We all sometimes struggle to love our bodies.
We are our own worse critics. We can probably rattle off a list of everything wrong with our bodies if asked. Although, I hope no one would actually ask you that. In fact, most people would never even notice half the shit that we think is wrong with our bodies.
Somedays, the struggle is more real than others. For some reason, your pants are too tight even though they fit great two days ago! It’s not like you gained five pounds overnight. You probably ate something extra salty or did a more challenging workout than your body is used to.
It’s hard to ignore those too-tight jeans.
But we need to break this cycle of negative self-talk about our bodies. Or really anything about ourselves. Because we are all awesome and should be out enjoying life, not picking apart our body in front of the mirror.
Instead of telling yourself all the things you dislike about yourself this month, start telling yourself all the things you love about yourself!
It can be hard to do. When you start looking at yourself in the mirror, and that little voice starts telling you your stomach isn’t tight enough, try to silence it. Turn the thought around and instead tell yourself how strong your legs are. Or how your arms can lift your toddler easily.
Journaling can help, especially if you start a gratitude journal. It can be as simple as writing down 1-3 things each day you are grateful for. And I don’t mean “I’m grateful for my dog” dig a little deeper. Write about how your dog chased the tennis ball and made you laugh. Being grateful for things outside your body can help you be a more positive person, helping your attitude toward yourself.
You can still love your body and work to change it at the same time.
Appreciate what your body can do now and work to make positive, healthy changes to better your mind and body. We should enjoy our workouts and not use them as punishment for the food we eat. We should use food to power ourselves. We need food to get through the day and improve as athletes/runners.