Colorful life stories color my career life. For the past 11 years, I’ve heard countless reasons why women want to be beautiful and sexy.
Once, a client with a pretty face and Prada purse came to see me and said: “I really don’t need a dietitian. I know everything about being healthy. I read a lot.” I replied, “I understand. Please tell me why you’re here.” Then she burst into tears leaving me mortified. I grabbed a pack of tissues and just let her cry. Then she looked up and said: “I feel so ugly!”
I know how it feels to be ugly. I had horrendous acne breakout, I practically had to wear a wide brimmed hat to cover my face. I had fungal infection on my toe; I didn’t wear open toed shoes or flip flops until it got better. I felt like my acne and toes were the only things people saw in me!
I was once overweight due to my thyroid condition. I struggled between making major lifestyle changes and waiting for my hormones to stabilize. I felt incompetent each time I explained to my clients why I’m an overweight dietitian.
The world has set unrealistic standards for beauty. Reed-thin bodies, flawless skin, fashionable women, the list just goes on and on. Society and culture put so much importance on outward appearance. The pressure to keep up is on.
Fad diets and a variety of workout programs are so popular these days. People adopt extreme measures for dieting, such as restricting nutrient-rich foods according to their blood types and even ingesting tapeworm diet pills which are detrimental to health.
I have nothing against being fashionable, sexy and beautiful because I love to dress up. I make an effort to stay within a healthy weight range and I don’t look bad either (at least according to my mom).
But let’s focus on beauty that radiates from within. One that goes beyond outer beauty. What does it take to look beautiful from the inside out?
The Right Motivation
If you’re trying to lose weight because you want to fit into a dress and look good during a party or you’re just tired of listening to your husband commenting about your waistline, your reason might not be able to sustain you for a lifetime of optimum health.
Ask yourself these questions…
•Do I spend most of my time obsessing about my body?
•Am I satisfied with the results of my quest to pursue beauty?
•How am I dealing with these desires and unrealistic expectations?
•Am I focusing more on what I don’t have or what I have?
Being beautiful is not an option. Every woman must learn how to take care of her appearance. Think about it this way. Putting on sunblock is essential unless you want to end up looking like a prune or having leather-like skin.
Being healthy and pleasant to look at will show how God blessed you with things that will enhance your beauty. So go ahead and apply make-up by all means. Just don’t think less of yourself if you don’t happen to have all these trimmings.
A Well Nourished Body
What you eat matters in the pursuit of beauty. A well-balanced diet will not only make your body healthy and sexy but will also prevent feelings of deprivation and depression. Dieting does not mean starving oneself. It simply means eating the right amount of food coming from a variety of sources to prevent nutrient deficiencies. A well-nourished body simply equates to beauty.
According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic, a diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promote skin aging.
Make sure you eat whole grains, low fat dairy products and lean protein everyday. Choose fortified high fiber cereals, multi grain breads, red or brown rice, low fat milk, low fat cheese and yogurt, lean cuts of meat, chicken and fish.
Add color to your plate with nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals that cause premature skin aging. Snack on fruits and only drink 100% fruit juice. Add greens and tomato slices to your sandwich.
Omega 3 from fatty fish, fortified eggs and tree nuts help keep our skin intact preventing irritation and infection. Walnut is a very good source of omega 3. Top your oatmeal and salad with nuts.
Never underestimate the power of water. It is a miracle drink that keeps you hydrated and looking younger than your age. Drink eight to nine cups of water everyday. Clear soups, fruits and 100% fruit juices also keep you hydrated. Just be mindful of your portions and caloric intake.
Work your way up to achieving a healthy weight range by setting realistic goals. Keeping in mind that it is for your own good and not just to live up to some standard. Aim to eat well balanced meals daily and find time to exercise two to three hours a week. When you start focusing on your good qualities and feel good about yourself, you will be oozing with self-confidence in no time – a trait every beautiful woman possesses.
A seasoned dietitian consultant for 10 years, Cheshire Que’s services include Medical Nutrition Therapy and Lifestyle & Weight Management programs for clients afflicted with lifestyle related diseases.
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