Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Today's show is a replay of one of the most popular shows of last year. Even if you've already listened, it's a great reminder and encouragement for all of us to remember what it is we are truly called to pursue. Do you want to be hot or holy? Like me, you may struggle not to have your answer be: I want to be both! Yet pursuing a better body can often precede our priorities over pursuing Christ-likeness. Longing for beauty isn't something to be ashamed of. We've been programmed to believe that our value is based on our appearance or connected to how we look. It takes a lot of faith and trust in God to break free from the world's economy of beauty. On today's show, we talk about how shifting our greatest pursuit to holiness instead of the culture's definition of beauty can transform our lives and feel the freedom in Christ that we long for. If you struggle with wanting to be hot more than you want to be holy, today's show is for you! Here's where we go today as we discuss pursuing being hot or holy: How do we truly desire to be more like Jesus? How do we free ourselves from the mindset that an improved physical appearance gives us the most value? Does Hot or Holy have to be a choice? How do we focus on making our hearts more beautiful when culture tells us our greatest need is a better body? What does Jesus really ask of us in the arena of pursuing holiness? The Catholic Litany of Humility - and its amazing reminders of how to lay down our desires to pursue recognition, glory, praise and worship for ourselves in order to keep our focus on worshipping Jesus. Erin Todd's "A Former Dieters Prayer for Humility" - Erin does an amazing job re-writing the original to speak to each of the issues we face in the body image/dieting/wellness realm. Print it somewhere you can read it daily! Today's show is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more about this great homeschool program at: https://www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Are we email friends yet? Join the 5 Day Body Image Freedom Email Challenge here: https://comparedtowho.me Have you read Compared to Who? Check it out and start reading free, here: https://comparedtowho.me/compared-to-who-book-for-christian-women-on-body-image/ Ready for some extra support on your journey to body image freedom? Do you want to believe you are more than a body but still feel stuck? Struggling with the hot or holy paradigm? Check out Heather’s coaching options. Learn more here: https://comparedtowho.me/christian-body-image-coaching-insecurity-confidence-gospel/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather talks to her friend, author and podcast host Rebecca George. Rebecca is a pastor's wife, speaker, author, and podcaster who has been a runner most of her life. Today Heather and Rebecca talk about how Rebecca's relationship with running has taught her things about her body image and goal setting. They also discuss the pressures of social media, the importance of finding rest, and discovering one's purpose and calling. Heather and Rebecca share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate the pressure of social media and the importance of grace in the pursuit of self-discipline. Check out Rebecca's Etsy shop (with the cute earrings Heather mentioned), here: RadicalRadianceStore Listen to Heather's appearance on Rebecca's show here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/075-living-a-comparison-free-life-with-heather-creekmore/id1484726102?i=1000507700414 Check out Rebecca's podcast here:  https://www.radicalradiance.live Check out her new book here: "Do The Thing" Book (Amazon affiliate link- a tiny portion of your purchase goes back to the ministry) Learn more about coaching: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The June 16th episode on gluttony caught many listeners by surprise, so today Heather revisits this topic to go even deeper into what the Bible says about gluttony. Heather delves into the topic of gluttony again and provides listeners with tools to think critically about what it means according to Scripture, not bloggers or internet pundits. Today Heather discusses how the Church has historically used manmade created lists of virtues and vices but how it's crucial to interpret them in light of God's word. She also questions how our interpretations of scripture have been influenced by diet culture and encourages listeners to have conversations with their spiritual leaders about this topic, with their Bibles open. Here are some of the resources referenced in today's show: Listen to part one on Gluttony here: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-is-gluttony-really-what-the-bible-really-says John Cassian's 8 Vices: https://www.wenorthodox.com/forum/on-spiritual-life/on-the-eight-vices-st-john-cassian-c-ad-360-c-435 Some interesting thoughts on Evagrius Ponticus and John Cassian from a Catholic priest: https://desertfathers.blogspot.com/2014/02/mysticism-evagrius-ponticus-and-john.html Deuteronomy 21:18 Proverbs 23 Proverbs 24:13 1 Timothy 3 Colossians 2 Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Have you subscribed to the Compared to Who? show? Do so on your favorite podcast app! Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: comparedtowho.me Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore shares what to do when you have a bad body image day or week where you just feel really bad about your body. Heather shares from a recent experience having her own "body image flare up" and how she handled it. The episode also covers topics like grieving our past or ideal bodies, recognizing vulnerability to body image attacks, and creating resources to prevent spiraling out of control when you're struggling. Heather describes how body image issues are often connected to other pain in life talks in depth about her struggle with body dysmorphia, feeling confused about her true size and appearance, has looked over the years. The episode also discusses how societal constructs perpetuated by media and advertising contribute to the idea of a perfect body being the key to happiness. Heather also shares different tactics the enemy uses to tempt a person and how we can help ourselves and others avoid making things worse and spiraling out of control. Join the conversation to gain insight into how to cope with a tough day in the body image battle. Are you ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more or grab a ten minute coaching consult for free at:www.improvebodyimage.com or www.comparedtowho.me Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. Learn more at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you been following the Ozempic or Wegovy weight loss drug trends that are skyrocketing in our culture? It seems like it may be the "miracle solution" every dieter has dreamed of. It's not a pill, but a shot that you can take that seems to melt the weight right off. In today's show we're going to talk about what these drugs really do to the body, what the side effects are (and there are a lot of them), and how they may not actually address the real issues behind body image issues that connect to weight. Here are some of the important data points from today: Wegovy/Ozempic are semaglutide that mimic the GLP-1 Hormone to help lower your blood sugar and suppress your appetite and slows your digestion. You still have to diet and exercise to lose weight on these drugs. There are so many potentially dangerous or lifestyle devastating side effects of these drugs, it's important to understand the physical costs of these drugs. There may also be a risk of all the side effects that come with calorie restriction, aside from and along with the side effects of the medication. Here are the episode I did with Tracy Brown on the effects of disordered eating and eating disorders on our bodies. Did Your Dieting Hurt Your Body? Feat. Tracy Brown and Stomach, GI Tract Issues That Connect to Dieting & Disordered Eating These drugs are also expensive, especially if you don't have diabetes or another condition where insurance will help pay for it. Weight loss can't fix eating disorders, trauma, or body image issues. Check out this USA Today article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/04/02/downside-weight-loss-medication-side-effects-big-pharma/11464954002/ What "Ozempic Face" is and how it's being "fixed" and how this proves that weight loss alone doesn't fix our body image issues. From the USA Today piece linked above: "In the longest study, lasting 68 weeks – about 16 months – weight loss plateaued and started to climb again by the end, suggesting people's bodies had acclimated to the drugs." If what is most dangerous for most of us, health wise, is weight cycling, not necessarily having a higher weight, is Ozempic/Wegovy the healthiest option? How hard it is to watch people melt away the weight with weight loss drugs, but remember that it costs something and may not last. It certainly can't solve the issues of the heart around our body image issues, envy, or even struggles with our worth. **Updated 6-22: An Ozempic provider reached out to me to clarify that these drugs can be helpful for women who have truly struggled at higher weights with healthy habits and need intervention and inspiration to pursue a different lifestyle. She has seen it be effective in these cases and believes the side effects may be more nuanced than presented on the pharmaceutical company's website. This podcast is not intended for medical advice, please consult your physician.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather digs into the topic of gluttony. So many of us have been taught in the church that gluttony equals overeating. We've felt shame, guilt, and stress as we've tried to not be "gluttonous" in the way we've related to food. And, in that desire and pursuit of not committing this sin, we've been co-opted by the myths and rules of diet culture. We've learned that going back for seconds or enjoying Thanksgiving dinner is gluttony. But, does the Bible really connect gluttony to food and our enjoyment of it? Does the Bible really say that gluttony is eating more calories than we need? Does God really watch every bite we eat waiting for us to cross the line into gluttony when we eat? You'll be surprised by all the helpful, Biblical truth in this episode as we dig in to what the Bible really says about gluttony. Main Takeaways from this Episode: The enemy has held us in guilt and shame and condemnation around Gluttony according to a standard that is not the Bible standard at all. If you're trying to do intuitive eating and it feels uncomfortable because your body keeps telling you you're hungry and you're eating more than you used to eat, that is not gluttony. Gluttony is about your heart, not about what's on your plate. Helpful resources: But What About Gluttony by Kevin DeYoung Philippians 3:17-19 Proverbs 23 Today's episode is sponsored by Classical Conversations. If you're looking for a great way to homeschool your children in community with other Christians, check out Classical Conversations. Visit: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho for more information. Are you ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore tackles the issue of food idolatry and how it relates to body image. Idolatry is a tricky topic, and many women who wrestle the body image idol may secretly desire to label food as an idol too. Heather asks listeners to carefully consider several questions in the form of an "idols test" to see where if food is really their idol, or if it's something else. Here are some key topics covered in today's episodes: Introduction to body image