We live in a society that places such a strong focus on weight and looks, often giving the impression that there is no such thing as too pretty or too thin.  This false belief has caused millions of women and men to obsess over their body weight and fall into the debilitating cycle of chronic dieting.  The week of January 19-25 is the 21^st annual Healthy Weight Week, a very special 7 days set aside to allow us to take a step back and accept and be happy with our natural weight and the bodies we were born with.  It is a time that we can celebrate achieving and maintaining a diet-free positive body image and put an end to eating and weight problems.

It is important that it is understood that we are not all shaped the same and “healthy” and “skinny” are not one in the same.  One of the best and most effective ways to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight is to simply be aware of the food decisions you make on a daily basis – it is more about choices, not calorie counting.  Make sure your meals and snacks are well balanced and include a fruit, vegetable, whole grain and lean protein.

Another important aspect in diet-free weight control is to lose the guilt and let yourself enjoy a treat when you want it.  Food is something everyone enjoys, so why deny yourself of something you love?  Start to practice mindful eating by simply eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full.  Being able to listen to your body signals is the key to ridding yourself of the diet mentality.

One last insight to take away with you for Healthy Weight Week is to compare yourself to you and you only.  All you can be is better than you were yesterday and keep on making healthy food choices and staying as active as you can!

Your turn to take action: How will you celebrate Healthy Weight Week?