I’ve always heard you’re supposed to love your body. I think I’m pretty cute so sure, I thought I loved my body. I have pretty good self-esteem and let’s admit it, on some days I’m just freaking awesome.
But every time I’ve decided to eat healthy/exercise I’ve always thought of my body as the ENEMY. To lose weight I had to deprive it and exhaust it. My genetics are “bad” and I (the healthy person trapped inside) had to do everything I could to WIN!
Recently, I learned that loving your body is about listening to it. Your body is not the enemy, it is your number 1 ally in this life. Check this- your body is doing everything it can to protect you. If you die, it dies. (That sounds weird but hopefully you get it.)
Your body is working hard to keep you alive and healthy. If you feed it extra food, it’s going to store it up like a squirrel preparing for winter just in case your food supply unexpectedly goes away. If you have injured a muscle, it will send pain to let you know to rest until it can repair it. If you’re missing some nutrient or brain chemical, it will give you cravings so you eat the food containing that substance.
Oh. My. Gosh. You mean this body I’ve been fighting forever actually loves me and is trying to protect me? That I should work WITH it instead of AGAINST it? Well, now that’s a thought.
How about you? Is your body the enemy? You know, now is a great time to start a new relationship with it. Focus on trust, love, and appreciation. Your body is the only thing guaranteed to be with you until the end of this life. Today's a good time to make peace.
