Weight loss?

About 40% of Americans qualify as obese.

Obesity is defined as having a BMI over 30.

BMI, or 'body mass index', is your weight divided by your height squared.

Although the definition is wonky, it can be acknowledged that 'fatness' exists.

I usually don't address weight directly in my content, but a recent conversation with my business coach stirred up some thoughts.

The assumptions in our society are largely:

1. smaller/less fat/more muscle is better

2. everyone wants to be a little smaller/less fat/more muscular

& then on the other extreme:

1. any attempt to lose weight or change your body is patriarchal diet culture

2. you can be healthy at every & any size

But like with most extremes, the truth doesn't lie in the spectrum between the two, but in a different place entirely.

Fat is not the problem.

Weight loss is not the problem.

Weight gain is not the problem.

Our connection --or lack of connection-- with our bodies, with others' bodies, is the "problem."

The noise out there is so scattered & loud it's difficult to hear our own bodies.

We carry around with us thousands of assumptions & socially held standards, often without knowing, daily weighing us down & keeping us from connecting with ourselves.

We shame, we restrict, we let go, we berate, we compare, we follow, we unfollow, we move on autopilot... then wake up only when the pain is so loud we can't bear it anymore.

& at that point, we aren't even sure what to do.

So is it "wrong" to want to look tone? No.

Is it "wrong" to want to lose weight? No.

Is it "wrong" to gain weight? No.

I think it is each of our own right & responsibility to hold a light to the ways outside voices have shaped our minds around our bodies.

& then, to turn that light inwards.

How does YOUR body work?

How do YOU want to feel?

How does your knowledge or lack of knowledge around how exercise & nutrition & body REALLY work affect your choices?

How are your seemingly small daily choices affecting your results?

In order to do that, it takes awareness, education, practice, & compassion.

It's definitely not the slapstick "Lose 20 pounds in 12 weeks & finally feel confident & be lovable" promise.

It's not following a meal plan & working out hours a day for a quick physical result.

Nor is it the 'eat whatever you want & only do what you feel like because fu*k rules' mantra.

But it is the only pathway towards true connection, with ourselves & with each other.

I hope you find within you the desire & courage to do what it takes.

...because we need YOU.

YOU need YOU.

-Coach Michelle