"Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes." -- Tina Fey
The above quote makes me giggle, and then I get really sad. Of course it's hilarious to think that these are the expectations of women these days, but it's also really bloody sad that most (if not all) of us have issues with confidence over our bodies and the way we look. It's not OK for anyone to dictate how a body should look - I personally think that if you're a) healthy and b) happy, then you're doing something right.
I teamed up with LighterLife Fast to talk about body confidence (you can read my first post about 'bikini bodies' here) and in this article I want to explore why we are conscious of our bodies, and share tips on how to be happy with your body.
For years, I have been self conscious about different parts of my body. Growing up, I hated my nose and as I hit thirteen I actually wanted a nose job (crazy, right?!) - thankfully, by the time I could indulge in plastic surgery I got over that body issue. Then I hit my teens and was graced by the unavoidable acne which spread all across my face and stayed with me until I was 16 - you will not find many pictures of me from the age of 13 - 16 because acne was a real issue for me. I lost all my confidence, I tried to cake my face with as much makeup as I possibly could to hide my pimples and I spent way too many hours crying over it. I'm now in my mid twenties and inevitably lost the size 6 figure which I always had, and am now a healthy size 10. But boy did I struggle for years to understand that with my height, and build, I am never going to be a size 6 again unless I give up the pizzas, burgers, wine and sit on a diet of undressed lettuce leaves.
Don't get me wrong, I am all up for healthy eating but I also love indulging in a treat or two - I save these for really bad days, and weekend celebrations. Through the week, I try and eat balanced, healthy meals and have also made it a part of my routine to include fasting months to keep my weight at my desired limit. I use LighterLife Fast 5:2 diet typically, but to shed some of the winter padding I have gained, I have been practicing the 4:3 diet which is eat normally for 4 days, and fast for 3 taking in just 600-800 calories. LighterLife Fast make it really easy to keep count of your calorie intake with labelled meals and snacks.
Even though the LighterLife Fast meals are delicious on their own, sometimes I crave a little bit of spice or herbs (which account for no calories!) so I spike my meals with a little bit of fresh herbs, or ground spices - yum.
I previously did an experiment with LighterLife Fast where I stuck to the 5:2 diet for 6 weeks and lost 5kg (read the full post here) so I'm a huge fan of the meals which have proven results for me. The benefits of a diet like this is the fact that you have cheat days where you can indulge in a treat like a juicy burger in a nice country pub, or have your wine on Fridays (just make sure it's not one of your fasting days as a bottle of wine contains near enough the same amount of calories as a greasy takeaway).
Although I take steps to obtaining my desired body, I am happy with myself because no body is perfect - natural bodies are the best because they have lumps and bumps in places that no one else has. Yes a Barbie is considered beautiful but you know what is always going to be special? A handmade doll that has stitches coming out, and who's hair is made from frizzy wool rather than shiny polyester.
I wanted to share with you a couple of my tips on how to get confident about your body and feel great this summer:
- Eat whatever you like, as long as you cook it: that way you will know exactly what's going into your meals and feel good about what you eat. Seriously, a homemade cheese and tomato pizza is unbeatable!
- Get used to your body and that means getting naked in front of the mirror. I cover up with baggy t-shirts and maxi dresses that the other day when I wore a tight top my friend was like 'Wow, you actually have a great body!'. The thing is, I didn't look at my body so I never knew.
- Practice mindfulness. I cannot recommend meditation and yoga enough - it seriously grounds you and helps you put things in perspective. Instead of seeing myself as negatives, I count what I am grateful for every day - like the fact that I'm curvy is because I can put (more than) enough food on the table.
- Be at peace with yourself. I will never have perfect skin - what's the point of stressing about it? My hair will always be frizzy in humidity. I am never going to be as skinny as I was in my teens. And you know what? They're really not things worth worrying about. In fact, they're the qualities that make me - me.
