It was only a few years ago that I was struggling with fad dieting and negative body image. During that time, everything I did was extreme; I exercised twice a day, for two hours at a time. I skipped meals, ate only skinny diet foods and tried every radical diet out there. I punished my body with food restriction and felt terrible fear around food, particularly at social gatherings with my friends and family.
I weighed myself daily and allowed the number on the scales to determine who I was and how I felt. I criticised my body all day, every day. Ironically, all of the stress I inflicted on my body made it very difficult for me to control my weight.
Five years ago, I made a commitment to give up dieting for life. I threw out the scales, changed my lifestyle, shifted my thoughts and my approach to food. Now, I exercise gently and in ways that I love. I eat wholefoods because they make me feel good, not because of how they may make me look. I also indulge two to three times each week with no guilt.
Instead of focusing on my weight, I focus on my health. Instead of criticising my body, I choose to focus on the parts that I love. I’ve accepted that not loving every part of my body is okay. A ‘perfect’ body simply doesn’t exist.
Now, I treat my body with kindness. I practise positive affirmations before mealtimes and I’ve never felt more relaxed around food. I allow myself space to be flexible with my diet and I give myself permission to enjoy food. When I started living my JSHealth principles I let go of the heavy, stressful thoughts that dominated my daily life. As a result, my mind and body suddenly became lighter.
I’m here to show you there is a much simpler, kinder and more balanced way to feel good and develop body love. I created my 8-week Program to help women all around the world to reclaim their relationship with their health, discover mindful eating and live with balance. If you’re experiencing any of the struggles I’ve been through, know that you’re not alone. I’m here for you every step of the way.
