A shocking 87 percent of normal-weight women wish they weighed less, according to a Self.com poll. Instead of aiming for an unhealthy or unrealistic goal, why not take a moment to celebrate every amazing inch of you? (I've learned to appreciate my healthy body; now it's your turn.)
A few reasons why showing yourself some love will make a difference:
You will be healthier! Women who appreciate their appearance, regardless of what number the scale spits out, are sick roughly 30 percent less often than those who wish they were thinner, according to the American Journal of Public Health. I say: Yay to that! You'll be happier and healthier... what's not to love?
You'll avoid emotional eating! People who are happy with their body tend to be more in tune with their hunger, making them less apt to snack away stress, the Journal of Counseling Psychology reports. Listen to your gut and eat when it growls. I still reach for the cookies now and then, but it's more the exception than the rule.
You'll deep-six doctor dread! Fourteen percent of women admit they avoid checkups because they're ashamed of how they look, according to a survey by StrategyOne, a market research firm in New York City. A healthy reminder: Your M.D. is there to assess your well-being, not rate your appearance. In fact, you can defuse things by saying to her: "I'd love to lose some weight, but in the meantime, I'm trying to be healthy."
You'll cut your cancer risk! Women who are satisfied with their shape do more thorough skin checks for cancers, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicates—perhaps since they're comfortable checking out themselves naked. On the other hand, women who are down on their physiques are less likely to go for important checks such as mammograms and Pap smears.
You'll protect yourself from STDs! Body-confident women are less prone to engage in risky sexual behavior, research from Penn State University at University Park indicates. One possible reason: They find it easier to insist that a partner use condoms. Loving your body makes getting busy more fun and safer, too!
Now that you have the inspiration, try these five surprising ways to boost your body confidence:
Tune in to The Biggest Loser (I love that Jillian Michaels!) or any of your favorite shows. Watching TV for a few minutes a day may boost self-esteem, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia reveal. Students given poor results on a fake IQ test felt better about themselves after tuning in for only six minutes, regardless of what they viewed. Now, that's channeling good vibes!
Take a walk (or a jog or a bike ride): Exercise increases your body pride, research from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville finds.
Catch some shut-eye: Lack of sleep is linked to colds, aches, pains, even depression. When you're well-rested, you'll look and feel better from head to toe.
Tackle a crossword puzzle: Doing mentally challenging activities delivers an energy rush that makes you feel more attractive, researchers say.
Post a snapshot of yourself in action: Got a photo of you finishing a 10K? How about one of you skiing with pals or canoeing in your favorite lake? The picture will remind you of all the amazing things your body does for you—and motivate you to return the love.
Share your inspiring photos, or just browse through others' for ideas, in the Challenge Inspiration group at My.Self.com.
Determine your happy weight at Self.com, where you'll find all the tools you need to reach it, celebrate it, own it! And love yourself now so you can treat yourself right by eating healthfully and exercising and taking care of yourself! You deserve it.
