As a teenager, I had a moment that stuck with me. While enjoying soft serve with my friend Sarah, she playfully placed her hand on my lower belly, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, I love this!” At that moment, I felt no embarrassment. Sarah was my closest confidante, and we had shared countless laughs together, from trying on bras in the harsh lighting of department store dressing rooms to testing out swimsuits. Yet, I couldn’t help but wish I had the same love for my own belly that she seemed to have. With her flat stomach, it was easy for her to appreciate mine — but it was mine, and I struggled to embrace it.
From a young age, I had a bit of a belly. Even as a lanky child, there was always a gentle curve just below my navel. As I entered adolescence, I quickly learned that indulging in my favorite foods would lead to the same curve becoming more pronounced. While I appreciated my strong physique, I longed for a different body, one without that persistent pooch.
Throughout high school, I typically wore a size 8, belly included. I went through a phase where I believed that achieving a model-like figure meant restricting my calories to a mere 1,200 a day. I did lose around 20 pounds, yet my belly remained, reminding me that I was born with this shape. No amount of dieting could alter that reality. Eventually, I let go of the deprivation mindset, but I still wished for flatter abs.
Now in my 40s, and after welcoming three wonderful children into my life, I’ve learned to accept my belly. It’s not going anywhere, and I’ve made peace with it. I run about 40 miles weekly, training for half marathons, and I feel that belly with every step. It’s a reminder that I am normal. This little pooch is part of who I am.
We often overlook the vast spectrum of what “normal” looks like for our bodies. After giving birth, I experienced a size increase, and that was perfectly normal. My friend Maria struggled with her own body image after her third child, moving from a size 2 to a size 8, yet she too is normal at every size. Another friend, who enjoys nachos and margaritas, walks for mental clarity rather than physical appearance. She is a size 12, looking absolutely fabulous, and she is normal. Even models like Ashley Graham embrace their curves and are celebrated for their beauty. Meanwhile, my sister-in-law maintains a fit lifestyle, sporting rock-hard abs and minimal body fat – and guess what? She is normal too.
We all share the desire to feel and look our best, grappling with the genetics we’ve been given. It’s much easier to appreciate beauty in others than in ourselves, often leading us to criticize our own perceived flaws.
Our bellies are soft and sensitive; they protect vital organs and house the meals we enjoy. They carry the potential to nurture life. Regardless of their shape or size, they deserve our love and acceptance. There is no ideal body — the only perfect body is the one we inhabit at this moment. Whether we have a thigh gap or a belly pooch, we are all perfect as we are. Start treating yourself with the kindness you would offer a friend; you deserve it.
For more insights on self-acceptance and parenting, check out this piece on Intracervical Insemination. If you’re curious about home insemination, BabyMaker has some great products to consider. For information on pregnancy success rates, WebMD offers excellent resources.
Summary
Embracing our bodies, including our belly pooches, is essential in a world filled with unrealistic beauty standards. Whether you’re a size 2 or 12, every body is normal. Our bellies serve important functions and deserve love, regardless of their shape. Start treating yourself with the kindness you extend to others, because you are perfect just as you are.