- Treat yourself. Sometimes there's nothing better than a new bag, new shoes or a new dress to help you feel like a superstar. Talking of treating yourself - LighterLife Fast have been very kind to offer one of my readers the chance to win a £50 voucher for Vesper Clothing and treat yourself to a gorgeous new dress. Step out in style this Spring/Summer! All you have to do is enter via Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
For years, I have been self conscious about different parts of my body. Growing up, I hated my nose and as I hit thirteen I actually wanted a nose job (crazy, right?!) - thankfully, by the time I could indulge in plastic surgery I got over that body issue. Then I hit my teens and was graced by the unavoidable acne which spread all across my face and stayed with me until I was 16 - you will not find many pictures of me from the age of 13 - 16 because acne was a real issue for me. I lost all my confidence, I tried to cake my face with as much makeup as I possibly could to hide my pimples and I spent way too many hours crying over it. I'm now in my mid twenties and inevitably lost the size 6 figure which I always had, and am now a healthy size 10. But boy did I struggle for years to understand that with my height, and build, I am never going to be a size 6 again unless I give up the pizzas, burgers, wine and sit on a diet of undressed lettuce leaves.
Who would pass this up?! Cheesy, spicy goodness... |
Even though the LighterLife Fast meals are delicious on their own, sometimes I crave a little bit of spice or herbs (which account for no calories!) so I spike my meals with a little bit of fresh herbs, or ground spices - yum.
I previously did an experiment with LighterLife Fast where I stuck to the 5:2 diet for 6 weeks and lost 5kg (read the full post here) so I'm a huge fan of the meals which have proven results for me. The benefits of a diet like this is the fact that you have cheat days where you can indulge in a treat like a juicy burger in a nice country pub, or have your wine on Fridays (just make sure it's not one of your fasting days as a bottle of wine contains near enough the same amount of calories as a greasy takeaway).
Although I take steps to obtaining my desired body, I am happy with myself because no body is perfect - natural bodies are the best because they have lumps and bumps in places that no one else has. Yes a Barbie is considered beautiful but you know what is always going to be special? A handmade doll that has stitches coming out, and who's hair is made from frizzy wool rather than shiny polyester.
I wanted to share with you a couple of my tips on how to get confident about your body and feel great this summer:
- Eat whatever you like, as long as you cook it: that way you will know exactly what's going into your meals and feel good about what you eat. Seriously, a homemade cheese and tomato pizza is unbeatable!
- Get used to your body and that means getting naked in front of the mirror. I cover up with baggy t-shirts and maxi dresses that the other day when I wore a tight top my friend was like 'Wow, you actually have a great body!'. The thing is, I didn't look at my body so I never knew.
- Practice mindfulness. I cannot recommend meditation and yoga enough - it seriously grounds you and helps you put things in perspective. Instead of seeing myself as negatives, I count what I am grateful for every day - like the fact that I'm curvy is because I can put (more than) enough food on the table.
- Be at peace with yourself. I will never have perfect skin - what's the point of stressing about it? My hair will always be frizzy in humidity. I am never going to be as skinny as I was in my teens. And you know what? They're really not things worth worrying about. In fact, they're the qualities that make me - me.
- Treat yourself. Sometimes there's nothing better than a new bag, new shoes or a new dress to help you feel like a superstar. Talking of treating yourself - LighterLife Fast have been very kind to offer one of my readers the chance to win a £50 voucher for Vesper Clothing and treat yourself to a gorgeous new dress. Step out in style this Spring/Summer! All you have to do is enter via Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
Love the skin you are in at each stage of life, no point fretting.
ReplyDeleteRealising that people come in all different colours, shapes, sizes, different looks and accepting the differences in other's and yourself. There's too much attacking other people nowaday's over anything, that needs to stop I think :)
ReplyDeleteMy top tip is stop worrying about what other people think and wear what makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteAccept and believe and feel comfortable in yourself and don't worry what others think
ReplyDeleteimprove your posture - do pilates and see your body automatically look leaner and fitter
ReplyDeleteEveryone has at least one part of their body that they love so make sure you show that part off!
