Some of the most thrown around phrases in the weight loss community are “love yourself” or “I just want to love myself.” Some people think that “loving themselves” means accepting themselves as they are and being okay with their weight and appearance.

That, to me, is wrong thinking. Accepting yourself is more along the lines of wanting to just be okay with how you look and your lifestyle as it is. It’s being okay with your curves, rolls, bones, whatever it may be. So many people use the argument of wanting to love themselves how they are just so they don’t have to put in the work it takes to change and be healthy. One individual in particular I know is overweight, and when she decides to make a batch of cookies or something along those lines, she refers to it as being okay with herself and accepting it, and cheers herself on for it, which really saddens me because she almost never stops talking about wanting to lose weight. Why cheer yourself on for making sugary treats then? Why not make an awesome chicken and quinoa dinner and cheer yourself on for taking care of the only body you’ve got?

To me, loving yourself means being healthy and happy. Another person who’s blog actually sparked this whole post wrote something about her internal debate with “wanting to be thin, but wanting to love” herself, in the context of accepting her body as it is. Wanting to lose weight doesn’t mean you don’t love yourself. If anything, it’s 100% you loving yourself! Putting in the hard work and effort to be healthy and keep your body in tip top shape is love! Giving up on the idea of weight loss by labeling it as “loving yourself” and having a poor diet and not exercising isn’t love. There is no shame in wanting to lose weight and change yourself! People aren’t going to assume you hate your body and yourself just because you want to lose weight! It’s being healthy! If you have a nice, expensive car, you’re not going to let it get dirty and run poorly and call it “loving your car for how it is.” No way! You’re going to want to keep that car clean and in good repair so it can get you where you want to go!

 So basically, what I’m saying is, don’t think in black and white; you don’t need to stay unhealthy and call it loving yourself and you don’t need to lose weight and label it as hating yourself. If you have a healthy diet and stay active, your body will take care of itself and put it where it wants to be, whether it’s a little curvier or a little bonier. Being happy and healthy is what’s important. So eat good food, exercise a few times a week, play with your dog, go for a swim, kiss your boyfriend/girlfriend, and truly love yourself and your life. You’ve only got one!

• Spinach
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Turkey or chicken lunch meat
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• A dash of salt

Approx. 125 calories of filling, healthy deliciousness

1. Foods that Contain Trans Fats

Manufacturers put additives into the foods they produce. It is a practice for many to inject extra hydrogen atoms in common oils to make the food taste better. However, this causes the foods to have high trans and saturated fats that are very unhealthy. One cause of belly fat is the consumption of processed foods that are high in trans fat. It also increases the risk of developing hypertension and other health conditions.

Avoiding foods that have high levels of trans fat will help in the reduction of belly fat. Refrain from consuming processed or packaged foods like donuts and pizzas. Furthermore, get into the habit of reading the nutritional labels of the foods you buy and avoid foods that are marked “partially hydrogenated.”

2. Sugary and Simple Carbs Foods

Sweet foods or foods that have high levels of sugar cause insulin to overreact, and this in turn causes the body to store fat. Generally, the fat that is stored around the abdomenal area. Sugary foods and simple carbs also signal your body to keep eating, even if you’re not hungry. It can lead to overeating and obesity if not controlled or managed.

To reduce belly fat, avoid sugary foods that offer very little nutrients such as soda and junk foods like potato chips, chocolates and candies. For your sugar fix, opt for sweet fruits that provide the body with more nutritional benefits like vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.

3. Fast Foods to Fast Belly Fat

It is very convenient to just order fast foods, especially when you’re very busy. However, fast foods are the stomach’s worst nightmare. Most fast foods contain an overwhelming amount of trans fat, and the sauces that come with them are loaded with calories. Hamburgers, French fries and onion rings may be an easy and quick solution. However, if you often have fast foods, a bulge will start to appear around your stomach before you know it.

There are many fast food restaurants that offer healthier foods. Try to choose a healthier substitute like a sandwich with little or no mayonnaise to prevent you from developing belly fat.

4. Rich Creamy Foods

Rich creamy foods are very good in satisfying your taste buds. However, it is one of the major culprits when it comes to belly fat. Foods that contain high levels of cream like ice creams, salad dressings and gravies also contain high levels of calories, cholesterol and fats. Foods like macaroni and cheese, mousse, cheesecake, cream soups and cream pies and quiches are some of the foods that have high cream contents.