Caitlin's tips on reversing fat talk

Photo courtesy of www.operationbeautiful.com

Last week I told you about a lovely idea I came across: Operation Beautiful. Caitlin, writer of the blog Healthy Tipping Point, recently came up with Operation Beautiful to help women feel good about themselves and stop negative "fat talk." Hundreds of anonymous notes with positive messages have been posted in various public places by Caitlin and others who were inspired by the project.

If you spend any time on her blog, you'll soon realize that Caitlin is passionate about eliminating fat talk and helping women develop a positive self image. I asked her if she ever struggled with fat talk or if she has always been kind to herself.

"Like most women, I didn't realize how self-destructive fat talk can be. If you believe you are ugly or worthless, you will not treat your body the way you should," she wrote in an e-mail. "Once I realized how positive thoughts and actions could really improve my life, I stopped fat talking. And I'm so glad I did!"

She was also kind enough to share some tips on reversing fat talk. Here they are, in her words:

• First, acknowledge that you are fat talking. And immediately correct your fat talk. If it's internal fat talk, literally think "That's not true, and here's what's great about me." If it's outloud (like to a friend or your partner), correct yourself outloud immediately. Say, "I don't even know what I asked you if I look fat. I know I'm not."

• Secondly, realize that fat talk is usually a response to an emotion that you're having trouble processing. So many women say "I feel fat" when they really mean they are full of grief, sadness, shame, or anger.

• Third, go beyond yourself and encourage positive thinking in other women. Tell your friends how smart or kind they are. Or post an Operation Beautiful note for a stranger to find!

And here is a sampling of some of the latest Operation Beautiful notes:

"Smile! Life is beautiful — and so are you!"
"Treat yourself as you would a friend."
"Yes, your butt looks GREAT in those jeans!"
"Smile! There's someone gorgeous looking at you."
"You are the owner of a beautiful body!"

What makes you feel beautiful? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail at healthylivingexaminer@gmail.com.