Setting Realistic Standards for Beauty
How to Set Attainable and Healthy Goals and be Happy with Them
If you turn on the television today or any other day, you're bound to be bombarded by gorgeous women with unrealistic proportions, flowing healthy hair, no wrinkles, and complexions like they've never been outside in the elements. Every woman in the world feels completely disgusting after watching television for even fifteen minutes.
What most people don't know is that those women you see on television don't really look like that in real life! That is a trick of makeup, camera lenses, lighting, and a wonderful computer program called Photoshop which can make the most homely person alive look like a super model. There is a fine line between wanting to look and feel your best by being at a healthy weight and having great style, and feeling the need to transform yourself into something unrealistic. Focusing on what is healthy is different from spending your savings on pre-packaged meals and plastic surgery to look like someone other than who you are.
But, if you want an update to your style, or you realize taking ten pounds off might prolong your life for the right reasons, here are some fabulous ways to mix it up a bit so your outside matches the confidence you feel inside. Because after all, nothing in the world is sexier than confidence!
A Sensible Diet
This is going to do more than just slenderize your waistline. This is going to give you energy and health, and even make your skin, hair, and nails look their best. Cut out some of that soda and substitute a water instead. Toss aside the chips for fruit and veggies. Try whole wheat instead of white. Lean meats with lighter sauces make healthier dinner choices than your mother's famous chicken parm recipe. Eat high fiber foods with lower sugar and smaller portions, and make sure you keep a food log of what you eat at meals. You can throw out the pre-packaged $300 a week diet they advertise on television! Look online for your Body Mass Index and figure out what is a healthy weight based on your height and the size of your frame.
Exercise
If you are thin, overweight, healthy, or unhealthy, you should be exercising regularly. It gives you energy and helps build your immunity to life-threatening diseases. But, besides the health benefits, think of how you will look. Every woman has that spot she wants to fix, even if she's thin. Some women want more curves in their posterior or more defined muscles--weight lifting is the answer for them. Some women need to expedite the weight loss process, or keep off the weight they lost--try cardio! There are so many fun ways to exercise that will make you look and feel fabulous that it's really worth a shot.
A New Look
You're comfortable with your body, but something still needs updating. What about trying a new hair color or cut? There are salons everywhere with artistic stylists who can take one look at you and decide that highlights will bring out the color of your eyes, or that layering your hair will add body where it never existed before. It doesn't need to be drastic. You can even get an online makeover before you do a real one! Another option for a new look could be an update to your makeup drawer. Cruise the make up counters at the mall one day and utilize the skills of the make up artists to show you what colors work with your complexion, and how exactly to apply them for the most flattering look.
The author (right) before losing weight
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The author at a healthier weight!
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