In this solo episode of the Empowered Women's Health Podcast, Melissa Woodward shares her profound journey towards body positivity and a non-diet approach to exercise and health.
Melissa reflects on the societal pressures and expectations surrounding women's bodies, particularly during her teenage years. She discusses her experiences in the fitness industry, trying various diets, and the toll it took on her physical health.
She explores the impact of stress on her body weight, how toxic relationships contributed to weight gain, and the transformative power of shedding those relationships. Melissa shares how alcohol and dancing became outlets for confidence and weight loss, and how her relationship with her body changed after having children and going through IVF.
Melissa discusses her journey towards body positivity and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of neutrality and not hating her body. She explores how grief and the loss of her father influenced her relationship with food and movement, leading her to reject restrictive food rules and honour her body's cues.
She opens up about body image during pregnancy, struggles with clothing sizes, and her experience with hernia surgery. Melissa emphasizes the need to trust our body's signals and reject diet culture's messaging.
Finally, Melissa encourages listeners to listen to their bodies and make informed choices about their health. She introduces a 7-day body positivity challenge in her Facebook group, starting on April 8th, and offers funny affirmation cards to boost confidence. Melissa welcomes questions or sharing of their own body positive journeys.
Tune in to this empowering episode as Melissa navigates through her journey towards embracing and honouring her body, inspiring listeners to do the same.
Join the 7 Day Body Positivity Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fearlesshealthcommunity
