Body Image & Confidence

You have all the tips, tricks, and tools from all the weight loss gurus. You’re inspired, you’re motivated, and you’re raring to go. THIS time, you’re going to lose weight. For real.

But then the rubber meets the road. And just like that, all of your good intentions go right out the window. And you’re back to raiding the refrigerator at the end of the day.

You know what to do intellectually. But for whatever reason, you can’t follow through. Maybe you can keep it going for a day, a week, maybe even a month or two.

But sooner or later, you’re back where you started. No better off than you were a year ago…and maybe even worse off.

Pretty discouraging, to say the least!

Back in the day, I would wake up every morning feeling motivated, dedicated, and ready to take charge. I was going to stick to the diet, lose weight, and feel amazing.

Well, honestly, let me rephrase that…

Most days I woke up feeling bloated, exhausted, and ashamed after what I ate the night before. But then a switch would click, and I’d spring out of bed, ready to give that diet thing another try. And I would make it work this time!

But at the end of every day, I was elbow deep in a bag of chips. Again.

If this sounds at all familiar to you, read on!

It didn’t matter how many times I tried to change. It didn’t matter how much cutting edge diet and fitness information I had. Despite all of my knowledge and all my good intentions, I couldn’t change. At all.

It wasn’t until I learned what I’m about to share with you that the weight came off, and has stayed off for over five years.

(And spoiler alert: it wasn’t because I found a better diet!)

Just because you’ve never succeeded before doesn’t mean that you can’t change NOW. Let’s talk about why you keep hitting the diet wall, and how you can knock that wall down for good!

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If you’re new to my community, let me share a little background!

For years, I’ve helped women who’ve struggled for years with binge and emotional eating. Women who have tried to change, but could never make it stick.

I know this pathway because I’ve walked it myself.

I know how frustrating and hopeless it feels to know what you need to do, but feel powerless to make it happen.

It makes you feel defeated, broken, and beyond help.

But what if I told you that repeated diet failures doesn’t mean any of those things? All they mean is that you’re subject to the same fears as every other human being on the planet.

Here’s what I mean by that…

Let’s say that right now you’re considering a big change. Something like making peace with your body and your food.

Maybe you’ve been here on the blog (or our YouTube channel) and you’ve heard about our Food Freedom Forever program. And you’ve got an inkling inside that it might be the answer for you.

But then your mind kicks in, and the fear follows. Your inner self-talk starts telling you that it won’t work for you. That you’ve tried things like this before, and they’ve always failed.

You were considering a possible solution, but then you don’t take action. Fear and inner self-talk stops you from taking the leap. And your life stays the same.

What stops genuine and lasting change faster than anything else?

It’s this little thing called the upper limit. (Aka the “comfort zone.”)

It’s a familiar space that puts a cap on everything we allow ourselves to have–happiness, success, love, money–all of it.

It’s a safety zone. And everything that falls outside of this familiar space represents change.

And to your body and your brain, change is the enemy, even the good kind!

Your body and your brain take everything unfamiliar as a threat to your survival. And they vow do what it takes to keep you safe.

That means pulling you back into that comfort zone at all costs.

But does this mean that you’re stuck where you are because your body and brain will never allow you to change? Of course not! That’s the good news.

The answer is shifting your set point. It’s raising that upper limit to allow in the change that you desire.

So what does this mean, and what do you have to do to create a new normal for yourself?

First, let’s touch on why not too many people decide to challenge their comfort zone in the first place…

Sometimes, change is motivating and inspiring. But other times, it’s flat-out terrifying. And often even painful. And it’s a myth that it’s always going to be exciting and fun.

Fundamental change means letting go. It’s letting an old way of being die. And it means that everything shifts, from your emotions to your physiology.

Suppose that you’ve been living with perpetual stress and anxiety. But then someone shows up, waves a magic wand, and presto! You’re suddenly at peace.

How would your body and brain respond?

