5 Things Jillian Michaels Taught Us About Body Confidence

Jillian Michaels returned to The Biggest Loser last night, where she'll be helping overweight teens from ages 13 to 17 lose weight and get healthy. Sure, the trainer can be tough-as-nails, but she's full of inspirational tips and reminders.

Whether you're looking to lose weight or just feel better about yourself, there's plenty to learn from our favorite fitness expert and wellness coach about having a healthy relationship with yourself.

Here, we count down some of our favorite quotes.

1. Change The Way You Talk — To Yourself
Would you tell a friend she looked ugly or her nose was too big? Never. So stop saying hurtful things to yourself about your body. Michaels is always quick to point out how attitude plays a role in your capabilities — calling your mind your strongest tool. She explains on EverydayHealth.com, "We all know how easily negative thoughts about ourselves can lead to poor self-image, lack of confidence, hopelessness, and depression. You've heard about self-fulfilling prophecy, right? Well, if you tell yourself that you'll always be fat or that you'll never find happiness, chances are you will always be fat and you won't ever be happy. But imagine what could be possible if you harnessed your mental power with positive thoughts."

She suggests saying more positive, motivational things to yourself like "I'm going to eat well today" and "I can lose weight and be healthy."

2. Stop Trying To Be Perfect
Michaels suggests embracing your traits, especially the ones that aren't perfect. The fitness guru told Shape Magazine, "Nobody is perfect, so get over the fear of being or doing everything perfectly. Besides, perfect is boring. Today, instead of picking yourself apart in the mirror or with friends over drinks, start seeing your "imperfections" as unique traits that give you character and dimension— because that's exactly what they are”. 

3. Slow Down
From losing weight to clearing up our skin, nothing happens overnight. Michaels reminds us to take our time with our bodies. She says on her Facebook page: "Transformation is not five minutes from now; it's a present activity. In this moment you can make a different choice, and it's these small choices and successes that build up over time to help cultivate a healthy self-image and self esteem."

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4. Feel Deserving
Focus on you and what you want out of life for yourself — and not anyone else. Michaels said on her Facebook page: "You have 1 true obligation, that's to contribute your best you to the world. Visualize what you want out of life & think big. Don't be afraid of what others think. That's their business not yours. Don't feel undeserving. We're ALL deserving of living our dreams - some of us realize it & some don't. You’re not doing anyone any favors by living small. Embrace these truths & step up. The world is waiting."

5. Be Selfish
People rarely tell you to be selfish, but Michaels reminds us of the importance of focusing on yourself to be healthy. "Selfish isn't a dirty word. It means we take care of ourselves and are able to give back.”

What has Michaels taught you about having a positive body image?