As an Eating Behaviour Change Coach, I see a lot of individuals who are trying to make healthy changes from a place of frustration and dissatisfaction with their bodies. This always leads to approaching health changes with negative self-talk, which can be counterproductive.
So I would like to offer what I believe is a much-needed perspective shift and tools to break the negative self-talk and foster a more positive internal dialogue, a healthier, more appreciative relationship with one's body, which is a fundamental step in any health and wellness journey and a powerful catalyst for sustainable, healthy changes.
I want to open this blog with a beautiful quote from Joshua Rosenthal.
“Your Body Loves You Unconditionally.
We each have our own unique size and shape —
a gift from the universe that allows us to live life.
We abuse it with unhealthy foods and bad habits, but it keeps loving us unconditionally and does everything it can to keep you alive
and functioning, it does its best to allow you to live the life
we came here to live.
The real issue in this relationship is not whether your body loves you but whether you love your body.
In any relationship, if one person is loving, faithful and supportive,
it's easy for the other to take that person for granted.
That's what most of us do with our bodies, and it's time to change.
Honour, accept, appreciate and love the one body you have.
When you do that, your actions will align with your intention
and everything will naturally fall into place.”
Following these wise words, let's delve into the marvels of our body.
Pause for a few moments, get present and appreciate how, in every moment of every day, your body tirelessly works on countless processes to sustain your existence.
Within you, a symphony of life plays continuously – a masterpiece of biological processes in perfect harmony.
Your heart diligently pumps blood, supplying oxygen and nutrients to every corner of your body.
Your lungs work tirelessly, drawing in life-giving air and expelling what's no longer needed.
In your digestive system, a complex dance unfolds as food is broken down, nutrients absorbed, and energy harnessed.
Your liver and kidneys quietly perform detoxification, filtering out toxins and maintaining essential balance.
The hormonal system, like an intricate network of messengers, orchestrates everything from your mood to your metabolism, ensuring that every cell communicates effectively.
This metabolism, a miraculous chemical process, converts food to energy, fueling every action, thought, and heartbeat.
Your immune system stands as a vigilant guardian, tirelessly defending against invaders, healing wounds, and ensuring your resilience.
In the background, an endless cycle of cell regeneration takes place – old cells making way for the new, a testament to life's persistence.
Blood flow, a river of life, courses through your veins, while your skin, the boundary between you and the world, protects and interacts with the environment.
Each of these processes, and countless others, occur without a moment's rest, in a constant endeavour to sustain and cherish your very existence. This is the unseen labor of love your body performs, a testament to its unwavering commitment to your well-being.
Yet, this incredible system, this wonder of nature, relies on your support to thrive. It asks for simple gifts – nourishing food, restorative sleep, and nurturing care. These are not just acts of self-care, but acts of gratitude towards the body that loves you without asking for anything in return.
In recognizing and supporting the extraordinary work your body does every minute, you don't just maintain its health; you honour its devotion to you. Together, in this partnership of care and appreciation, you and your body can achieve a harmony that resonates with vibrant health and vitality.
Remember, every healthy choice is a thank you note to your body, an acknowledgment of its relentless efforts. Let's cherish this incredible gift and give it the love and care it deserves.
Daily Gratitude and Mindfulness Practice.
To foster a more harmonious relationship with your body, I invite you to incorporate a simple yet powerful daily practice of mindfulness and gratitude into your routine. It's a small step that can lead to profound changes in how you view and treat the one body you have.
Each morning, take a moment to stand still, close your eyes, and place your hands over your heart. Feel its steady beat, a rhythm that sustains you. Whisper a word of gratitude to your body for all it does.
Throughout the day, be mindful of the food you eat, the rest you take, and the movements you make.
See these as acts of love and respect towards your body, and a celebration of your body's capabilities.
When you choose nourishing foods, recognise it as feeding not just your hunger, but your body's incredible complexity.
As you rest or sleep, envision it as a time for your body to heal and rejuvenate.
Finally, end your day with a reflection. Acknowledge any moments where you honoured your body's needs and forgive yourself for any times you might have fallen short. Remember, this practice is about progress, not perfection.
Be Well,
Tatiana.