More than likely, it won’t be with a “thank you.” They’ll respond with shock, and scramble to get back to what they know. That means returning to a place of fear, even though that fear is painful.

Why? Because at least it’s familiar.

As humans, we tend to stay with what we know, even if what we know is as painful as binge and emotional eating. Your brain and body stick to what is familiar–unless you actively choose to change it.

And if you’re dealing with a stubborn upper limit set point, the most dangerous place to be is on the fence about change.

In other words, if you know better and you want to do better, but you remain indecisive about taking real action, lasting change will elude you.

And you’ll end up living the same day over and over again, just like I did for nearly 15 years. (Groundhog Day, anyone?)

But here’s the best news: you don’t have to change your whole life in one day to make a lasting impact! All you need to do is take one step.

It just takes one step past fear, resistance, and negative self-talk. And then another, and another. Before you know it, you’ll break past that upper limit and find a life beyond your comfort zone. That’s when it gets really exciting!

So what does life look like beyond your safety zone?

Now, I’m not going to lie. Change can be scary at any point along the way. You might encounter more resistance as you go further down the path. But that’s a normal part of life.

The important part is that you’re on the pathway. You’re out of survival mode, and back in your power. And the longer you stay in this place, the more that you’ll reach new heights of freedom, joy, and peace–and it gets easier with every step!

What might that look like from a Food Freedom Forever perspective?

Imagine moving through your life with excitement, doing the things that matter to you.

Imagine being free of food-focused thoughts and post-binge brain fog. No more anxiety over how you look or how you feel.

Imagine being free to embrace all of your life without worrying about what’s on your plate or what the bathroom scale tells you.

You CAN do it. All you need to do right now is take the first step to raise that upper limit!

So here is my plea to you…

When you’re contemplating that first step on the pathway to big change, don’t mistake resistance for intuition. Don’t listen to your brain’s response to a new idea. It’ll keep you paralyzed with thoughts of fear and indecision.

Instead, trust that little inkling of inspiration. The one that sees an opportunity for real change, and knows that this is the change that you need.

The ones who succeed in life are the ones who feel the fear, recognize the resistance, and take action anyway. They are the ones who end up living in freedom, happiness, and joy.

And there is no reason why you can’t be one of those people!

So let me ask you this–how much happiness can you handle? Can you allow yourself to thrive without resorting to self-sabotage? Can you move past the negative thoughts that keep you in familiar but miserable places?

I know that you can. And it’s time to raise the bar on your well being

If you need any support in this area, we are here for you! 

Click the image below where I’ve got a special gift for you! We call them, “Craving Cards”, and they’re one of our most popular tools!

If you ever feel night time cravings, sugar cravings, the urge to just say “screw it I’m going to start my diet over tomorrow”, or like you need a little body confidence pick me up… 

Just grab a card, go through the prompts, and shift it instantly!

Click the image above and let me know where to send them!

You’ll also get mini demo video training sessions for each card where I share how to use the cards and some of my best tips for food freedom forever!

With our Craving Cards and Demo Series… 

You’ll learn how to stop cravings in their tracks, feel confident, and get back your power, fast! 

Love,
Brittany

PS: Want the exact freedom and ease with our foods that myself and thousands of our clients get to experience?

In our Beating Binge Eating Blueprint (BBEB), I show you how to make this happen in just 8 weeks!

Many of our students have seen a DRASTIC difference in as little as a few days!

It’s our signature program, and up until recently, it was $3000 or more to join.

For now, you can get it as a part of our Food Freedom Collection for practically free by clicking the image below!

There is no catch…every resource I’ve created for food freedom and body confidence will land straight in your if you just click that image below and let me know where to send it!

I bet you see it in your social media feeds every day. People sharing pictures of their yoga classes, essential oil collections, and nature walks. All under the heading (and the hashtag) “self-care.”

But what about those self-care shots that make your Instagram feed look more like a website from a 5-star resort than a typical Monday afternoon?

