This is a rad guest post from my friend Heather Rampola. Welcome to WW-land take it away Heather…

 It’s hard NOT to be obsessed with skinny in today’s world. You probably know that was part of Katie’s story and journey to living in this space she’s created, WW-land (hear more about that here in my interview with her).

Especially with media images that are airbrushed, and stretched. You are bombarded with images of “beauty” that frankly don’t exist in the real world.

And while it’s great to desire to be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself, it’s critical that you’re not putting your happiness on hold until you become “skinny”.

Katie and I both  know what it’s like feeling fat and struggling to lose weight. We know the emotions of hate and defeat that “nothing I do works”. We know the pain the shows up when eating food, looking in the mirror, or wearing tight clothes. And because I like to be honest with you, I know the feeling of pain in other areas of my life (work, family, and finances) as a result of carrying the weight and believing that I’m an ugly failure.

The process of getting skinny or losing weight is often painful and unenjoyable as well.

Think about what you traditionally do when it’s time to lose weight:

– Restrict the foods you eat

– Use willpower to avoid overeating and resist temptations

– Exercise excess calories and fat

It’s easy to become almost militant to correct your body into proper shape. Perhaps you decide to instill a new diet regimen and track progress like a hawk. This method is never fun! So doesn’t it make sense that part of you wants to rebel to the “pleasure nazi” dieter inside?

And you’ve probably notice that the “cracking the whip” method to weight loss hasn’t brought you the results you desire… at least not long term.

You can feel great about your body.. you know, like feel authentically, truly beautiful! The kind that loves what she sees in the mirror. The kind that leaves you smiling as you slip on your clothes because you feel comfortable in them. The kind of beauty that arises when you feel so much more confident about yourself that you go after the things you truly desire in life…and get them.

Why not view your body and weight loss as a journey of discovery that’s feels soul*full rather than soulless.  Not only is it a more pleasurable process but it’s also more likely to bring you the results you truly desire.

4 Steps To Soul*full Weight Loss & Body Image

1.) Be Aware  

Perhaps you are aware that you want to lose weight and feel better. But are you aware what foods make you feel like crap? After you eat a meal, take notice of how you feel. Are you still hungry? Does your tummy hurt? Do you feel bloated? Are you super tired? Slow down to take notice of what foods make you feel great and which foods don’t.

2.) Listen To Your Body

Your body is always sending you messages. She is communicating to you by the way you feel and with your inner voice. It’s possible that holding onto the extra weight has been your comfort mechanism. For example, ignoring your desire to take up an old passion such as photography or art class, but instead of listening, you stuff down those desires with food. It’s important to ask your body “what does she say?” and then listen to her.

3.) Take Time For You & Play

Life can get busy with all the responsibilities but it is critical for your soul*full weight loss journey to make time for you and have more fun. Did you know that stress prevents you from reaching your weight loss goals? By taking time to be still, play and have more fun, you signal to your body that it’s okay to stop stressing. When we stop stressing about food and life it’s like we give our body permission to let go of the extra weight.

4.) Cultivate A Loving Relationship With Your Body

Instead of hating your body and criticizing her non-stop, try cultivating a loving relationship. You would never treat another person the way you often treat your body! Remember that your body is endlessly at work to serve and take care of you. This is the body you will live with the rest of your life–– you might as well love her. Thank her and tell her you love her!

When you practice these 4 steps remember it’s not about perfection but rather about the journey! You will spend the rest of your life in this body of yours… so enjoy her. When you do, I guarantee that you will feel lighter both inside and out. It’s worked for Katie and it’s worked for me!

If you’d like more guidance & support to loving your body through your weight loss journey, I’d like to invite you to join me here.

About my girl  Heather…

Heather Rampolla is host of Fresh Eats Radio, creator of “A Loving Approach To Stubborn Weight Loss” & Fresh Eats Seasonal Detoxes. As an author, podcaster, speaker, and coach, she helps busy ladies rid of overwhelm when trying to eat healthy. Through her courses and episodes she teaches you how to love the body you’re in & easily add in more of the good stuff so you can look good & feel good.