When I read one of Corinne's latest blog posts, "Am I Insecure?" my immediate thought was, "This is so Guiltless, and I must share this amazing post with our readers!" That said, I contacted Corinne and asked if we could share her great writing with you all. Corinne is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with a Masters in Nutrition from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She earned her Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences from Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She's also a friend of the Guiltless gals, and we think she is just 100% fabulous! Enjoy the read!
Am I Insecure?
By: Corinne Dobbas, MS, RD
“I thought you’d be thinner.”
“You’re shorter than I thought.”
“Oh, you’re skinny.”
“Can you please suck in your stomach for me? These photos need to be good.”
“Oh, you’re actually hot, not what I imagined when I heard ‘dietitian.’”
“You’re kind of muscular. I don’t want to look like that. I want willowy.”
“I thought you’d be tall and lanky—you’re not.” 
“Yea, thought you’d be just another dumb blonde, but you’re actually really smart.”
These are just a smathering of some of the lovely comments that I’ve received over the years, as a Dietitian, from photographers to clients to media folk. All I can say is, thank the powers above that I have a pretty good body image and have become immune (okay, semi-immune) to the instant judgment that one receives when they discuss weight, body composition, and food all day long for a living. I mean, really? Yes, agreed. I am neither lanky nor tall. I do have fat on me as well as muscle (thank goodness!). And, I like to eat. I’ve included a picture here from a photo shoot, less than six moths ago, where the photographer told me “to suck in my tummy.” Um, ok? … I happen to like my “tummy” and all the food that goes in it! But sure, let me “suck it in” dude …
The Perfect Body
Our society has become so bent on the “perfect” body that women seem to forget that that image on the magazine cover is airbrushed, cellulite happens, Victoria Secret models are rare, imperfection is normal, and that confidence means more to men (…or at least some men) than those last 5 pounds. I’ve said this over and over, but I’ll say it again. I have yet to meet one woman who is 100% satisfied by their weight—whether a “bean pole,” or on the “”heftier side.” That said, ladies what in the world are you waiting for? Is the number on the scale really going to make you happy? Think about it.
Perhaps … but I assure you that it’s not the number on the scale that’s making you happy. Rather, it’s the healthier choices that are making you feel better—more sleep, working out, lots of fruits and veggies, loads of water, “me” time, a truly balanced diet, and so forth. These are the things that change you. These are the things that matter. This is why I do what I do. It makes me feel good. Exercise, clean eating, laughter, people, health, achieving goals, changing lives—this is what motivates me. This is what keeps me going. NOT my weight.
Choose Positive
I’m writing this post for all the women out there who email me, tweet me, phone me, or see me about how they wish they looked. I want you to know that you are not alone. Every gal on this planet could find something wrong with her body—trust me. It’s time to stop worrying so much about your “body’s bad” and start putting your “body’s good” to use. Feeling low? Go exercise. Had a greasy meal? Ok, no big deal, eat lots of veggies this week. Is your boyfriend or husband making negative comments about your body? You’re going to need to have a serious chat and if he’s boyfriend status, I’d suggest kicking him to the curb. The dude himself has issues, but this is venturing on a whole different topic… Are you binging at night and not eating breakfast? Start eating breakfast to gain back some order.
My point is, have some confidence in the fact alone that other fabulous fit females have the same thoughts running through their heads. Your choice simply comes down to whose voice do you choose? The positive one that motivates you to do? Or, the negative one that makes you feel frozen, insecure, and helpless? You are in control. You choose. You have the power to take charge and change your thoughts and actions. After all, thoughts eventually become actions—why not make them positive?
The Question
So, am I insecure? Today, not so much. I’ve grown to like who I am, what I can do for others, and appreciate what my body physically is capable of doing. That said, if someone says something offbeat about my physical appearance, will I be 100% immune? No. I am a human with a wide array of emotions. However, in my business and doing what I do, I expect some sort of judgment and for the most part, it’s okay because I’m okay with me. And in the end, isn’t that what really matters? As my grandma always says, “You can’t make anyone truly happy unless you’re truly happy with you.” Agreed. It’s taken some time to get to this point, and I assure you that the journey will continue, as it most certainly should. And, I hope you’re journey continues as well.
To positive thoughts that lead you to positive actions ;)
Thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts, Corinne! For more, follow Corinne on Twitter @RDCorinne and find her on Facebook!
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