Ladies, it's time to shed some light on this issue and embrace those discomforts which restrict us from becoming satisfied with our own bodies. It’s true! Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes but one thing which has always been neglected is our confidence to combat these insecurities.
In the media, body image is represented in various ways and can regulate and control our own bodily imperfections. Social media and celebrity culture have somewhat become influential within our lives, causing us to have weight obsessions. We use weight to make sure our friends feel better about themselves, but it is also a way to put ourselves down and therefore becomes self-destructive. I want to reinforce that being body confident doesn't just mean achieving the ideal body weight. It means allowing yourself to be confident no matter what shape or size you want to be. Yes, we may try healthy hacks, but maintaining body confidence comes down to how you motivate your mind rather than what we see in the media.
Individually, weight becomes our own worst enemy. It is amusing how we admire our friend’s body shapes and size, however we can become so critical of our own. Who cares, if we have small or flat boobs, stomach rolls or even large thighs. Disciplining our bodies to look a certain way isn't the right motivation. I believe being body confident should come from within and if you want to shed a few pounds it should be based on the fact you want to be become a healthier you! It shouldn’t be because you want to look a certain way as someone else said so.
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Pressure is another factor which enhances our insecurities and anxieties surrounding our body image. As women, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to look a certain way. I must admit I do it myself, I think we all do it subconsciously. But when you think about it, it is funny how we never recognise that we try so hard to become someone else, when in fact we shouldn't really be trying at all. So, don’t let pressure get in the way of what makes you feel happy. It is okay to have a few cheat days or indulge in a few guilty pleasures. I would suggest that cheat days can happen on a weekly basis. But nonetheless, if you are really craving something calorific, I would say go for it! Rather than repressing those desires, it is better to overcome them and do what is best for you. Having regrets can feel like the worst thing in the world. But it is good to balance the good and the bad, so it feels as though you are not missing out on anything!
One final thing to mention, being body confident is all about being you. What I am trying to say is that pressure comes in all shapes and sizes. We can become easily manipulated by wanting Beyoncé’s curves or Nicki Minaj’s bum. But realistically, is that ever going to happen? We care way too much about body image and it is time to realise that it is not about how we look externally. It is about channelling the mind with positivity. And with that positivity, confidence will grow, a benefit greater than any other diet. It can be really hard to boost that confidence, but I am sure it is deeply embedded within you somewhere and sometimes it is just great to be proud of it. It is time to embrace the real you!
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