8 Ways to Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day-
Growing up chubby, I never had much attention on Valentine’s day. Feb. 14, which made me want to hide in my room and eat a million pieces of chocolate to feel better about being alone. My parents were always sweet and gave me cards or flowers but it was not the same. I am finally married to my husband of 8 years and I don’t have the same worries. But I think when you struggle with emotional eating the feelings of turning to food for comfort are always there. I urge you to break free from eating to fill the void inside. Here are some ways to take care of yourself this Valentines day without damaging your health.
8 Ways to Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day
1. Accept the way you are today
You may never be a size 2 supermodel or fit into your high school jeans. We have to love ourselves today! Everyone knows that stress is the #1 killer! Nothing is more stressful than thinking I hate my body/thighs/butt/tummy every few minutes. Self loathing is not a diet strategy! Say this to yourself instead “I love my strong and healthy body” ten times in row. I bet you get a good feeling right away. This is the only time we get to live today, do you you really want to spend it hating your body?
2. Picture the ideal you
Think about being healthy and fit and it will multiply and become reality in your life. Write out your goals and keep them on your refrigerator. Try reciting them out loud everyday. Also a good strategy is to cut out pictures of what you want by making a goal board. Put it in a prominent place in your room so you can see it daily. What we think about and focus on magnifies in our life so make sure you are putting out the right message !
3. Set boundaries
Put yourself as a priority. You cannot give to others if you have an empty tank. Learn about saying no and doing what is right for you. Having time to re-group is very important for reducing stress on our adrenals and thyroid gland. Get plenty of sleep and eat 3 meals a day with protein/ healthy fat to reduce blood sugar fluctuations that affect mood and energy. Sleeping 8 hours is very important for weight loss and hormone balancing. Stay home and have a me day! Get a massage, mani-pedi, or just take a nap.
4. Say thanks
Sometimes when life gets rough it is easy to focus on all the bad things that are happening. It is easy to say “whoa is me” and add up all the ways life has jilted us. We all do it, but the challenge is to catch yourself in the act and try to turn those thoughts around. Try keeping a little notebook and writing a thank you list before bed or anytime you are having a rough moment. There is also a gratitude app for your smartphone. When you see all those blessings written down it will help you feel hopeful again.
5. Tap into your feelings
EFT is a wonderful underutilized secret to reducing cravings and stopping overeating. You can let go of negative emotions and curb your appetite, or heal pain/illness. Always start by saying “Even though I want this________(chocolate, is a good example), I truly love and accept myself” then you can say anything that resonates with you. Such as” I am safe, I love my body, I heal my body with food”, or whatever you can relate to. Here is a demonstration video of me doing EFT for my cravings.
6. Drink some tea
Many times we just want to eat junk because we are thirsty. I live on bone broth and lemon water with a little stevia which makes a yummy lemonade. I also love this chocolate tea with some unsweetened coconut milk. Lemons help to clean your liver, which makes you a better fat burner. Herbal tea has many antioxidants that can help to detox free radicals and help us stay young and healthy. So next time you have a craving for something sweet drink tea or water first.
7. Take a bath
Magnesium is a very common mineral that used to be abundant in our soil. It is involved in over 300 different enzyme processes and affects almost all body systems. We need magnesium for strong bones, proper heart rhythm, nerve function and metabolism of carbs/proteins/fats. The RDA is 400 mg which mostly comes from green vegetables, nuts/seeds, and seaweed. If you are stressed out you need more. My favorite way to get extra magnesium is from Natural Calm. This is a powder that you dissolve in water before bed. It has a great raspberry flavor and will help relax your stiff, stressed muscles before bed. It can also help with constipation. Always ask your doctor before adding a supplement to your routine. The best way to get magnesium is through your skin from an Epsom salt bath. Just put about 2 cups in your bath tub and soak for about 20 minutes.
8. Laugh
Laughter increases endorphins and strengthens your immune system. It also reduces stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. Laughing provides a cleansing physical release and can help re-frame a situation so it does not feel like such a big problem. It can also be a good workout because it contracts the diaphragm muscles. Try to avoid the news and negative talk from others whenever possible to keep your outlook sunny and smiling. Try watching a comedy on TV instead of something serious or dramatic. Here is a clip from two shows that I like to help you have a laugh today!
Hope you have a great Valentine’s Day! Take some time to enjoy the wonderful person you are today!
Love Grass Fed Girl!
Sources:
about.com
whfoods.com
j.d.h. says
You're the best, Caitlin. Happy Valentine's Day!