ReplyDeleteThe old saying "Love the Skin you are in". Good Posture is something that can help you look and feel good. I believe that Good Posture should be taught and encouraged from Nursery school, School, College, University. We know Exercise is good for us. Good Posture should be taught and encouraged at PE (Physical Education), Exercise classes etc.
ReplyDeleteRachel Craig
LOVE YOURSELF
ReplyDeletewere what you feel good in
ReplyDeleteNever weigh yourself and only wear clothes that make you feel fabulous no matter what size they are.
ReplyDeletealways keep smiling
ReplyDeleteLove yourself within
ReplyDeleteTry to make yourself happy within yourself. Exercise is also a type of painkiller that makes you happy xo
ReplyDeleteMy top tip is to make yourself feel good. Drink water to feel hydrated, wear your favourite clothes and shoes, have a shower and 'treat yourself' whilst getting ready to cleansing and painting your nails, little 'pick me ups' that can give you a lift
ReplyDeletefeel good about who you are!
ReplyDeleteForget about other people's opinion and wear what makes you feel comfortable and good xx
ReplyDeleteDon't worry what other people are saying or doing
ReplyDelete70 million people in this world and only one of me that makes me and you and everyone pretty special...That thought always gives me the confident to believe in myself.
ReplyDeleteKnow that you're not perfect and love your natural body shape. Make the most of what curves you have got.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace the way *you* are, be proud to be you. There's nothing wrong with striving to be the best you can possibly be through diet/fitness as long as it comes from a positive place. Comparing yourself to other people and wanting to be like them is only going to make you miserable.
ReplyDeleteTry to get a decent night's sleep. You will feel better and the world will look happier after a good sleep.
ReplyDeleteFind a mantra or affirmation that lifts your spirits and repeat it to yourself often.
ReplyDeletewear what you feel comfortable in!
ReplyDeleteLearn to love what you have
ReplyDeleteFocus on parts of your body that you really love.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace the best part of your body that you love the most :)
ReplyDeleteStop comparing yourself to others
ReplyDeleteAge! I just feel more & more body confident the older I get!
ReplyDeleteEmma Schofield. Wearing clothes that suits your shape.
ReplyDeletelearning to accept yourself and body for what it is
ReplyDeleteWalk tall and wear a smile
ReplyDeleteI think of everything my body has accomplished and it makes me feel better about it.
ReplyDeleteLove yourself for who and what you are, always wear a smile x
ReplyDeletedo not read beauty magazines they will only make you feel ugly
ReplyDeleteLove yourself, no matter what your shape or size .x
ReplyDeleteBe yourself
ReplyDeleteBe content with your body and don't strive for something that is unattainable.
ReplyDeleteLearn to love yourself!
ReplyDeleteMoisture look after yourself
ReplyDeleteTo not compare yourself to others as everyone is different.
ReplyDeleteLove yourself and hold your head up high. Live for yourself not others. :)
ReplyDeleteJust feel great about yourself and be confidant
ReplyDeleteUse a good moisturiser, it's the key to flawless & beautiful skin
ReplyDeleteKelly Ellen Hirst
Be kind to yourself. Dont beat yourself up over issues or insecurities, we all have them its natural and tell yourself I am me I will change for no one take it or leave it x
ReplyDeletei dont really have one, but i do believe you should just be who you are and forget everyone else and what they think
ReplyDeleteMy top tip is that everyone has their own body imperfections, just accept yourself and love yourself for who you are
ReplyDeleteNo-one is perfect and you have to learn to love your own body then others will love it too
ReplyDeleteBe proud of yourself, no matter what you look like!!
ReplyDeleteDo some online research and look at what body type you are. Then look at the style of clothing for your body type. Also, get yourself measured for a good fitting bra. a decent fitted bra will improve your posture as well as make you look good.
ReplyDeletedont worry about other people
ReplyDeleteAlways wear suncream!
ReplyDeleteAlways try and compliment yourself instead of being negative. :)
ReplyDeletedon't give a second thought, its not worth it. just ne happy
ReplyDeleteSmile & wear what you're most comfortable in
ReplyDeleteFocus on wearing clothes than suit your body shape.
ReplyDelete