How many times have you watched TV or opened a magazine to find a new, "fad diet," or even to hear advertisements saying that you are insignificant or that there is only one body type that is acceptable?
I have a problem with that. As a 24 year old who studied Media Communications, I can recognize the techniques as an advertising method-- or as a way to sell a product-- but daily being inundated with the same information, people (especially younger/teenage generations) start to believe it.
Psalms 139:14 says, "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know that full well."
Think about that-- You are made in God's image! Fearfully and WONDERFULLY made. Isn't that more important than what the world or media tell us?
Of course, if you are over-weight and want to change your body-image for better health or a higher quality of life... that is also great! But, do it for the right reasons and do it for yourself-- not to comply to what society says you should be. How great would it be if the media and others in the world encouraged us instead of constantly filling us with feelings of inadequacies?
Today, I challenge you to make a couple of changes... Small changes that will better your life!
Nutrition:
-If you consume an unhealthy diet, add something to it. Yes, add. Before you sit down for a meal, eat an apple or another fruit. That way, you aren't immediately setting yourself up for failure by doing a complete diet overhaul... You are simply starting a good (and good for you) habit that will eventually make it easier to make other small changes! Doesn't that sound better than the traditional, "all or nothing," fad-diet mentality??
Fitness:
-No matter your current fitness level, today I want you to add another component. Do not over-train... especially if a fitness routine is new to you.
---For beginners, take a walk. If it is pretty out where you live, take the time to enjoy the weather! If it's cold, rainy or anything else that keeps you inside-- Walk up and down the stairs in your house for 5 to 10 minutes. If you don't have stairs in your house, walk laps around the living room or kitchen. Make a habit of getting some sort of activity in your schedule. Exercise has SO many benefits (we will discuss some of those benefits in later posts).
---Intermediate or Advanced, you know your fitness level and probably already have a routine that you like to stick to. If you typically do a set time and a set pace of cardio, add some intervals! Meaning, warm up at your usually speed and then kick it up a little faster or to a higher incline/resistance for a minute... then go back to your usually speed. Repeat as many times as your fitness level will allow. Again, please be careful to not over-train or push yourself past your limits!
Out of Your Comfort Zone:
-Okay, remember how we were talking about how it would be nice if we were encouraged by the media or by the people around us? We can't control the media-- but we can control how we treat those around us! This might be uncomfortable for some of us-- but I challenge to to sincerely compliment at least 3 people today. The key there is to be sincere... If you are out and receive great service, acknowledge it. If someone has an outfit or accessory that you like, tell them. If someone surprises you with a kind gesture, let them know you appreciate it. Whatever it is, compliment at least 3 people. You never know the impact that can have on someone's day... and it will be rewarding to you at the same time!
Changing Your Thinking:
-Today, every time you pass a mirror, instead of picking yourself apart and looking for imperfections (yes ladies, even when you take your make-up off tonight), make it a point to notice something you like about yourself! No, we do not want to be conceited.. But confidence is a wonderful thing!
Do not compare yourself to other people-- Do no make yourself feel better by discouraging others.
Be an encourager to YOURSELF and to OTHERS.
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