SOMA Living June 2025

HEALTH & WELLNESS The journey with our bodies is complex, often full of conflicting messages. We are told to strive for “ideal” physiques while also being encouraged to embrace self love, creating a confusing dichotomy. Where is the line between healthy goals and harmful fixations? Making peace with your body doesn’t mean abandoning your goals. True peace involves cultivating respect and acceptance, regardless of size or shape. Understand that worth isn’t defined by your body and that health manifests in various forms. This involves shifting focus from aesthetic ideals to overall well-being. This doesn’t mean giving up on a healthier lifestyle. Setting goals like increasing strength, improving endurance, or adopting a nutritious diet can reflect acts of self-care. The key difference lies in the intention and approach. When driven by self-hatred or a desire to conform to unrealistic standards, pursuing body goals becomes destructive. It can lead to disordered eating, exercise addiction, and a distorted self-image. However, a genuine desire to enhance health and well-being makes these goals empowering and positive. Ultimately, making peace with your body involves balancing acceptance and growth. It honors your body’s needs, celebrates its capabilities, and nourishes in a way that promotes both physical and mental health. You alone determine what that looks and feels like for you. It’s a lifelong process that demands patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to redefine what “success” truly means.

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Photos by Erica Reade Photography

Callie is a licensed registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in women’s health and wellbeing, holds a masters of public health from NYU and is a certified personal trainer. She has served on the board of the Greater New York Dietetics Association and has been featured in Huffington Post, USNews, TheThirty, Insider, Healthline, Elite Daily and the Hormonally Yours Podcast. Follow Callie on Instagram, Linkedin and TikTok

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