying to lose weight is less about the number on the scale and more about finding a way to treat your body with kindness and respect.
It is possible to start a weight loss journey and disregard the scale altogether. That number is not defining your self-worth nor is it a valid representation of your effort. If you start to live a healthy life, you will become healthy.
Be kind to yourself.
When push comes to shove, you have to learn to be your own cheerleader. You must speak to yourself the way you would encourage a friend.
Managing your own self-talk is equally as important as eating well and exercising. Keep it positive friends!
Joanna Wilcox is Canadian Health and Fitness Influencer from Woodstock, Ontario.
