Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

"I want to be thinner." Have you said it? Have you thought it? It's a reality that many of us face because culture tells us that thinness is what we should desire and our culture values the way we look only if we are thin. Today, Heather unpacks what we can do, biblically, to explore that desire we have to be thinner or a longing we have for any sort of body change. Heather has three main points for today: It's Okay to Feel This way, Exploring What You Really Long For, and Aligning Our Desires with God's Desires. Here are some of the questions Heather poses in today's episode for you to reflect on: Do I really want a thin body – or is it that I want more control in a life that feels uncontrollable? Do I want some sort of insurance policy that I’ll never have to face a sickness that makes me uncomfortable or dehabilitates me? Do I want acceptance and trust and admiration from people? (Am I struggling with people pleasing?) What is it I desire the most? If it’s not more of God, more of his kingdom, to be more like Jesus – then I have to step back and ask myself what I’m believing: Am I believing that this life is the end game -that this is the Parade and not the warm up? Am I believing that these things I’m focused on here are ultimate things -things that will last until heaven or things that give me crowns in heaven? Am I believing that I will be more righteous or loved by God if I change the way my body looks? Here are some other things mentioned in today's show: Podcast episode on body grief and grieving ideal body size: https://www.comparedtowho.me/what-to-do-when-youre-depressed-about-body-size-grieving-your-ideal-body/ Podcast episode on "I Just Want to Feel Better About My Body": https://www.comparedtowho.me/i-just-want-to-feel-okay-about-my-body/ 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins (now offered on Tuesday evenings OR Thursday afternoons) will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore continues her conversation with Jonna, a biblical counselor, women's ministry leader, and pastor's wife who struggled with body image issues. Jonna shares the specific insights and breakthroughs she experienced in her journey of overcoming body image struggles through coaching with Heather. This is part two of the conversation. Today's conversation delves into how Jonna learned to shift her perspective about beauty and the true source of beauty according to scripture. She reflects on the realization that her blessings in life are not related to her physical appearance, but rather her relationships and the joy of being with her family. Jonna shares her emotional journey of learning to see herself and others through a different lens, focusing on joy and the character of the Lord rather than physical appearance. Jonna also discusses various exercises and reflections she underwent during the coaching program, such as acknowledging her struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the impact of her childhood experiences. She emphasizes the significance of adopting a new perspective on her identity and righteousness in Christ, realizing that her worth does not come from striving for physical betterment or perfection. The episode concludes with Jonna expressing her appreciation for Heather's coaching and the positive impact it has had on her life. Heather encourages listeners to consider participating in the coaching program or the 40-day Body Image Workbook Lent Reading Challenge to embark on their own journey toward freedom from body image struggles. This episode provides a candid and transformative dialogue about embracing one's true identity and finding freedom from the pressures of physical appearance through a faith-based, biblical approach to body image issues. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather Creekmore interviews her coaching client, pastor's wife, biblical counselor and women's ministry leader, Jonna, to share her story of body image struggles and what she experienced as she went through Heather's group coaching program: the Body Image Freedom Framework. Jonna vulnerably recounts the impact of hurtful comments on her body image and identity (including a drive-by "lose weight" comment). She talks about her internal battles as a Christian and biblical counselor facing body image struggles and how she believed she should already know or have all the answers to be free. Jonna helps listeners gain insight into the misconceptions surrounding seeking help for body image issues. She also unpacks her own journey and the temptation we all have to focus on physical appearance as a distraction from addressing deeper emotional wounds. Jonna's story highlights the importance of reorienting our focus towards pursuing the imperishable beauty of the heart and a quiet spirit and finding real beauty in fearing the Lord. Jonna's story will encourage and inspire you. There is hope if you have body image struggles. And, there's no one too "informed" or "mature" to be beyond getting the help they need from a trusted advisor to identify the places you are stuck so that you can find true freedom in Christ.  Next week we'll hear the rest of Jonna's story and she'll share how God worked in specific parts of her life through coaching! