Learning to love your body is a big deal. So much of our personal health has to do with our physical being. How we take care of ourselves physically affects every other aspect of our lives. So, the subject warrants some attention.
Of course, diet and exercise are central. Hmm, aren’t these about the two most common subjects for New Year’s Resolutions? My objective is not to harp on or minimize these, but to personalize them. Besides all of the wonderful topics of good health addressed in the first three days of the New Year, two indescribably phenomenal components of life are food and sex! Both, of course, can be abused in horrific ways that lead to death. But in good health, … is there anything better? I am hearing a resounding “Amen” from the … you guessed it! … men! I guess that’s why we say Amen rather than Awomen!
I digress.
Diet and exercise. Diet and exercise. Diet and exercise. There’s no “Amen” here. Just a “Yuk!” Boring!
Here’s the good news. You can learn to love your body by personalizing your food and activity practices to nurture your own good health. The diet industry garners billions of dollars, regularly suggesting some new diet trend that guarantees to produce the miraculous results “everyone” dreams of achieving. There are standards for “ideal” that are applied en masse, suggesting every body is the same. I look around, however, and see uniquely beautiful people of all shapes and sizes.
The unequivocal missing acknowledgment in the diet craze is the forgotten minor detail that DIETS DON’T WORK!
Loving your body doesn’t mean you have to starve it into submission or flog yourself to do 10 more reps. Instead, it means finding what works for you. Finding what works for you begins, first, with loving yourself (go back to January 2 blog). Understanding that you are unique and special – yes, special; precious even! – is critical. Then, understand the realm of foods you prefer and the nutritional values of those foods. Then, make good choices for yourself that offer a healthy palate that is pleasing to you and loaded with good nutrition.
For me, fine wine and high quality dark chocolate are musts. Otherwise, no sugar. Good quality fats are wonderful – bring on the avocados! And I love a good steak. For others, less meat and more veggies is a preference. The bottom line is this: Quality foods are much more satisfying than junk. Remember, you are learning to love yourself. Loving your body involves feeding it well. What works best for one person may not be the dream plan for another.
Now, about exercise. Here is another area for personal application. I love to walk around Green Lake with a friend. Some people create a sense of community at their fitness center. Others have their favorite sports. Find what works for you and figure out how to integrate it into your life.
All in all, coming to a place where you can look at your naked body in a mirror and like what you see is the best. Aim for that, imperfections and all! It’s a part of Love in 2018.