Those who are familiar with the power and pervasiveness of the thin ideal may be surprised by “reverse retouching” – where editors now adding curves and inches to create more voluptuous figures. But there’s nothing new about it. It’s just more illusions to form a new standard of normal for women’s bodies and more unnatural and unachievable beauty ideals for real-life females to fall short of.

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As women, our relationships with our bodies are often dysfunctional. With a multibillion-dollar cosmetics industry and social pressures to be thin, loving our bodies is no stroll in the park. But when we don’t feel comfortable in our bodies, we miss out on all the joy that life offers. Here are seven ways to fight the pressure and practice loving your body, just the way it is.

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Everyday I’m reminded that others see me as the caricature of a young single mother. Most days, these messages only fuel me to silently and efficiently demonstrate the falsehoods in these stereotypes. But sometimes, it sinks in and I can’t breathe. But somehow when I finish my yoga practice, I am able to overcome those thoughts and prevent an anxiety attack. I can breathe again and give thanks.

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Myths and stereotypes about weight are so normalized. So it’s no wonder if you (person who is worried about a loved one) are invested in the idea that fat is bad or want them to be spared the pain of being fat in our society. And it’s no wonder that you (person who has gained weight or is fat) may have some mixed feelings about the “help” that people want to give. Here’s some ways to have this conversation.

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There isn’t a person on this planet who can say that they have never reacted on pure emotion when it may have been more appropriate to first take a deep breath and to calm down before reacting. But that takes a certain skill set that most of us haven’t yet mastered. Here are a few helpful acronyms to remember and to practice as we find the best ways to handle our emotions.

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I’ve spent a lot of time and effort removing myself from body disparagement zones and have gotten comfortable with the idea that people can look like anything and it’s all good. Until I am reminded how many people out there live in a state of perpetual self-denial, self-denigration, and self-destruction just because of their fat. It is to those fat girls and to all of us who need a refresher course in body acceptance that I offer these Ten Rules.

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Known as “reverse retouching,” editors are now adding strategically, meticulously placed curves to create idealized hourglass figures on otherwise small, thin frames. We’re all for breaking out of the trap of thin ideals being used to sell EVERYTHING. But is Photoshopping to add “curves” a step in the right direction? Absolutely, undoubtedly, without question, NO. Here’s why.

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From magazines plastered with the latest stars’ weight gain, to diet ads featuring people grabbing and pinching their flesh, the message is clear: “Fat is bad and you better do something about it.” The way people justify this contempt is bringing up concerns about “health” and individual responsibility explanations. But these explanations fall flat. Here’s why.

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Congratulations – you have decided to see a therapist and take control of your mental health! Now there’s just one major step you have to take – finding the right therapist to be your trusted ally on this journey. Unfortunately, due to society’s stigma of therapy, we aren’t told how to effectively access it. Luckily, it’s easier than you think. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

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Some women (and men) derive tremendous joy from makeup, and to them I say, continue on your merry way. But if your make-up use is driven by fear that what you were born with is not enough, that if only your lashes were longer, or your lips pinker, then people would be better to you and good things would happen – to hell with that. You’re way too cool for that.

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Did the racy pictures get sent around the school? Did you hook-up with someone’s boyfriend and now the whole school hates you? Are you the victim of slut bashing and don’t even know why? The pain and embarrassment of being labeled a “slut’ or ‘ho” can be unbearable but there are steps you can take to navigate a bad reputation.

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Why do we diet? The truth is people diet for various reasons. You can have a healthy diet out of fear or love. This is something that both larger and smaller people can do since just because someone is thinner doesn’t mean they’re necessarily healthy. Allow me to explain.

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