Not exactly the greatest photo. That was me, about four years ago, in a bathing suit. Long before I cared about what I was feeding my body, and before Body by Glamour. I feel like a completely different person now. Normally photos like that make me cringe, but it was such a great reminder of how far I’ve come. And it inspired me to put aside my issues with my body long enough to enjoy a day at the beach. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past few months, it’s that I shouldn’t let my imperfections--big or small--stop me from enjoying life. I’ve done that for WAY too long.
See our tips: 13 Easy Ways to Save 200 Calories a Day
Here are a couple of photos from Saturday (The bathing suit is
from the brilliant folks at Shape
FX, by the way.):
Going to the beach also made me realize that I view other
people’s bodies differently now as well. I think it has to do with
the gradual change in mindset about my own body. There
were plenty of beer bellies and dimpled thighs among the six packs,
and super-toned arms on the boardwalk. But so what? I added my
not-so-toned tummy and jiggly inner thighs (among other things) to
the mix. People are imperfect, and that’s OK. I found it empowering
and refreshing!
Do you cringe when you see old photos of yourself, or does it
inspire you? And what do you think of the fact I wore a cover
up--was it a cop out? And have you ever NOT experienced something
wonderful because you were too self-conscious? I don’t want to live
with those kinds of regrets anymore. You? I hope not! Please
share!
Plus:
Have you read the
bikini manifesto?
The number one way to beat cellulite!
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UP:
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