Can I be body positive AND want to lose weight?

As a huge advocate for self worth, I could not be more thrilled to see the body positive movement on the rise. All bodies are good bodies! We live in a culture that has created impossible beauty standards, so it’s incredibly refreshing to see social media as well as beauty and health centered industries highlighting bodies that don’t look like the airbrushed, barbie’esque bodies we are used to seeing.

With all this positive momentum though, I have recognized a confusing message swirling around, and it is this: If you are body positive you aren’t allowed to want to change anything about your body. You have to love her exactly as she is, and changing her would be proof that you don’t.

9 months into my post-partum journey, I find myself wanting to lose the baby weight. But as an advocate for body positivity, I had to pause and ask myself “can I be an advocate for body positivity, and want to lose weight at the same time?”.

And the answer is…

Absolutely!!

Black and White

Here is a gentle reminder: you can be body positive AND want to shed pounds at the same time. You can be body positive AND want to have clearer skin, to lose weight, to be leaner and more radiant, to dye your hair, to wear makeup, and to LOOK GOOD!

Body positivity isn’t just ‘this’ or ‘that’. You can love your body and take her on a journey.

You can tell her, “I see you, I honor you, I love you and I am grateful for you. I’m ready to take you by the hand, dearest body, and learn together. If it ever feels too harsh or unsupportive I will pivot. My commitment to you is to support you and love you and help you t o feel your best. I will love you every step of the way. I will check in with you daily. I will shift when you tell me to. I will carry you just as you carry me”.

My Journey

I’d like to be fully transparent with you when it comes to how I’m feeling about my body right now.

I love my body. I am amazed by her. I am proud of her; she has created and given birth to three beautiful babies. She dances, she walks, she hikes, she cooks, she cleans, she moves, and she teaches. She loves on her babies, she gives amazing hugs, and she carries my soul. She is beyond magical, powerful, and amazing, and I am SO grateful for her.

However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t want more out of her. I love her AND I want to shed the excess pounds built up from my last pregnancy. I love her AND want to release the extra weight that leads to physical discomfort.

I am on a journey of loving my body deeply while also wanting to shed the weight that no longer serves me. And by loving my body, I get to do what is best for her, and that, in this case, is putting in the work so that I can bring her to her optimal health and function.

My Vision

I’m manifesting a vibrant, lean, and radiant body. She is in there; I feel her. I love all parts of me: past, present, and future. I thank my body for releasing anything that no longer serves us and for performing at highest levels. Happy, healthy, holy am I.

What would you like to tell your body? How can you serve your body today?