Your body shape does not determine your happiness. A healthy body, mind and spirit, along with  a sense of life purpose and community do. I can tell you from personal experience that I am healthier and way happier, more secure and vibrant at a “normal” weight than when I was at a size zero. Unless you are morbidly obese, where your quality of life is severely hampered, your joints are achy, your organs are stressed and daily life activities are a challenge, you can be healthy at any weight. It comes down to lifestyle, the foods you eat, your mindset around eating, following your life passion and letting go of the past and blocked negative emotions.

I have said in previous blogs that I believe we are soul first and body second. Our body is a vehicle to allow us to carry out our life purpose and we are so much more than our body shape and size. But, we do need to take steps to be as healthy as we can, so that our body can help us achieve our dreams and goals. Consuming the right types of food, reducing stress, following your passion and contributing to the world will help you to achieve this. But remember, making changes does take time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself, to have self-compassion and to celebrate any and all wins (even small ones).

One key way to change your eating habits is to use the crowding out method. What this means is that no foods are off limits. Instead of taking foods away, you add in foods that are healthier. Eventually you start craving and enjoying the healthier foods more than the junk food, thus crowding it out of your eating routine. I also like to include what I call “Happy Foods” or “Happy Nutrients” into my regime. This includes food high in vitamin C, like broccoli, kale, citrus fruits and red peppers. I also like nuts and seeds, dark green leafy veggies, maca and bee pollen. Foods high in magnesium and zinc will help to keep you stress free and happy.

I know that you have heard this a million times but, drinking enough water and getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night will also make a huge difference in your health. Poor sleep is linked with weight gain, slow cognition, moodiness and depression. Dehydration causes you to eat more, to feel sluggish, fatigued and cranky. Additionally drinking more water helps your body eliminate toxins, and helps to give you radiant glowing skin.

Laughing more, connecting with friends and loved ones, exercising your creative side, moving your body and being in nature are also great for the body, mind and spirit.

Above all, always be good to yourself, be gentle with yourself, and speak lovingly to yourself.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please feel to comment or share any of your own insights. Thank you.