The journey toward loving yourself and your body begins by moving away from self-criticism and comparison and embracing love. No two bodies are the same, and that’s what makes each person uniquely beautiful. This month, focus on appreciating the distinct features that make you one-of-a-kind. Celebrate your unique strengths and treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. Understand that your body, like any other, is not perfect, but it is uniquely yours. Embrace imperfections as part of your individuality and recognize that they contribute to your personal story.

Practical Tips for Loving Yourself:

Affirmations:

I’m not talking about self-made affirmations that self-help books tell you to repeat daily. I’m referring to the positive affirmations that God has written to you in His Word, His love letter to you. Start your day with scripture and truths that focus on how God sees you. Memorize the scriptures that reinforce the idea that you are worthy of love and appreciation. If you need help finding those truths, check out this 6-week devotional book, “In Case You Forget,” written by fellow followmefit boot camper and Lifeway author, Hannah R. Conway. It is geared toward teen girls, but the truths are the same for girls of all ages. I highly recommend it! Also, let me mention this amazing song, “In Case I Forget,” by Taylore Pittman, written to accompany the book. I linked it to Spotify, but you can search for it on your preferred platform.

Surround Yourself with Positivity:

Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it’s social media accounts that promote body positivity, supportive friends, or uplifting content that fosters self-love. Stay positive and share positivity with others!

Practice Gratitude:

Acknowledge the amazing things your body allows you to do. Express gratitude for the strength, resilience, and functionality of your body and your mind. Be grateful for your talents and all the things you do well.

Mindful Movement:

Engage in activities that make you feel good. Whether it’s exercise, dancing, creating, singing, or simply taking a walk, choose movements and activities that promote a positive connection between your body and mind.

Loving yourself and the body you’re in is a journey worth taking. Benefits include improved mental health with reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress; increased confidence, self-assurance, and empowerment; and healthy habits. When you love and appreciate your body, you’re more likely to engage in behaviors that promote overall health, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest.

Speaking of promoting healthy things, check out February fitness info and the delicious healthy recipe I have for you below .

Chopped Salad with Balsamic Dressing

You can seriously chop up any ingredients you like for your salad in record time with a handy dandy salad chopper. I love mine. Here’s the link: OXO salad chopper and here’s one of my favorite salad combinations. It goes great with grilled chicken, a burger, or even a cold sandwich. Measure with your heart. All ingredients are optional to taste. And, yes, the OXO chopper will also chop chicken in the salad just like Subway.

Mixed Greens and Fruit Salad

• spring green mix
• strawberries (capped)
• apple chunks or quarters
• avocado chunks (not over ripe or too mushy)
• dried cranberries
• walnuts
• feta cheese (or cheese of choice – add after chopping)
• mandrian orange slices cut in half or thirds (add after chopping other ingredients)
• blueberries (add after chopping)

1. Throw everything in the bowl except the oranges, blueberries, and feta.
2. Chop away until it is chopped to your desired size.
3. Add in the oranges, blueberries, and feta (Feta is a strong cheese. Go light unless you know you love it.)
4. Sprinkle with dressing if desired.

Note: Play around with it a bit to find your just right amount of chopped. I have eaten them barely chopped as well as chopped super fine. They are always good, but I prefer something in between.

Balsamic Dressing

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper finely ground
• 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (You seriously have to try this balsamic!! It is nothing short of delicious!)
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
2. Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.

Note: I like to set any leftover dressing out of the fridge while I am preparing dinner so it will warm to close to room temp so it’s not as thick and will mix / shake /pour better. I have also put it in the microwave for 15-20 sec when in a hurry.

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February Boot Camp & GOfit

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Pay Online

*Package payments must be made in advance, they are non transferable, and are only good for the month of the Boot Camp / GOfit for which they were purchased. Payment options include: Cash, Check, Card, Cash App, paypal.me/followmefit, Venmo, Google Pay, & Zelle.

Links:

Training Info | Registration | Pay Online | followmefit.net