The Missing Link to Getting Slim for Summer

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The Missing Link to Getting Slim for Summer

WEDNESDAY, JULY 01, 2009 | POSTED BY MICHELLE

Summer is here, whether or not we feel ready for it. On New Year’s Day many people start to worry about getting slim for swimsuit season. Then, on the first day of spring they might start to get panicked. By the time summer actually hits, if a certain goal hasn’t been reached, it’s easy to throw in the towel and just wait for next year. But next year it can be the same thing all over again. Even if you’re not as slim as you’d like to be for the summer, there’s still hope.

Losing weight requires a delicate balance. It requires a balance between taking actions that will help you get to your goal and accepting yourself exactly where you are today. This balance of acceptance and moving forward is the missing link to getting slim this summer no matter where you are today. So, how do we do that if summer has descended and we’re still not happy with how we look and feel?

1. NEXT SUMMER IS TOO LATE

Being a perfectionist about your weight always does more harm than good. It paves the way to black-and-white thinking where you’re likely to give up for this year and decide to eat ice-cream cones every night until next year. Summer is actually a perfect time to take small steps towards your goal. It’s an easier time of year to be physically active. It’s an easier time of year to eat fresh fruits, simple grilled meats and salads. And it can be an easier time of year to relax and that means less emotional eating.

2. ACCEPT YOURSELF NOW

No matter what you look like in a bathing suit you can love and accept yourself as you are. Your value is not determined by what your body looks like. The more you talk to yourself in a loving, kind and accepting way the easier it will be to take those small steps towards changing your behavior for the better. Talking to yourself harshly and critically only feeds that black-and-white thinking that leads to emotional eating.

Progress is more important than perfection. You don’t have to be perfect for summer, you just have to keep moving forward.

12 Comments In the order they were posted.

trice said...

This is probably one of the hardest lessons to learn. My body is good NOW, it is acceptable NOW, I am lovable NOW. Take a stepout - NOW. Thanks Michelle. It's excellent insight and advice.

maria said...

It's hard to say "My body is good now" if one is morbidly obese and has arthritis pain and high blood pressure from it. This approach may work for someone with 20 or 30 pounds to lose, but not for everyone.

Carol said...

Maria, Your body is the way iut is because you were using food to deal with some emotional pain or discomfort. It was the only thing you knew how to do. So, maybe your body isn't "good" but that doesn't mean you can't be loving toward it, forgiving toward it, and accepting toward it. Your body is the servant, but you are the master. Keep making small changes and in a year/few years you will have a happier body. Be sure to get the support you need. There's nothing wrong with you. In love...

Emelia said...

I have a hard time with this when I work hard towards a body-goal, reach it, and then do not know how to improve, or really, maintain. I feel as though I have what I had wanted, and THAT is hard to keep. I no longer have the motivation of moving forward, I just have the monotony of maintaining. Are there some ways to continue making and meeting meaningful goals after the Big One of body image has passed?

Lisa said...

Emelia, this is something I am also struggling with. I have reached a goal weight, only to end up gaining the weight back. I do think working on body acceptance is part of the key to maintenance, but like you I'll be looking for some goals to work towards. For example some people work on running marathons, or hiking a certain peak, etc. Otherwise I agree, maintaining can quickly become monotonous.

Janice said...

Hello all - thanks for your thoughts, all of them, on learning to love ourselves. Some of us have sacrificed so much that the gratification we receive from food outweighs anything else. It truly is a process. Patience and love toward oneself are keys. Even when our bodies seem like our enemies, being loving and compassionate towards ourselves is, at least better, than self-hatred. Thanks again!

Matilda said...

I'm slowly learning I can't be perfect, but I can be better. And, if I don't practice loving me, supporting myself, who really will? I was an emotional eater for such a long time....but it's never too late, and thank goodness I've finally figured out, it is NOT about the food. We can do this ladies, and men. One day, one meal, one moment at a time. NOT perfect, but better.

august said...

Well I feel a whole lot better......... Ok one bad morning,....... that's not a whole week.. or whole year. I am so glad I found this website... thanks to everyone that participates. I stay sick we get healthy....................................... love august

august said...

Slow and steady wins the race...... I have had surgery and keep thinking about food. Food is for nutionion not for emotional needs......... progress not perfection...... its all good..... its. 12:00 and it is truely hour by hour........thanks everyone....

ev said...

It is 3pm, my chores are finished, this is the hour before starting supper. I want to eat, by carefully listening to my body I know I am not hungry, just need my reward, hmmm what else could that be.?

hunkering down said...

I am new at this, but know that I need it. reading all of the comments gave me hope. Thanks for all of your insight. I am finding a thread of the need to forgive me for harming me. Keep your thoughts coming and thanks everyone!

august1 said...

MONDAY......... I need to start my day over its the stinking thinking that gets me...... I am very interested in anyone wanting or needing a buddy. I am on my 5 week... It seems like my binging is a little worse... I think I am bored. A lot of self hate stuff. I have a wonderful life great job most days. Good husband.......... I AM AS HAPPY AS I MAKE MY MIND UP TO BE....... KIND OF A ROLLERCOASTER.