FE: Inner critic

Date Published: 10/05/2023

“ I have done so much emotional and mental work to recover from years of pretending that everything was OK when it wasn't," ~ Valerie Bertinelli, Emmy winner and Food Network star


This story and her images have made the rounds recently. Let’s lean in to the healthy take: Ms. Bertinelli says in her video. "Health is not a body size. Health is not that number you see on a scale. Your worth as a human being isn't dictated by your body."~ Valerie Bertinelli, Emmy winner and Food Network star

Valerie definitely read our minds on this one. Obsessing over your body and weight might make you think you're being healthy, but it can also put a lot of strain on your mental wellness. Diets don't often lead to sustained weight loss, and fluctuating weight loss and gain could lead to consequences for your mental health. If your relationship to food becomes all about counting calories and logging macros, you might lose sight of actually nourishing yourself. (That's why practicing intuitive eating can be a good way to move away from any shame or guilt around food.)

Reconsidering your relationship to your body and the food you eat can be tough. But you can start small by trying to be a little more body positive—these are some of our tips—and, if you have kids, making sure that they feel comfortable in their skin. If you're struggling, sometimes it can be wise to reach out to a professional for help. Psychology Today's search tool can help you locate a local therapist who has experience working with folks who are dealing with an eating disorder or body image issues.

Body shame is linked with low self-esteem, depression, disordered eating and other mental health issues—and has no place in your life. Abandon the all-or-nothing mentality that you're either skinny and healthy or overweight and sick. Mute your inner critic by asking yourself: "Would I say these things to the people I love most?" And lean into your inner caregiver, suggests Scritchfield. Showing your- self compassion can take the form of simply doing something nice for yourself (bubble bath?), surrounding yourself with positive people and appreciating all of the amazing things that your body can do for you, instead of the way it looks.

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8078519/valerie-bertinelli-first-jenny-craig-ad-instagram/


We welcome your comments.
Thank you to all our readers and women of all sizes in our lives.
Akasha Lin
Akasha Garnier for #TheWishwall
Author, Brand Expert, Filmmaker 
#shinethroughthenoise
Article inspired: Eating Well
Photo: Getty
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FE: Inner critic
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