Time to Rethink Body Fat

I want to have a chat about body fat—the fat that society has programmed us to despise and disgust from the get-go. That if we have "too much" of it... or even just enough of it, that something is wrong with you. We have an entire wellness industry that thrives on your body hate and dieting efforts to demolish every last wiggle.

Ever wondered who decided that fat is the enemy? Well, it's time to unpack the baggage we've been carrying around about our own bodies and set the record straight.

Let’s get one thing straight: the airbrushed, flawless bodies plastered all over social media? That’s not the real deal. If you’re aiming to mimic those figures, get ready for misery. If you want to look that way, you will have to work very hard, fixate and micromanage your food, forget about social events and work really hard to get there and stay there. I don't think that's what you truly want. I don't think that is YOUR value, I think that is a belief that we have been led to adopt as our own.

and PS: those airbrushed images are not a "normal" amount of body fat, especially not for women...who tend to be the "fatter" sex of the species.

Let's Break Down the Fat Facts

Body fat is demonized like it's the villain in a bad B-movie, but it's actually more of a species superhero in disguise. Body fat isn't just about aesthetics; it plays several vital roles in our bodies. There are mainly three types of fat:

• Essential Fat: This isn’t just fat; it’s your body’s must-have stash, crucial for basic bodily functions, including those governed by hormones. Ladies, we naturally rock a higher percentage of this fat because, surprise, we’re designed to potentially support another human life. It's nature's way of keeping you healthy to reproduce, whether or not you have children, your body assumes you will. This fat is physiologically and evolutionarily crucial, and you will have to fight hard to get rid of it. It tends to gather in our hips and chest.  

• Subcutaneous Fat: This is the jiggly stuff that you can pinch. It’s hanging out just under your skin, keeping you warm and cushy. It’s not just there for looks; it's a vital energy reserve. This is also the fat we tirelessly try to get rid of and ridicule. Sometimes, because of the inputs we give our bodies through diet, sleep, movements, stress... we store a little bit more than we want, leading to feeling uncomfortable in our clothes.  

• Visceral Fat: The sneakier type, wrapping around and in your organs. This fat is denser and less pinch-y than the above fat. While a little goes a long way in protecting your inner workings, too much of this guest can crash the party, leading to stuff like heart disease and diabetes.

The Evolutionary Upside of Fat

While we all are so focused on shrinking ourselves, let's not forget that your body's ability to store INFINITE amounts of fat is the reason you are here; it's practically a superpower. It helped our ancestors survive ice ages, famines, and the occasional saber-toothed tiger encounter. This fat storage thing is why we’re here today, thriving and capable of binge-watching our favorite shows. In times of food scarcity, our bodies had ample amounts of fuel to continue running on, aka your body fat.

Can we start appreciating our body fat for what it really is? It's essential, it's protective, and, frankly, it's downright miraculous. Sure, aiming for fat loss is completely valid—many of us are indeed carrying a bit more than what's healthy, affecting both our well-being and how we feel in our bodies. And that's something I'm totally on board with helping you manage. By shifting how we view body fat—from disgust and failure to recognizing its crucial role and the healthy level of essential fat we all need—we can improve not only our health but also our relationship with our bodies.

If you're ready to change your narrative and achieve your health goals without the stress of harsh diets or punishing routines, I’m here to guide you. Let's get you feeling good in your skin again, the sane and sustainable way.

What do you think? Where did your beliefs about body fat come from? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.