Spiritual Nutrition
Author: Suz Andreasen

In the age of fad diets, we all think a lot about shedding those ten pounds for summer. But underneath the waist size and the reflection in the mirror is an emotional component to how we view ourselves. Many people find that shedding those ten pounds makes them feel better and yet, they still carry a negative view of their own image. If you are unhappy with your body image, can you get rid of the pounds by getting rid of your mindset? Will you lose the weight and keep it off by changing your Spirit of Self?

While the old adage that thinking something can make it happen is only partially true, there is a grain of purpose in the concept that we are our thoughts. No – you can’t just think your way into a size six dress or a 32 waist. But if you could change your weight, change your self-image by changing your mind, would you do it? The answer is that most of us would jump at the chance, but find ourselves resistant to altering our habits. You can seriously alter your behavior by changing how you look at yourself and your choices. It all stems from understanding what motivates you in life.

Is there a better path to changing perceptions in order to achieve improved self-esteem? Here are some questions you need to ask to start the process and create a new you.

1. Is food your friend or your enemy?

If you answered "yes" - that food is either your friend or your foe, you may be in need of a change in perspective. Food is fuel for our bodies, nutrients for our spirits. When we use food as something for comfort, to mask feelings or painful obstacles, we sell our souls short. Try knowing food as a subject and not an object. Educate yourself about foods that will serve a purpose in your physiology. Read food labels. Remember to embrace the old adage that your body is your temple. It may sound corny, but you are what you eat – not what deny yourself, or desire to eat.

2. Do other people’s opinions of your physical appearance effect you?

This can often be a painful question for most of us because underneath a veneer of self-confidence, we all have gremlins of poor self-image. Plus, we all have bad days when that tiny zit on our forehead seems volcanous, or our clothes are too tight from the meal we ate the night before. Do we value our self-worth on silly comments from office mates or family members? If someone says you look "fat" in an outfit, does it reflect the way you feel inside? If you answered yes, you can begin to make changes today by learning how to change the scope of how you value yourself. Use your inner voice for strength, not criticism. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

3. Do you get depressed when you don’t look like images you see in magazines or on television?

It’s impossible to avoid the media driven, beauty obsessed world in which we all live. We are all victims of the marketing machine if we allow ourselves to be influenced by it. Furthermore, no one can simply "choose" a body type and say, "I want that body." Why? Genetically, we are all unique. While it is possible to change your body and to make it healthier, stronger and more athletic, it’s not possible to look like Tyra banks or Brad Pitt if you are not them. So, stop reading articles about new ways to clone your body image and make your own! Be active, love yourself and create a routine that works for you. It’s the first step to shedding your skin and finding your way to a new self-esteem.

4. How do you define your "weight?"

Ask yourself if you look at the scale and define yourself by a number. Look at your body and note if you are buried in the idea that your self-worth or attractiveness is related to your poundage. Some people are more muscular and weigh more because of the strong physique. Does that make them fat? Do you believe that the concept that thinner is always better? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to change your concept of weight in favor of an improved and more personal point of view. What really matters is health. That means good heart rate, good cholesterol, normal body fat and a weight that allows you to be active. Think about it. Know yourself, not your number on the scale.

5. How do you connect the way you feel about yourself inside with the way you look on the outside?

The road to finding peace with your body must ultimately come from within. Many people look great but are miserable. Others are happy with the way they look because they feel content inside. The key to success is finding the right balance in order to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. The reason that being at ease with self is a cornerstone to changing your mindset is because life is ever changing. As we age and grow older, so do our bodies. It’s important to value the quality of our characters as a stem cell for our outer beauty. Looking in the mirror can only reflect what you want it to and the most vital element here is attitude.

The bottom line is this: The mind is a powerful tool for many things. You can use your outlook and free will to change your health, your life and your relationships. Using your brain in a healthy and productive way is the secret to getting what you want on the journey of strength and self-discovery. And that, is a beautiful thing indeed.








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While many writers find their callings in life's events, SUZ ANDREASEN has been putting pen to paper since her childhood. Growing up in Iowa City, Iowa, the home of the writer's workshop, Suz often found solace and wonder in the world of her own creativity. Her view on writing has always remained poised within the land of the imaginal as she admired and was influenced by the writings of diverse linguists such as Martin Luther King, Tom Wolf, Charles Dickens and Blaise Pascal. Ms. Andreasen resides in New York City and her literary work is often centered in human mythology. She is well known for her writings on dream interpretation and spiritual potential and you can find her on American Online by visiting her channel, hitting Keyword: SUZ. Suz is also a succesful business woman as the founder and CEO of DearSuz.com: One on One Advice, today's leading metaphysical website. Her new book, Dreaming The Future brings the work of Suz Andreasen into the 21st Century and beyond.

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