Balanced Living

The Weighty Issue of Being a Woman

Posted by Arja on October 8 in Women's Health

As women, we are bombarded with images on a daily basis that affect how we view ourselves.  Instead of tapping in to how we feel, we let how we look determine how we feel about ourselves and our abilities.  If you’ve ever carried around a few extra pounds, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Yesterday a beautiful, intelligent, sassy friend of mine posted this about being overweight, but not wanting to be a part of the “fat girl club”.  I read it, I laughed, but more than that, I related. 

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t concerned about my weight.  I’ve been lighter than I am today, but I’ve also been heavier.  Even now, as I work with people and guide them towards better health, I have days where I wonder if I would be a better practitioner if I weighed less.  Truth.  But you know what?  I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to explain myself to everyone that I meet.  I’ve got my story, and you have yours – but my current weight does not take away from the fact that I am a great nutritionist.  Just ask my clients.

Before you look in the mirror and let how you think you look in that outfit ruin your day, I want you to remember something – this body that you’re living in right now, the one that you are so hard on in your quiet moments alone, this body is capable of anything.  If you are exercising, it is the one that lifts the weights and carries you down the street when you jog.  Future, thinner you will do the same thing, but right now, it’s this body doing all the work to get you there.  This body you have right now is the one that protects your children and gives them a safe place to snuggle when they are feeling sad or under the weather. When your partner hugs you, or shows you tenderness, don’t freeze up just because they’ve laid their hand on your “muffin top”.  This body you have right now is capable of love and affection, and if you think that you deserve less of that in return just because of what you weigh, then you are wrong. 

Instead of putting the focus on what we weigh, we need to be putting the focus back on to how we feel.  If you’re happy, feeling loved, doing things that bring you joy, and taking steps to better your overall health through whole foods-based nutrition and exercise, then the rest will start to fall into place.  But you need to cut yourself some slack.

You’re beautiful now.  You’re smart now.  You’re funny now.  Stop waiting for your future, thinner self to arrive before you think you’re worthy of believing these things.  Others believe them of you already.

arja pennanen lytle c.n.p. n.n.c.p certified nutritional practitioner

Arja is a Holistic Nutritionist with a passion for balanced living. She loves to help people sleep better, think better, feel sexier, and just generally feel better by putting the focus on eating foods that make you feel good. Arja uses whole foods, lifestyle adjustments, herbs, and some supplements to help people feel their best and achieve their health and wellness goals.