One might expect a resounding “no” in response to this question, but I was taken aback by the realization that many women believe their body size and shape dictate their beauty and self-worth. However, should we truly be surprised when we consider the relentless pressures of our beauty-centric society? We’re consistently bombarded with fabricated images that define how we should appear, behave, weigh, and even feel. The media and the beauty and weight loss industries thrive on keeping us preoccupied with our appearances, coaxing us to invest our money in their diet programs, cosmetics, skincare regimens, and the latest anti-aging trends. All the while, this distracts us from pursuing happiness, igniting positive change, and living empowered lives. Every corner we turn, we encounter advertisements for Botox, laser treatments, and cellulite reduction, but how may ads do you see encouraging us to be be our true authentic selves?

It’s essential to recognize that the diet and beauty industry profit immensely from cultivating our insecurities. Regardless of the number of beauty treatments and diets one undertakes, these industries will consistently introduce new obsessions. They perpetuate a cycle in which we chase after beauty even when we’re already inherently beautiful. Unfortunately, the medical industry’s biases towards weight exacerbate this issue. Often, when seeking medical assistance for any ailment, weight becomes the primary focus, leading to suggestions of dieting. Yet, research has shown that diets are often ineffective and can contribute to greater body dissatisfaction, and in severe cases, foster eating disorders.

During a recent spa visit, while indulging in some well-deserved pampering, I engaged in a conversation with another woman in the waiting room. At just 28 years old, she was there for a Botox treatment. Astonishingly, she shared that she had been undergoing anti-aging procedures since the age of 22, in her quest to stay ahead in the fight against aging. This revelation highlighted a disconcerting trend of escalating obsessions from a younger age. Even children as young as 6 are beginning to express concerns about their body weight. Yes, at the tender age of 6!

This isn’t to suggest that aspiring to look one’s best or pursuing what fosters personal strength and confidence is undesirable. The truth is, beauty manifests in an array of shapes, sizes, facial features, hair colors, and ethnicities. The media and the industry have inundated us with falsehoods and distorted notions of what beauty “should” entail. Irrespective of how we choose to present ourselves to the world, we hold a responsibility to our own well-being, our families, communities, and the pursuits that drive our lives. It’s paramount to maintain the healthiest version of our bodies. Herein lies an opportunity to refine the body positivity movement. Health and beauty aren’t confined to specific dimensions; this is a sentiment we can collectively endorse. Yet, my concern is that some individuals might employ this as an excuse to neglect their diets, abstain from exercise, and disregard the vitality and vibrancy of the body they inhabit. In the words of Patrice Washington, “If we envision a life’s purpose, safeguarding the vessel is paramount.”

The key to good health resides in nourishing foods that fortify energy levels, mental well-being, gut health, and counteract inflammation and premature aging. Achieving this doesn’t involve chronic dieting and deprivation, but rather embracing a compassionate and graceful relationship with eating. By prioritizing nourishing foods, staying hydrated, engaging in exercise, managing stress, and minimizing exposure to toxins, we pave the way for better health and graceful aging. This journey entails less emphasis on rigid dietary rules and more focus on attuning ourselves to our internal guidance system, learning how specific foods affect us.

I hope this article has sparked inspiration within you. If a holistic, non-dieting approach to improving your health resonates with you, feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation. Visit our website at www.mindfulnourishment.ca to subscribe to our newsletter, brimming with exclusive content tailored for subscribers or to book your complimentary 20min  discovery call!