Gratitude and Weight Loss
When it comes to body image, it's very common to feel overweight and focus on the fat even though you have made great strides. It's unfortunate that we battle acceptance and resist giving ourselves the self-acceptance, but it's something you can work with and improve over time.One idea that fitness expert Michael Scholtz shares is the idea of establishing a gratitude journal to help you focus on aspects of your life that are positive. You can use the journal idea and work on finding aspects of your physical self that you like, as small as these aspects may be. Start somewhere and do the exercise consistently each day.Take a moment at the end of each day to write down up to 5 things you feel grateful for that day. It takes time, but notice the negative thoughts you have and work on distinguishing them -- oh, there's that critical voice again. The more awareness you can bring to these thoughts, the more you will be able to challenge them, re-frame them, and re-write your own thoughts, and you might as well make these positive since they really aren't "true" one way or the other (it's just what you decide to think about yourself).
What are you grateful for today?

Tak a trip to the local farmers market

Stop at the farm stand and let Mother Nature cater your next backyard bash—or supply goodies you can take to a summer outdoor party. The list is luscious and endless: sweet watermelon, heavenly peaches, juicy vine-ripe tomatoes, farm-fresh corn, gorgeous berries.The tastiest summer foods look beautiful, pack nutrients that keep you healthy, and won't pad your waistline. Even better: they're so perfect that little preparation is required.Try sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of chopped fresh basil; green beans and steamed red bliss potatoes in a light vinaigrette; skewers of zucchini, onions, and eggplant for the grill; or steamed, sliced carrots dressed with a barely-there sweet-and-sour dressing and a hint of dill or mint.These options are the perfect alternatives to creamy, calorie-dense, been-there-eaten-that barbecue side dishes such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, and potato salad