Chapter 1: The Disappearance of Body Positivity?

In recent times, I contemplated sharing my thoughts on this topic on a more provocative blog of mine, but ultimately, I felt it was essential to address here, as it directly relates to the concept of Eudaimonia and self-improvement.

Has anyone else observed the noticeable decline of the "body positivity" movement since Ozempic gained popularity? For several years, particularly around 2016, it seemed that the Western world was fostering a more inclusive attitude toward body image. We witnessed plus-sized individuals gracing the covers of prominent magazines, such as those focused on swimwear and lingerie, although the market response to these changes was often less than favorable.

The notion of being "healthy at any size" gained traction, and the presence of plus-sized models in mainstream media became more common. However, today’s discussion isn't about defining healthy weights; rather, it's about the importance of hard work and not allowing ourselves to hide our shortcomings behind excuses.

With the advent of Ozempic and similar pharmaceutical options, the trend toward valuing thinness appears to be resurfacing. Have you noticed this shift?

So, this brings us to a critical question:

Was the "body positivity" movement genuine, or was it merely a façade? A convenient excuse that allowed consumers to continue indulging in unhealthy habits—whether that be binge-watching, overeating, or excessive drinking?

Humans possess remarkable intelligence. We often seek the easiest solutions, actively shunning hard work. When offered a "magic pill" to shed pounds, many of us willingly pay hefty sums while ignoring the warnings about potential side effects, all while continuing our less-than-ideal lifestyles.

We might find ourselves consuming unhealthy snacks while pouring another glass of wine, blissfully ignoring the realities of our choices. Yes, the weight may drop, but the unhealthy habits remain entrenched.

All this just to avoid putting in the necessary effort:

• Cutting back on alcohol.
• Rising early or heading to the gym after work.
• Monitoring caloric intake.
• Keeping hydrated.
• Prioritizing sufficient sleep.
• Minimizing sedentary behavior.
• Aiming for 10,000+ steps daily.
• Lifting weights multiple times each week.

Indeed, it’s far more challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle than to seek quick fixes. However, there’s no medical professional who would advocate for a pill as a replacement for proper nutrition and exercise. Our very genetics call for movement and healthy eating!

Will you feel like exercising every day? Certainly not. Will you want to drink another glass of water and make yet another trip to the restroom? No way. Should you choose broccoli salad over dessert? Probably not.

Hard work is undeniably demanding. The idea of body positivity can sometimes serve as a convenient excuse to avoid making the effort required for a healthier life.

Let me clarify: this is not to say that one should never indulge in treats like ice cream or take time to relax. Life is fleeting, and enjoying occasional pleasures is essential. However, these should not become the norm. The most valuable achievements in life stem from dedication and effort, not shortcuts.

In conclusion, do I view body positivity as a beneficial movement? Personally, I do not. It can often provide societal excuses for neglecting our health and leads to overindulgence rather than genuine enjoyment. Instead, strive for gradual improvements: commit to one gym session this week, aim for 2,500 steps daily, and maintain your caloric balance.

Next week, increase to two gym visits, 5,000 steps, and create a slight caloric deficit. Continue this progression: three workouts, 7,500 steps, and further reduce your caloric intake.

Be open to the hard work and reap the true rewards of your efforts.

The first video titled "THIS is What True Body Positivity Looks Like" explores the authentic essence of body positivity, emphasizing self-acceptance while addressing societal pressures.

Chapter 2: Embracing Hard Work Over Quick Fixes

The second video, "FoodShare Body Positivity Workshop," delves into community approaches to fostering body positivity, encouraging healthy discussions around body image and self-care.