One of the most difficult challenges that we can face in trying to lose weight is to compare ourselves to others. We notice how much better our friends look. We can’t help but see how “that girl” looks so good wearing something and you know you would never look half as good.
Comparing yourself to others really doesn’t cause inspiration or motivation to lose weight, like some may think. In fact most times it brings on discouragement and jealousy. Losing weight isn’t something we do in order to one-up someone. Or at least that shouldn’t be our reason for losing weight. We should have a clear understanding of what we hope to gain by losing weight and then focus on some goals that will help us get there.
Comparing ourselves to others should not be a focus at all. Besides the fact that it can lead to negative feelings, we also have to remember that everyone’s metabolism and body shape is different. Some women are more big-boned than others. That really can’t be changed. Some women can eat junk and not gain a pound. That is not always the case for other women. We are so unique and what our ideal body weight should be is going to be different than someone else’s.
I think one of the worse things we can especially do is to compare ourselves to an actress or model. So often we see their pictures and we think, “I want to look like that.” But we forget that many of those pictures are air-brushed. We are not seeing the flaws that exist in every woman. Believe me, every woman has them.
Trying to look like someone else can cause unhealthy eating habits to start. Some women who have battled with bulimia or anorexia have allowed themselves to think they need to look like so-and-so.
The truth is you need to look like who you are. You need to be yourself and your ideal body weight and image will be reflective of the special person you are. Stop comparing yourself to others and begin to appreciate the person who stands before you in the mirror.
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