Count Qualities not Calories

To be completely honest, I've been struggling a lot with body image lately. I don't think I'm alone on that mark either. I seem to do really good for a couple weeks, work out, begin to eat better, and then I get on the scale and time after time I am discouraged. It seems lately it's a lot harder to drop weight when even just six months ago I could drop a few here a few there and not think twice about it. As I was dripping sweat tonight I kind of got mad at myself. I am letting a little number make me hate the way I look and because of that every time I look in the mirror I get a distorted view of myself. I decided instead of counting calories or numbers on the scale that I'd try these things for awhile:

1-Ditch the scale. I'm not saying ditch my workout schedule or trying to eat healthy when I can, I'm just saying I can tell when I feel better physically and I'm going to try to start holding on to that not letting outside factors take it away (like the scale).

2-Stop picking apart bits and pieces of myself rather try to feel beautiful as a whole. I think as women we sometimes constantly strive for our idea of perfection instead of feeling more comfortable with the beautiful qualities we already have. I always say well if this were a little tighter, or if this little bit of my stomach would tone a little more, or maybe if I could lose some weight around my legs I'd feel better. I need to work on celebrating the good parts of my body not constantly creating bad ones.

3-Keep positive role models in my mind. I don't think genetically I was meant to be stick thin. I've got wide hips, I've got curve to my thighs, and I've got a butt. I love seeing women in the media who celebrate their bodies.

What up Kate Upton?

"I won't starve to be thin."

O hey, Miranda Lambert

"I don't care about being stick-thin. I don't want stuff to jiggle. Really skinny actresses make me hungry—I see them and think, Honey, you need to eat! I'm lucky I don't have to live like that. I feel my best when I'm a toned, not flabby, size 8. Women come up to me and say, 'You're beautiful and confident, and that makes me feel I can be, too.'"

I love seeing these women, they inspire me, they help me feel more positive about myself, and they make me feel beautiful! Any time I need that extra push I'll keep these two beautiful ladies in mind!

4-Not give up on my workouts. Yes everyone has different body types but working out doesn't just have to be because of cosmetic reasons. Most importantly, it's to remain healthy. While it's important to love your body and be comfortable in your own skin, it's paramount that it's a healthy body that you're falling in love with.

-and-

5-Every time I say a negative thing about my body I am going to say one compliment to myself out-loud. I know it's cliche, but I need to start realizing everything on my outside will never come close to the amazing things I have on the inside. I don't know why we let ourselves say the nasty things we do but I've come to the conclusion:

To have a healthy body I need to have a healthy mind.

[that starts with me and no where else].