I’m on Team #HealthyCurves – Are You?

If you’re a regular visitor to Curvy CEO, you know that it’s not just about fashion and looking good around here. With this blog my goal has always been to not only help my plus-sized sisters look good, but also to feel good. And a huge part of feeling good is maintaining a positive body image and healthy physique. One without the other is incomplete. With so many individuals practically daring plus-size women – particularly black women – to feel good about themselves, it can be intimidating to go to the gym or don a swimsuit. And let’s not even get into issues surrounding being a curvy woman and dating. None of the above is impossible with extra pounds, but they can be a challenge if you are not entirely comfortable with your weight.

While I love my body (a love that was achieved through a hard-won battle with low self-esteem), I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I do need to drop quite a few pounds. Because I’m not getting regular aerobic exercise, I find myself getting winded easily. While shopping, my usual size feels a bit snug and, in some cases, I need to reach for a larger size. And recently I endured a cross-country flight that involved seat switching, seatbelt extenders and a near smackdown over raising the arm rest. Not fun. Not cute. Not the business.

So, here I am. Once again standing at the base of Mount Weightloss. As I’ve discussed previously, the idea of losing weight sometimes scares me. Not because I think that I can’t do it (well, maybe a little I think that), but moreso because, in many ways, my weight has become part of my identity. Even though I know it shouldn’t matter, I am not thrilled by the idea that the world will respond to me differently and treat me better as a result of any pounds lost. (You can read more about my “Curvy Girl Identity Crisis” here.)

That’s why I was delighted to read this post below on The Life and Style of Jessica Kane’s Facebook Page:

Finally think I’m ready to talk about my #healthycurves journey. I was so scared about calling it weightloss – I DO need to lose the weight – but for health reasons. NOT because I care what someone thinks of my body or I didn’t feel gorgeous as I was. I want to be extremely careful to ensure the right message is going out.

My message is: Be the best version of YOU, your weight is YOUR business and the number on the scale does NOT define who we are. Feel good inside and out = mind + body + soul.

I’ve been asked quite a bit about how much weight I’ve lost and I don’t want any of us to focus on a number – but thanks to my girl PassionJonesz, I can see how me talking about my journey can inspire others and myself. I need your help as well to stay motivated. Who’s with me?! I’m going to call it #healthycurves.

On her website, she explains further:

While some do need to lose weight, myself included, the mindset I want to promote is a focus on one’s health. I want to talk about what food we are really putting in our bodies, nutrition, exercises and challenges for the everyday woman. I want share what I learn and you share with me. Essentially, this is me being really selfish and needing some buddies to join me and keep me motivated as well .

Well, THAT is some selfishness that I can fully get with! What about you?

To commemorate my membership on Team HealthyCurves, I indulged in some greek yogurt and raisins….

Yummy!

Let’s go get ‘em, ladies!!!

— curvyceo

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