Love Your Body | Carbon38

I always enjoy sharing my latest outfit finds and deals with you, and both of those are in this post!  Today, for some reason I have the urge to share a little more than that.  Maybe because I started the Whole30 this week, and it makes me feel all the feelings, ha!  But, if there’s anything I want you to take from today’s post it’s this:  Love your body NOW!  Don’t hold off until you reach your goals, whether they be performance based or aesthetic.  Love your body and appreciate it, as it is, where you stand in this moment.  Don’t wait.      

There’s nothing wrong with having goals.  I’ve had them and still do.  But, don’t let them prevent you from being content where you are right now.  When it comes to body confidence I can totally relate as I’ve had my share of ups and downs with eating disorders, pregnancy, life…

During my pregnancy with my son, I gained 50 pounds.  Maybe more than that as I lost track towards the end!  It was a tougher pregnancy than my first and I didn’t feel well during it.  I didn’t feel like myself, nor did I have the energy to, a bad cycle!  I went from a consistent workout schedule and somewhat healthy diet to sporadic workouts and a change in appetite/taste that included a lot of carbs in the form of pasta/rice/bread…  

After he was born, I knew I had to make changes to have more energy and feel better, but I was overwhelmed at the thought.  I slowly started to exercise again and eat well.  It was hard to start from square one and I had to be patient with myself.  A few months into it, I started to feel like myself again  and ready to venture out to buy some new activewear to wear on walks and to the gym.  

I’d lost some of the weight but was not back to my regular size.  I knew it was going to take time to get to where I wanted to be.  I remember going shopping then, trying on clothing a few sizes larger than my usual and feeling defeated.  My first inclination was to wait and treat/reward myself to the new pieces “later” when I lost the weight.    

I don’t know why, but I decided to push past those negative thoughts and do something good for myself right then.  I decided to love my body as it was, in that moment whether or not I reached the goal I’d set.    A favorite verse I often shared with my daughter, Psalm 139:14 came to mind, and I realized hadn’t yet claimed it for myself:  “I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…

I went ahead and purchased a few pieces that fit me that day, and it made a huge difference in my outlook.  Never underestimate the power of a great outfit!  The change in mindset wasn’t only due to the actual clothing.  It was the idea behind it, and the acceptance I chose to embrace.  It gave me a boost of confidence and style when I wore them, a reminder to move my body and take care of it.  

It’s not that I’ve never had another negative body image day, but that decision helped me begin to turn things around.  They’re fewer and far between.  This acceptance helped me be more relaxed, less controlling, and as a result the weight eventually did come off.  The difference was that I didn’t stress about it this time.      

It was a conscious choice to move in a different direction, to get out of my comfort zone.  I learned I could  be okay with where I was instead of thinking I had to change first, to be satisfied with my body.  Giving up the need to scrutinize and instead be thankful for what my body can do was a game changer.  I started to look at my workouts as a way to care for it, not punish it.  

The truth is if you don’t develop a true appreciation for your body as it is now, you probably aren’t going to be satisfied when you reach your goal, either.  Perfection doesn’t exist, but contentment can…if you let it!  I’ve grown in my perspective when it comes to this and today it was on my heart to share with you.        

The Whole30 is a major piece in my journey of becoming healthier, physically and emotionally.  You’ve heard me talk about it the impact its had on me over the years.  There’s a reason!  It certainly starts with food, your relationship with it, and how you fuel your body is important.  But there’s so much more to living a healthy lifestyle.  The Whole30 was the catalyst to many other positive changes in my life (#NSV), and for that I’m forever grateful.  I’m still learning, and I don’t have all the answers but I’m happy to share what I know with you.  You can always share your knowledge and experience with me, too!

xx- Andrea

Outfit Details

Carbon38 Collection c/o Ruffle Racerback Sports Bra / Ruffle Criss Cross Leggings (also in black!) / Long Sleeve Top / Vans Metallic Slip On Sneakers       

Click here to SAVE 20% on your order of $100+ at Carbon38 with code:  ANDREAOVE50

Photography:  Mary Summers Hafner

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