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The Athlete’s Kitchen: Body Image and Runners |
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Written by Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD - Colorado Runner Magazine
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Wednesday, 01 April 2009 |
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Article Source: Colorado Runner Magazine
Written by - Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD
Question: What are two things dogs and runners have in common? Answer: One, both dogs and runners love to exercise. Two, they both come in different sizes and shapes. Question: What is one thing dogs and runners do NOT have in common? Answer: Dogs are content with their natural physiques, while too many runners try very hard to change the way they look. These runners might be better off being like dogs. That is, does that bulky St. Bernard yearn to look like a lanky Greyhound? Heavens, no! Does the barrel-chested Labrador want to look like a sleek Setter? Doubtful. Each dog is very proud to represent his breed. Wouldn’t life be easier if each runner could be just as proud of his or her “breed”? As a sports dietitian, I spend too many hours helping runners find peace with their bodies. Most of these runners take the outside-in approach.
They think if they change their body from the outside by losing undesired body fat or by adding some muscular bulk, they will be happier on the inside. Unfortunately, not true! No weight will ever be good enough to do the enormous job of creating happiness. This story, told to me by an athlete, proves that point: “I once weighed 124 pounds and was unhappy with that weight. I started exercising and dieting rigidly. I lost to 99 pounds but I still wasn't happy. I ended up binge-eating; I gained to 160 pounds, where I was miserable. I sought help from a counselor, stopped eating emotionally, and with time, got my weight back to 124—and was happy! Why couldn't I have been happy at 124 pounds in the first place? Because happiness has nothing to do with weight...”
Learn more...
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Steps for Positive Observation
STEP 1: Recognize
What we are conditioned to experience... Where does the belief come from? Your belief or someone else's belief?
STEP 2: Realize
A positive outlook is a choice... You are always at choice. Example: Are you a smoker or someone who chooses to smoke?
STEP 3: Quantify
The positive and productive potential found within... You are and always have been total potential... Grab it... Grow it!
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