You’ve read the posts - you’ve seen the memes.
‘Me before quarantine - Me after quarantine’, ‘Wear your bathing suit instead of pajamas’ ‘COVID-19 is the new Freshman 15’
I’m sure if you scroll on your news feed right now you’ll see one.
The fear of gaining weight and the stigma of diet culture amidst a global freaking pandemic is really just not funny. There, I said it. I get that humor is a way to cope with stressful situations - and some people may not see them as harmful. But they can be triggering and subconsciously affect the way you treat yourself - physically & mentally.
As a positive fitness professional, my whole world and train of thought on this kinda stuff shifted a few years back and it truly hurts my heart when I see the posts like this. And honestly, as someone who preaches overall wellness (not diet culture) I don’t want to be associated with them.
Now, I’m not saying to throw your hands up and give up on yourself and your well being and be a couch potato and binge Netflix/food all day.
I’m saying that there are more important things going on in the world than you worrying about your pants feeling a little tighter.
Are you feeling stressed? I can pretty much guarantee that. I am, too - you’re not alone.
We know what stress does, right? It’s one of those ‘hidden’ culprits of weight gain. It’s literally a natural bodily response. Our body is responding to what is going on in the world today. Find yourself feeling more hungry? It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s your body’s way of taking care of you. And shouldn’t we listen to our body? I hear it’s a pretty darn smart machine.
So yes, you may gain weight - and that’s ok. Because - NEWS FLASH - life is more than just about focusing on our weight fluctuations.
If you find that you may be gaining weight during this very stressful time in our world & feel bad about it - I want to remind you of something:
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. You are enough. Change your perspective.
- Stop following people on social media that feed into the diet culture bullsh*t. (socially distant yourself from them!)
- Move your body in a way that brings you joy.
- Mindfully eat - tap into your hunger cues.
- Drink lots and lots of water - and yes, you’ll be peeing more. That’s ok!
- Focus on the good things in life.
- Practice gratitude.
Take care of yourself in a positive way. Mind, body & spirit.
My friends, you are more than a number.
Xo