Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Heather Creekmore is joined by author Janet McHenry to discuss the many facets of prayer, personal struggles with prayer, and the various "praying personalities" that influence how individuals approach prayer. Janet shares her inspiring journey of navigating health issues and how it led her to a deeper life of prayer, ultimately leading her to write a book about prayer walking. Throughout the episode, Heather and Janet delve into the different ways people can connect with God through prayer, the impact of personality on prayer habits, and the significance of understanding oneself through the lens of biblical characters. Join us as we explore the diverse ways individuals engage with prayer, recognizing the importance of prayer with our God-given personalities and the freedom found in embracing our uniqueness.

Want to check out Janet's new book? Buy the book on Amazon here. (Amazon affiliate link, tiny portion of your purchase goes back to this ministry.)

Want to know more about Compared to Who?, coaching, and Heather Creekmore's books? Visit: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather asks a poignant question: As you think about your body and body image, are you trying to be cruise ship ready or battle ship ready? There's quite a difference, right? When we prepare for a cruise, we want to look good in a swimsuit and we're looking ahead to a time of fun in the sun. But, if we think about preparing to go on a battle ship, our motivations and goals are different, aren't they? Scripture tells us that if we hold fast to the testimony of Jesus, Satan has declared war on us. (Revelation 12:17) We know from the book of Ephesians that we are in a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood but against the Enemy. So, what do we believe is most important? What do we believe our bodies are for? Have we believed the lies of the body image idol that tell us that life will be a "funship cruise" as soon as we get the body we've always wanted? Or, do we believe scripture that tells us that Heaven will be glorious, but here on earth, we've gotta be armed and ready for battle? Cruise ship or battle ship? That's the question Heather poses to you today.

Not sure about spiritual warfare in body image issues? Listen to these episodes: 

https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/exposing-the-enemys-scheme-unraveling-the-spiritua

https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/spiritual-warfare-body-image-issues-part-2

https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/reclaiming-your-stolen-identity-spiritual-warfare

Ready for body image coaching? Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gwen Shamblin put the "cult" in Diet Culture as you'll hear today in clips (used under Fair Use law for educational and critique purposes) from the 2023 Lifetime Movie, "Starving for Salvation: The Gwen Shamblin Story." Gwen was starving for salvation, trying to fill a void and an emptiness through weight loss, and eventually through power, money, and control. In today's episode (part 2 of 2) we listen to clips from the movie that show her rapid descent into heresy, denying Jesus, her rejection of grace, and her displays of wrong theology around what makes a woman acceptable or unacceptable in the church. These powerful, hurtful, and unbiblical concepts may still be lingering in churches today (the Weigh Down book sold more than 1.7 million copies and her program is still alive today and at one point was in 14,000 churches.) Heather's call to you today is to be clear on what the Bible says. Be clear about what the Bible really says about our bodies, weight loss (by the way -- it doesn't touch this subject), and food.  

Ready to get on the path to body image freedom? Learn more about Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com and find access to online courses, Heather's books and other podcast episodes like this. 

Need more help on you freedom journey? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather digs into the mysterious and disturbing world of diet culture and, more specifically, how diet culture turned into an actual cult in the case of Gwen Shamblin, the Weigh Down Workshops and book, and the Remanent Church. This is part one of a two-part series where we'll walk through the new Starving for Salvation Lifetime movie that is based on Gwen Shamblin's life story. Though it is a fictionalized account, much of what the movie shows was documented in The Way Down documentary that aired on HBO Max a few years ago. 

What sticks out to Heather today is how an unbiblical focus and prioritization on weight loss and beliefs about weight loss that are connected to holiness and righteousness set Gwen on a path of heresy and, ultimately, self-destruction. Today we explore some clips from the first part of the film and talk about Gwen's obvious eating disorder and twisted way of thinking about food, God, and the body.

All clips in this episode are used under Fair Use law for informational, educational, and critique purposes only.

Watch the Starving for Salvation Trailer: https://youtu.be/3C5Od2gpgiQ?si=6bOOZUdejxu4MVW2

Ready for some help with your body image issues? Want to take a biblical approach to finding freedom from body and food issues that bog you down? Learn more about Heather's online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Learn more about Compared to Who? and Heather Creekmore's books to help Christian women improve their body image here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather continues with part two of her first LIVE coaching call with her newest and perhaps bravest client, Presli. Today Heather and Presli talk about how her Ideal Image has kept her chasing an unattainable body size, shape, and look and how it keeps her chasing. We talk about what parts of her life are affected when she tries to become more like her Ideal Image. Presli also shares more of her personal story, her struggles with size and weight through her teens and twenties, and more. Plus: Presli talks about some of the work she has done and sermons she has listened to in the online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework.

Would you like coaching too? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Presli mentioned Heather's book, "The Burden of Better: How a Comparison-Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace and Rest" Have you read it yet? Learn more here. (Amazon affiliate link a tiny portion of any purchases go to support this ministry.)

There's still time to join our 40-Day Reading Challenge for Lent! A possible new time slot may open on Thursday afternoons. Learn more here or email Heather (heather @ comparedtowho.me for more information): https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather airs her first LIVE coaching call with her newest and perhaps bravest client, Presli. Presli shares her story, how her body image issues began, including her first feelings and recognition of feeling like there was something wrong with her body or that her body was not the right size. Heather and Presli explore the voices and influences that contributed to her earliest thoughts and feelings about her body. They also begin to explore Presli's ideal image and who Presli has believed she should look more like. Heather gives Presli a homework assignment and they talk about the work Presli has done in the online course: The Body Image Freedom Framework.

