Most women care about being in good shape, and I know that from being one and working with many over the past few years. Many of us ride the weight loss roller coaster with highs and lows for a big chunk of our lives.

Others jump to extremes for that one special occasion or a dress they love. Been there, done that! While we all have different reasons for wanting to lose weight, these habits I just mentioned can be quite detrimental to our health and mental wellbeing. These habits can even lead to eating disorders in some cases.

I am someone who gains weight from the slightest change in my eating habits. Unlike what most people who know me think, I struggle with losing as little as 1 kg. Being fun-sized doesn’t help much either 😅

I recently realized my connection with food wasn’t the healthiest too. As a former gymnast, I had to eat a specific way to stay in shape and maintain a strong yet light body at all times. That’s not something any child enjoys. As an adult and only recently, I started to unlearn many things I learned as a kid and teenager.

One of those things was the obsession of having to look a certain way. And guess what? I let it go, and it worked! Instead of thinking, I want to lose weight; I thought I want to feel better in my own body. Instead of comparing my body to someone else’s, I started embracing mine and appreciating it for everything it is. I started looking at food as fuel.

I listened to my body while I ate and gave it more of what it needed to feel good. Awareness of how I feel mentally and emotionally was key to understanding why I made specific food choices instead of feeding the monster mindlessly. I honored how I felt and worked through it without the guilt or shame that comes running when you fall off the healthy eating wagon.

I recently realized my connection with food wasn’t the healthiest too. As a former gymnast, I had to eat a specific way to stay in shape and maintain a strong yet light body at all times. That’s not something any child enjoys. As an adult and only recently, I started to unlearn many things I learned as a kid and teenager.

One of those things was the obsession of having to look a certain way. And guess what? I let it go, and it worked! Instead of thinking, I want to lose weight; I thought I want to feel better in my own body. Instead of comparing my body to someone else’s, I started embracing mine and appreciating it for everything it is. I started looking at food as fuel.

I listened to my body while I ate and gave it more of what it needed to feel good. Awareness of how I feel mentally and emotionally was key to understanding why I made specific food choices instead of feeding the monster mindlessly. I honored how I felt and worked through it without the guilt or shame that comes running when you fall off the healthy eating wagon.

The narrative needs to change, and while some won’t like the answer, as simple as it sounds; a healthy nutritious diet, an active lifestyle, and a healthy mindset geared towards growth are just what you need to achieve your goals.