Being Skinny Does Not Always Equal Being Healthy

During #Fitblog Chats last night, a few of us got into a discussion about the thinking that being skinny = being healthy.  Here is just a snippet of our chat:

Self-Esteem and Body Image

I was checking over my blog stats yesterday and I noticed that one of the most comment phrases to direct people to my blog is:

"you are not as fat as you think you are."

Interesting.

I did a post a few year ago with that exact title about what we often see in the mirror is not necessary how others see us in society.  We are often our worst critics.

Caitlin @ the Healthy Tipping Point is paving the way for people, young and old, to not only feel better about themselves, but to help others feel better too with her Operation Beautiful.

For those not familiar with the movement, the idea is that you write an encouraging and positive phrase on a post-it note and leave it a public place for others to read.

To me, the heart of this movement is self-esteem.  When you feel better about yourself, your healthy attitude will rub off on others.  While there are many factors that affect our self-esteem (family, friends, television, magazines etc.), I do feel that it is something that needs to be fostered inside of us.

What really matters is how you feel about yourself, not what other people think you should feel.

So how do you begin this journey of self-discovery to improve your self-esteem?

Here are a few things that have helped me over the years.

• Reflection.  Think about the people, places and things that have influenced your life. Did they positively or negative contribute to the way you feel about yourself?  How does that affect your life now?  Should it affect your life now?

• Daily Affirmations.  Self-talk can go a long way in determining how we feel and what we present to the world.  Try this:  Choose a phrase to state your intentions for the day like, "I will cherish my body today."

• Journaling.  Write down inspiring quotes, exciting events in your life and interesting people you have met. Make sure to look at this book daily.

• Laugh.  Have fun.  Spend time with people who make you smile. Laughing always makes you feel better, guaranteed.

What are your thoughts on self-esteem?  
What tips could you add to list?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Fast Fitness Q & A: Back Fat and the Plateau

It has been a long time since I have done a Fitness Q&A and I want to thank everyone for their great emails. Keep them coming!

And without further ado...


Q: I have "Back Fat". What can I do to target that area?

A: Unfortunately you cannot “spot reduce”. When you exercise, your body with burn the fat from the area where it is most readily available.

By adding some type of cardiovascular exercise to your routine (such as running, dancing and group fitness classes) to tap into fat stores AND some strength training exercises (including some for your back and abdominals) to tone and build muscle, you will rev up your metabolism and lose overall fat (including that area on your back!).

Diet is also a very important in overall health so consult a dietitian if you need help with your meals planning.



Q: I have been exercising regularly for many years. I usually do a combination of cycling and weight training at my local gym. I have noticed that my body hasn't really been changing over the last few months and I was wondering why. Is there anything you can suggest?

A: First, let me congratulate you on maintaining an exercise program and staying active. It sounds like you have hit an exercise plateau. What does this mean? If you keep doing the same routine from month to month, your body will get used to these demands and no longer respond by changing. You will simply maintain the same level.

If you want to see changes in your body, you need make some changes to your routine. A few of my previous post have some ideas about what to do when you hit a plateau adding intensity and mixing up your workouts.

Got more questions? I am all ears!

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

You Are Not As Fat As You Think You Are

Source

Look at yourself in the mirror.

What do you see?

I bet many of you were quick to point out all the parts your don't like. Maybe you think your hips are too big or your tummy isn't tight enough.

I can guarantee that you are NOT seeing what everyone else does.

Our perceptions are often very distorted. This distortion can stem from the constant comparison of ourselves to images in the media or perhaps from our own low self esteem.

No matter where it comes from, it is usually a far cry from what others think of you.

The "flaws" that we see in ourselves are usually invisible to others. We are our worst critics.

Your friends will always compliment you on your fabulous legs or killer arms but all you always point out your not-so-firm buttocks.

You respond to this positive attention with a negative response.

Why?

When all you do is criticize yourself, sometimes you really can't see the beauty in your body that others do.

You need to take 2 things from this:

1. Learn how to take a compliment. If someone says something positive about your body, accept it and say thank you. Take another look in the mirror and think about the possibility that your friends may be right!

2. Stop focusing on all the things you don't like about yourself. How we feel about our bodies affects our self confidence and the energy the you put out into the world. Like attracts like. If you can learn to embrace your body, you will be happier and healthier.


So, how do you look now?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy