I’ve never had a female client who has been 100% happy with her body. I used to feel the same way.

In the past I never appreciated my body for what it was: lean, fit, healthy and strong. Even though I didn’t need to lose weight I was constantly using diets and extreme exercise routines to “fix” any minor fault. It wasn’t until I gained over 30 pounds in 2011 that I realized how absurd my self-criticism had been. I looked back at photos from the year before and wondered why I had been so disrespectful to myself. That was when I vowed to start loving my body, exactly as it was.

This isn’t just about weight loss. Some of my clients who are in their 60s and 70s have shared with me that they regret not appreciating the bodies they had in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. One of the best parts of my job is helping them love the bodies that they’re in now.

There’s no point to criticizing your body. It doesn’t make you lose weight, it doesn’t reverse aging, and it definitely doesn’t make you feel better about yourself.

I’m not going to waste another minute tearing myself down when I should be building myself up…and I don’t want you to either.

Try these seven simple practices this week to show your body how much you appreciate it.

Monday: Write down every diet “rule” that you’re trying to follow: no gluten, no alcohol, no sugar, no dairy, no carbs, no eating after 6pm —you get the idea. Which of these best serves you? Keep what works and ditch the rest.

Tuesday: Enjoy a treat today, and another tomorrow. Show your body love by trusting its ability to metabolize a tasty treat everyday. I love having a piece of dark chocolate with my morning coffee, it’s delicious and prepares me for a day of pleasure, not restriction.

Wednesday: Pamper your body tonight by soaking your feet in a bath of warm water with Epsom salts and a couple of drops of lavender oil. As your tension melts away, thank your feet for supporting you each day.

Thursday: Let go of any negative self talk for one whole day. Any time you notice self-criticism or judgement, simply say “I choose to let it go and love my body”. This might seem simple but and it is a very powerful technique that can greatly improve how you feel about yourself.

Friday: Explore a new way to move your body today, such as walking, bike riding, swimming, yoga, boxing, pilates or dance. By exercising in a fun way that feels good you’ll keep coming back for more.

Saturday: Go to a farmer’s market. Not only does eating in season have many health benefits it also helps to foster a connection to your food and your community.

Sunday: Compliment another woman today. By affirming someone else in a genuine and positive way you are encouraging that person to thrive within their own beautiful body. Pay it forward!

Jennifer Dene

Jennifer Dene (aka The Bridal Wellness Guru) helps busy-women transform their lives through simple nutrition, fitness and lifestyle advice. She empowers women to prioritize self-care and adopt a vibrant, healthy relationship around food and fitness.

Jennifer Dene has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2009. Her multi-directional approach to women’s wellness comes from her background as a trained Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer and Health Coach. She holds a degree in communications and journalism from the University of Technology, Sydney, and blogs at mindbodybride.comwhere she champions anti-diet wedding wellness.

Jennifer Dene specializes in Bridal Wellness, Positive Body Image, Weight loss / Weight maintenance, Healthy Eating & Meal Planning, Pilates & Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates, Feminine Fitness (her personal style of training designed to sculpt a lean, strong and healthy body), Stress Management, Time Management & Organization, Goal Setting & Helping You Make Your Dreams Come True.

Connect with Jennifer… www.mindbodybride.com, www.jenniferdenewellness.com,Instagram