How Diet, Exercise, and Confidence are all Connected
Last month, February 2022, my sister-moms group and I completed a ‘lose 10lbs challenge’ filled with weekly weigh ins and daily accountability chats. This got me thinking about how body image and our relationships with food can also effect our self-assurance.
Do you sometimes struggle with not feeling confident when you look yourself in the mirror? While coaching and therapy can help, it may also be beneficial to take a closer look at your diet and exercise habits.
The Connection
When we eat good and exercise, it helps to boost our confidence. Why? Here are some thoughts.
Body image — While the goal of exercising isn’t necessarily to gain the result in the perfect body, it does give you a sense that you are being proactive about your health. You’re showing self-care, self-love and working toward getting fit. Recognizing this, even if you can’t get rid of those love handles or chunky cheeks, can help you feel more confident.
Mood food — What I learned as I self reflected on our ‘lose 10lbs challenge’ is that I’m a stress eater. If overwhelmed, I don’t crave sweets. I go for Southern Thanksgiving dinner sized plates and foods to provide comfort and escape. The food you eat can also affect your mood, sources say, which in turn affects your confidence — and I believe it. Low blood sugar can cause you to feel grouchy and easily annoyed, and a diet high in sugar may contribute to depression (the ultimate in low confidence!). Lean protein combined with complex carbohydrates is a winning combination. Just don’t over do it like me with a personal pan of cornbread dressing and mac & cheese in the middle of February.
Endorphins — The feel good influencers! Exercise stimulates your body to produce endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help you feel good. They play a big role in relieving depression and improving mood.
Vitamins and minerals — Your confidence is affected by how you look and feel, and getting the right vitamins and minerals is important for things like skin and hair. When these parts of your appearance are healthy it helps you feel better about yourself.
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Productivity — When your energy and confidence levels are up due to exercise and diet, you are much more likely to be more productive at work, in school, and in your relationships. This all becomes a positive cycle — increased productivity boosts your confidence even more.
The positive effects of exercising and eating healthy are that you may find yourself looking goodT (yes! with a capital T). You may experience weight loss, better muscle tone, and healthier skin. Looking in the mirror and liking what you see can go a long way toward boosting confidence!
We are only limited by the things that we allow to limit us. The keys to success and productivity are already in our pockets. We just need someone to show us the lock and encourage us to open the door. Inspiration, empowerment, and support is waiting at www.shecaninspire.com.
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Busy working moms like myself can’t deny a shot of espresso and steamed milk with just a touch of foam — also known as a great latte! You can send me a virtual cup of coffee here.
