Body Image on the Trails

It’s a new year. And with that comes new year resolutions. Which almost always means a diet of some sort because we’re just not happy with the way we look. And body image on the trails definitely has a way of fucking with your head. In Los Angeles, we’re surrounded by all the “pretty people.” The ones with 50k+ Instagram followers. Perfectly placed hair. And teeth as white as the snow they’re walking on.

But that’s not reality.

The reality is, all the “pretty people” also deal with body image issues. We all do. Whether we’re big boned or ultra skinny. Short or tall. Big booty or no junk in the trunk. Blonde or brunette. We all have things we wish we could change. Just because people know the perfect angles to get that like worthy photo, does not mean they actually like the photo. It’s not until we all embrace the things that make us different from the plastics that we can really start to enjoy life.

It had been a minute since I stepped on the scale. For 2 years after having my youngest, I played the scale game. And was losing….or so I thought. As I was losing weight from eating healthier, I was also gaining muscle from being more active. But the scale wasn’t changing. Not sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day can do wonders, but I didn’t feel I was seeing results. I got down on myself. Until I decided to just stop! That was a year ago.

On Friday, almost 3 years postpartum, I decided to get on the scale just to see what it said. And, I’m finally under my pre-pregnancy weight and almost at my goal weight.
The most important thing this journey taught me is that I’m not defined by what the scale says. A year ago, 10 lbs heavier than I am now, and I was just as happy with my body. My body can still climb the same mountains at 139 lbs as it could at 150+ lbs. I still see the same person when I look in the mirror. And I still love her!

No matter what your weight is. No matter the way your body looks to you. I guarantee that out on the trails, all we see is a hiker. Or at least we should. We need to build each other up. Encourage others to continue on their path. Whatever that path may be. Strong and confident individuals don’t compete with others. They build others up and support them. I am hopeful for a future where body positivity isn’t just something we preach, but also something that we all practice. And the day that being shy of body image on the trails is a thing of the past. For now, I’ll see you out on the trails. Possibly naked or topless and screaming aloud about positive body image! 😉

If you’re looking for some inspiring hikers out on the trails, I definitely recommend checking out Fat Girls Hiking on Instagram. Their stories inspire me every day!