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Yesterday we talked about the sinking feeling of not belonging, whether it’s at the gym, a new fitness class or anything we might’ve tried a few times.

I remember distinctly that when I felt like I didn’t belong, I’d blame my body. Why wasn’t I thin enough? Then I’d surely feel better. Why couldn’t I run that fast? Then I wouldn’t feel so out of place. And so on.

When we get consumed with insecure thoughts, we forget just how amazing our bodies are and the many things they’ve done for us. So today I wanted to remind you (and me, too) about the many beautiful stories our bodies tell. I wanted to celebrate our bodies and all they are. That’s why I’m reposting this poem from April. I hope you enjoy it!

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Before college, I’d rarely worked out. So when I finally walked into my university’s gigantic gym, I instantly felt like I had rookie exerciser written all over me.

I felt completely out of place.

I’m not an athlete, I’d say to myself. I’m too big. I’m totally not muscular. I can barely run a lap without my shins hurting and my lungs losing too much air. My clothes are all wrong. And I’m certainly not as cute and slim as these other girls. I can barely make it to seven minutes on the elliptical.

I dreaded going to the gym, but I still went a handful of times. (I was convinced that I needed to be skinny in order to have the perfect life, and working out would certainly get me there.) I had this sinking, in-the-pit-of-my-stomach feeling every time I’d go. I just knew that other people were naturally judging me and my disgraceful newbie ways.

This week is Weight Stigma Awareness Week, sponsored by the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA). I’m thrilled that BEDA is spotlighting weight stigma, because, sadly, it’s something that has devastating and far-reaching effects. It’s a topic that must be talked about, and BEDA is doing it with compassion, sensitivity and accurate information.

I’m honored to present my interview with the amazing and always wise Marsha Hudnall, RD, MS, CD, who talks about this important week. Marsha is the director and owner of Green Mountain at Fox Run, a place where women can go to learn and practice how to accept and take care of their bodies. She’s also on the board of directors at BEDA.

Below Marsha discusses the inspiration for Weight Stigma Awareness Week; the meaning of weight stigma and its damaging effects; how the “War on Obesity” just fuels the fire; what you can do this week and year-round to fight weight stigma and much more.

I’m incredibly grateful to Marsha for taking the time to share her words with Weightless readers.

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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Life can get overwhelming with its range of responsibilities. It’s easy to feel like you’re just getting by, like you’re treading water but not doing much long-distance swimming. Like you’re just putting out fires but not addressing any long-term plans or goals.

As you’re tackling the items on your to-do list, you might feel like you have little time to work on something as big as building a healthier body image.

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Last week, I wrote about 30 habits that can help improve your body image every day.

Today, let’s chat about the beliefs and habits that can prevent us from building a more positive body image. Some of these may come from society, the media or even your own home.

While you don’t need to tackle all these at once, I hope they help you in possibly creating some body positive goals.

1. Not listening to your body’s needs, such as skipping meals when you’re hungry or exercising hard when you’re tired.

2. Hyperfocusing on supposed physical “flaws.”

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I lived alone for several years in my early 20s, and I often felt very alone, especially when it came to dinnertime. I loved the solitude, space, peace and quiet. But I just felt lonely.

I’d eat my meals in front of the TV and spent very little time preparing wholesome foods. I’d throw a few things together and then continue to eat odd foods like crackers with jelly throughout the night.

I felt disconnected from myself and from my body. I felt empty, and used simple carbs to fill the void.

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I am enough because I have a good heart.

I am enough because I try to make thoughtful decisions.

I am enough because I’m doing good work.

I am enough because I try to make others laugh and smile.

I am enough because I am tolerant and patient.

I am enough because I value my relationships.

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!

{via pinterest; originally from etsy}

Recently I read (and loved!) Gala Darling’s Radical Self-Love Manifesto. Here are some of her wise words:

• Strive to always be thankful & optimistic.
• Remaining open and true to yourself is a life-long adventure & the only one worth having.
• Never be afraid to ask for what you really, really want.
• A pair of great shoes means nothing if you have an ugly heart.
• Never delight in anyone else’s misery.
• You are your own best investment.
• You are never as stuck as you think.

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In our society food has become a villain. A caloric-filled foe. A tease. A treat that we aren’t allowed to have, because it’ll inevitably go to our thighs, arms, behind or belly.

We curse food with its sinful ingredients of straight-to-your-hips sugars, bloat-inducing sodium or pound-packing proteins.

So we turn to sugar substitutes, fake ingredients (what’s in those super low-cal chips?) and low-fat alternatives and turn away from wholesome foods that may have more calories, sugars, fats and other things shunned by our society.

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Building a positive body image is a daily process. As such, here are 30 tips and tools for cultivating a healthy body image every day. Each booster either directly or indirectly affects your body image.

1. Move your body by doing activities you love. Physical activities help you reconnect with your body, not to mention they’re great for your health. This can be taking a walk, stretching in the morning, going to the gym, or biking around town.

2. Think of one thing your body did for you today. Do this even if your “one thing” is as seemingly simple and small as helping you breathe or take a walk. It still cultivates a sense of gratitude and helps you realize that your body is constantly working for you.