5 Positive Body Image Lessons From Taryn Brumfitt

Positive body image is all about how you feel inside. Internet sensation Tayrn Brumfitt shares her wisdom...
Positive body image is all about how you feel inside...
Meet Taryn Brumfitt. The Australian mother of three became an overnight internet sensation when she posted this picture, representing her journey from body loather to body lover on Facebook last year - Ashton Kutcher, Ricki Lake and Zooey Deschanel all shared her post.
'You are fat, and you are ugly, and you are disgusting', these are the words that Taryn muttered to herself every time she looked in the mirror.
Taryn's quest for the perfect body started shortly after the birth of her first child. Suddenly she felt that her body wasn't up to scratch, and that she needed cosmetic surgery to feel confident again.
The day before she was set to go under the knife, Taryn had an 'epiphany'. Watching her daughter play, she thought, 'How am I going to teach her to love her body, if her mum can't do the same?' That afternoon, she called the surgeon's office and cancelled the operation.
But, those body confidence niggles weren't easy to shake. So, Taryn decided to 'do something crazy' - entering a body building competition, pushing her body to its limits in a quest to feel confident.
Fifteen weeks later, she stepped out on stage in a bikini. Did she feel more confident than ever? No. 'I did have the perfect body, or near enough', Taryn says. 'And you know what? Nothing changed. Nothing about the way I felt about my body.'
At that moment, she stopped with the negativity - and launched the Body Image Movement. Now an exponent on the value and power of positive body image, Taryn's new book, 'Embrace: My Journey From Body Loather to Body Lover' (£14.99; New Holland Publishers) is fast becoming a bestseller.
American chat show host, Ricki Lake writes in the forward to Taryn's book, 'As someone who has struggled with my body image over the years...it is inspiring to see someone like Taryn take a stand against the way society pressurises women to conform to a certain shape.'
Could Taryn Brumfitt's new-found wisdom help you to embrace every inch too?
Positive body image lesson 1: Learn to love what you see in the mirror
'I think learning to love yourself happens away from the mirror', Taryn says. 'You can't see beauty, it lies within. It has nothing to do with our appearance. Humility, kindness and compassion should be the currency of beauty.'
Positive body image lesson 2:Remember that the scales aren't everything
'There is nothing bad about wanting to be the best you can be, however I would recommend your focus remains on health and not your weight', Taryn says. 'Chasing a number on the scales doesn't define you, your health or your happiness.'
Positive body image lesson 3:Stop comparing yourself
'Skinnier, fatter, it doesn't matter what your shape or size', Taryn says. 'Your health is unique to you and is not necessarily determined by the amount of fat or lack of fat on your body.'
Positive body image lesson 4: Give your body what it needs
'For great health our bodies need water, good fresh 'living' food, rest, sunshine, fresh air and our bodies need to move' Taryn says. 'That's it - really bloody simple!'
Positive body image lesson 5: Respect your body for how hard it works
'My stomach is the place that housed my three babies, and it is stretched and therefore has stretch marks. Does it matter that my tummy looks white, lumpy, stretched, saggy? No', Taryn (pictured) says. 'What matters is what my body can do! And my body can do everything I want and need it to do! She has given me so much, I am in awe of her talent, resilience and abilities' Buy 'Embrace: My Journey From Body Loather to Body Lover' by Taryn Brumfitt (£14.99; New Holland Publishers)
Buy Taryn Brumfitt's book
Buy 'Embrace: My Journey From Body Loather to Body Lover' (£14.99; New Holland Publishers)
-
-
The best skin care routine for rosacea: a go-to guide to care and products
We asked an expert for the best advice and skin care routine for rosacea, a common (yet serious) skin condition.
By Courtney Leiva •
-
Everything you need to know about dressing to flatter a rectangle body shape
Lucky you! A rectangle body shape is one of the easiest body types to dress, all thanks to your slender physique.
By Jess Beech •
-
Fitness for women – 5 ways to boost motivation and enjoy exercise
Our health guru, Annie Deadman, makes fitness for women achievable, fun and simple...
By Lucy Gornall •
-
An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions
Itchy, raised or bleeding moles? Spotting the signs that could save your life…
By Faye M Smith •
-
Yoga for weight loss - why it works, when to practice and the three moves you need to know about
Want to stretch and slim? Then it's time to try yoga for weight loss...
By Rose Goodman •
-
How to be happy in nature – boost your mood instantly by going outside
Learning how to be happy is easier than you think. Try these simple tips to stay mentally strong
By Ali Horsfall •
-
Research reveals that 14.5% of women feel menopause is affecting their sex lives
New research has revealed that 14.5% of women feel that menopause is affecting their sex lives
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Your most Googled sleep problems solved: from insomnia and night sweats to the best positions to stop pain
Sleep problems wreaking havoc with your wellbeing? We asked the experts the questions that are keeping you up at night...
By Rose Goodman •
-
The best sleep teas for relaxing at bedtime
Sleep teas can help relax your body and mind for a better night's rest
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
Skechers’ new walking shoes are the perfect Mother's Day gift to give your mum the ultimate comfort
Skechers’ new Arch Fit walking shoes offer podiatrist-certified support to keep you stable and comfortable on long walks
By Aleesha Badkar •