In your mind, do you feel that thin equals healthy? Does how you think you look impact your life? Does it make you think less of yourself? Is there a bodyweight goal that you think will make your life better?

You’re not alone. Many women feel that way. So do many men, if the truth were known. Ironically, during Jane Austen’s time, the same thing was happening; the emphasis on thinness was an obsession. Did fashion play a part? Those high-waisted dresses are unflattering to all but the thinnest bodies.

Most of Jane Austen’s characters had a healthier attitude. They seemed to understand that health was not tied to a specific look or body weight; it was how you felt from head to toe regardless of a number on a scale. Vigor was important to her characters as was a positive body image.

When you think about it, what most people want is not to be satisfied about how they see themselves but how others see them. I’ve felt that way myself. You have to love yourself just the way you are first before any move toward becoming healthier can be permanent. In other words, no matter what you see when you look in the mirror, you have to love the person first. Then you can work at becoming healthier.

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to lose weight if it means you’ll eat healthier. It doesn’t mean you won’t exercise, even challenging exercise, if you want to. But the purpose is to attain better health, not fit into the jeans you wore in high school. Did you ever stop to think you might actually exceed what you thought possible if you just improved your self image today? When you think better of yourself, what you eat and how you move is not a punishment. It’s moving toward a healthier life, regardless of a number on a scale.

Think about this for awhile. Can your self image stand some improvement in your mind? We’re going to continue the conversation from a completely different perspective next week.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: https://wapo.st/2UeaSiZ