Can weight loss and self-acceptance go hand in hand?
That’s the question we look at today in this article.
We believe the answer is hands down, a resounding, “Yes.”
We want to share with you an incredible TEDx speech on the subject of weight loss and self-acceptance. It also covers the secret to self-control, developing self-esteem, and more.
We also want to share some cutting-edge, research on this subject.
You see, when it comes to the kind of mind-set you need to lose weight, and gain muscle, it’s all about how to develop self-confidence. Sometimes, you need to let go. Why? Because creating a way of thinking where you give yourself permission for body acceptance just might be crucial.
The video below will explain exactly why that is.
Then, we’ll share some articles from experts on the subject. The reason? Because once your mental state is right, your weight loss, fitness, and self-acceptance goals are just easier to achieve.
You can look at yourself in the mirror and accept that maybe you are not where you want to be. Ok. Fine. That’s how you are today. And you have the choice, every day, to take action on that. Or not.
It doesn’t change who you are.
It changes your health. But it doesn’t change YOU.
It’s like when someone becomes suddenly wealthy. The money doesn’t change that person. It simply amplifies the character of that individual. If that person was good inside to begin with, maybe he or she will go on to use their newfound wealth for the benefit of their family members. Maybe they’ll use it for their community and more.
If that person was a horrible jerk, well maybe he or she will use their new financial success as a means to build their own personal kingdom on earth. And, maybe that person will do it without regard for anyone but themselves.
The money is a tool.
Keep in mind we’re not money coaches here. We’re just using it as an analogy. Just as money doesn’t change the inner character of a person, so too a person’s outward appearance doesn’t change their inner being.
So!
Without further ado, let’s dig into some awesome methods of getting the RIGHT kind of mindset so you can gain self-acceptance while pursuing weight loss.
Here we go!
The Secret to Self-Control and Self-Acceptance
Next, we take a look at a Qualitative Study Exploring the Behavioral, Physical, and Psychosocial Changes Associated with Yoga That Promote Weight Loss. Keep on reading. You’ll be glad you did.
A Different Weight Loss Experience
Obesity, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, is epidemic in the USA and plays a pivotal role in many chronic health conditions. Greater than 30% of the US population (an estimated 72.5 million) is obese, at an annual cost of $147 billion dollars in medical costs.
A number of elements contribute to the obesity epidemic. But, the Surgeon General has cited three main factors that play an important role: decreased physical activity; increased consumption of high caloric, high fat and nutrient-poor foods; and stress. Strong evidence shows that a dose-response relationship exists between stress and abdominal adiposity and obesity. Stress also affects food-seeking behaviors including increased consumption of foods high in fat and sugar.
No single solution for reducing obesity exists.
Over 300,000 bariatric surgeries were performed worldwide to treat obesity in 2011. While potentially effective in reducing body weight and prolonging survival, these surgeries pose significant risk for complications. Traditional weight loss programs focusing on diet and exercise to produce an energy deficit frequently result in weight loss. However, long-term weight maintenance remains elusive.
Few of these treatments address the complex psychological and behavioral issues that initially led to weight gain.
Check out the findings of the full study, by Clicking Here or on the image above.
Now, the article below offers a slightly different take on the issue. It’s one of caution. Although we think the video and study above offer high value, we think the slightly opposing view offered below fits more with our belief system. We believe in being kind to everyone, no matter what shape or size they happen to be. But we also believe that some lifestyles are absolutely healthier. And, the bottom line for us is the fact that healthier lifestyles lead to longer lives. They also lead to better self-esteem and what we believe is a resulting greater self-acceptance.
The following comes from the folks over at extremefitness.com.
Are We Embracing Obesity?
3 Ways The Fat Acceptance Movement Influences Our Sense of Self – by Dr. Emily Hayman
We have become so lost in the fast pace of society that we have started to forget the true meaning of the “self”. The media has begun to embrace the concept of loving oneself regardless of size, shape, and ability. While this concept is critical in maintaining a happy and fulfilling life, it’s not necessarily conducive to leading a healthy life. That’s especially true when we have begun to define the “self” as our outward image or appearance.
This new shift in thinking is known as the Fat Acceptance Movement, and although the intentions behind it are to promote self-love, it has begun to spiral out of control into a mechanism that enables unhealthy or excessive eating and portrays skewed perceptions of what confidence and self-esteem entail.
- Obesity has been glamorized. Sex appeal, humor, and sometimes confidence that borders on arrogance are all being tied into the image of being overweight. Magazines, TV shows, and movies have increasingly adopted models and characters who are overweight in an effort to be diverse and politically correct. There is a huge difference between accepting something and glamorizing it. Anything that is glamorized in the media is bound to become accepted as a norm or adopted as a trend.
While it is always important to treat everyone with kindness, fairness, and compassion, regardless of their appearance, it is not acceptable to promote unhealthy eating habits or dismiss the importance of physical activity.
Read the full article by clicking on the title or on the image above.
With that said, working out should not be seen as a punishment.
“I’m fat!” Therefore, I must kill myself to get skinny.
What kind of self-acceptance is that?
As Lissa Rankin M.D. wrote in an article for Psychology Today:
“I believe that you will never achieve and maintain a healthy weight until you learn to love yourself, fat and all. If your weight loss is fueled by negative mind chatter and self-hatred, weight loss becomes punishment. You know what I’m talking about.”
The takeaways?
If you have a body image that you hate, consider being kind to yourself just as you would be kind to a best friend. Forgive yourself. Accept yourself as you are. But don’t stop there.
In your quest for healthy weight loss, and the body you’ve always dreamed of, remember that nothing you desire comes without effort.
Allow self-acceptance. And then accept that in making the effort to achieve fat loss and fitness goals, you sometimes have to take massive action.
You can do it. We believe in you.
If you don’t know how to get started on the path to reaching your fitness dreams, check out the “Start Here – Basics” category over in the sidebar to your right.