In the past few weeks, there’s been a running theme in my posts here on Weightless: appreciating what our bodies can do for us. (I couldn’t help the pun!)

When we push through personas that tell us we’re not athletic, we’re weak, uncoordinated and talentless, when we do something that reminds us of our strength, our body image inevitably improves, and we feel empowered.

We blaze through these limiting beliefs, and we stand taller and feel prouder.

Suddenly, we realize, with awe, “Wow, I can do that. I’m so glad I tried.”

Because you just gave yourself a chance. A shot to prove yourself and any naysayers wrong. Whatever the outcome, you pushed through the persona.

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My legs have stories to tell.

When I was a little girl,

they pushed me down the mini snow-covered hills

in my sled,

outside my home in Moscow.

They wobbled and swayed

as my dad played his bayan.

I can still feel that joy.

Recently, I was revisiting Therese Borchard’s memoir Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes because I love rereading my favorites. (And Therese’s writing and searing honesty and humor always reel me in!)

I came across Therese’s writing on overcoming obsessions, and that got me thinking about my own ruminating ways.

Particularly that I ruminate…all the time.

There are nights that I still lie in bed going over everything I ate that day, even though I know intellectually that this is a) unhealthy b) useless and c) ridiculous, considering I know better. (Clearly this is residue from my diet mentality).

Mondays can be rough for many of us, and this doesn’t create the ideal environment for building a better body image. To help you turn that around, every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit to help boost your body image – and kick-start the week on a positive note.

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

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When we’re working on improving our body image, self-reflection is important. It can help us spot patterns and connect to our core. To dig deeper into our thoughts and feelings. To evaluate and to reassess.

{My parents, Brian and I at Savannah, GA, taken almost three years ago}

While it’s important to build self-acceptance from the inside out, it’s also important to surround yourself with loving and supportive people who always have our hearts in mind.

My family has always made me feel beautiful. Even during those inevitably awkward adolescent acne-filled years, they made me feel beautiful.

Regardless of my weight or looks, my parents never had anything negative to say. There were no backhanded remarks or hints to lose weight.

They always supported me unconditionally in all areas of my life.

My longtime boyfriend also makes me feel beautiful, whether I’m dressed up, wearing makeup, or wearing sweats and haven’t washed my hair in a few days (which rarely happens, of course).

I have several friends who do the same. Who don’t fat talk or focus on appearances, and they’re incredibly positive.

But this wasn’t always the case.

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After I wrote the letter to myself, I was thinking about my own perceptions of what I could and couldn’t do.

Yesterday, for instance, I talked about my surprise – shock, really – when I realized how strong I am physically. I discovered my strength when I first started working out regularly in grad school.

Why was this such a shock?

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I’ve been both afraid of change and antsy for it.

When I fear change, I fear the unknown. I can’t plan out what will happen next, and this bothers me.

I’m slow to get comfortable when things change, unless the changes are absolutely positive, like winning the lottery (yep, still waiting on that one).

I’m also a routine-aholic. For years, I’d eat the same turkey for lunch. I’d have the same cereal for breakfast. I’d drive the same way to school. I’d park in the same place and walk the same way.

I’ve ached for change when I thought it’d bring weight loss, which to me was intertwined with beauty, happiness, sunshine and self-acceptance.

Mondays can be rough for many of us, and this doesn’t create the ideal environment for building a better body image. To help you turn that around, every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit to help boost your body image – and kick-start the week on a positive note.

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

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I know that lately I’ve been talking a lot about sense of self and our self-image (such as here, here and here). I think I keep coming back to these topics because body image and self-image are truly intertwined.

Here’s part two of my interview with Katie, from one of my favorite blogs Health for the Whole Self. Katie has written an e-book called Taking Action: 30 Specific Strategies About Overcoming Emotional Eating. It’s truly a must-read! (Here’s more about the book and how to get it.)

In part one, we talked about her own struggles with emotional eating, what helped her get better, her favorite tools and more.

In part two, Katie discusses a major trigger for her emotional eating, myths about emotional eating, the toughest part of recovery for her and having hope.

I also just want to reiterate that if you’re struggling with emotional eating or binge eating, you can absolutely get better – regardless of how long you’ve been struggling. Binge eating is highly treatable. For instance, Katie saw a therapist and uses the tools in her e-book.

Seeing a therapist who specializes in binge eating is key for getting better. Creating a healthy toolbox also helps tremendously, whether that’s through Katie’s e-book (which I really do highly recommend) or another resource.

Don’t forget that Katie is giving away one free copy! Enter to win by commenting below. You have ’til next Monday at 12 a.m. EST to comment. I’ll pick the winner randomly and let you know who won next week.

Thanks so much for all the thoughtful comments so far!

Thank you so much for all your thoughtful comments on the post introducing Karen’s book about weight loss, weight gain and weightlessness! Remember you can still comment and be eligible to win a copy of her book until this Sunday, 12 a.m. EST.

Today, we not only have another giveaway, but a fantastic interview with Katie from Health for the Whole Self. Katie is also a good friend and a blogger I’ve admired for a long time! She always writes eloquently and honestly about issues like body image, the culture of thinness and intuitive eating.

Recently, Katie has written an e-book that provides 30 strategies to overcome emotional eating. I purchased the e-book, and absolutely loved it. Not only is it well written, relatable and thoughtful, but it’s packed with valuable tools. It’s a book that you’ll return to regularly. You can learn more about the book and how to get it here.

Below, Katie talks about her own struggles, what helped her to overcome emotional eating, her favorite tools and more. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow!

The details on the giveaway: Katie is giving one e-copy away! Just comment below on today’s post or tomorrow’s post (for part two). You have ’til next Monday at 12 a.m. EST to comment. I’ll pick the winner randomly and let you know who won next week. I’ll also email the winner.