In nature, the Law of Equilibrium governs most things. It’s all about balance –- things want to even out in the end. And through this balance the Universe achieves harmony.

This same principle also applies to your body. There is an optimal zone of health where your body wants to keep itself. In this optimal zone is also an optimal weight for your body.

At this weight, you are at your healthiest and you will feel your best. You should have an abundance of energy, your skin should have a healthy glow, and your muscles should be toned and supple. And yes, it is possible to feel this way even if your dress size is 14 or above.

Many doctors only look at the scale and tape measure to determine one’s healthy body weight. You should certainly have regular checkups and make sure all your other indicators of health are within normal ranges. If your weight is truly causing you health problems then it should be handled properly.

It’s important to make sure there aren’t any hormonal or other physical conditions that are causing you to be over weight, but there are many plus size women who are just as healthy or even healthier than more petite women. They enjoy an active lifestyle, successful careers, loving families, and are also extremely beautiful.

So how do you know if you are at your optimal body weight?

The two most important things we all must do is eat a balanced diet and get regular physical exercise no matter what our size. Going on the latest fad diet rarely results in permanent weight loss. It’s far better to make an effort to consume more fruits, vegetables and lean sources of protein if you eat meat. A severely calorie-restricted diet will ultimately work against you. It’s better to eat 4 to 5 small meals than 3 large ones. This will keep your metabolism at a higher rate thus burning more calories.

You should come to terms with why you eat. Is your relationship with food a healthy one? Do you use food as a source of comfort or escape? Do you derive comfort by eating lots of junk food? There’s nothing wrong with deriving pleasure from food and eating. Just don’t let it become your primary source of pleasure. Ultimately, we must eat to fuel our bodies and help it repair itself and fend off infection and disease. Many people take much better care of their cars than they do their bodies!

Regular physical activity can take many forms. You don’t have to even join a gym if you don’t want to. Just be sure to do something that gets your heart rate up into your fat-burning zone for at least 30-45 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week. Find an exercise that you enjoy doing or at least can tolerate such as jogging, swimming, elliptical trainer, or even brisk walking. The physical activity will burn calories and also help break up your day and relieve stress.

Give it a fair shot –- at least 3 months and then see where you wind up. Don’t weigh or measure yourself too often during this time. The goal is to get into some new, healthier habits. In most cases, if you make the commitment and don’t cheat too much on your food choices or slack off on your exercise routine you should see results. Regardless, if you loose 40 pounds or just 5, you will probably find yourself at the weight and size that your body is most comfortable with.

Take stock of how you feel and not how you look. Is your energy level up? Does your face, especially your eyes and skin, appear healthy? If not, then something else might be wrong. Be sure to have it looked into. But if you can answer, “yes” to all of the above, then you’ve done your best and you can thank yourself for a job well done!

This is the moment of awakening for you! Take a loving look at yourself in the mirror and accept your body the way it wants to be. Respect your body by putting only healthy fuel and nutrients into it and make sure you move it on a regular basis. By accepting your size, whatever it is, you can project confidence and that confidence will work to change how others see you. Afterall, there are many more important things going on in your life than stressing about your size!