It is a bit ironic the things that will motivate people to watch what they eat or start exercising. So many friends I know have gotten fit either post-break up, when they knew they wanted to draw attention. Or some just in time for the infamous spring break trip. Others for a dance, wedding, or other special occassion. It is surprisingly easy to forget to love thyself.

After all, there are many people throughout our lives that will offer us support, someone to lean on, but in the end...we always have ourself. Therefore, the most important relationship you can have is with yourself. So just as we would not advise a friend to take part in health-damaging habits such as binging or starving...why do we do it to ourselves?

Just as we would not go up to a loved one, grab their tummy and point at the excess fat, just as we would not approach a loved one and tell them how much weight they have gained...we should give ourselves the same self respect.

I noticed when I spent a lot of time with my friends daughter, I was always very careful about my...our food choices. Reports show that 30% of girls under the age of 11 know what a diet is and think they should go on one! Therefore, whenever we packed a picnic or made lunch I always wanted to encourage healthy food and habits by emphasizing the benefits it makes for the body-NEVER emphasizing weight. She would choose string cheese to grow strong bones, and sliced apples with peanut butter to strengthen her muscles. She would choose to go out and fly kites or roller skate over sitting inside all day.

I also noticed that when I was spending time with her, if I was having a "fat" day. I would never say that. If she was in the room I may comment to my friend that I was not feeling my "strongest". My point is, I was very careful not to put myself down or focus on weight in front of my friends daughter...because I didn't want her to grow up to be focused on such things.

Yet...I asked myself today...why was it only when we were around her that my friend and I would take such care to focus on the positive and eliminate negative from our conversations? Why when she left the room would we begin scrutinizing our wrinkles, our chest size, our thighs, cellulite, bloating, etc etc etc.

What I am getting at is...so often we want to be our best for someone else...a crush, a husband, a flame. Yet, so many times people will come and go from our life, but we will always remain with ourselves. If you want to improve yourself, do it for YOU because in the end that is who you have to depend on. Just as you would not berate your friend, lover, child...do not berate yourself. Practice loving thyself and healthy eating and habits will follow.