Why You Don’t Need a Summer Beach Body

This year, let’s stop worrying about getting a summer “beach body”. Memorial Day is around the corner which means it’s the unofficial start of summer. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and the beach is calling your name.

Vacation, BBQs and relaxing at the shore may all sound like a great break from the usual rise and grind, but you’re not alone if you feel like this change in seasons also comes with immense pressure. Diet culture is all around us pushing us to pursue the perfect “beach body” and to become “bikini ready”. However, we’re here to tell you your body is already ready for that itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini RIGHT NOW! Here’s why: 

1) Your body is already beach ready

The ocean and sand won’t discriminate whether you are a size 2, size 22, or anywhere above, below or in-between. You don’t need to change your body to enjoy the beach or any activities this summer for that matter.

2) Dieting isn’t sustainable (and ice cream tastes really good!)

The pursuit of weight loss, especially quick weight loss, usually means utilizing risky, unsustainable behaviors. This could look like restricting food/food groups, counting calories, and/or over exercising. While weight loss may occur, it’s never worth the harm that is caused by undernourishment (think: low energy, increased irritability, hormone irregularities, hyperfixation on food, etc.). It’s also not sustainable – 95% of diets ultimately fail.

3) Summer is more enjoyable without dieting

There is so much to gain from breaking free from dieting and from NOT focusing on achieving a “beach body”. Think about enjoying ice cream down the shore, cheeseburgers off the grill, or a margarita with friends without guilt. Making peace with your current body also allows you to make space to rediscover movement that you enjoy vs what burns the most calories. Swimming, paddleboarding, walking the boardwalk ALL count as exercise!

Maybe this all sounds great, but you’re still not feeling 100% confident in your body this summer. What can you do to foster a more positive body image this summer?

-Buy a bathing suit you love and feel comfortable in (don’t worry about the size- clothes are meant to fit us, not the other way around)
-Donate any clothes that don’t fit/aren’t comfortable
-Unfollow social media that makes you feel bad about yourself 

Need more support? Reach out to our dietitian team at Expert Nutrition and Wellness HERE.