There's no denying it now: swimsuit season is here. The weather is warming up, trips to the beach are being planned, and shopping for seasonally appropriate clothes is taking place. Another thing that's floating around right now is an insane amount of crash dieting and extreme fitness plans to "get skinny for summer." Seeing firsthand what some are doing, (and encouraging others to do) in order to achieve that "bikini body," is nothing short of frightening.
I know the sheer terror that this season can bring about, and I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to tone up or reduce some jiggle where one sees fit. It's the nature of the summer season, and when you look good, you feel good. But when these extreme measures involve endless work outs while eating no more than 500 to 1,000 calories a day to achieve some ideal that is mostly likely only attained through Photoshop, there needs to be cause for concern. It's way too easy for these drastic measures to lead to something more serious, including eating disorders.
They say the most important thing you can wear is confidence, and when it comes to a swimsuit, that's definitely the case. For years, I was less than confident in swimwear, and I'll never forget the summer I started wearing shorts with my swimsuit at camp because my friend felt her thighs were too big (they weren't). Since I was bigger than her, I felt that I should do the same, not even considering the fact that I was at least six inches taller than her and "fit" from playing volleyball. It wasn't until three years ago that I finally dropped the insecurity (and extra clothing) and began to accept my body for what it was. Now, instead of focusing on my "flaws," I embrace my "assets" and shop for swimsuits the same way I would a dress for a special occasion, focusing on detail and fit. Again, when you look good, you feel good, and shopping for suits this way helps me to do just that. Instead of worrying about what I think my body looks like, I have more energy to spend enjoying myself and whatever I'm doing, like not falling off a jet ski in the deep waters of the Atlantic (true story).
While I feel so much better about my body now, I know I'll need a reminder at some point to not put pressure on myself to feel any sort of way. If you feel that way at any point this summer, do what I do: direct that energy elsewhere and focus on putting that pressure on your blender. Margaritas, anyone?
I'm stepping off my soapbox now. I'll have some of my favorite swimsuits for this summer up later today. xx
I know the sheer terror that this season can bring about, and I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to tone up or reduce some jiggle where one sees fit. It's the nature of the summer season, and when you look good, you feel good. But when these extreme measures involve endless work outs while eating no more than 500 to 1,000 calories a day to achieve some ideal that is mostly likely only attained through Photoshop, there needs to be cause for concern. It's way too easy for these drastic measures to lead to something more serious, including eating disorders.
They say the most important thing you can wear is confidence, and when it comes to a swimsuit, that's definitely the case. For years, I was less than confident in swimwear, and I'll never forget the summer I started wearing shorts with my swimsuit at camp because my friend felt her thighs were too big (they weren't). Since I was bigger than her, I felt that I should do the same, not even considering the fact that I was at least six inches taller than her and "fit" from playing volleyball. It wasn't until three years ago that I finally dropped the insecurity (and extra clothing) and began to accept my body for what it was. Now, instead of focusing on my "flaws," I embrace my "assets" and shop for swimsuits the same way I would a dress for a special occasion, focusing on detail and fit. Again, when you look good, you feel good, and shopping for suits this way helps me to do just that. Instead of worrying about what I think my body looks like, I have more energy to spend enjoying myself and whatever I'm doing, like not falling off a jet ski in the deep waters of the Atlantic (true story).
While I feel so much better about my body now, I know I'll need a reminder at some point to not put pressure on myself to feel any sort of way. If you feel that way at any point this summer, do what I do: direct that energy elsewhere and focus on putting that pressure on your blender. Margaritas, anyone?
