Why do I still hate my body?

I deal with the same thing. I'm actually struggling to meet my goals because I can't even start to like the body I'm in now. I'm just constantly getting so discouraged and depressed over it. I would like some ideas on how to stay positive too!

With many people, the media, Hollywood, fitness magazines, etc. use models and people who have great genetics. The problem is that people are comparing themselves with these people. And that's what you need to stop doing.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I have ups and downs too, I think I know how you feel. I've come so far so fast that when I look in the mirror I still see the work that needs to happen (everything that is wrong) versus what I've been able to accomplish (the good stuff). At some logical level, I know for sure that I've made great progress...but I think (and I hear!) that it takes a bit longer for the self-image to catch up with what is actually going on. I think you look awesome and I think you should really be proud and keep it up. Even when you're not feeling encouraged yourself, who knows how much encouragement & inspiration you may be providing for others. Good luck and thanks for sharing!

Some days I think, "wow, I've got a nice stomach!" or "wow, I look so thin when I turn sideways!" and other days I think "oh damn I'm such a hambeast, people must be disgusted when I wear shorts or tight clothes."

I think self-esteem and body image is always somewhat of a rollercoaster. I think it's normal.

Some days I think, "wow, I've got a nice stomach!" or "wow, I look so thin when I turn sideways!" and other days I think "oh damn I'm such a hambeast, people must be disgusted when I wear shorts or tight clothes."

I think self-esteem and body image is always somewhat of a rollercoaster. I think it's normal.

This happens to me too. Literally yesterday I looked in the mirror and thought "wow looking good sexy!" Then I went shopping and started trying on summer shorts and dresses and I was like..."What happened?! How does it look like you gained 40 pounds in a matter of hours! I can never wear shorts this summer that is for sure!"

I see women 100+ lbs. heavier than me that look beautiful and a lot more comfortable in their own skin. Or, perhaps they look more comfortable in their clothes? I can't bear to wear a swimsuit (I honestly have never felt comfortable wearing a swimsuit in public, no matter how *thin* I've been), but plenty of women don't have this problem. It seems to me that half the battle is dressing appropriately for your body shape/size. Other than that, I judge myself more by my work/life accomplishments than my body shape. If I am kicking butt at my job (and life), I don't feel too worried about not being a supermodel. After all, I don't get paid to be a supermodel. :laugh:

Welcome to every person in the history of ever.

Maybe you should start thinking more about how much better and healthier you feel instead of what the mirror shows. Results come with time and if you get down on yourself when you look in the mirror then change it. No matter your weight or how you may feel remember its always whats on the inside that counts. If you feel thin and beautiful then you will appear thin and beautiful. Just keep doing what you're doing and maybe change the way you look at yourself and see how that feels. I wish you the best of luck

I've been there before. I gained weight and lost weight. Even when I was at my smallest, I still had issues. It was then I realized it had nothing to do with my weight but with my poor body image. No matter the progress, I always saw flaws and fault, and saying to myself, if I only had x, y, and z, I'd be a much happier person. So even though with all the flaws and work I still needed to do, even though I looked great, my body went back to the place my mind never left, a place of heaviness, and here I am, overweight again.

I am here to tell you that weight loss is not the answer to loving your body. You have to fall in love and be in love with you today, unconditionally. It will be a journey and a long path, but it's worth it. Getting fit builds confidence, but it's not the foundation of it. Find your foundation in confidence and in love of self, no matter how much you weigh. You are fly regardless. I don't know where your faith is, but mine is anchored in the Lord, and I've tapped in to who I am in HIM and how He sees me, and not the world. That's whats helping me tap into and understand the foundation of my confidence, my image, and my being. Me getting fit, becoming healthier, more joyful, and a better person is building upon that foundation.

So lady, all I can tell you is to find your strengths, find your beauty, and find your confidence no matter where you stand on the scale or the measuring tape today. Once that's there, the rest will fall into place. Be blessed. \o/

I'm about to go philosophical on you. So, from what I understand from your post, doesn't this mean that your body's appearance isn't what will make you happy then? Sure, get into shape to be healthy and to live long free from diseases but in the end, happiness comes from something that the eyes can't see. IMO.

True this! Getting in shape, living a healthy life, and feeling good is important on one level, but you have to look beyond that level to find true happiness.

Unfortunately we are bombarded with images of beautiful women who are photoshopped to look even more beautiful, and we see the way men respond to those 'perfect' women. It does make it hard to see our own beauty, and to be happy with our bodies. I wish I had a better response, but since I currently can't stand to look at myself in a mirror for long, I don't have any tips on how to love your body.

we see the way men respond to those 'perfect' women.

I think women would be a lot happier if they stopped worrying about how men think and respond.