I'm Not Valerie

I was going through the checkout and noticed the front page of a magazine. It showed Valerie Bettinelli now and a year or so ago. She was a spokesperson for Jenni Craig and did commercials for them for a few years. Yes, she looked great in the bikini picture. But I am suggesting she looks great now. 

That picture of now is not the most flattering picture that was ever taken. But I have been thin and fat and in both conditions I have had photos taken that were flattering and ones that weren't. 

I am certainly glad that I am not Valerie. I have gained some weight back this past year and I am so glad that my picture isn't plastered in the checkout reading "Jennifer Gained 50 Pounds".  The truth is that last year when I was so thin I felt horrible. I liked the way I looked but I was feeling poorly because I didn't have enough nutrients and fat to sustain that thin weight. When I started eating normally again, I felt so much better. And I gained weight. Just like Valerie. 

I saw Valerie on a daytime television show a couple of days ago and she addressed her weight gain with the host. She talked about how much better she felt and how her age played a role in her size at this juncture in her life. Me too. She said that she felt like her new role would be to be a spokesperson or a voice to women who are middle aged and happy with their bodies. Me too. 

Everyone, no matter what the age or body size can find clothing that is flattering and looks good on them. Some styles just don't work for tall people. Some styles don't work for short people. Some styles don't work for overweight or thin people. 

I am Valerie. I am the person who is happy with who she is today. Making healthy eating choices and exercising regularly. If I am heavier with that lifestyle then I can embrace it and be happy with myself. Truth is, no one really looks stellar in a bathing suit. Not normal people anyway. Sure, there are some attractive people who look good in a swimsuit but the majority of regular people look better with clothes on. Flattering clothes. My opinion, doesn't have to be yours. 

Let's embrace the body we have. Love ourselves for who God made us to be. Let us make healthy choices and move more. Let us embrace healthy. Healthy is the new thin. I have made the mistake of thinking "Oh if I could wear size 6 jeans I would be happy". Truth is I am just as happy now as I was wearing size 6 jeans. Happiness is not attached to numbers. It is from within. An attitude of people who focus on God and not man's standards. 

Have a fabulous day!  Please consider me to speak at your next event and thanks so much or reading my blog!

Jennifer