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Pictures of myself that I hated.

Body ImageWhitney Carlson7 Comments

Just like almost all of my other body image posts, this one has been in "draft" mode for a LONG time. I figured now was the right time to publish it after posting a picture of me and Scott on Instagram and Facebook recently.

I think the picture I posted was taken in 2012. I posted it because it was funny that we had a picture flexing in Costco. We've been going there every week for YEARS. I didn't really pay much attention to US in the picture at first. After posting it, I started looking at it more closely and some of the body image issues I've had started to creep back in so I'm finally publishing this post. Since this Costco picture was taken a lot has changed. I don't know exactly when this picture was taken or what I weighed at the time but I would guess I'm about 15 pounds heavier right now. The picture in Costco was taken either right before or right after a photo shoot I was training for. My training and nutrition were ON POINT. My life revolved around it but my life doesn't revolve around that anymore.

Eating Clean at Costco

But just like when I posted the picture below over the summer (I weighed around 147 pounds in this picture), it doesn't matter how small I am nothing seems to be good enough. I'm going to share a few pictures that I've absolutely hated for one reason or another. I've even added a big ol arrow to point out what I hated.

Before you read further >>>> read my original post on my body image issues.

So, just to emphasize...there's approximately a 17-pound weight difference between these two photos. Sure, some is muscle but not all.

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Keep in mind that a person of ANY size can struggle with this. I've heard from people from size 0-20 who have body image issues. So just because you think someone has the "perfect body" or they are the "right" size or weight, doesn't mean that they don't also have body image issues.

The picture below was taken in Canyonlands National Park in 2015. I obsessed over the little bit of "fat" that you could see coming over the strap on my pack.

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These next few pictures were taken in 2014 I think. Those love handles...I even posted about this picture in my first body image post.

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And the stomach...

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Again, that extra skin over my swimsuit bottoms...

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Another one from Canyonlands National Park where my fat is hanging over my pack.

body-image-he-and-she-eat-clean-pictures-i-hated-because-i-was-fat-canyonlands-national-park.jpg

Oh and this one. My hips are just way too big. And that little roll under my right butt cheek?! End of the world.

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These two I had my shirt on because of the fat on my stomach, not because I was cold.

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body-image-he-and-she-eat-clean-pictures-i-hated-because-i-was-fat-port-st-joe-beach2.jpg

Honestly, it helps me to write all of this out. I also want you to know that if you are struggling you are not alone. I had body image issues when I was 127 pounds and when I was 147 pounds, and everything in between.

Please take the time to read through the resources below if you also struggle with body image issues.

5 Body Image Quotes to Help You!

Whitney CarlsonComment
5 Body Image Quotes | He and She Eat Clean

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It's no secret that I've struggled (actually still struggle!) with body image. I've written numerous posts on it (like this one and this one and this one, among many others). I gathered up some of my favorite quotes to share with you. I hope these help you on your journey to a healthy body image!

Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more motivational quotes!

“and I said to my body. softly. ‘I want to be your friend.’ it took a long breath. and replied ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.” - Nayyirah Waheed

“and I said to my body. softly. ‘I want to be your friend.’ it took a long breath. and replied ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.” - Nayyirah Waheed

don't miss out on 95% of your life to weigh 5% less

don't miss out on 95% of your life to weigh 5% less

life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself

life is way too short to spend another day at war with yourself

losing weight is NOT your life's purpose

losing weight is not your life's purpose.

running 5 miles won’t make you love yourself. starving yourself on 1,000 calories won’t make you love yourself. losing the “last 10 pounds” won’t make you love yourself. you have to learn to love yourself first.

running 5 miles won’t make you love yourself. starving yourself on 1,000 calories won’t make you love yourself. losing the “last 10 pounds” won’t make you love yourself. you have to learn to love yourself first.

For Adults Only - WHAM Podcast #019

PodcastWhitney CarlsonComment
For Adults Only - WHAM Podcast #019

For Adults Only - WHAM Podcast #019

Our kids are watching every move we make! This includes fitness. Whitney and Pam pull back the curtain on a REAL issue about being examples for our children. What are you teaching your children about fitness? 


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