"My mission is to empower people of all ages, races, and body sizes to embrace the body they have been given and learn to love themselves so they can live their dreams."
-Sarah Maria
"Working with Sarah Maria has helped me to see that I am inherently loveable, beautiful, and valuable, no matter what. She has given me tools and techniques to break free from self-hatred and put love in its place. I am incredibly grateful for her and her incredible program. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to love her body and lover her life."
-Gabrielle Forleo, age twenty-six
Program Consultant,
Chopra Center for Wellbeing
"Sarah Maria's teachings are an amazing gift. It's an outstanding program that has changed my life! I highly recommend Sarah Maria's program to anyone who wants to experience living their most successful, beautiful life."
-Mary Schmidt, age forty-five
"Sarah Maria has shared many tools with me. But much more important to me, and what has been most meaningful, has been her quality of compassion. It is a gift and is like a gentle, deep awakening. Sarah Maria is a remarkable individual who works with the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual person. I cannot thank her in a way that seems adequate"
-Leigh Ann Jones, age fifty-four
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It's not Just about Calories
Achieving a healthy weight is not just about the food you eat; it is about self-esteem, self-worth, and a healthy emotional life.
A recent study confirmed that self-esteem preceded weight gain. Adolescent girls who viewed themselves as unpopular were 69% more likely to gain weight than their more popular peers. The study appeared in January's Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine show that, for many girls, feelings of social inadequacy actually precede weight gain.
This study offers scientific proof for what is increasingly obvious. There is often a direct link between how women feel about themselves, what they eat, and how they take care of their bodies.
Weight management is not distinct from the other aspects of a person's life. It is not just a matter of the food you eat, but how you feel about herself, what social network you have, and how happy you are, that can influence what you eat and therefore what you weigh.
Ultimately, a healthy weight is a reflection of health elsewhere in one's life: healthy relationships, a sense of purpose, and an overall sense of well-being. If a girl feels unpopular or socially inadequate, she might use food to quell these uncomfortable feelings. If a women is feeling unsatisfied in her relationships or her career, she might do the same thing.
If you are struggling with your weight, begin to take a look at the other areas of your life:
- Are you getting everything you need from your relationships?
- Do you have fulfilling friendships that provide you with a sense of community?
- Are you receiving the intimacy you need from your partner?
- How is your work environment?
- How is your family environment?
- How are you stress levels?
- How do you feel about yourself?
If you are lacking in any of these areas, examine what steps you might be able to take to improve the situation. Here are a few ideas:
- Learn how to communicate your needs, wants, and desires effectively so that you can get the love and support you need from your relationships.
- If you are feeling isolated, brainstorm groups or organizations that you could become involved in. Could you take dance lessons? Join a book club? Volunteer for an environmental group? There are many opportunities to get involved; just pick an area of interest and explore your options.
- If your work environment is not satisfying, explore what options you have. Can you get additional training? Could you talk to your boss about taking on more or less responsibility? Perhaps just taking a walk during your lunch break might help lift your spirits.
- Are you constantly feeling stressed? Begin taking yoga, learn to meditate or explore other mind-body centering practices. The benefits will stay with you throughout your life.
- Learn how to fully love and accept yourself. This is an absolutely essential component of weight management and living a fulfilling life. If you are constantly berating yourself for your weight or in other areas of your life, begin to shift your perspective. Begin to focus on your attributes and be gentle with yourself in areas that need improvement. When you learn to love and nurture yourself, true change will occur.