76. Body Image Issues Over 40: Why It’s OK to Grieve Your Younger Body and How to Move Forward to Honor Your Midlife Body

Free Guide:  10 Daily Tips to Stop Stress Eating.

 Welcome to Episode 76 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!

Kim is real about the topic of grieving your younger body and the emotional toll of body changes during midlife. As a woman in your  40s, 50s, and beyond, you struggle with body image issues and long for the body you once had. Kim shares her personal experience of looking back at her own body in her 30s and early 40s, feeling strong and fit, yet struggling with changes that came during perimenopause and beyond.

Kim emphasizes that it's natural to feel sadness or regret when our bodies change, whether it's due to aging, childbirth, or other life events. She discusses how societal pressures and the unrealistic standards promoted by social media, advertising, and culture can make women feel like they should always look like they did in their youth. This pressure leads to feelings of invisibility and insecurity as women navigate the physical and emotional challenges of aging.

Throughout the episode, Kim shares insights from her listeners and clients who have opened up about their struggles with body image. Many express longing for their younger selves and regret over not taking better care of their bodies when they were younger. Others note the frustration of dealing with physical changes like weight gain, cellulite, and crepey skin. Kim compassionately validates these feelings, explaining that it’s normal to experience grief around our changing bodies.

She offers helpful strategies to shift the focus away from weight and appearance, encouraging women to celebrate what their bodies can do today. Kim advocates for practicing gratitude, embracing self-compassion, and challenging negative thoughts. She also highlights the importance of finding joy in movement—whether it’s walking, resistance training, or dancing—and avoiding punishing exercise or restrictive dieting.

Tune in to this thoughtful episode for actionable tips on how to grieve your younger body in a healthy way, reframe negative body image, and embrace the strength and beauty that come with midlife.

Highlights:

Grieving Your Younger Body: Introduction and Seasonal Refresh (0:00)

Body Image Issues and Societal Expectations (16:37)

Romanticizing the Past and Societal Influences (16:52)

Cultural and Societal Influences on Body Image (17:15)

Comparing Yourself to Your Younger Self (25:23)

Positive Self-Talk and Movement (30:59)

Healthy Boundaries with Social Media (38:00)

Longevity and Brain Health (40:04)

Non-Weight Goals and Experiences (42:05)

Final Thoughts and Affirmations (46:36)

Connect with Kim:

https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth

https://www.kimhynes.com    

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Help yourself to a free guide from Kim:  10 Daily Tips to Stop Stress Eating.

Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.

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