It’s easy to see someone else’s images “self care” as long walks on the beach and extravagant getaways and think to yourself, “who does that, really?”

But images like that show up under hashtags like #SelfCareSaturday all the time. And it gives you the impression that “self-care” means 24/7 nature walks, bubble baths, and yoga retreats.

Not that there’s anything wrong with those things! But does it have to be massages, champagne wishes, and caviar dreams to qualify as quality YOU time?

Here’s the deal. “Self-care” doesn’t have to be extravagant. It doesn’t have to take all day. And most of all–having your own self-care practice does NOT mean you’re selfish.

A solid self-care practice can actually save you from exhaustion, burnout, and resentment. It can bring more peace, balance, and joy to your life. And there is nothing remotely selfish about that.

Today I’m going to debunk a few myths about self-care, and show you why it’s so important to a healthy, balanced, beautiful life!

First, I’m going to clarify what self-care is. Then I’m going to share why pop-culture images of self-care don’t tell the whole story.

Then we’ll talk about why taking time for you isn’t selfish. (In fact, it’s necessary!) And that no matter how crazy your life is, you do have a moment or two for YOU.

Ready to make self-care a new way of life, without excessive time, money, or guilt? Let’s dive into some serious YOU time right here!

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Let’s start by taking on two major myths that might be keeping you out of the self-care game.

First, there’s the idea that if it’s not a walk on the beach, a trip to the day spa, or hours in a hot tub, it “doesn’t count.” (Go big or go home, as they say…)

Then, there’s the other side of the coin.

Some people portray “me time” as indulging in champagne, chocolates, and vast quantities of food. It’s got to be excessive and luxurious, or forget it.

Now, don’t get me wrong–if you have the time for a long walk on the beach or a trip to the day spa, that’s fantastic! And there’s nothing wrong with a little celebratory food and drink once in a while, either.

But neither of those things define “self-care.” Not even close.

Self-care means just that–taking care of yourself! Meeting your needs. No more, no less.

And believe it or not, it’s one of the more necessary things in life. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked.

Many of us are taught to put everything and everyone ahead of ourselves. And it’s easy to believe that if you ever put yourself first, you’re shirking responsibilities. And letting people down.

But self-care is not selfish. It’s self-preserving. And denying your needs in favor of everyone else’s doesn’t do anyone any favors.

Not that this is always easy to accept…

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, you’re climbing the corporate ladder, or you’re building an empire, you’re busy. You have places to go, things to do, and people who count on you. And taking care of your own needs might feel like a luxury that you just can’t afford.

But what if I told you that when it comes to taking care of you, you can’t afford NOT to have a little YOU time?

Let me explain…

You might believe that if you take a few moments out of your day to revive, the sky is going to fall. You’ll lose time at work, with the kids, and the with people who need you. (Push all the guilt buttons that apply here…)

So what do you end up doing? You go through your day on autopilot, pushing through, getting it done, never pausing to recharge.

And the longer you stay in overdrive, the more stuck in your head you get. That leaves you disconnected from your body and out of touch with your center.

Before you know it, you crash and burn. Over time this can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and–worst of all–resentment.

But what if the key to letting go of all that guilt, supporting your needs, and doing right by everyone in your life was simple acts of self-love?

Let me give you an example of how focusing on your needs ultimately works wonders for you and for everyone in your life!

Take me, for instance. Over the years, I’ve become pretty clear on what I require. I need connection. I need partnership, friendship, and happy relationships. I also need play time, fun time, and recovery time.

But my needs actually go much deeper than that…

I also crave significance and purpose. Building a thriving business and serving the people I was meant to serve is everything to me. And doing what I do for others not only benefits their lives, but it brings me endless joy.

So the coolest part is that when I meet my own needs, it serves more than just me. The care that I give myself expands to include my family and friends, my community, and ultimately the world!

And here’s the cool part–meeting my needs doesn’t necessarily require a week-long vacation or a spa day. In fact, I can give myself what I need to be my best self  at any time, anywhere. And it only takes (literally) a moment to do it!