idolatry among women Discussion on how women may shift their focus from body image to food as an idol, especially for those with eating disorders Link between food as an idol and the desire to improve one's body Heather Creekmore's suggestion to consider what one cannot live without beyond physiological needs The potential confusion around food being on the idol list Discussion on fear around food and the topic of gluttony Heather Creekmore's personal experience with disordered eating and society's influence on food habits Fear of losing something being an indicator of an idol Determining the difference between physiological need and food idolatry Lack of understanding about the physiological effects of restriction and disordered eating Idea that finding satisfaction in food is not bad, but ultimate satisfaction cannot be found in it Discussion on spending a lot of time thinking about food and potential physiological connection. Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com Are you interested in homeschooling? Learn more about our sponsor, Classical Conversations at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we explore the uncomfortable changes women go through as they age. We discuss how perimenopause and menopause are not talked about enough in society and how there is a movement to normalize aging. And, Heather gets an exclusive coaching session from Ruth Harper, a registered dietitian and intuitive eating coach. Through the coaching time, Heather and Ruth talk about naming the feelings we have towards our changing bodies, how shame can feel heavy in certain parts of the body, and how connecting with what the body is experiencing can help provide ministering. This discussion on embracing the changes that come with aging will encourage and uplift you! Connect with Ruth Harper at: www.nourishmentor.com Learn more about Classical Conversations at: www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Ready for Christian body image coaching? Learn more at: www.improvebodyimage.com     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather and her guest, Ruth Harper, a registered dietitian, and nutrition therapist talk about Ruth's journey to making peace with both food and aging. Ruth struggled with body-consciousness and a strong perfectionist mentality as a teenager, as a result of her involvement in track and field. She tried to control her eating habits by eating less and running more, but ended up feeling devastated when she couldn't maintain control over her body. Ruth shares what helped her overcome her struggles, how her journey with food, control, and body image issues has gone, and what has happened as she's added aging to the mix. Heather and Ruth discuss the fear and terror that arises when undergoing body changes and how to approach aging and menopause while dealing with unexpected complications. They reference Ruth's personal struggles with emotional regulation, body image, and appearance expectations. Ruth offers tips on intuitive eating and relaxing for those going through perimenopause or menopause, and explains how the right mindset can help navigate this difficult period. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking body image freedom while struggling with the pressures of aging.  Learn more about Ruth Harper here: https://nourishmentor.com/ Learn more about Classical Conversations, today's sponsor, here: www.classicalconversations.com Learn more about Christian body image coaching with Heather Creekmore, here: www.improvebodyimage.com   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore is joined by Erin Kerry to discuss a simple and effective way to feel better in your body without weight loss or changes in diet and exercise. Erin, an integrative nutrition health coach and a survivor of bipolar disorder, advocates for safe sun exposure for vitamin D production, gut health, and overall wellness. She also recommends apps like D-minder and talks about an interesting study using cacao powder to ensure optimal safe sun exposure and reduce sun sensitivity. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of sunshine and safe sun exposure for overall health and wellness. Learn more about Erin's health coaching services, listen to her podcast, or connect with Erin Kerry at: www.sparkingwholeness.com Here are three key takeaways from the episode: Improve body image by addressing internal issues of the heart, instead of just physical appearance. Vitamin D is essential for overall health, and the sun is the easiest way to get it. However, individualized, safe sun exposure is important and may require help such as an app like D Minder. Morning sun exposure can stimulate the production of serotonin, which can regulate sleep cycles and improve mood all of which can help you feel better about your body and improve your body image. Topics Covered: [00:03:39] "The power of the sun: Benefits of Vitamin D" [00:08:22] "The Struggle of Implementing Free and Easy Wellness Practices" [00:12:29] "Benefits of Outdoor Exercise: Don't Miss Out" [00:14:01] "Navigating Safe Sun Exposure and Vitamin D Absorption" [00:19:29] "Revolutionary D Mind App detects Vitamin D" [00:21:10] "Genetic Snips and Vitamin D Absorption" [00:25:23] "Partnering with Your Body: The Key to Health" [00:28:05] "Embracing Grace: Letting go of Checklists & Striving" Interested in homeschooling? Check out this month's sponsor, Classical Conversations, to learn more about a great way to help your children learn and grow. www.classicalconversations.com/comparedtowho Ready to find more freedom on your body image journey? Ready to feel better about your body this summer and all year long? Visit: www.improvebodyimage.com and find the coaching tab to find out more about whether or not Christian body image coaching is right for you! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.