Summer Survival: Plan Every Day for 4 Weeks!

My self image isn't the greatest. I always wear a sweater or jacket to cover my stomach. I really don't like it, or my legs. However, I still try to treat myself to some non-food luxuries and tell myself that I AM beautiful.

One of my favorite ways to do that is a bubble bath with a book. I draw my bath, add some good smelling stuff, and light a few scented candles (Mango Salsa from Yankee Candle is divine!). Then, I put a few towels and my book beside the bath, and read while I soak in the warm, heavenly water.

I also like to just take naps. I don't often get the chance to do that, and it's just a little way to treat yourself.

As you are getting smaller, buying a new piece of clothing is nice.

One of the best boosts to your confidence can be a kind remark from someone else. However, at this point I am not comfortable with people asking me if I have lost weight, because I don't want them to notice it until the end. I am at a younger age then most on a healthy eating plan, and it makes me quite uncomfortable if someone asks me the 'question'.

At some point, I may feel better about it. But right now, I don't like the compliments. I don't know why; but don't let that stop you from enjoying them! Live it up!

However, there are some snide remarks and rude comments that are sometimes intended to sabotage you on your healthy eating journey. These can be quite hard to take. The best thing that you can do is remind yourself why you are on this journey. Are you really going to let one petty loser ruin this for you?! You've had success, and they are probably feeling jealous because of it.

When I think of the people in my life like this, it makes me more motivated to lose weight so that I can shove it in their faces! All that they want to do is bring you down, and the best way to show them up is to lose your weight!

I am in the same boat. I started FatSecret at 140lbs but I used to be 167lbs through my teen years until I was about 18-19 years old and got sick of seeing myself under layers that I couldn't take off. I feel great and I feel confident but to grow up the majority your life with some meat on your bones, it definitely does not prime you well for compliments at all! All you can do is take them in stride and that they are a checkpoint to the real you.

I initially tried to use negative reinforcement as a way to lose weight; to the boy who rejected me, to the double takes, to those clothes that never fit- I wanted to one day say "EAT THIS!". I soon came to realize that revenge did yield the results I wanted as well as positive reinforcement. When I thought "I see you under there, you are looking great hon" or "Ooooh look at these amazing quads I got going on"- that inner motivation pushed me more. Do this for yourself first, then you can rub it in everyone's faces later