The Ideal Image

Guest Writer ~ Jacqueline Tonn

Fall is here and everyone is getting back into routine. Whether or not you’re in school, the cooler weather brings a more steady pace back into our lives. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t practice the healthiest habits over these past few months. With so many delicious treats around almost everyday, I had a tough time saying no. I, like many others, am taking this change of season to implement new routines for overall wellness such as eating better and more consistent exercise. 

As a former competitive swimmer and a current nutrition coach, I can be critical of myself and my physical appearance. I can often find myself in the comparison trap with my past self or with others, or stuck in unhealthy habits that can be tough to break. What we do with the realizations that we’re not where we would like to be with our health is so important. It can affect how we treat others and ourselves. 

While exercising and watching what you eat is so important, our mindset towards it and how we view ourselves is actually more important because it leads us into healthier mindsets that play out into actions. Often times we get so obsessed with an image of how we want to look in our minds that we think “If only I could lose a few more pounds, then I would be happy” and then starve ourselves to try and achieve that goal only to end up more miserable. If we can shift our focus to see ourselves how God sees us, it actually makes it easier to take care of our bodies and reach the health goals we set for ourselves.

We are precious to God and he has knit us together in His image. When we realize how much he cares about us, the “ideal body” that society sets before us isn’t the biggest goal anymore. Does this mean we should treat our bodies like a garbage can? Heck no! We need to take care of the bodies He has given us and use them to glorify Him. Health should be a priority, but it shouldn’t be your only priority. Finding this balance between respecting both food and your body can be difficult and won’t always look perfect, but it can bring freedom. Remember to give yourself grace as you navigate this journey.

Having the perfect Instagram bikini body may seem like it will bring alllll of the happiness, but if you aren’t content with who you are right now, no amount of weight loss or muscle gain will get you there. This isn’t something that will change over night, especially if you have been struggling with it for quite a while. It is a process of changing your mindset and implementing small sustainable habits.

Here are some things you can do to help change your mindset:

1. Read about who God says you are on a daily basis

2. Check out these verses: Psalms 139:14, Ephesians 2:10, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made – Psalms 139:13-14

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do – Ephesians 2:10

Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1. Surround yourself with people who build you up and encourage healthy habits

2. Know that you are enough exactly how you are right now

3. Drink more water

4. Get enough sleep

5. Practice gratitude

6. Know that your body needs food. Eat when you’re hungry, stop eating when you’re full. 

7. Eat foods that will nourish your body AKA more fruits and veggies and less processed food

8. Move your body! Find ways to move that you love.

9. Get creative! Try a new sport or fitness class, go for a walk in nature, dance, hike, or do some yoga!

The problem is that none of the things I’ve listed just happen by themselves. They take discipline to not only start, but also to stick with! You may have to make sacrifices to implement these changes into your life, but I promise you, it will be worth it. Once these practices become habitual, they won’t seem so difficult anymore. It will look different for everyone, but adding some of these practices into your fall routine will not only help you become healthier both mentally and physically, but can also help you grow closer to God.

Know that this is a lifelong journey, and you will likely have some ups and downs along the way and that is normal. When you begin to see yourself the way God sees you, it breaks the bondage of the beauty standards that society sets and allows you to truly find freedom in who you are right now. I encourage you to start or continue your health journey, but most importantly keep your eyes on God and remember your immeasurable worth.

Jackie is a nutrition coach and was a competitive swimmer for 13 years. She currently lives in Edmonton and loves to cook, read, play hockey and ski! She is passionate about helping people live healthier lives through the food they eat and their mindset towards it!