Body Image Tips

I am participating in a wonderful Bible study called Wisdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn. Each week we have a mothering skill that we have to practice. This week's skill is You and Your Body Image. I thought this one was wonderful - especially this time of the year when everyone is making (and breaking) New Year's resolutions. Here are some body image tips you may find helpful.
1. Be discerning about which magazines you read and which TV shows you watch. Anyone can look good once they are airbrushed. *Take your body issues to the cross.
2. Don't casually complain about your weight. It invites comparison and compliments.
3. Eat right and exercise. Quit looking for the perfect diet and go back to the basics. Our goal should be lifestyle changes for good health, not to drop a dress size before the next weekend.
4. Find clothes that fit you, no matter what size you are. Don't keep putting off buying clothes that fit your post-pregnancy body.
5. Don't make foods good or bad. Think more in terms of balance and quantity. Just as God gave us sex for enjoyment and procreation, God gave us food for enjoyment and nourishment.
6. Never go to the grocery store hungry.
7. Get going! Whether you walk or do aerobics, the key is to move each day, preferably for 30-45 minutes. Go outside when possible. Get away from media and into creation. Try to go places that are quiet and without crowds so you can avoid comparing yourself.
8. Keep lots of healthy snacks around, not just fruit so that you have options when you are hungry.
9. *Give to God your struggles with food, weight, clothes, body type, etc.
10. Meditate on scripture such as Ps. 45:11, John 4:34, Rom. 12:1-2, Gal. 2:20, Mark 12:29-31, and Col. 3:17.