Body Image - got to keep working on it

I have been struggling a little with body image since Thanksgiving. I got pretty bloated after the holiday because of the salty food AND I was making more indulgent choices after the holiday because, like I mentioned before, was in cravebread mode after eating grains. I was weighing 124.5ish for the past couple of weeks and just not feeling my best (probably because of the bloat, because an extra pound isn't THAT visible).

I don't think I've talked so negatively about my body to Chris in months. But I was just feeling a little down (which is always tied to many other issues in life, not just my physical health or weight). I knew it was time to get a grip on that behavior - Chris doesn't like to hear my downtalk myself, physically or mentally. Which I get. It definitely sounds like a girl fishing for compliments constantly. But I don't really want compliments or reassurance that I look fine... I really want to KNOW that I am fine, without outside reassurance, and that can only come from me.

I think self-image and body-image are going to be things I need to work on for the long haul in life. I work on it by being aware of when I fall into a self-deprecating cycle and trying to identify the stressors that are causing it (usually poor eating mixed with financial or academic or work stress!).

Well, anyway, I was trying to combat the bloating by eating well, lots of fibrous veggies, drinking lots of water, and I am back down to 123.2. I know I didn't lose a pound of fat, that definitely was me being bloated/inflamed. So I do physically feel better!

Mentally, I am getting myself in check by addressing the issue - knowing that it is easy to fall into negative self talk and get myself down. Talking about it here is definitely a strategy I employ to keep my eyes open.

Other news? Not much. Life is going on as normal. I am doing some overtime this week, which is nice during the holidays (but I am a little extra tired at the end of the day, ah well).

I've been really enjoying romaine lettuce lately. In fact, I've been CRAVING it, specifically - not any other greens. I want big salads for lunch and dinner. I made a mango/avocado/onion/tomato salad and have been eating "taco" salads a lot - I just put that salsa on a big bed of romaine with spiced ground turkey (spiced with chili powder, black pepper, cumin and garlic to make it taste more like Mexican flavors).

Romaine lettuce is actually pretty nutritious - it was on the list of some of the most nutritious foods recently. It is super high in Vitamin A, so I might be needing that right now?

Back to work, my friends. Hope everyone is well <3