Don’t wait until you're finally slim enough to wear your new bathing suit (summer 2015?) to show your body some love. Here's the surprising reason: Falling head over heels with your current body -- or at least "friending" your arms, legs, back, or butt -- can turbocharge your weight loss success.
Imagine no more "Oh no, my thighs are jiggling!" fears or "Oh, wow, he's got a trimmer waist than I do!" flinches. Liking your body doesn't just clear your head of depressing thoughts. Feeling better about your physical self can also translate into less emotional eating and help you lose – ready? -- up to three times more weight.
Achieving this state of "I'm okay and my body's okay, too" serenity takes work and play. Spend some time naked in front of a mirror, looking at your body lovingly. Appreciate the parts you like. It could be your strength, your curves, your broad shoulders, your curly hair, your shapely calves, or your perfect height -- whatever’s appealing. Then, replace any "I'm going to be model-thin" thoughts with healthy, realistic goals.
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Next, give yourself a present: Practice a relaxation technique -- a few minutes of deep breathing in a quiet place is fine. Whenever negative, stressful thoughts about your body start bubbling up (and they will), quiet them with your relaxation technique. Then, give your body something fun to do, like a dance class, a tennis lesson, a nonstop walk through your favorite mall or giant hardware store. That's true love!
Find a happier, healthier you.
Medically reviewed in September 2019.
