"You look so
good; what are you eating?"
Why are we always connecting appearance to some
diet or eating strategy? You may have noticed your friend's weight loss,
but perhaps she looks so good because she's happy or is wearing a new outfit or
just read an uplifting text from a good friend. Our culture is obsessed with
external judgment, external measurements, and everyone else's business. How
about reframing that question to "How are you? You look fabulous!" Or
"How are you? You seem so happy!"
By thinking about someone's behavior, mood, and
wellness,
you'll stop engaging in the social stigma around
appearance and weight. This will in turn help you to live in an easier, kinder
world that is concerned with people on an emotional level, not just a physical
level.
Remember: Focus on the wellness of
the whole person. Ask "How are you?" rather than "How much
weight have you lost or gained?"
"My sister got
the good genes, and I got the bad genes."
Genetics are definitely part of the picture
that affects our health, our biological disposition, and even our temperament.
However, we are now learning that our genes are not set in stone. You can turn
certain genes on and off through environmental cues and behaviors. The rhythm
of your body clock can influence the expression of your genes.
Remember: Work with your body to
create wellness. Don't play the genes card; it's a cop-out.
"I could look
like her, but I don't want to eat bird food."
Fruits, vegetables, granola, nuts, whole grains,
wheat germ, and even dark chocolate all used to be considered
"bird food" or "diet food." We gave them a label, called
them things we should be eating more of, and as a result made these foods seem
unappealing. But look at what happens when you adopt the attitude that all
foods can fit into a healthy diet. Suddenly all foods become appealing. Nothing
is sacrificed, so there's no stress.
By being mindful of the nutrients in your meals
(protein, fat, and carbohydrates), you can choose foods and portion sizes consistent
with your metabolic needs, all the while eating cookies and milk!
Remember: All foods fit. Eat
nutrient-dense foods 75 percent of the time and less nutrient-dense foods the
other 25 percent of the time.
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