Make a list of positive things about yourself that have nothing to do with your weight. Perhaps you are a loyal friend, an excellent student, or you do your best to protect the environment.

Ahhh! Doesn’t that feel good? The point is, you are a unique, valuable and worthwhile person regardless of your body size. There are so many wonderful things in life to think about that it would be a waste of time to focus too much on your appearance. If you are obsessed about your weight, your moods will be dictated by what you read on the bathroom scale!

Self-esteem and self-acceptance are just as important to your health as eating good foods and exercising. Many people base their self esteem on their body size: if they are thin, then they are loveable and attractive. If they are not thin, then they are undesirable and unworthy of love. This could not be farther from the truth!

Remember, you are not your weight. It is only one of thousands of attributes that make you who you are. Take the time to discover, build, and appreciate qualities in yourself that make the “whole” you beautiful, both inside and out.