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you a black-and-white, all-or-nothing type of person who has a difficult time living in the gray (or grace) when it comes to your body, your food, or your health? If so, then today's episode is for you! Heather interviews podcast host, RN, and Intuitive Eating and body image coach, Victoria Yates about how we can learn to live in the "messy middle." Heather and Victoria talk about what it looks like to have health goals yet to not obsess over them, idolize them, or turn them into a shaming force that is anything but healthy.  Heather and Victoria dive into an empowering conversation about pursuing health goals without succumbing to the pressures of diet culture, delving into the importance of a calm and respectful relationship with food, the damaging effects of perfectionism and dieting, and the journey towards intuitive eating. With personal experiences and practical insights, they guide Christian women on a path of grace, self-compassion, and healthy living.  Learn more about Victoria, learn how to work with her, or listen to her podcast here: https://www.victoria-yates.com/ 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today is part two of the LIVE podcast featuring a 25-year eating disorder specialist, dietitian, and lover of Jesus, Amy Carlson M.S., L.D., R.D. Amy begins the episode by explaining something she said at the end of the last episode about taking the Lord's name in vain when we use God's name to rubber-stamp or sell our diet or fitness program. In addition to this truth bomb, Amy tackles questions from our live audience about participating in church-wide fasts, digestive issues that result from disordered eating or eating disorders, and what to do if you can't seem to stop binge eating. Amy shares so much wisdom in a God-honoring and gentle way. You can't help but get something out of today's great episode. Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this first-ever episode of Compared to Who? to be recorded with a LIVE audience, Heather and her guest, Amy Carlson, RD and eating disorder expert dive into the pressure to conform to all the diet-related pressures of January. Heather and Amy candidly discuss the intertwining of diet culture and the church, shedding light on how confusing it can be when the messages of culture around us start coming at us from our own congregations. Inspired by Creekmore's new book, "the 40-day Body Image Workbook," the conversation delves into making peace with one's body and feeling God's love, offering biblical encouragement and real talk about body image. Amy and Heather address the intertwining of diet culture and church culture, exploring how it can create shame and pressure regarding food and body image. They also discuss the concept of self-control in the church context and the dangers of using religious language to promote dieting and body image ideals. The episode highlights the need for genuine support, love, and deeper understanding within the Christian community as they navigate these complex issues. This is part one of a two-part episode, part two includes the Q&A from the live audience that participated in the recording. If you'd like to learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Ready for freedom but don't think coaching is for you right now, grab Heather's latest book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and get started on your freedom journey: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather continues her conversation with coaching client, Rachel, who completed the Body Image Freedom Framework course and coaching program in the Fall. Rachel shared in the last episode her story of being raised in a Christian home and learning to love Jesus, yet, how she was always complimented on her appearance and how this, subtly, led her to become fixated on it. In today's powerful episode, Rachel shares how God revealed to her that she looked at everything through the lens of her body. She thought about her body all day long, while getting dressed, while eating, while resting, while doing ministry. She thought about her body on vacation, while driving places, you name it, her body was always front of mind. Rachel talks about how we are called to love Jesus with all of our hearts, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), and how God convicted her that she was consumed mentally thinking about her body and food -- not thinking about Jesus. Rachel shares who God gave her new lenses to see her struggle differently and how God is helping her walk in new freedom with both her body and food. Rachel shares how God has revealed to her the truth of scripture, that all of these things that we chase really are passing away, so that she can chase what will last and what is truly important. Finally, Rachel also shares how though her weight has changed, she has become healthier - and even has the blood work to prove it. Many women who are in disordered eating or eating disorders are shamed with fear that to have a healthy relationship with food would mean they'd have an unhealthy body. But, this isn't the truth. There is a way to be healthy and free! If you'd like to learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Use the code: START40 at checkout for any monthly payment option to get started for just $40 in January. Ready for freedom but don't think coaching is for you right now, grab Heather's latest book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and get started on your freedom journey: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather