If there’s one thing that I have struggled with over the past year, it’s being comfortable in my own skin. Since quarantine began, there have been different fad diets and two-week shred programs. For me, it felt like everyone around me was losing weight while I was only gaining more. I told myself that I would start acting differently once I lost weight; I would wear what I wanted and be more confident. But I realized that this logic is flawed; there is no better time than the present to seize life. There is only now, and by living for the present, you are increasing your quality of life.
But this concept can be hard to grasp when surrounded by people telling you that you have to fit the beauty standard to feel more content in yourself. Diet culture says that in order to be happy with ourselves, we have to conform to society’s version of beauty. However, with these three simple tips, we’ll be on our way to becoming body-positive in a society fueled by diet culture.
- Skip Out on Diets
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There are plenty of creators using their platforms to promote the latest dieting trends, whether it be Keto or the Dukan diet. Nevertheless, these are only hurting you more than they are helping you. Diets are not the key to a more fulfilled life as they are only temporary. While they may make you see results faster, faster is not always better; longevity is key for your physical and mental well-being.
- Wear What You Want to Wear
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It may be hard to break out of your comfort zone and try new styles; especially when social media tells us that we can only dress the way we want if we have the ideal body type. Wrong. Every size and shape should be able to dress however they choose. If you want to wear a crop top, wear that crop top babe. Wear whatever you feel the most confidence in; don’t let yourself be afraid to shine.
- Don’t Equate Your Worth to Size
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Whether you’re a size double zero or a size twenty-four, your body is beautiful, and you are worthy. While there are plenty of people in this world who will make you feel as if you have to be a certain size in order to be worthy of self-love, you do not. Bodies come in many different shapes and sizes, and no one body is better than the other. Do not compare yourself to the beauty standards that are set by society; beauty standards change, but self-love is forever and there is no better time to start loving yourself than now.