6 Reasons to Lose Weight As A Body Positive Person*
The year 2015 has been a big one for me in terms of a lot of introspection. It’s the year I decided to publicly call myself a feminist — and one who pays close attention to being as intersectional and inclusive as possible. Along with that, I’ve started working toward being more body positive toward myself and others.
I’ve always been a bigger girl, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered how badly I inflated my appearance over the years. I never had an eating disorder, but I’ve tried multiple diets and workouts in the past. At one point, I was at my fittest about two to three years ago, but even then I thought I was still too fat. I constantly run across old photos of me and wonder, “how did I not see that then?”
Confirmation: My body is beautiful at all times, no matter what its current state is.
My weight loss in the past has been less-than body positive, and since a few years ago, I’ve had a few great ups (I’ve been with my loving partner for the last two years) and some downs (battling depression, financial strains and health issues). I’d like to be better to my body in 2016, but it’s important for me to remember why I’m wanting to do so.
How do you justify losing weight as a body positive feminist?
*This is where I must clarify that weight loss is not inherently body positive; it is just a possible result from being more active. It should not be the sole motivator because the idea that “thinner is better” is an imposed ideal body positivity as a movement is against. Every body is a good body, and your health is your concern only.
Here are the top six reasons I justify being healthier in 2016:
1. It Hurts to Do Everyday Things
Just because you are fat, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the mobility that you desire already. Fat people can run, do rigorous yoga, be Olympic athletes, lift heavy things, etc.
For me, I’ve always had issues with my knees and have had arthritis from a young age. As I get older, I notice it’s harder and harder for me to just get up from the couch. I haven’t done yoga or lifted weights in a long time, and I generally miss feeling strong and healthy. I also don’t want to feel like a beat up 60-year-old at 24.
If regular amounts of activity will keep me flexible and mobile longer, than I feel it’s time I take that seriously.
2. You Have A Lot of Stress/Anxiety
Feeling sad? Go outside for a long walk.
Feeling angry? Go lift some heavy things.
Feeling restless? Do 15–30 minutes of yoga.
My social anxiety fluctuates, so some days in the gym are better than others. On my bad days, it can feel like everyone in the entire gym gives a f*** about how I look in these yoga pants or if I’m using a machine incorrectly. On those days, it’s okay to just stay inside and do a few minutes of body weight exercises. If you have a yoga app on your phone or tablet, get in a short session at home. My favorite yoga app is Yoga Studio at the moment (3.99, iOS).
3. You Don’t Correlate “Health” with “Fat”
Yes, you can be fat and healthy at the same time. Learn to accept that. Be okay with the notion that you may stay at the body weight you’re at even if you become more active.
Being afraid of the dreaded “plateau” tends to be an indicator of some kind of failure or roadblock when it shouldn’t be. This is also why you shouldn’t pay attention to your scale while you’re doing this. If you already deal with stress about your self-image, worrying about your weight in numbers will just make it worse.
4. You Don’t Want Other Peoples’ “Compliments”
You’re not in it to hear body-shaming compliments from your friends or family.
“You look so skinny!” is not a healthy compliment.
They mean well, but you’re not doing it for them. You’re doing it for you.
Confirmation: The size and shape of your body are neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad,’ so stop complimenting or shaming others on their bodies. You are more than your physical appearance. No ifs, ands or buts allowed.
5. You Want A New Hobby
I used to love riding around on my single-speed bike on a daily basis. But then I got a job that was out of the city, and then I had my rear wheel stolen and have yet to replace it.
I’ve used these excuses to keep me off my bike and away from my favorite past time.
Joining a roller derby team is another hobby I’ve always wanted to do, but with my knees in their current state, I’d probably be seeing a surgery table sooner than I’d care to admit if I dove right in.
6. You Want to Kick An Old Habit
I write about beer and cocktails, so I’m constantly around tasty brews and alcohol. While cutting back completely might be a little hard just yet, making it a goal to take breaks from beer and late night drinks for a few days a week should help me wake up more easily in the mornings.
Earlier mornings could give me more time in the day to write and practice coding, two other habits I’d like to see more of in 2016.