Hey there. What I want for everyone, including you, is to be able to appreciate and love the body you are in while you put in the effort to change it. If you are exercising regularly and following an eating plan based on your preferences, your body is going to change. It may not look like someone else's, but it will evolve in a way that works for you.
There is a misconception that an eating plan based on preferences means you will only eat foods you crave. The reality is that over time, you will naturally include more nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and protein sources. You will be eating and moving consistently, and your body will respond to that.
But here is what I want you to do. Right now, no matter where you are in your journey, I want you to look in the mirror and decide that you love the person staring back at you. Start from the inside and work outward. When you make this mindset shift, everything else becomes a puzzle piece. You will no longer be searching for one specific solution to make you feel better about yourself because you have already made that decision.
Some people go through extreme changes: bulking, cutting, plastic surgery, or other modifications. And those choices are valid. But at the deepest level, you have to already love yourself. You have to decide that no matter what the outside looks like, you are proud of who you are. Maybe appreciating your body feels easier than loving it, and that is okay. Start with appreciation and work toward love.
Your “Before” Was Never Less Than
There is a common message in fitness that the “before” version of you is somehow less than. That could not be further from the truth. The person you were before is the same person you are now. The only difference is the choices you have made. You have taken action, and that takes courage.
Recently, I saw a social media trend where AI-generated images show a past and present version of a person hugging. The concept is cool, but what really matters is making sure you actually treat yourself that way. Too many people are running from their past selves. They look in the mirror and see a version of themselves they are trying to escape, rather than recognizing and embracing the person they have always been.
I want you to love every stage of your journey. That version of you—the one from before—got you here. That version of you showed up every day, made changes, and decided to take control. You do not have to tear yourself down to build yourself up.
Why Tough Love Slows You Down
Some people think they need to be hard on themselves to stay motivated. They tell themselves they do not like what they see, so they need to change. But the truth is, that kind of mindset will only slow you down. When your motivation comes from a place of self-appreciation rather than self-criticism, you will go further.
If your actions are driven by love and respect for yourself, you will be more consistent. You will not get discouraged as easily. You will not look for quick fixes or extreme measures. Instead, you will make choices that support your long-term success.
Your body is going to change. Maybe it will not look exactly like someone else’s, and that is okay. What matters is that you continue to show up, do the work, and remind yourself that you are enough, right now, as you are.
If you want to build this mindset and apply it to your daily life, check out The YLF Experience. It is designed to help you shift your perspective and create lasting change from the inside out.