Are You Facing Body Image Issues? Here's How You Can Deal With It And Lose That Weight Too: Expert Advice

One should always focus on weight loss without compromising on their health.

These days every one of us is conscious about looks, style, body image, the way we dress and so on. Almost everyone seems to be drooling over that perfect figure of famous celebrities and wish to achieve a slim waistline. Celebrity nutritionist Nmami Agarwal in her recent Instagram post said, "Your body image is how you feel about your body." The thoughts, the emotions, and perceptions that come under when you look yourselves in the mirror. It seems as if these days there is a rat race to look good and keep your weight in check. This is more common amongst women who neglect their health in order to attain that ideal figure that they aspire for. Nutritionist further adds, "Instead of forming a positive body image of their own self, women start comparing their body shape or structure with society, relatives, peers or celebrities, thereby formulating a complete negative body image of their own and hence filling up themselves with discontentment and apathy."

Also read: Revealed! The Right Way To Consume Nuts And Seeds For Weight Loss

In the constant pressure of achieving that perfect slim body women force themselves to starve, practice crash diet trends, do certain kinds of fad diets such as low carb diet, keto diet, vegan diet or high fat and high protein diets. Also, women who are much concerned about their weight are also likely to suffer eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These are not only eating disorders but they can even cause psychological problems such as anxiety, trauma, depression and chronic stress. These diets aid in short-term weight loss but lead to numerous health complications which these women might be completely unaware of.

However, "Women should realize that a layer of protective fat is important for it has a role in breastfeeding, fertility, prevention of osteoporosis and for healthy skin, hair and eyes," added nutritionist Nmami Agarwal.

One should always aim for a healthy weight loss which should have no health complications in the long run.
Photo Credit: iStock

Now let us just shift focus from all these negative traits of achieving a perfect body to a more holistic and wholesome way to lose weight quickly but not health: 

1. Aim for a healthy weight loss 

One should always aim for a healthy weight loss which should have no health complications in the long run. Also, a healthy weight loss will be sustainable in the future as well. 

2. Eat a variety of food

Inculcate a variety of food in your diet. Try to have food from all the food groups like dairy products, pulses and legumes, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, cereals, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, so that you do not miss out on any nutrient. 

Also read: Weight Loss: 7 Best Breakfast Foods

3. Do not worry about the value on the scale

Try not to get worried and tensed about what you see on the weighing scale. Always keep in mind that  weight is not the only parameter to evaluate your health. 

4. Say goodbye to sugar

You must slash sugar from your diet. Sugar gives you nothing but simply empty calories and no nutrients. You must try to avoid sugar as much as you can if you want to manage your weight well. 

5. Restrict processed food items and trans fats

The processed food items and junk foods fill you up with empty calories and are loaded with harmful chemicals. They contain bad fat which can further lead to major health issues such as heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. So instead of eating from outside, try eating home-cooked meals at home which is fresh and not processed. 

6. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber which is an important prerequisite for quick weight loss. You can add more fruits and vegetables to your diet as they will help promote fullness and will keep you satiated for a long time.

7. Stay hydrated

You must drink at least two to three liters of water on a daily basis as it will help to flush out the accumulated waste and toxins from your body. This in turn will help you feel lighter from the inside. 

Also read: 5 Drinks That Speed Up Your Metabolism And Help Burn Your Belly Fat Instantly

8. Exercise regularly

Physical exercise is also a must if you want to lose weight. Moreover, it will help you stay fit and healthy. Any type of exercise like jogging, running, swimming or yoga can help you burn calories and will benefit your overall health.

(Nmami Agarwal is nutritionist at Nmami Life)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.