interviews one of her graduates from the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program named Rachel. Rachel shares her story of feeling like her appearance is what made her accepted. She shares how she slowly and subtly slipped into becoming more and more obsessed and focused on her appearance and her weight as she aged. Rachel relates her story to Gollum from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Gollum became more and more obsessed with having the ring until it destroyed him. But that ring was his power, his worth, and his identity. Similarly, as Rachel looks back on her story she's able to see how her desire for beauty, a certain body size, and acceptance secretly became more important to her than Jesus. Rachel authentically shares the journey God has taken her on and how she's been learning to walk in freedom with her body, body size, and food. This is part one of a two-part interview. In Friday's episode we'll talk about how Rachel viewed all of life through the lens of her body and how God helped give her new glasses to change her perspective. If you are interested in learning more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program - or learning how you can get started in January for just $40, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  At checkout, use the code: START40 on any monthly payment option for the course and coaching. Or reach out to Heather at Heather @comparedtowho.me if you have questions about the program or are wondering if it is right for you. Looking for other ways to get free from body image issues? Check out Heather's brand new book, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“My body became my business card,” Belinda explains in today's interview. You'll hear all about Belinda’s journey from experiencing weight loss success and even coaching others in a popular weight loss business to being overwhelmed with body image issues and desperate for help. Belinda just completed the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program. Belinda reached out on her 40th birthday for help and is now sharing her story after spending 12 weeks in Heather’s coaching and course. Belinda had the “after” picture, but it hadn’t fixed her body image issues. Today Belinda shares what she thought and expected from the program, how the program worked for her, and where she’s at now in her body image struggles. “God wants you to be healthy and thin” was the message she heard, but it soon became an idol that Belinda was chasing and feeling more and more trapped instead of more freedom. Now she feels like she has tools to knock down the lies and fight to believe what God says about her worth and her body. Belinda shares how she had to re-learn principles around food and body from a biblical perspective and how she’s wrestled her heart posture and beliefs around beauty. She shares how this course helped her take that head knowledge and make it heart knowledge. They also talk about how heavy the body shame is when women are struggling with body image issues and always trying to change their body to feel better about it. They also talk about how the group coaching program connected Belinda to a group of women who understand not only her body image struggles but also understand a biblical perspective on how to solve them. Connect with Belinda here: https://www.instagram.com/healthinhisimage/ Ready for coaching this year? Get started with Heather's Body Image Freedom Framework Coaching or online course for just $40 in January. Use the code: Start40 on www.improvebodyimage.com course page. Or, drop Heather an email at: heather@comparedtowho.me to learn more Have you read Heather's brand new 40-Day Body Image Workbook? Learn more about this fantastic resource at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather welcomes Amy Reinecke host of the "Love Your Body Well" podcast. Heather and Amy discuss what Amy means when she talks about loving your body well and how it's not about body pride or a feeling you have about your body, but rather about an action you take towards your body -- how you treat it and think about it. Amy shares her story of weight loss and weight gain, struggling with back issues and an autoimmune disease, and how God has walked with her to a place where she feels more confident and comfortable with her body, even though it's not the size she prefers. Today Heather and Amy also talk about: **What's underneath our desire to "press the easy button" and try another diet to "fix it all" (and why this never works!) **How to unlearn our dieting behaviors **Amy shares how she felt like she was making "everyone else happy" with her weight loss, yet how she was miserable and stressed out on the inside. **How there's not a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss or health. We will each have to figure out what works for us. **Why your story and life are still valuable, even if you wish your body looked different. Learn more or connect with Amy Reinecke at: www.loveyourbodywell.net or on her podcast: Love Your Body Well Ready for coaching this year? Get started with Heather's coaching or online course for just $40 in January. Use the code: Start40 on www.improvebodyimage.com course page. Have you read Heather's brand new 40-Day Body Image Workbook? Learn more about this fantastic resource at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.