Learning to Love My Body and Whole Foods

 Learning Body Positivity and Whole Foods for a Happier You

Whole foods became a cornerstone of my health journey, teaching  me how to cook and eat with intention

“Oh, she’s the bigger one.”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard those words growing up, I’d have paid off my student loans by now. As a child, it stung to be identified solely by my size, especially compared to my older sisters. Growing up in a low-income household with parents focused on their own challenges meant nutrition wasn’t the top priority. Like many families, we made do with what we had. But those formative years left me with scars—and a complicated relationship with my body and food.

This article isn’t just my story—it’s a call to embrace where you are, honor your journey, and nourish your body not out of guilt but out of love.

The Weight of the World—and Society’s Expectations

From ballroom dance classes in college, where I was often overlooked as a partner, to the endless messaging about “calories in, calories out,” my younger years were a revolving door of diet culture and self-doubt. I tried it all: diet pills, food restriction, and exercise plans that never stuck. I would start with enthusiasm and fall off the wagon, feeling defeated.

Society is unkind to those of us who don’t fit the narrow mold of beauty. But I’ve learned that your worth has nothing to do with a number on the scale or the size of your jeans.

Food Freedom

My turning point came in 2016, thanks to a workplace challenge and the Whole30 diet. For the first time, I saw food not as an enemy but as a tool to fuel and heal my body. Cooking became an adventure. I discovered the magic of roasting vegetables to caramelized perfection and learned the joy of experimenting with spices. Who knew cauliflower could taste so good?

It wasn’t just about weight loss (though I did lose 20 pounds that year)—it was about empowerment. I realized that eating well didn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small changes—like ditching sugar-laden processed foods—made a big impact.

The Rollercoaster of Life and Weight

Exercise isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about finding joy  in movement and honoring your body.

Like many journeys, mine hasn’t been linear. From the ups and downs of pregnancies to the global upheaval of 2020, life threw plenty of curveballs. After experimenting with the ketogenic diet, I achieved a significant milestone—dropping to 182 pounds, the lowest weight I’d seen since high school.

But as any parent will tell you, kids change everything. After two pregnancies back-to-back, my weight crept up again. And while I’m not where I want to be just yet, I’m learning to honor the incredible things my body has done—like growing two beautiful children.

Redefining Fitness and Finding Joy

Gone are the days when I exercised out of guilt or as punishment for what I ate. These days, I focus on activities that bring me joy, like swimming. Becoming a lifeguard has held me accountable to maintaining stamina, and it’s a reminder that fitness is about so much more than aesthetics.

Exercise isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about mental clarity, energy, and celebrating what your body can do.

Why Whole Foods Matter

Whole foods transformed not only my diet but also my mindset. Eating meals that are rich in nutrients, unprocessed, and delicious is my way of saying, thank you to my body. It’s not about perfection—it’s about balance.

Learning to cook was a key step in taking control of my health and making  food a source of nourishment and joy.

If you’ve ever felt daunted by meal prep or frustrated by the cost of “health food,” I’ve been there. The key is starting small:

• Experiment with new cooking methods to make vegetables shine.
• Shop seasonally and locally when possible—it’s cheaper and fresher.
• Remember: It’s okay to indulge! Food is fuel, but it’s also meant to be enjoyed.

The Truth About Body Positivity

Body positivity doesn’t mean loving every inch of yourself every second of the day. For me, it’s about respecting my body and treating it with care—even when it’s not where I want it to be.

Society may not always celebrate us, but we can celebrate ourselves. Whether it’s by lifting weights, chasing toddlers, or simply showing up for ourselves every day, we deserve that self-love.

I may never wear a bikini—and that’s okay. My body has carried me through decades of challenges, milestones, and triumphs. It deserves kindness, care, and gratitude.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the journey to health and self-love is not about quick fixes. It’s about building habits that honor your mind and body, finding joy in the process, and knowing that you are enough—right here, right now.

What’s your story? Have you found joy in whole foods, exercise, or self-care? 

I’d love to hear from you!