Why are we still talking about getting our bodies ‘summer-ready’?
How to get body perfect for summer.
If I’ve seen this headline once, I’ve seen it what seems like a million times. Irritating, yes. On so many levels.
And this year, with body shaming advertising taking on a whole new level, thanks to the marketing of weight-loss wonder drugs, the conversation around being ‘summer-ready’ has got much, much louder.
As a 47-year-old woman, I’ve had periods in my life where I’ve been incredibly unhappy with my body shape and the way I look. And although I’m ashamed to admit it, I’ve deleted many a memorable photo, because I didn’t like the image staring back at me.
So yes, I completely understand the need to feel our best when baring more of our bodies than we usually do. I understand the societal pressure to look toned, and thin. But, and this is a really BIG BUT, as a naturopathic health coach, I also understand what constitutes good health, and it doesn’t go hand in hand with the quest for the perfect summer body. It never will.
What even is beach-body ready?
The annual pursuit for perfection is something I really wish, in this day and age, we could abandon. It’s disappointing that despite growing body positivity and acceptance, marketers still feel the need to seize on summer and use it as a tool to make many of us feel bad about our bodies. Our parents and grandparents grew up in a time when society placed a high value on appearance. Women, in particular, were looked down on for having a higher-than-average waist measurement, critical comments about looks were the norm. And yet, despite our many advances, these attitudes remain.
But we are not all the same and cannot all be a size eight. Common variations in our genetic code, called SNPs, result in small but important differences in function, affecting how well our body works, or how our cells respond. These SNPs can affect our weight, energy, detoxification, and more, impacting health and contributing to the development of specific health and weight-related conditions.
Quick-fix solutions
I’ve spent over twenty years in the health industry and feel deflated to say that quick fixes are more sought after now than ever before. You only need to look at the latest figures from A&E departments, where doctors are reporting seeing patients on every single shift who have taken weight-loss drugs which haven’t been prescribed to them. Drugs which have caused serious, life-threatening complications including inflammation of the pancreas-gland and alterations in blood-salt levels. Surely no beach-body can be worth that?
Then there’s the annual fad diets, super-charged supplements, and exercise regimes. ‘Six weeks to a beach-body’ is the promise, but is it ever really delivered? Sadly, in most cases, it’s not.
Results rarely last
The problem with these quick-fix solutions is that the results rarely last. You hear people talk of yoyo dieting, and this is why. They try something, it works for a while, but then, because it’s too hard to maintain, they go back to their old habits and often, their old weight. Their toned summer bodies giving way to weightier winter frames.
I know from years of experience that fad diets and fitness regimes hardly ever work. I also know what does – making small, significant changes and building on these day by day, week by week.
When I work with someone, I look at their whole body, and their way of life. That way we can make changes that will work for them and, as no two people are the same, exercise programs are personalised, my advice, bespoke. Years of training and practical experience have taught me that growing numbers of people are struggling. They want to prioritise their health and wellbeing, and know that they should, but for one reason or another that’s not happening.
So, where to start?
Begin by understanding your current situation. Write this down so you can frequently remind yourself WHY you want to make a change. Then, create a realistic, actionable PLAN that is flexible and can be adjusted as you progress, ultimately improving your health for the future.
It's not just about what you eat, but also how you begin and end your days. Establish consistent and relaxing routines for bedtime, wake-up, exposure to daylight, exercise, work, and social activities, even on weekends. These can enhance sleep quality and support a healthy circadian rhythm. This, is one of my favourite tips for better metabolism and appetite regulation.
Continuing on the above theme, let’s talk about food. Set regular meal times to help regulate your body's hunger signals and improve overall digestion. Building your day around a structured routine enables your body to thrive. While there may be times when sticking to set meal times isn't practical, don't worry—occasional deviations are fine. If you maintain this routine most of the time, your body will thank you. It's all about understanding what your body needs and loves.
Slow down. In our fast-paced world, where we constantly strive to get everything 'done,' learning the crucial art of slowing down is essential for getting the best out of yourself and your body in work, rest, and play. This also applies to eating. Sit down and eat slowly, avoiding any distractions such as your mobile, TV, or work. Observe the nutrients on your plate and consider how the taste, texture, colour, and aroma of your foods are supporting your body. Reflect on how your body feels once you’ve eaten in terms of energy levels, mood, satiety. Are you bloated, uncomfortable, light or otherwise?
Finally, focus on developing a sustainable and enjoyable approach to eating, and aim for a balanced life that is kind to yourself. By learning to appreciate and care for your body, you'll find that it responds positively in return. Write in a journal daily a list of all the marvellous things your body did today. Did it help you walk the dog? Escort your children to an activity or school? Help your family or friend with the shopping? Allow you some quiet moments to drink a cup of tea?
Focusing on your body and wanting to better your health can only ever be a good thing, but there’s no need to wait for summer to start or a new season to begin. And when you do, remember, that you’re doing this for you, your body, and your future health. It’s not about pleasing other people, or social acceptance. If you’re going to succeed you need to be making these changes for all the right reasons. Done right, prioritising your health and wellbeing will set you up for life, not just those two weeks on a beach in Majorca.
