Bikini Body Balderdash

Bikini body balderdash

Along with the summer weather, or as we move into the new year, comes the messages that after our indulgences at Christmas we now need a 12-week body transformation program or 10-day detox to slim down and get our bikini body rocking!

Personally, I find these messages insulting. They are complete and utter BALDERDASH!

They assume that just because, for a few weeks, we maybe happened to have been eating and drinking more and exercising less than usual, therefore, our bodies have gone to wrack and ruin and will be highly unsightly if taken to the beach. So now we should be feeling guilty, and punish ourselves with diets and exercise.

These ‘get your beach bod’ messages thrive on convincing us that there is a problem to be fixed – specifically – that our body isn’t right. Then we’re sold a pricy, short-term solution; selling impossible body standards, that leave us feeling like we’ve done something wrong when we don’t end up looking like the after photos in the advert.

We are left feeling bad about our body; a body that was never a problem to begin with.

An ongoing belief that our bodies aren’t good enough leads to body dissatisfaction, which is not good for either our physical or mental well-being. When we are dissatisfied with our body we don’t give it the care and support that it deserves. We can become distracted from doing things that empower our well-being in the long-term.

We end up following rules that punish our body, instead of listening to what it needs to flourish. Such as a ‘no pain no gain’ workout when already exhausted, rather than a gentle walk or an extra half hour in bed. Having a salad or smoothie for lunch, when you really need a fully loaded sandwich because you are planning a workout later. Not eating when hungry if it’s not a scheduled meal time because hunger is just a distraction trying to stop you reaching your goals, when hunger is actually your body communicating that it needs something (like when your body tells you, you need a pee).

Imagine trying something radical this New Year. Instead of feeling guilty about your festive indulgences and then starting some short-lived detox/transformation, how about learning to embrace and respect the amazing body you have. With all it’s lumps and bumps and dodgy bits.

My ‘get back on track’ health advice for that whole 'New Year, New You' thing is to find ways to nourish your body rather than punish:

  • a way of eating that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied,
  • a way of exercising that makes you feel energised and motivated.

One last radical thought - what if you simply took your body, as it is, and made your way onto one of your stunning local beaches? Ta dah!! You now have a beach body – for life!


Looking for ways to nourish your body? book a FREE, no obligation chat to see if I can help you out. ?