Do you need to hate yourself?
So, I've been trying to figure out if you need to hate yourself to lose weight.
On many, many of the weight loss sites I've visited, those trying to lose weight lament about how they hate their bodies and in turn, hate themselves.
The hate seems to be a strong motivator for them to lose weight.
One person was even quoted as saying, "If you look at yourself and you like what you see in the mirror, you've already lost the battle."
That's an interesting thought.
In my case, I don't hate myself, or my extra weight.
Could that be why I'm not losing as quickly as I'd like?
Should I look in the mirror every day and tell myself I'm disgusting?
How about pulling on my fat rolls, and fussing at myself for having them?
(Actually, I sometimes jiggle my fat rolls and do silly dances in the mirror, until I crack myself up. I'm silly like that.)
I'm trying to look at the origins of the "hate to lose weight" syndrome.
Losing weight is supposed to be such a positive experience. It's not easy - not by any stretch, but should be positive.
I like to think, "I'm sexy now, but I want to be healthier," or "I don't want to be winded walking up steps," or, "I'd like to be able to chase around my nieces and newphews."
But, I don't hate my fat. It's part of me.
I feel good about my body, but I'd like to shed some excess pounds.
What do you guys think? Do you need to hate yourself to lose the weight?
Nicki · January 28, 2008 1:43 PM
I think the opposite. When I love myself, I want to be healthy and take care of my body. Hating yourself is just setting yourself up for trouble down the road.