FOOD, BODY IMAGE, AND THE WHOLE DIET-AND-EXERCISE DRAMA
There’s a lot more to our struggles with food and our bodies than calories, willpower, or trying harder.
Here, I explore the assumptions behind the traditional diet-and-exercise model, why so many familiar solutions keep us stuck, and what changes when we approach food, exercise, and our bodies from a completely different perspective.
Some posts are personal. Some challenge conventional wisdom. And some might make you laugh.
Browse the articles below. Start wherever you're curious.
Why Photoshop Isn’t Actually the Problem
My graphic designer Photoshopped one of my images — just barely. And honestly it looked great. As the Happy Calories Girl I asked him to change it back. But here's the thing — Photoshop isn't actually the problem. Here's the more empowering perspective that changes everything about how we see media images.
The Most Important Relationship You’re Ignoring — And How It Affects Your Body
Whether you know it or not you are in a relationship with your body. The only question is what kind. Do you ignore it? Abuse it? Fight it? Here's why the relationship with your body is the most important one you have — and what your Valentine can teach you about it.
Why Counting Points Is Just Counting Calories in Disguise
Oprah told us weight loss isn't just about calories in and exercise out — it's about the emotional and personal stuff too. And then she told us to count points and turn it into a game. Does anyone else see the contradiction? Here's what Oprah and Weight Watchers are still missing.
Why Your Beliefs About Weight Loss Are Sabotaging Your Values
Year after year, losing weight tops both the New Year's resolution list and the broken resolution list. Here's a theory about why — and it has nothing to do with willpower. It's about a hidden conflict between what you believe about weight loss and what you actually value in life.
Why Accepting That Life Sometimes Sucks Is the Secret to Food Freedom
I've been bingeing The Vampire Diaries — and before you judge me, hear me out. A conversation between two immortal vampires accidentally said everything I've ever wanted to say about why fighting "what is" only creates more pain. Including with your body.
Why Controlling Your Body Will Never Make You Happy (And What Actually Does)
I binge-watched enough Netflix to notice a pattern — every show about power ends the same way. The characters who fight hardest to control their circumstances are the most miserable. Here's why that's exactly what's happening with diet culture, and what personal empowerment actually looks like instead.