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| My 18th Birthday |
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| In my back garden when I was 15/16. |
Looking at these pictures, I can't believe how skinny my arms are, how my cheekbones seem more pronounced and how I somehow look taller. I will be like this again, but probably not right away!
This being said, I feel a lot of good has come from being overweight, which I don't feel I would know without putting on some food baby pounds:
- I've learnt to accept my body shape - I've always thought I'd finally get boobs if I put on weight, but just haven't. I've learnt that I might not ever have a flat stomach (I've never had one even at my skinniest). Naturally I have more of a pear shape - skinny or not, which means I'm smaller on top and have a bigger bum.
- I've learnt I can't be perfect - I've always thought if I put on weight, I might get more curves, but sometimes you can't look the way you envision. It's all about being healthy!
- I've learnt to emphasise my good parts - I'm small chested, so can often wear things that other women can't. Being more self-conscious about my stomach, I am careful not to wear fitted or bodycon dresses which I like the look of. I think it's important to know what suits you
- I've learnt the styles that suit me/what I like - I like particular colours more like khaki, green, purple, blue, maroon or black; I think they suit me best. I like skirts and dresses, layering, wearing legging and tapered trousers. I love more formal/office outfits.
- I've learnt what I like most about myself - I like my bum and walk a lot so get a lot of tone in my legs.
With these new views and help with body confidence, it's made me more determined to lose weight - get in better shape for me, to boost my confidence and more importantly to be healthy. I've always been like I will do it one day, but after going to the doctor, I got the shock I needed. Apparently I've got a BMI of 30, which although it means I'm not obese, I do need to do something as I'm officially in the overweight category. I'm determined to eat more veg, limit my chocolate and keep active. I want to be able to maintain my figure - not to cut everything out that I like. It's just a shame I like most of the unhealthy stuff - cheese, pasta, bread, chips, chocolate, sweets, all the bad things.
I will maybe keep you updated on healthy things I'm enjoying, adaptions to my diet and any forms of exercise I've taken up.
I will maybe keep you updated on healthy things I'm enjoying, adaptions to my diet and any forms of exercise I've taken up.
Have you found particular things suit you? Does anything in particular help with your body confidence? I'd love to hear it!
Well done on finding the positives! I'm trying to lose weight too as long illness has put a lot of pounds on. My biggest booster is hearing my SO say he still thinks I'm beautiful. It makes me think, right, okay - let's see how much more I can impress him! Haha!
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm not annoyed I did because in a way it's been positive. It is good to get that confidence boost. I think when people says something negative it doesn't help you so nice to hear such lovely comments from people like that 😊 x
DeleteThose are some great things to have learned about yourseld. It's important to love yourself for who you are and to be comfortable with who you are. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI believe so :) glad you enjoyed reading. It means a lot, as I wasn't sure whether it was a bit too personal! 😊x
DeleteSuch an inspiring read and what a great reminder! Love yourself first and foremost! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteAww glad you enjoyed reading it :) thanks! Yeah that's the main point I hope people can take away from the positive slant I've written about it. Easy to feel negative when you don't look how you wished! i 😊
DeleteFor many years I floated between 91/2 to 10st and due to my body type and height, it wasn't bad and as I've also put on weight I've embraced that yes my ass got my curvy and thighs thicker but I loved it and now I'm just focusing on losing weight and toning up those places that don't make me happy but my health isn't bad that I'm worrying xo
ReplyDeleteTotally inspiring. I have had issues with my weight in the past but I try and remember that as I've had three kids now it's not going to be 'perfect'.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and very personal. I think it is important to accept yourself the way you are and love yourself no matter what. Deep down there is always something we don't like about ourselves but it is important to concentrate on the positives, well done!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks, that's what I'm learning and hope others can x
DeleteIt's wonderful to come to a place of self acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin. You have the right idea here of just wanting to lose some weight in order to get healthy, not to try to live up to some perfect ideal.
