Amazing. I feel so knowledgeable about my diet that I can’t thank her enough. I’m in control of what I eat, so I feel much better. I’m healthy, finally! – Cindy R.
How to Build a Better Body Image
Creating a better body image goes hand in hand with becoming a healthier, more energetic person. We feel sexiest when we’re healthiest, right? It’s important to remember, though, that being healthy does not always mean being as skinny as possible. Fat is not our enemy; it’s actually there to protect us.
Point #2: Fat Is Not Your Enemy
Some of our thinnest clients are the most miserable about their weight, while some of our larger beauties own it with pride. Why is that? Our perspective is that being happy in your own skin has nothing to do with your size—well, let’s just say that’s not the biggest factor.
Storing fat is the body’s way of protecting itself. In a way, we’re still prehistoric creatures, beholden to our brains’ simple fight-flight-or-freeze reactions. When we’re under stress (and who isn’t under stress?) our bodies go into fat-storage mode as a way to protect us.
What’s beautiful about our body is its relentless attention and efforts to always taking care of us, no matter what we do to it. One of the ways our body takes care of us under stress is to store fat—especially around our mid-section—thus protecting our precious organs.
Often, extra weight is simply a symptom that something else is wrong. It could be that your lifestyle is far too stressful, and that there are ways you could simplify and relax. Or it could be that you’re suffering from a food sensitivity, perhaps to gluten or dairy. Weight gain could also be attributed to hormonal or other chemical factors in the body.
The first step is to investigate. We can help. If you’re interested in joining a community of like-minded people looking to improve their health and optimize their self-esteem, consider joining our Curb Your Cravings program below. But first, here’s a story from the founder of Happy Belly Health and Functional Medicine Coach, Shanti Pappas.
Shanti’s Personal Story
It makes me sad when I think about how much I used to hurt myself with terrible eating choices followed up by punishing my body with food restriction and over-exercise. The love handles, the “extra,” the big feet, the big legs… everything I saw in the mirror was just TOO BIG. All of these things that made me unique and different were exactly what I wanted to change.
Yet, my body never gave up on me. It took time for my body to heal because it took time for me to figure out that my body is not my enemy. First, I started asking myself “Too big for what?” I began to challenge my own language and changed the thought too big to good enough. I started to focus on all the good things my body does for me, instead of just what it looks like.
I really enjoy movement, and I have a naturally strong body. Here I was wishing that I could be more frail-looking. I am an athlete. This made no sense! When I began to focus on how I could perform better and feel better, it became so much easier for me to choose the right foods. I soon became a better version of myself, not as a punishment for overeating, but because I was learning to enjoy my body.
I still use the phrase “good enough,” but more and more often, I find myself instead saying things like “Wow, look at me!” And most importantly, I take the time to say “Thank you” to my body every day.
— Shanti Pappas
CURB YOUR CRAVINGS
Lose Weight for the Long Run
Learn to Eat for Nutrition & Enjoyment
Trying to lose weight? You’re not alone. Today more than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese—not surprising when you consider our culture of take-out and eating on the run. That’s why we’ve developed our Curb Your Cravings Weight-Loss Program. Now you can lose weight and feel great with the right support tools to finally get long-lasting results while becoming a healthier and more balanced you.
“I highly recommend Happy Belly Health if you’re looking for a reset and a better relationship with food.” – Maddy, San Francisco
HAPPY BELLY HEALTH
415.565.1090
www.happybellyhealth.com
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