Get a Bikini Body Without Dieting

The word DIET carries not only physical but also psychological implications. Many people define their daily lives as 'on' or 'off' a diet.

It's absolutely proper and correct to take care of your body. It's your body! Of course, it's best to get it or keep it healthy and strong. But it's not helpful to define your activities by whether you are 'on' or 'off' a diet. You are living your life in the body you have at this moment in time. Perhaps you choose to be on a path of improved health and wellness. Great. But it's risky to think of yourself as 'on' or 'off' of anything, especially a diet.

Avoid negative thoughts. Start your plan from a position of self acceptance. Try to steer away from comments that suggest you shouldn't wear a bathing suit until you successfully diet and lose weight. Size is relative. Many people of all sizes enjoy wearing bathing suits, tank tops and short skirts. Try to look your best whatever size you are; it will increase your confidence which, in turn, will increase your desire to continue on your wellness path. Be kind to yourself and start living your life. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

Adopt a healthier attitude. Gently shift your thinking away from 'dieting' and 'needing to lose weight' and start defining what you are doing as 'getting healthy.' The simple act of refocusing your inner dialogue will provide you with a more positive attitude about the lifestyle choices you are making.

Be truthful about why you want to diet and lose weight. Once you reach your goal you will feel healthier and you may feel happier. But losing weight is not magic fairy dust. Becoming thinner does not suddenly remove all your problems. Avoid dieting for overly emotional reasons. Set your sights on the more realistic goal of becoming fit, healthy, and energetic.

Attempt to define your plan as a life-long commitment to healthy eating and exercise. When you fall into the trap of thinking 'I've blown it today so I'll start again tomorrow' or 'I'll get back on my diet after the holidays' you are still defining your plan as 'on' or 'off' a diet. If you shift your thought patterns, your entire attitude shifts. It all becomes so much easier. Take baby steps, make 'one meal at a time' decisions. If you happen to make a choice that isn't health promoting, just make a different choice the next time.

Learn from the journey. Lovingly analyze why you made one choice instead of the other. Strive to build a healthy relationship with food. Start living your life with a positive attitude that works for you. And always congratulate yourself for each healthy choice you make. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories along the way.