Health – Why a ‘summer body’ is outdated

In a world obsessed with achieving the elusive ‘summer body’, it’s time to challenge the notion that our worth is determined by how we look. The best way to enjoy summer is not through strict diets and unattainable beauty standards, but by embracing the body you have and taking it to the beach.

Recent studies show that dieting, often seen as the path to a summer-ready physique, is ironically the number one predictor of weight gain. The pressure to conform to societal ideals can lead to unhealthy habits and, ironically, counterproductive results. Only a mere 5% of people actually possess the body type portrayed in the media, a standard that even those in the spotlight confess is unattainable. Iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford once remarked, “Even I don’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.” This candid admission highlights the discrepancy between reality and the images we see in the media, which are often airbrushed and digitally altered, creating an unrealistic standard that fuels insecurity and self-doubt.

Our bodies are dynamic, changing over time. We will age, develop cellulite, wrinkles, grey hair, and yes, even flabby bottoms. However, these changes do not diminish our value or worth in society. Our bodies are the vessels that navigate us through life, not objects for scrutiny.

The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards is especially felt by mothers, who often shy away from being photographed due to body shame. However, it’s crucial to document your role as a parent.

These photos serve as a legacy for your child, a testament to the love and care you provided, far beyond any physical imperfections. Moreover, a child’s perception of their own body is rooted in how their parent (in particular, their mother, views theirs). Therefore, it’s important to work on our own body acceptance and getting in the photos so we can be positive role models in body acceptance for our children.

In a society fixated on projecting the “best life” on social media, it’s time for a paradigm shift. Let’s view our bodies as what they are: vessels that allow us to experience life to the fullest. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to accept our bodies as they are. That doesn’t mean we don’t nourish them and take care of them, but it just means that we place our value and self-worth not on what we look like but that our bodies are just a part of who we are. We need to understand that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to accept our bodies as they are.

This means that we don’t place our value and self-worth on what we look like, but rather that our bodies are just a part of who we are. By embracing this mindset, we can enjoy the beach and all that summer has to offer without feeling self-conscious or ashamed of our bodies.