As soon as summer started, all I see is body positivity this and body positivity that on social media, which is great because when you love the body you’re in, confidence and self-love tends to come a lot easier. But outside looking in, no one knows what everyone else is going through and the battles they face each day looking in the mirror and letting their minds have a field day with what it sees. Just because someone you know is walking around in your “body goals”, doesn’t mean that they like the body they are in. We all know that saying “the grass is greener on the other side”. A lot of people want to be thinner, thicker, the in-between, and so much more. I have found, through many interviews, that the key is to have a healthy perspective of the body you have and then respecting it enough to take care of it.

If you know that you are not physically healthy, acknowledge it, then love yourself enough to change it. Don’t let the bully in your head or the ones in real life get the best of you. You can get the body you want if you treat it like the temple it is. Set your body goals according to your body type and height so you can have a healthy weight goal. Consistency is key at the gym and with your eating habits. I’m not saying have full-blown workouts seven days a week but maybe five days out of the week because we all need some rest days and cheat days. With the healthy diet, that just means balance and find good healthy recipes instead of just eating your greens plain. Put some sass in those veggies and protein with seasonings. Again, consistency is key, and having a great support system isn’t bad either. Tell your close friend(s) about your goals and ask them to hold you accountable. Finally, believe in yourself, be patient, and trust your journey to a healthy body, therefore don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Your journey won’t be the same as anyone else’s because all our bodies are different.

Today’s interviews are with  Emily Zamora and Daniel Houx talking about this topic.

 

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Do you love the body you are in today?

Emily: “If I’m being fully honest, I am not completely in love with my body right now. We are all on our personal journey to love ourselves. Some people are just faster than others. I think slowly but surely I will completely be in love with my body and I’m very excited.”

Daniel: “My view on body positivity is not a super popular one. I used to be obese. I did nothing but play video games and eat all throughout high school and I hated my body.  That was my motivation when I lost 85 pounds my first year in College. It wasn’t just about how I looked, although that was apart of it. I hated that my health was poor and there were so many things I could not do because of my weight. It took me to hate where I was at to change myself and now I love my body, even though I’m not super fit.”

How did you feel about your body growing up?

Emily: “Growing up, it wasn’t such a bother. Of course, I always knew that I was bigger than most girls. Yes, some days I had to realize the fact that most of my friends could share clothes and I couldn’t… that’s when it hit me the most and I would beat myself up about it. I questioned my big butt and tummy, but overall I was a happy fat kid that didn’t let things get to her.”

How do you feel about the whole embrace the body you are in social media?

Emily: “I LOVE IT AND I AM HERE FOR IT! Social media is such a powerful thing and I’m glad there’s a finally a place where people can celebrate their bodies and flaunt what their mama gave them. I think people used to be afraid of it because back then on tv and magazines, we were forced to only see the skinny, “perfect”, and fit bodies. Now we have the control in our hands. We choose to share, post and create what we want to see. I want to see big, small, tall, short, people of all color and race embracing their looks.”

Daniel: “The movement of “embrace your body” has both good and bad, it’s fine to not fit into normal beauty standards, but it’s not ok to normalize obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.”

Why did you begin this journey?

Emily: “Okay, I feel if I’m going to get shit for anything that I say, it will be this. I recently decided to start my fitness journey, I want to lose weight because I want to be healthy. I  came to a realization that I wasn’t taking care of my body like I should. It was becoming a struggle with my everyday life. Waking up was a dreading activity and I wasn’t motivated to do anything. So I decided I wanted better for myself and body. I love my curves, my big ass and thighs are always going to be a part of me. I just want to be happy and healthy, I’m working out because it makes me happy. I love seeing my body change and become stronger every day. What I’m basically saying is.. DO WHATEVER FUCKING MAKES YOU HAPPY!”

Who do you think is a good role model when it comes to body positivity?

Emily: “When I read the question, Tess Holliday came to mind, she’s a very controversial plus size model because of some things she has said and done in the past. She started a campaign called “Eff Your Beauty Standards” and it’s all about body positivity and not allowing the social norm to shame your body, which is awesome and I love it. The IDGAF attitude is what I like. ”  

What do you think of the fashion industry when it comes to this topic?

Emily: “I’m very happy that the fashion industry is finally realizing that the majority of the population is bigger than a size 2 so they’re making bigger sizes and also different styles of clothing. Everyone’s body is different. For example, I have a big ass and thighs, but a shorter torso. My body is different from the person standing next to me. So to finally see clothes that fit different body types is great!”

Daniel: “The fashion industry puts the idea in men’s heads that they need to look super fit and wear trendy clothes to have friends and a successful life, and that’s not okay, being healthy is important but striving for a body that’s impossible to have is ridiculous and unhealthy.”

What are some things that people should consider when criticizing their bodies?

Emily: “Your body is different from anyone else’s, so if it is not the same as your peers that’s completely okay. Do not stress out about it.”

Daniel: “You should be realistic when criticizing your own body. Don’t shoot for the impossible, but also do not complacent in an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Have you ever abused food? What is your relationship with food?

Emily: “I wouldn’t say I have ever emotionally relied on food, I have heard that’s a common thing. Like if you’re sad that would make you eat. I just think I tend to overeat. I love food, it’s delicious and I love discovering new food. I think my relationship with food is good, sometimes too good. That’s why I tend to overeat, but I’m working on it.”

Daniel: “I’ve struggled with food all my life, I’ve used it to hide and to distance myself from problems. Even though I have a better handle on my diet now, I still struggle to make wise food choices and it’s a daily battle for my health and well-being.”

Is there such thing as the perfect body?

Emily: “No, no, no, and never! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to bodies and plus body types always go in and out of style, so you can never please everyone.”

What are some healthy tips that you can you give someone who wants to gain confidence in their body?

Emily: “Do things and wear that make you feel amazing. Personally, I love to wear lingerie and things that make me feel sexy. I love to take photos and show off to my boyfriend. It’s good to have people who support you and love you for you!”

Daniel: “To be confident in your own body you should care less about how the world views you and be more focused on your own goals and who you want to be.”

What is a message that you can give this generation and the ones to come about this topic?

Emily: “Life is too short to hate your body. You are beautiful and self-care is super important. Love yourself and the body God gave you, it’s the only one you have.”

Daniel: “My message to this generation is, if there’s something you don’t like about yourself, you can change it, but don’t don’t be disappointed by the things you can’t change.”

Lastly, do you think this topic is overrated?

Emily: “Hell no, if anything it’s underrated. We should totally speak about it more. It’s important to teach each other and our kids that you should love yourself.”

Daniel: “While this topic is often blown out of proportion, there is no perfect body, and you should be realistic when criticizing your own body. Not shooting for the impossible, but also not becoming complacent in an unhealthy lifestyle.”

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If you want to keep up with Emily’s fitness journey, please follow her on Instagram at @gettingthiccemz!

Until the next time my darlings!

-Soms!