When clothes make you feel "fat"

Same person. Same day. A body in motion. 

Your weight and appearance do not define you. How you look is not the most interesting thing about you. 

For almost all athletes, at some point in the athletic career, body image is a struggle. When it comes to appearance-related content on social media, this constant comparison to unrealistic images of people presenting the best version of themselves can negatively impact your relationship with your body. Unrealistic expectations of how your body should look may turn into unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors and disordered eating.

Although athletes have the same risk factors for body image issues as non-athletes, athletes are constantly conflicted with two body images - one in sport and one outside of sport. The body that is fit for performance may not meet society's "thin" ideal. 

For athletes, there are two wardrobes. Clothes that are designed for functionality and performanace and clothes for outside of sport - work, leisure, formal, etc. Depending on which body you are dressing (sport vs. daily life), if you struggle with poor body image, there's a good chance that you feel there is one right way to look in those clothes. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. As a result of not matching the "ideal" image, many athletes take drastic measures to "fix" features that fall short of the accepted standard. 

How many times has your day been ruined after trying on clothes in your closest that didn't fit you? How do you feel when you receive clothing (as a present) from a friend, partner or loved one but need to return for a bigger size?

If you can relate, I want to remind/tell you that YOU wear your clothes. Do not let your clothes dictate how you feel about yourself. You do not have to conform to a certain body type. You do not have to start "fixing" your body on January 1st. Bodies naturally fluctuate throughout life. 

From now until the end of the year, I encourage you to clean out your closest of clothes that no longer serve you well. Next, buy clothes that fit your body and make you feel good. And even if you are on a path of improved health, you still deserve to feel confident at your current size, shape or weight. 

Stop clinging on to a past version of yourself. Don't punish yourself by withholding a new wardrobe with hopes of meeting a specific clothing size. 

When you let go of what was, you can make space for what can be. 
You deserve to be comfortable and confident in your clothes. 

Be proud of your every-day-body and your incredible body in motion. 

Uncomfortable body day - when you feel fat

When it comes to self-image (the mental image that you have for yourself), it can fluctuate a lot from day to day, or even minute to minute.

If you are having an awesome day or you crushed a hard workout, your perception of your body may be really good. You don't worry about what you eat and you carry on with your day with positivity and confidence.

But if you are stressed and anxious, you made a mistake, had a bad workout/race or someone said something to you that made you feel less worthy, your self-image may become negative - which makes you feel fat.

Additionally, during moments of high stress and anxiety, a preoccupation with your body is not uncommon. When things/life feel out of control, you may direct your focus to food and exercise as a coping mechanism.

The next time you experience a "I feel fat" thought, give yourself space to get to the root of what triggered this misinterpreted feeling.

As a reminder, diet culture has taught you how to use food to gain a feeling of control. Tightly controlling your diet with rules and an off-limit food list is a simple solution to deal with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem or fear of failure. Turning to food to feel control over your body may seem like the only way to deal with uncomfortable emotions but it doesn't have to be this way.

It’s important to recognize that feeling “fat” has nothing to do with your body and everything to do with your feelings.

It's time to crush those negative thoughts. Your body isn't a problem. Do not belittle yourself with insults. Your body is amazing. 

Reasons why you are having a "bad body" day.

In our weight and image-obsessed society, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with food and the body when you are having an "uncomfortable body" day.

Our culture is really tough on bodies - we are taught that our current size/shape/weight is a problem and it requires immediate fixing.

The human body is amazing. It’s constantly working for you. As you go through life, it’s only natural and normal that your body will change along with you. The body is complex and dynamic. Every day your body is adjusting to its environment and the stress placed on it.

Let's look at some of the incredible ways that the body works for you and why you shouldn't overhaul your diet or exercise regime if you feel or see your body making a small shift in size, shape or weight throughout the day.