Maybe it’s a number on a scale. Maybe it’s a number in a pair of your favorite pants. Whatever number has got you hung up, it’s time for you to give it up.
You are so much more than a number. You’re worth more.
Obsessing over these kinds of numbers is soul sucking. I’m not saying that these numbers aren’t important and you should totally ignore them. I’m just saying that if you’re thinking about them a lot (or worse, all the time), you’ll probably end up feeling frustrated, anxious and depressed. And chances are good that those types of feelings are sabotaging your best efforts to get healthy.
So, how do you find balance? In an image obsessed world where skinny is more important than healthy, quick fixes promise you can lose 20 pounds in 20 days, and your pant size is more important than the size of your heart, how do keep perspective? I’ve got a few tips that I’m hoping will help.
1. Only look at the numbers on a scale four times a month. At most. Set four times a month where you’re going to allow yourself to check out your status. Are you making progress? Fabulous. If not, it’s time to make some changes.
2. Measure numbers that actually matter. How many times did you smile today? How many hours of sleep did you get? How many miles did you walk? How many nutrient rich calories did you eat? How many deep breaths did you take? How many people did you have a meaningful conversation with?
3. Focus on how you feel. If you’re eating with purpose, skipping the sugar, avoiding alcohol, focusing on fresh whole foods, and eating within your calorie range & to your body’s metabolism, you’re going to have more energy and a better overall sense of well-being.
4. Change your mindset. Getting and keeping a healthy weight is all about sowing and then reaping. Making a change today isn’t going to totally change the way you look and feel by tomorrow. It takes weeks, months and years of healthy eating to really make a difference. Keep your mind in check. Remind yourself that lasting results take time, and that the effort you are putting in today will totally pay off in the future.
Don’t get emotionally connected to the number on a scale or a pant size. Why? Because these numbers are fickle. Eating something a little too salty or carb rich, a hard workout, needing to use the bathroom, or being dehydrated can all temporarily raise the needle on the scale. Different stores use different sizes-a size 4 for one brand might be a 6 for another. Instead, emotionally connect with your healthy habits. Get excited when you eat good quality foods in the right amounts, cheer yourself on when move your body, and reward yourself with a good night sleep. You ARE Worth It.
Change Your Meals, Change Your Life
-Dr Kristen Bentson
