Want a Flatter Belly?
Whatever you’re looking to change — a whittled waist, toned arms, or thinner thighs — know this: We only get one body to live in for our entire lives. One. That’s it. And the one you were born with is the one you’ve got.
Sure, you can change or alter it, but when it comes down to it, the body that you have now — at this very moment — is yours. And your one and only body doesn’t just deserve your love; it needs it.
“Love your body like your mother loved your baby feet.”
—Mary Lambert, poet
Learn to Love Your Body the Way It Is
I know. This sounds crazy. But, hang in there, and keep reading.
When you love your body, miraculous things can happen. That’s easier said than done, but it is possible to overcome internalized body shame by shifting your mindset.
Think about the types of relationships you have with other people. The positive ones are built on respect, trust, openness, communication, and love. This is the type of relationship you need to foster with your own body.
Negative relationships, on the other hand, can lead to abuse, self–harm, and self–loathing. The same thing can happen when you talk badly about your own body. Degrading or insulting your appearance only leads to self-hatred and poor self-image, which isn’t healthy in the long run.
So, how do you combat negative self-talk? Start loving and respecting your body for everything it does for you on a daily basis. This sends the message that you matter.
Getting in Touch With Your Body
Relationships begin by learning about the other person’s attributes, preferences, and natural tendencies. This is also how you can start to understand the skin you’re in.
Give some well-deserved respect to your body with these five techniques:
1. Identify Your Body Shape
Here’s a hard truth: Everyone has a different body shape with curves and angles and ripples. You are not an airbrushed, filter-diffused, abstract idea of what a shape should be. You are a beautiful, unique, and complicated group of cells, nutrients, and flesh.
Doctors, as well as fashion stylists, know that there are at least eight basic body shapes.
Basic body types:
- Straight
- Pear
- Spoon
- Hourglass
- Top hourglass
- Inverted triangle
- Oval
- Diamond
Your shape depends on your genetic makeup, your lifestyle, the type of food you eat, any medications you take, and the respect you have for your body. Get to know which body type you have so you can better fuel, treat, dress, and power your body.
Although doctors and stylists seem light years apart from each other professionally, it is important to take into account what body type you have when choosing your best outfit, as well as choosing the best diet and fitness regime for you.
2. Move Your Body
Your body is made up of muscles, bones, water (a lot of water), and a whole bunch of chemicals and reactions. It was not made to stay still for long periods of time and needs movement.
This is because our ancient ancestors did not have every type of fast food conveniently located within three square miles of every cave. They had to hunt and find their food, and that required running, lifting, and bending. Cardio and weightlifting were essential for survival. Think of it as prehistoric CrossFit.
You are, in essence, a modern–day cave dweller. Although you don’t have to hunt and forage for your food, you can stay clear of junk food, and find a workout that suits you.
3. Take Care of Your Mind
Get in touch with your emotions and motives. What empowers you? What gives you inspiration? What sparks joy? Once you answer these questions, you can clear away any negativity and rediscover who you really are.
Don’t forget that your body and mind need rest. Most people require at least eight hours of sleep per night. If you don’t get it, your brain starts to send distress signals throughout the body, which can interrupt healthy habits and natural processes vital for life.
4. Hydrate and Moisturize
Water is the principal element in the human body and makes up more than half of your body weight. We lose water through everyday processes like digestion and respiration. If you’re physically active, you’re losing even more.
Drink water like it’s your job.
It’s important to stay hydrated so your organs can function. Your skin — the largest organ in the human body — is responsible for shielding you from the world and needs water to do that. It’s also a good idea to protect your skin from harmful UV rays using moisturizer with sunblock.
5. Add Some Protein to Your Diet
Protein is a macronutrient that your body needs in the right amounts. In fact, it is a component of every cell in your body, and it’s required to build and repair tissue. Fun fact: Your body doesn’t store protein (like it does with carbohydrates), so it has nothing to draw from when you’re low. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re getting the protein you need, when you need it.
Getting all the necessary nutrients can be a challenge, though. When you’re on the go, surrounded by temptations — and just well, hungry — taking time to worry about protein intake can be downright stressful.
The good news about protein, however, is that it can make us feel full and satisfied all while keeping unhealthy cravings at bay.
Ready to give your body some love, positivity, and appreciation? Check out our convenient bundle, which provides a protein boost and can help with restful sleep. You and your miraculous body deserve it!