OWN YOUR STRUGGLE AND LOVE YOURSELF

Moments of negative body image are inevitable, but the inner dialogue we are prepared with helps us combat self criticism and reminds us to be grateful. Let these words give you the strength to remember: a healthy body is wonderful and amazing.


BY: HALEY GOODRICH, RD, LDN

I understand how you are feeling because we aren’t so different.

Your eyes only see “She is thin, I am not” and your brain is thinking “She is better, I am not.” They are all lies.

Everyone has struggles no matter what size or shape their body is. Until you make peace with your body and learn to love yourself, you won’t be happy or be able to control these thoughts at any size.

No matter how much weight you lose, if your mind is still bullying you, you will always be at war. We waste hours and hours obsessing over a shape we were given, wishing we were something else.

What if we spent the same amount of time thinking positively about ourselves? Are you any less of a person because you have brown hair, wear a size 9 shoe or your second toe is longer than the first? We have bones, muscle and fat. None of those things make you ugly, worthless or less successful.

Your shape makes you, YOU.

Your loved ones don’t care and probably won’t notice if you lose 5 lb. They don’t care what you look like, they care that you are healthy. You will still be loved, 5 or 15 lb heavier, with brown or purple hair, with or without mascara.

Worry less about your weight, and more about your health.

Even if you say, “I don’t care what anyone thinks”…do you really? Or do you still poke your belly, looking in the mirror wishing it looked different? Do you still pose for pictures so your thighs will look slimmer or eat certain foods in front of people in fear of what they might think?

We have this one life to live as fully as possible. How perfect your stomach or plate of food looks is so unimportant.

Only seek to be more of yourself.

Your body is perfect just the way it is. Be emotionally grateful for this vessel you get to call your body. Body love is a process; it may take years, but it is 100% possible for you. Be kind to yourself today.

Your body is forgiving, hardworking, and absolutely amazing.

HEADER IMAGE: ROMAN KRAFT

Haley Goodrich, RD, LDN is a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Pittsburgh, PA inspiring others to have a healthy relationship with food.  Specializing in disordered eating, intuitive eating, and GI disorders, Haley’s mission is to show that healthy doesn’t have to be restrictive or defined by how you compare to others. To stay inspired to be your healthiest you, visit Haley at INSPIRD Nutrition.