“Body Confidence does not come from trying to achieve the perfect body, It comes from LOVING and EMBRACING the one you already have.” unknown

It is over 3 years now since I decided to change my lifestyle by ditching old habits through knowledge I acquired from qualified nutritionists and fitness professionals, they explained why I was putting on so much weight and why I was struggling to lose weight and keep it off!

What I have learned is that consistency is key when you want to lose weight and maintain the weight loss achieved. I have personally struggled to maintain but I always know how to get back to the routine required, in order not to go back to where I was. I tend to gain weight much easier than I lose which I think is common for most people.

It is important to workout at least 3-4 times a week and to maintain a healthy diet which consists of Vegetables, Fruits, Protein, and Whole Grains and drinking a lot of water. I wrote more about this in one of my previous posts, “Fitness and Nutrition” – check that out.  Balance is also very important, you cannot totally deprive yourself of things you love, you can indulge in whatever you crave at least once a week but remember not to binge or lose track of what you’re eating.

This time round, I do not want to write much about exercise and diet, but to focus more on body image. I used to think that I was the only one who had issues with my body or that only big (voluptuous) people had such issues (S/O to Anisha for that great word that best describes us so well!). I discovered that slimmer people also have serious body image issues and that is not because we hate our bodies but its society and the people around us that influence how we perceive ourselves. I struggled so much especially from a younger age, I was easily offended when someone made comments about my weight and that didn’t help at all, I instead continued to eat more and put on more weight. It was not until I was at my heaviest (112 KG) that I embraced my body (curves and rolls).

I realized this is who I am and If I am not confident in my own body then I would not have control of myself and my emotions. I for sure knew that I wanted to lose weight but I had to be happy and confident with my current body as I worked towards the body I wanted.

For someone who knew me before and now might think I am fully satisfied with how I look and feel, but that’s not true. When I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see a flat tummy and toned arms. There are still so many things I am not happy about. While I see an imperfect body that has gone through highs and lows; I am very proud of how far I have come in accepting my body. It is far from being perfect but it is mine and the only choice I have is to embrace it and love it with all its flaws. If I don’t love my body who will anyway?

So I want to encourage YOU! Whether you are slim or big (voluptuous) embrace your body, be happy and confident in your skin then it will become easier for you to work on changing that body you love to make it better and healthier!

For those people who offend you, pay no attention to them because they have their own struggles and can only see your flaws instead of dealing with their own flaws.

The Words we use.

If you ever catch yourself saying things like

“You’re so skinny”

“You look like you’ve gained weight”

“You don’t have to work out you’re already skinny” (I’m guilty of this one). I know everyone despite the weight they carry should exercise regularly to stay fit and healthy.

Please stay away from comments that might offend someone and their process. I try so hard not to say words that might wound someone and their body image issues because I know how it feels.

I feel I should also write this blog specifically to Rwandans who think that commenting on someone’s weight is a greeting or the first thing you should say when you see someone. Some of the words they use are so hurtful I wonder if they realize how damaging it can be to someone.

Here are some of the things Rwandans will say, with a translation for non-Kinyarwanda speakers!

“Kowashize?”-  You’re getting too skinny

“Ego ko!! Ubwo urangana ute?,rekera aho kurya!” –  How fat are you? You need to stop eating!

“Wamwana we, Kowashize, ntukirya?” Young lady, you’re becoming too skinny, don’t you eat?

“Ariko wongeye kubyibuha!” I think you’ve gained weight!

It can actually be very confusing if you pay attention to such hurtful words, don’t let these words diminish your body confidence but instead affirm yourself every day that other people’s perception of your body image will not compromise your body confidence!