Self-care comes down to pausing for a moment, and asking yourself a simple question…

How am I feeling right now? And what do I need right now to support me in this moment?

Back in the day, I would push through my workday no matter how I was feeling. And you can imagine where that landed me–with a soul-crushing case of burnout.

But ever since I discovered this simple technique, I’ve worked in self-care every day, and literally in minutes!  

Not only has it made my life more peaceful (and productive!) moment-to-moment, but it’s also helped me manage the toughest moments in life with more ease and grace.

My number one self-care hack is simply to be here now. Connect to yourself. And ask yourself what you need to support you in this moment. And then act accordingly to give yourself a little love!

So what kinds of answers do you get when you check in with yourself? It could be different on any given day.

Maybe the thing you need the most in the moment really is a massage or a bubble bath. (If you’ve got the time, go for it!)

Then again, your saving grace might be a one-minute reconnection meditation, a one-sentence affirmation, or a 30-second dance break. It could be stepping outside for a (literal) moment in the sun, or slow, deep breath.

Mini-breaks like these show you just as much love as a long walk on the beach–and they’re a lot easier to fit into the daily schedule!

Those short and sweet pick-me-ups can pull you back from the edge even in the most challenging moments, too.

When you’re feeling sad, upset, or panicked, the first instinct is a quick-fix. Some sort of escape, like plopping in your bed and scrolling mindlessly on Social Media. Maybe even attempting to chase the stress away with food. We’ve all been there and done that.

But let’s be clear–that is not self-care. It’s numbing and diversion. And it’ll only make things worse, in the end.

Even if you’re super stressed and eyeball deep in overwhelm, you can still ask yourself that magical question I shared above. And sometimes asking the question alone is enough to cut the stress response and bring you back to your center.

This little trick works when you’re feeling peaceful. It works when your stress is off the chain. And it works because it adjusts itself to what you need, not to someone else’s idea of self-care.

So if you’ve ever thought that self-care is a luxury that is out of your league in every way imaginable, remember that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It doesn’t have to take all afternoon. And you are totally worthy of receiving a little love from yourself!

So make self-care a part of your day, and keep it simple! Start by taking at least one moment each day to pause, breathe deeply, and ask yourself what you need in order to feel like your best self.

Do this every day…and watch what happens!

If you’re ready to make self-care a part of your everyday life, but you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve got just the thing that’ll help you get your journey back to yourself going!

Click the image below where I’ve got a special gift for you! We call them, “Craving Cards”, and they’re one of our most popular tools!

If you ever feel night time cravings, sugar cravings, the urge to just say “screw it I’m going to start my diet over tomorrow”, or like you need a little body confidence pick me up… 

Just grab a card, go through the prompts, and shift it instantly!

Click the image above and let me know where to send them!

You’ll also get mini demo video training sessions for each card where I share how to use the cards and some of my best tips for food freedom forever!

With our Craving Cards and Demo Series… 

You’ll learn how to stop cravings in their tracks, feel confident, and get back your power, fast! 

Love,
Brittany

PS: Want the exact freedom and ease with our foods that myself and thousands of our clients get to experience?

In our Beating Binge Eating Blueprint (BBEB), I show you how to make this happen in just 8 weeks!

Many of our students have seen a DRASTIC difference in as little as a few days!

It’s our signature program, and up until recently, it was $3000 or more to join.

For now, you can get it as a part of our Food Freedom Collection for practically free by clicking the image below!

There is no catch…every resource I’ve created for food freedom and body confidence will land straight in your if you just click that image below and let me know where to send it!

So you’re having a day where you feel good, and then it happens…

Somebody–a family member, a friend, or even a stranger–makes a comment about the way you look. Only it feels more like a stinging judgment than just offhand words.

This is what happens when body-shaming bullies show up in your life. They make a few nasty comments, and just like that, you’re embarrassed, ashamed, and full of self-doubt.

