6 Ways to Stop Obsessing About Being Thin…and Start Celebrating Your Body

‘….and I said to my body, softly “I want to be your friend”, it took a long breath and replied “I have been waiting my whole life for this.”’

– Nayyirah Waheed –

For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to be was “skinny.”

Growing up and throughout high school, it seemed as though that was “the look” every girl was striving to achieve (myself included).

So I took extreme measures to lose weight, and become the smallest version of myself.

And you know what happened?

Once I reached my “goal weight,” I was no happier than I was before I started my weight loss journey. In fact, I would argue that I was even more miserable, because of how much disrespect I showed my body throughout the process.

Sure, on the outside I looked good, but on the inside, I was still struggling with my insecurities and low self-esteem.

We were raised at a time when exercise was only being used to lose weight and be skinny.

But the thing is…more and more women are flipping the script. And instead of focusing on exercise as PUNISHMENT, they’re focusing on exercise as EMPOWERMENT. 

These days? It’s less about losing weight, and more about lifting weights. 

So, if you’re ready to join the movement, read on! Here are…..

6 ways to stop obsessing about being thin….and start celebrating your body:

1. Put the scale away - I know. It’s scary. But your worth is SO much more than the size of your jeans, or a number on the sale. Can you use a different measurement to define who you are?? – your kindness, your courage, your generosity, your humour?
   
2. Pay attention to the voice in your head - I hate to break it to you…but your thoughts aren’t necessarily the gospel truth. When you hear yourself saying: “I’m not good enough” or “I should be thinner”....question it. And decide whether or not you want to believe it (I suggest you do not).
   
3. Stop comparing - Whether it’s on IG, or irl….stop looking at other women as the standard for YOUR body. Everyone has a different “home base” and there is no such thing as “perfect” across the board. It’s time to start honouring your unique beauty.

4. Practice gratitude - Instead of focusing on how your body looks, try focusing on your body’s functionality. Can you be grateful for the PARTS of your body, and what they do for you? Your hands, your feet, your strong arms that carry all those groceries?!?

5. Have patience (it’s a journey!) - We’ve all been brain-washed by a gazillion-dollar beauty industry…over an entire lifetime. Allow yourself some compassion, and understand that un-scripting your beliefs about self-worth, takes time. Believe it or not, you are NOT broken/flawed!

6. Start moving your body with joy - Rather than punishing yourself with a long treadmill run JUST to burn calories….choose something that makes you smile, and boosts your confidence. I may be biased, but weight-lifting would be an excellent choice. 

So many of us associate “skinny” with happiness….as if all of our problems will magically disappear, once we are thinner. In reality, the only thing that changes, is the size of our clothes.

If you’re interested in putting these tips into action, reach out! Book a FREE “don’t sweat it” intro call and let’s chat!