Low self esteem. Ack.

I am doing all the right things and ever so slowly dropping the weight, but in the meantime, I feel horrible about my body.

It sounds silly, but just want someone to tell me I'm pretty.

Honey, you are beautiful.  You don't need to change how you look one tiny bit.  You should feel good about yourself because you are, like you said, doing all the right things.  You are making these changes in your life because you know it is the healthy way to live.  Think about how all of these changes are making you a healthier specimen. 

Consider boosting your self esteem through small rewards.  For example, after you drop 5 pounds, reward yourself with making an appointment for a 30-minute massage.  Other rewards could be a mani/pedi, new tube of lipgloss, new pair of earrings, etc.  Maybe when you're 5 pounds from your goal weight, you can treat yourself to a dramatic haircut.  A new haircut can make such a difference to how you feel when you look in the mirror.  When you reach your goal weight, you could arrange a night out with some friends, and get your makeup professionally done before you go!  Small rewards help so much with confidence, even if they have nothing to do with how your body looks in the mirror.

I think you are beautiful and you don't need to change a single thing.  But, you do what you need to do in order to be healthy.  The healthier you feel, the less you will care about what your body looks like.   

Everyone has those days when they feel bad about the way they look, I think. But let me tell you something... when I looked at your picture, all I could imagine was this painting. You are incredibly beautiful.

I agree with emily on the rewards. Also, try not concentrating as much on what you still have left to do, and congratulate yourself on all the things you've already done!

Girl, if that's you in your picture, you are pretty! I just love red hair and freckles.

You are very pretty young lady!

You are gorgeous!

You have the ability to make yourself beautiful by being who you are. Beauty is more than being at your goal weight. That is about being healthy. You are stunning as is, and don't ever let any number tell you differently.

Thanks everyone so much for the advice and the support! I feel a so much better now. I have been given the mental equivalent of a big ol' squashy hug . 

I can't wait to put your advice to good use!

Thanks for the link ladyfirelyght!

You have the hair and complexion that women can not duplicate even though they want to.  Perhaps you can ask a friend or relative to take you shopping to try on clothes that they think look good on you. 

When your self-esteem is down, you may be wearing clothes that hide your figure, diminish your natural color or project a down mood.  Someone else will help you pick out something you might be afraid of.  The other day two young women were in the fitting rooms and one was trying on a skirt.  She didn't like it because it was different. Her friend said it looked great on her.  It gave her confidence to hear that.

If thats you in your picture, you are soo cute!! I love your hair and freckles; I'd kill for that!! Don't worrry hun. You said yourself that you are doing this the right way. All you need to do is trust yourself!

to be quite honest with you i dont see why you feel this way because i think you are beautiful...also i know what you mean about the self eteem stuff because i tend to feel the same way about myself especially when i see girls who r prettier which happens lik all the time in my case! but i learnt that you just have to be confident and be yourself and this is what really makes you beautiful both inside and out!  

I totally agree with the others. You are pretty, hun!