They can make you believe that no matter what you try, you’ll never look like that Instagram model or that CrossFit champion.

They can trigger that fear that despite all the restrictive dieting and punishing workouts you’ve attempted, you still may not be to exactly where you want to be.

Even in the wake of the body positivity movement, cutting other people down for not meeting impossible beauty standards is alive and well. Especially in this age of Social Media perfectionism.

Why am I bringing this up? Because I believe that everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. And nobody deserves to be attacked for how they look.

Honestly, I feel that dealing with body shamers is even harder than managing a food struggle.

After all, food-based battles stem directly from body hate and self-rejection in the first place. So we’re talking struggle on top of struggle.

Hitting back at the haters only drags you into the battle. But if you bottle up the pain and go for the emotional shutdown, eventually you might start believing that the bullies are right.

So what do you do when body shamers try to knock you or someone you know down?

Stay with me, and I’ll show you five ways to defuse body shaming bullies for good. And without falling into self-destructive anger, plotting revenge against the trolls, and most of all–without believing what the haters say.

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Step 1: Consider the source (and with compassion). Let’s be real. When someone calls you out, it straight-up hurts. That’s just a part of being human.

When I’m triggered by someone else’s words, the first thing I notice, of course, is how it makes me feel. But after the initial sting wears off, it makes me wonder what’s really going on with the other person.

After all, when other people are vicious, there’s usually a reason. And nine times out of 10, that reason is not you.

The truth is that hurt people hurt people. So if someone feels the need to attack, ask yourself this: what is going on in that person’s life that would make them want to hit someone where they live?

Maybe that person has dealt with body critiques their whole life. And seeing their own struggles in someone else makes them snap like a rubber band.

Then again, that person might have a limited perspective (and a lot of judgment) about food, body weight, and appearance for no apparent reason.

Or this person might just be straight-up clueless about human dynamics, psychology, and compassion–and might not even realize what they’re saying.  

Whatever the reason, the key to freedom from other people’s judgments is–believe it or not– having a little bit of compassion for the other person.

I know that doesn’t seem fair. Why should you bother to find empathy for someone who is making a sport of your pain?

But remember this–in the end, what other people say about you isn’t about you at all. It’s about them. When you can accept this, it gets easier to feel empathy for the person who is

operating from a place of disconnection.

And when you learn to take what they say with a grain of salt and a lot of compassion, there’s even more in it for you than you might realize…

Believe it or not, feeling even a bit of compassion for haters actually takes the sting out of their insults. It takes the emotional charge out of their words. And it helps you respond from a place of power, not fear.

You’re a lot less likely to flee, shut down, or hit back, which ultimately puts the ball back in your court. And from there, you can choose to end the insult match altogether.

Step 2: Give yourself that same compassion. Now that you’ve shown empathy for the other person, it’s time to do the same for yourself. Let’s talk about why this is so powerful.

Suppose that someone’s body-shaming blast hits a nerve, and you’re struggling to figure out why. Here’s a possible explanation that you might not have entertained before…

What if this person isn’t necessarily “making” you feel bad? What if they’re just touching on the pain that is already there?

It’s what I call the “double-sided mirror.” People tend to mirror back to you what exists within you. And sometimes, they show you things that you’d rather not see.

The idea that your self-worth depends on what the scale says is a sore spot for a lot of women, and one that many of us keep buried pretty deeply.

But when a body-shamer puts up that mirror in front of you, you might see someone who secretly believes she’s an unworthy because her looks don’t measure up.

That’s not easy to acknowledge, is it?

But instead of hiding from those painful triggers, I suggest a different approach. Allow yourself to be with those feelings. Just feel how you feel, and without judging yourself. Give yourself that same compassion as you gave the hater.

Reassure that part of yourself that you’re worth it no matter what.

Let’s go even deeper into this in Step 3…

Step 3: Support yourself. When you’re feeling that body-shaming heat, start by remembering that no matter what, you are amazing. You are worthy of all that you desire right NOW. And what the scale, the mirror, or another person says will not change that.

