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You can’t escape it. Everywhere you look, there’s a message pushing you to shed those extra pounds. “Want to lose that COVID 19?” “Get your summer body now!” “Join the gym today with no enrollment fees!” It’s exhausting, right? Sure, I might have put on a few pounds over the past year, but I don’t need constant reminders. When I reflect on my weight gain, I think about the year spent at home with my kids, filled with baking sweet treats and preparing delicious meals together. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about how it has affected my body—I’m simply grateful to be alive.
Every day, I see countless commercials promoting diets, meal plans, shakes, and pills. It’s overwhelming. Society doesn’t encourage us to celebrate our curves, stretch marks, or dimples; instead, we’re conditioned to dislike our bodies. The diet culture that has evolved is alarming. Recent statistics indicate that almost half of Americans are on some sort of diet, and a staggering 56% of women admit to dieting. That’s a significant number. Why? Because we’ve been led to believe that thinner is better, and beauty is confined to a specific, smaller mold. It’s a damaging and distorted perspective.
We’re bombarded with images of seemingly perfect people who set unattainable standards for how we should look. Living in a world obsessed with appearances means that a regular mom, whose body has changed from carrying children, is somehow inadequate. It feels like there’s something fundamentally wrong with having flabby arms or a soft belly. The so-called perfect bodies we see are often enhanced with Photoshop and filters. When an unedited image of these so-called perfect individuals surfaces, they scramble to hide it. Why? Because they, too, are caught in the web of comparison, and this cycle impacts everyone who views their photos online.
When will we realize that every body is beautiful? Our bodies serve incredible purposes—they carry children, nourish babies, and help us accomplish daily tasks. They’re not designed to be perfect; they’re designed to be functional. Yet, our culture seems to have lost that understanding, pushing us to strive for an ever-moving target of improvement. It’s exhausting.
And let’s be real: it’s downright unfair. Why can’t we just be content with who we are? Does happiness really come from fitting into a smaller size or wearing a different bra? Can you still be a loving mom at a size 16? Absolutely. There’s nothing wrong with that.
According to the Boston Medical Center, around 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, spending a staggering $33 billion on weight loss products. Yes, billions! This includes everything from gym memberships to dubious waist-slimming devices and pills that could leave you feeling worse than before. The obsession with being something other than ourselves is reaching new heights.
The diet culture, which prioritizes thinness over health and wellness, is harmful. Even if you feel perfectly fine with a little extra weight, society tells you that you shouldn’t be satisfied. It’s better to be unwell and thin than to embrace a fuller figure. You’re expected to opt for the lighter dressing and count every calorie. This is what diet culture pushes you to believe, and you might be living under its influence.
Eating disorders are on the rise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Eating Disorders Association reported a 41% increase in inquiries to their help lines in January 2021 compared to the previous year. This surge is partly due to increased isolation and social media’s negative portrayal of quarantine weight gain, which can trigger those who already struggle with body image. It’s disheartening.
So, what should you do? Resist the lure of diet culture. Don’t bemoan your weight gain on social media, and steer clear of endless scrolling through before-and-after weight loss photos. Remember, there’s no miracle diet out there. No one loses 20 pounds per week healthily, and pills won’t transform you into perfection. You’ll likely feel just as unsatisfied, if not more so, because you’ll still be chasing after an illusion. Instead, embrace your body. Body positivity is empowering. Recognize that you are beautiful, just as you are.
As we emerge from a global pandemic, it’s essential to acknowledge the immense loss we’ve faced. Many have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and our world has changed forever. If you’re still here, celebrate that. You might look different than a year ago, but who cares? Rock your body, enjoy summer in your favorite shorts or swimsuit, play with your kids, and cherish moments with loved ones. Be thankful! There are far worse things than a few extra pounds.
If you want to lose weight, do so healthily. But if you don’t, who cares? You don’t owe anyone a specific body type. You have one life—live it in a body you love. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, check out this other blog post. For those interested in products for insemination, this authority on the topic can provide valuable insights. Additionally, for further resources on fertility, consider visiting Medical News Today.
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Summary: This article challenges the pervasive nature of diet culture and encourages readers to embrace their bodies as they are. It highlights the harmful effects of societal beauty standards, the rise of eating disorders, and the importance of self-acceptance. The piece advocates for celebrating one’s body, especially after the challenges of the pandemic, and emphasizes that happiness does not come from conforming to unrealistic ideals.