Challenging the Standard of Skinny
Hello everyone! Welcome to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast. I’m Laura Ollinger, and today I’m thrilled to introduce Rachel Lavin, a health coach and author. Rachel’s mission is to help people love themselves from the inside out, regardless of body size. Let’s dive into her journey and insights on body positivity and self-love.
Meet Rachel Lavin
Rachel has over 20 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, starting as a group exercise instructor, then becoming a personal trainer, and now a health coach. Despite her extensive background, Rachel struggled with body image issues for many years. This personal experience drives her passion for helping others.
The Importance of Body Positivity
Rachel emphasizes that body positivity isn't just for girls but is equally important for boys. In our society, there's immense pressure on body image, and this affects everyone. Rachel’s goal is to break this programming and help people understand they can love themselves at any size.
Rachel’s Journey
Rachel shared how she dealt with her body image issues and the importance of starting her journey from the beginning. She realized she had to address her own trauma and feelings of inadequacy to help others effectively. Her book, "The Donut Diaries," chronicles this journey in a conversational style, making it feel like a chat with a friend rather than a self-help guide.
Changing the Narrative
In our conversation, we discussed how societal expectations affect body image, especially for women. Rachel highlighted the importance of open conversations with our children about body image. She believes that seeing how we treat ourselves teaches our children how to treat their bodies.
The Reunion Challenge
I shared my experience preparing for my 30-year high school reunion and the pressure to look a certain way. Rachel helped me understand the importance of recognizing why we want to look good and ensuring our efforts come from a place of self-love rather than societal pressure.
Advice for Moms
Rachel's advice for moms revolves around meeting them where they are and understanding the programming we’ve all experienced. She encourages women to focus on self-love and understand that it's okay to have moments of self-doubt. The key is to address these feelings honestly and not let them define us.
Transformative Coaching
Rachel shared a success story of a client she’s worked with for ten years. This client was in a bad relationship and job, taking it out on her body. Through Rachel’s guidance, she learned to change her negative self-talk and focus on feeling strong and confident. Rachel’s approach emphasizes the difference between saying "I am" versus "I feel," helping clients build a positive identity.
Romantic Relationships and Body Image
We discussed how body image affects romantic relationships. Rachel shared her own experience and stressed the importance of loving oneself first. She highlighted that a supportive partner should never make you feel insecure about your body.
Final Thoughts
Rachel’s final message is about the power of choice. We have the ability to choose positive thoughts about ourselves, and with the help of a coach, we can foster a more positive self-image. This positivity can ripple into other areas of our lives, opening new doors and enhancing our relationships.
Connect with Rachel
Rachel Lavin Lifestyle and Wellness is where you can find Rachel online. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
For more insights from Rachel Lavin, listen to the full podcast episode. Let’s work together to embrace self-love at any size and foster a positive body image for ourselves and our children.
Listen to the full podcast episode with Rachel Lavin to learn more about body positivity and self-love.