Allow the empowered, adult version of yourself communicate with the part of you who needs a little love, compassion, and support.

Ask her what she needs to feel loved, supported, and worthy again. And make sure that she knows that she’s always loved, and she’s going to be OK.

Step 4: Set boundaries. Now let’s talk about what happens when you’re dealing with body image negativity in your own inner circle.

Sometimes our closest friends and family members deliver some of the most triggering barbs, especially on sensitive subjects. And if the biggest body-shamer in your life is part of your immediate family, it can make your life potentially explosive.

But it also makes personal boundaries that much more important.

So be as honest as you can with the people you love. Let your friends and family know what conversation topics are OK and which are off-limits for you.

For example, if it pushes your buttons to hear family members talk about dieting or critique women for how they look, say so. Be clear on the topics you’re willing to pursue, and the things on which you’d rather “agree to disagree.”

The people who want to be in your life will adjust to your rules. And if they don’t, then it’s a good idea to give yourself some space and distance anyway. Toxic, judgmental energy doesn’t deserve any space in anyone’s life.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to cut people out of your life altogether. But you do need to let people know what you won’t tolerate. And you can do that without showing someone the door.

For example, if a sensitive topic comes up, don’t bite on the comment. Have a go-to one-liner ready, and politely excuse yourself from the conversation. It’ll help you graciously exit the scene without making a scene.

So have a plan, talk to the people in your life, and be clear on your personal boundaries. It’ll be a big-time sanity saver in the long run.

Step 5: Take back your Social Media Space. Once you’ve reclaimed your space with your family and friends, it’s time to draw up some boundaries in your online space. That means taking back control of your Social Media feeds.

The best thing about social media is that you decide what you want to see. So if your Instagram feed feels like a parade of impossible standards, use that “unfollow” button early and often.

Follow things that lift you up rather than drag you down. If something you’re following triggers you into a downward spiral of comparison, “unlike” it right now.

You owe it to yourself to fill your space–both online and offline–with love, support, and encouragement. So draw the line on your social media feeds just as you would with your family and friends.

Bottom line? Maybe you can’t control what other people say, but you can control how you respond to it. You also have a say as to what you allow into your life, online and off.

So find compassion for both yourself and others. Remember that what body shaming bullies say is about them, not you.

And of course, remember that you are worthy of health, happiness, and a positive body image right now. And nobody can take that away from you!

Not that this is always easy to remember, of course. Sometimes it takes a little practice, especially when it comes to new boundaries with people you’ve known for a long time.

So don’t be discouraged if haters and body shamers still get to you once in awhile. It happens to all of us at some point. And if you’re looking for some support to get you through the rough spots, I have something to help you!

Click the image below where I’ve got a special gift for you! We call them, “Craving Cards”, and they’re one of our most popular tools!

If you ever feel night time cravings, sugar cravings, the urge to just say “screw it I’m going to start my diet over tomorrow”, or like you need a little body confidence pick me up… 

Just grab a card, go through the prompts, and shift it instantly!

Click the image above and let me know where to send them!

You’ll also get mini demo video training sessions for each card where I share how to use the cards and some of my best tips for food freedom forever!

With our Craving Cards and Demo Series… 

You’ll learn how to stop cravings in their tracks, feel confident, and get back your power, fast! 

Love,
Brittany

PS: Want the exact freedom and ease with our foods that myself and thousands of our clients get to experience?

In our Beating Binge Eating Blueprint (BBEB), I show you how to make this happen in just 8 weeks!

Many of our students have seen a DRASTIC difference in as little as a few days!

It’s our signature program, and up until recently, it was $3000 or more to join.

For now, you can get it as a part of our Food Freedom Collection for practically free by clicking the image below!

There is no catch…every resource I’ve created for food freedom and body confidence will land straight in your if you just click that image below and let me know where to send it!