When You Are in Your 20s, Start to Love Your Body
image c/o GettyI've shared many tips, lessons and how-tos about life in your 20s. I'd like to talk about another topic that so many of you struggle with - and that's body image. I look back to early Chicago pictures of me in my early 20s and I was actually heavier. Why? Poor habits of late nights out, deep dish pizza at 3 am and eating 'low fat' foods that actually reversed what I wanted the foods to do.
As a new mom at 33, I have PLENTY of things to tell you about body image.May I also add that my pre baby clothes do not fit, I have a new set of hips and my chest looks like it exploded in a carnival theme park:).
So many things to say, but I decided to list some of my top ideas below. I hope some of you pay close attention to them:
1) It starts with science. In your early 20s, start forming good eating and exercise habits because your metabolism sloooows down. This happens to all of us. Every single one. This isn't about keeping a trim figure, it's about having a balanced approach to food and nutrition.
2) Start to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. If you smoke, stop. I have many friends in their 30s who have lines around their mouths, care of the smoking.
3) Love your crooked nose. I have big eyes (I used to be called 'bug eyes'), a wide nose and a pinky fingers that I can't bend. I also have second toes that are longer than my big toe, hence the nickname in high school, 'eagle toe'.
4) People are born with certain genes. I had a girlfriend who always had porcelain looking skin (she still does) seemed to eat whatever she wanted and never gain a pound. I found myself trying to keep up with her, but I drove myself crazy and almost ruined our friendship. All because of my chromosome jealousy.
5) Enjoy real sugar. Really, sugar. Don't consumer a CRAP LOAD of it. But I use real sugar in my coffee and baked goods. In moderation, I think it is OK. Your body knows what to do with real sugar and butter...which means how to break them down. I hate to keep bringing up the French in my posts, but I will. They eat rich, but in moderation....and they walk a lot.
6) Remove the negative energy around you. If you are surrounded by other women that only talk about losing weight, going on binge diets or wants to cut up their bodies, this isn't healthy.
7) Our bodies are dormant. This means that what you do to yourself in the early years will slowly simmer, boil and come to the surface later in life. The tanning I did in my teens came through in my 20s with new moles. My older sister had skin cancer. The smoking I do not do and the sunscreen I use all the time shows - I always get complimented on having a youthful smile.
8) So you gained a few pounds? Who cares? I met my husband when I was the tender age of 29. That's right, my LATE 20s. I was a bit plumper when we met around the middle, but it didn't phase Michael. He told me he fell in love with my humor, confidence and overall spirit.
9) Develop a gym routine. Something as simple as three times a week. Stretching, lifting a few weights, etc. all leads up to strong bones, posture and a solid core. Having just given birth, I have another week before I can go back to the gym and I'm itching to go. I can't stretch as much, my back hurts and I need to sweat out some new mom nerves:).
10) Stop buying those tabloid magazines.
If, at ANY time, ANY of you find yourselves questioning what you look like and want to talk to someone, I'm here. And if I can't chat with you right away, I'll find someone who can.
Heidi, you should join Gals' Guide:)
Gals' Guide
Reader Comments (16)
When I saw those pictures of Heidi, I felt sad. She was a good looking woman who's perception of beauty has been distorted and now she looks like she's made of plastic. If anything, i feel sad for her.
Great post B!
Ugh. I hate this crap. Can you image the impact we could have on the world if ladies spent the time, money, and energy contributing to our communities that we spend trying to be "skinny" and "hot"?!
Also, I'm kind of jealous that I never had a nickname like "Eagle Toe". Love it.
It's easy to forget the confidence comes from loving and accepting your body (curvy, straight, big hips, no hips, small breast, medium breasts, etc.). One of the best trainers I worked with told me, "Work on being the best YOU you can be." Simple, but true, and it helped put the right perspective on health and fitness.
We need to take care of our bodies - the ones we have - and make smart choices that pay off in the long run. NOT smoking has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. (If you started smoking, it's never too late to quit!!!)
Thanks for the good reminders Blagica!
I love this post! It pains me to see young ladies trying or craving to be something or someone else. I've been spreading the motto "love yourself." I spent my high school years and early/mid twenties wanting to be anything but me. It took moving into my late twenties to accept myself and just enjoy life and start to focus on what's important to me. I don't watch television, and I think is has a huge influence on my happiness and health!
I've done many stints at the gym, but I honestly hate going to the gym. So the inevitable self-deprecation about skipping and not keeping up create so much stress for me. But it's just not my thing!! I'm highly energetic and I never sit still, the last thing I need is to run 4 miles per day or lift weights for 60 minutes. My body (and mind) is much better at accepting Pilates and Yoga as an appropriate form of exercise. I'm in love with Yoga!!! I also stay active with my dog (a black lab) - long walks and we love to hike! It's important to listen to your body and mind when choosing the appropriate exercise for yourself!!!
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