I’m officially dismissing that harmful phrase for the sake of my children.
As the seasons shift away from the bleakness of winter, we should be embracing the arrival of summer! I’m excited to bask in the sun and let the kids enjoy outdoor activities. But with this season comes an unwelcome idea: the pressure to achieve the so-called “summer body.”
I stand firmly as a body acceptance advocate — body love is my ultimate mantra. Yet, the online world still bombards me with outrageous detox and diet ads. Recently, a YouTube ad suggested my weight struggles were all about digestion.
In the past, these ads would have triggered my anxiety, sending me down a rabbit hole of desperate searches for quick weight loss solutions. What exercises could help me feel less self-conscious in a swimsuit? Now, I simply feel sad — and incredibly angry. After years of hiding my body and avoiding joy, I’ve finally found a place of acceptance, and I know I’m not alone. I’ve seen my mother and friends go through similar battles, and it’s time for this cycle to stop.
This year, I’m rejecting everything I’ve been told about preparing my body for summer. Remember: the only requirement for a summer body is to enjoy life in the body you have.
When I’ve shared this perspective, some have labeled it as laziness or warned against neglecting my health by not pursuing weight loss. However, I feel healthier than I have in years — not just physically, but also mentally. I’m nurturing my well-being, embracing inner peace, and loving my body as it is. Is there anything unhealthy about that?
What Does Getting a ‘Summer Body’ Even Mean?
The only weight I intend to shed is the burden of others’ opinions about my body. This summer, I’ll focus on dressing for my own comfort rather than conforming to societal expectations.
I’m a plus-size woman, a cuddly and curvy individual who has been told that I’d be “the full package” if I just lost a little weight. Those comments used to sting deeply, leaving me to struggle with an eating disorder for years.
After a pandemic that altered many of our bodies, it’s absurd to prioritize achieving a summer body. I’m not alone in advocating for this mindset; I do it for my children, hoping they never endure the negative body image issues that I faced. I want them to choose swimsuits based on comfort and style, rather than societal pressure. Kids already face enough challenges without us adding to their struggles.
Reports indicate that calls to the National Eating Disorders Association have surged by 58% since March 2020, and it’s crucial to support our youth during these turbulent times.
It’s Time to Accept Our Bodies in Every Season
I’m exhausted by the constant message that we aren’t enough as we are. If you’re larger, you should be smaller; if you’re smaller, you should be curvier. All the so-called “ideal” bodies we see are often edited and enhanced. Many don’t discuss the privileges that come with maintaining those appearances.
Ultimately, preparing for summer means wearing clothes that feel good and embracing your body in its true form. This isn’t about criticizing any type of body or implying that those who work out are less valuable. It’s about embracing every body, regardless of shape or size.
So this season, I invite you to join me in discarding the idea of a “summer body.” Last year, I wore a two-piece swimsuit for the first time in 31 years, and it was liberating. I’m ready for summer just as I am.
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