2023-10-14 05:45:02
Today we address a topic that goes beyond sports and nutrition, but is deeply relevant to women around the world: the obsession with the “ideal” size. We spoke with Ana Morales, a psychologist specialized in emotional eating and body acceptance, who offers a fresh and liberating approach on how to manage this unhealthy obsession in an interview for MARCA.
The ghost of size 36
According to Morales, size 36 has become a kind of “holy grail” for many women, feeding a toxic relationship with food and the body. “Since we are little, we are conditioned to think that a smaller size is synonymous with success, beauty and, of course, happiness. But that size 36 is not the key to happiness,” she warns.
At what cost?
Morales reminds us of the price we pay for the pursuit of this “ideal” size: extreme diets, endless hours of exercise and, worse still, compromised emotional well-being. “We undergo strict eating regimens, which can trigger episodes of overeating and a chaotic relationship with food,” says Morales.
Path to a healthier approach
So how can we change the focus from a number on a label to something more meaningful? Ana Morales offers us a detailed list of tips:
1. Reevaluate goals: Forget the number on the scale or the label on your clothes. Instead, focus your goals on more meaningful aspects, such as your emotional and physical well-being. Example: Instead of saying “I want to weigh X kilos,” try “I want to feel more energetic and be stronger to play with my children.”
2. Mindfulness: Mindful eating involves paying full attention to what you eat, how you eat it, and how you feel while you eat. Example: Instead of eating in front of the television, sit at the table and savor each bite. Notice the textures, flavors, and how you feel after eating.
3. Self-love and acceptance: Valuing yourself as you are today is the first step to genuine well-being. Example: Every morning, look in the mirror and name one thing you like about yourself, no matter how small.
4. Invoke self-care: Self-care is not selfishness. It is a vital part of overall well-being. Example: If you are having a tiring day, take 20 minutes to relax with a cup of tea or soak in a hot bath.
5. Celebrate your victories: Acknowledging your achievements, big or small, is crucial to maintaining a positive mindset. Example: If you manage to avoid talking negatively about yourself for an entire day, celebrate it.
6. Find your tribe: Being surrounded by people who support you emotionally can do wonders for your self-esteem. Example: Look for groups on social networks that promote body acceptance and emotional well-being.
7. Remove toxic feed: Our digital environment can have a significant impact on how we see ourselves. Example: Stop following Instagram accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards.
8. Make a gratitude list: Focusing on what makes you feel grateful can change your focus and improve your emotional well-being. Example: Before going to sleep, write in a journal three things that made you happy during the day.
9. Say no to comparison: Comparing yourself to others can rob you of joy and well-being. Example: If you find yourself scrolling through social media and feeling bad about not measuring up, remember that what’s shown online is only a fraction of someone’s real life.
10. Seek professional help: Sometimes the fight against weight and body image obsession needs more serious intervention. Example: If you feel that your concerns about size are affecting your quality of life, you may want to consider seeking advice from a professional like Ana Morales.
Morales concludes: “Wellness is a journey, not a destination. And it is definitely not a clothing size.”
So, if you’ve ever thought that reaching a size 36 will make you happy, think again. As Ana Morales reminds us, true happiness and well-being come from a much deeper and more meaningful place.
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