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm a 24 year old with less energy and just want to feel fitter and not be so tired as can get you down x
DeleteLosing weight isn't easy, although diets don't work. A good fitness programme and will power is what needed
ReplyDeleteI am not going to diet, just healthy eating. 'Everything in better moderation! I think it's diet that is worse
DeleteI am a little bigger now than when I went to university but I too learnt about embracing my body and accepting my flaws
ReplyDeleteWish I learnt it longer but feel a lot of women never learn it either x
DeleteI am glad to read some positives and being comfortable with who you are is such a good start for anything x
ReplyDeleteYeah. I definitely feel less 'pretty' but have learnt to accept my body shape etc x
DeleteIt's great that you have become comfortable in your own skin. My mummy put in weight after having me and still wants to shift some weight. But she's learnt how to dress better as a result!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to learn more about your body. I feel I've learnt to wear more things that I feel comfortable in instead of just following fashion trends x
DeleteI don't have boobs either and while it really bothered me growing up, I don't care as much anymore. Its important to be comfortable in your body and you will be fab whichever weight you are xx
ReplyDeleteI'm the same! I've learnt to accept it x
DeleteIt is good to see that you are comfortable with your body shape. I need to work on being happy with mine although it does need a bit of work.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you can't have that hourglass figure but you can see what suits you and emphasises those areas you like or improve x
DeleteI think it's great that you're happy in your skin and you've embraced the way you look. I wish I was that accepting of myself x
ReplyDeleteI still want to love weight but accepted that I won't ever have boobs and am not going to obsess over my stomach etc x
DeleteI think it's great that you have accepted how you look. Overweight, underweight, tall, short, we're all beautiful on the inside and that's what really counts x
ReplyDeleteAccepting makes you happier and more willing to get healthy. I find when you're unhappy, you eat more and put on more weight etc x
DeleteThis is such an inspiring and honest pot. I think it's so important that we love ourselves and accept who we are and how we look.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. I think it's a lesson I hope more can learn x
DeleteI used to be a size 10-12 with a gorgeous flat and toned stomach. I am now 31, and a size 12-14, and a stone heavier than what I should be according to the doctor. But I just can't be bothered to try and lose it. I am trying to get healthier and fitter, but bothered if the weight goes or not
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you've accepted how you are. There should be a "pressure" to be a certain way. I feel breathless more which is bad for a 24 and I'm now a size 16, have put on 4 stone and am determined to be healthier again x
DeleteI'm the same, I love so much unhealthy food but I want to get healthier as well x
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a single healthy thing other than soups that I love to eat that can keep me healthy! X
DeleteGreat post and so lovely to hear that you are now happy with yourself! xx
ReplyDeleteAww thank you 😊 feeling more positive in my body but long way to go! X
DeleteThere really is no such thing as perfect. I lost 100lbs a couple of years ago and I have put some back on since having a baby, but I am happier now and just focusing on health.
ReplyDeleteWow that weight loss is truly inspiring! How? I think there is such a focus for those overweight to go too far. I will never give up chocolate completely I know that much haha x
DeleteLove how positive you are! It makes a change as there is too much bad thought around weight and shape. Wish everyone could be happy!
ReplyDeleteI still need to love weight, but recognising my shape and knowing bits that will never be completely perfect makes me feel more determined somehow! X
DeleteThis is so inspiring! Positivity is key for a confident mindset!
ReplyDeleteAww thank you 😊!! I definitely agree with that x
DeleteI love this post and how positive it is! I feel like there's too many negative messages about body image on the internet and in the media about what you should look like and what most important is loving yourself and being happy! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://rachelnicole.co.uk/
I wish in schools, children could learn health foods. I just learnt baking and salads. Or even taught how you can make dishes healthier. There are no good messages out there on body positivity which in turn creates problems such as eating disorders or childhood obesity x
DeleteWhat an honest read. Self acceptance is so important.
ReplyDeleteGlad you think so! I believe so. There are always things you will dislike but nice to accept them
DeleteI try to remember that my visions of perfect are ideas pushed upon me by media. And that actually, I am quite happy with my body. Sure I have loose skin and stretchmarks on my stomach, and it it lumpy, I have to remember I brought a child into the world. And that is AMAZING. I've never liked snug fitting clothing, even when I was a super slim size 8/10. I just wear what I want, but make sure tops don't cling to my stomach, and I'm all good. It's taken YEARS to accept my body but I am finally comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :) that is amazing. Go you!
DeleteGood luck with your goal of losing weight, but it sound like you're starting from a great positive place too which I think is so important. x
ReplyDeleteAww thank you, I feel with less negativity, it might be easier to stick to :)
DeleteWell done to you!! I am very negative about my weight so I could use some of your positivity!
ReplyDeleteIt is hard. It's only in the last few weeks I've been feeling better and less hard on myself x
DeleteIt's so nice to read a post where someone is so accepting of themselves. I've always tried to embrace what I've got xx
ReplyDeleteWish we were taught from a young age but feel more accepting now and realise in some way what my shape is. I'm going to lose weight but slowly in the hope it stays off x
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