Tip #4 comes from curvy activist Jessica Weiner:

“Fat is not a feeling.”

Pain, anger, joy, sadness–those are feelings, as in emotions. Yet, as women, we often comment, “Boy, I really feel fat today.” In her book, Do I Look Fat in This?, Jessica calls this the “The Language of Fat.” We use “feel fat” to describe uncomfortable feelings–insecurity, anger, disappointment, frustration–basically any negative emotion.

Next time you catch yourself saying, “I feel fat,” pause and ask:

“What exactly is the emotion that am I feeling?”

Name it honestly and you will feel a shift. This will allow you to determine what you really need in the moment, rather than simply bashing your body.

For more on “The Language of Fat,” including a guide to an “Extreme Language Makeover,”treat yourself to Jessica Weiner’s book Do I Look Fat in This: Life Doesn’t Begin Five Pounds from Now (look to the right for a link to Amazon). Also check out her website: www.jessicaweiner.com.