Would you like coaching too? Consider becoming part of the Body Image Freedom Framework - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

There's still time to join our 40-Day Reading Challenge for Lent! A possible new time slot may open on Thursday afternoons. Learn more here or email Heather (heather @ comparedtowho.me for more information): https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today host Heather Creekmore is joined by author Ed Welch for a thought-provoking conversation about biblical counseling, body image issues, and the challenges of Christian teachings in the face of human emotions. The discussion touches on the impact of Welch's book "When People Are Big and God Is Small" on Creekmore's own work in biblical counseling, the importance of finding words to express struggles in biblical counseling and the tension between seeking God's comfort in anxiety and the reality of human emotions. They explore the significance of supportive friendships, prayer, and seeking help from trusted individuals amidst personal struggles. Welch also introduces a new counseling Bible and discusses the diverse applications of scripture in addressing modern struggles. 

Here are some key quote takeaways from today's show:

"Sometimes we don't speak about the difficult things we experience because we don't think we should have those. Christian the Christian emotional life should be just a little bit better than the majority of people because we have Jesus, So we should be a little bit happier than everybody else, and that'd be anything less than that is to somehow dishonor god and say he's less Powerful." - Ed Welch 

How the Psalms can teach us about our emotions: Ed says they teach us to ask, "What is important on your soul right now? How you feel is the same thing. What is especially important to you right now? What are your joys? What are your delights? What are your hopes? What are your ambitions? What are your fears?"

Learn more about Ed Welch and the Biblical Counseling Bible here: https://www.ccef.org/people/ed-welch

Check out the CSB Life Counsel Bible: https://amzn.to/3SIEi56 (Amazon affiliate link)

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather engages in a captivating conversation with author, speaker, and podcaster, Kelly Needham. Together, they delve into Kelly's thought-provoking book, "Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough." 

Kelly shares her insights on redefining purpose and the misconceptions surrounding chasing one's dreams and finding a distinct calling. Emphasizing the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than a specific purpose, Kelly challenges what we've heard and said about our purpose and invites listeners to a simpler, more biblical way to approach the topic. 

Discover Kelly's shift in perspective as she shares her experiences and biblical wisdom. Kelly reminds us that we can't do great things for God without spending time with Him and that true health and vitality comes from intimacy with God. The pair also talks about over-achievement, working to hard for our own glory, and how this connects to body image issues.

Learn more about Kelly Needham here: https://kellyneedham.com/

Grab a copy of her new book, "Purposefooled" here (Amazon affiliate link.)

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"I want to be thinner." Have you said it? Have you thought it? It's a reality that many of us face because culture tells us that thinness is what we should desire and our culture values the way we look only if we are thin. Today, Heather unpacks what we can do, biblically, to explore that desire we have to be thinner or a longing we have for any sort of body change. Heather has three main points for today: It's Okay to Feel This way, Exploring What You Really Long For, and Aligning Our Desires with God's Desires.

Here are some of the questions Heather poses in today's episode for you to reflect on:

Do I really want a thin body – or is it that I want more control in a life that feels uncontrollable?

Do I want some sort of insurance policy that I’ll never have to face a sickness that makes me uncomfortable or dehabilitates me?

Do I want acceptance and trust and admiration from people? (Am I struggling with people pleasing?)

What is it I desire the most? If it’s not more of God, more of his kingdom, to be more like Jesus – then I have to step back and ask myself what I’m believing:

1. 1. 1. Am I believing that this life is the end game -that this is the Parade and not the warm up?
      2. Am I believing that these things I’m focused on here are ultimate things -things that will last until heaven or things that give me crowns in heaven?
      3. Am I believing that I will be more righteous or loved by God if I change the way my body looks?

Here are some other things mentioned in today's show:

Podcast episode on body grief and grieving ideal body size: https://www.comparedtowho.me/what-to-do-when-youre-depressed-about-body-size-grieving-your-ideal-body/

Podcast episode on "I Just Want to Feel Better About My Body": https://www.comparedtowho.me/i-just-want-to-feel-okay-about-my-body/

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins (now offered on Tuesday evenings OR Thursday afternoons) will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore continues her conversation with Jonna, a biblical counselor, women's ministry leader, and pastor's wife who struggled with body image issues. Jonna shares the specific insights and breakthroughs she experienced in her journey of overcoming body image struggles through coaching with Heather. This is part two of the conversation.

Today's conversation delves into how Jonna learned to shift her perspective about beauty and the true source of beauty according to scripture. She reflects on the realization that her blessings in life are not related to her physical appearance, but rather her relationships and the joy of being with her family. Jonna shares her emotional journey of learning to see herself and others through a different lens, focusing on joy and the character of the Lord rather than physical appearance.

Jonna also discusses various exercises and reflections she underwent during the coaching program, such as acknowledging her struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and the impact of her childhood experiences. She emphasizes the significance of adopting a new perspective on her identity and righteousness in Christ, realizing that her worth does not come from striving for physical betterment or perfection.

The episode concludes with Jonna expressing her appreciation for Heather's coaching and the positive impact it has had on her life. Heather encourages listeners to consider participating in the coaching program or the 40-day Body Image Workbook Lent Reading Challenge to embark on their own journey toward freedom from body image struggles.

This episode provides a candid and transformative dialogue about embracing one's true identity and finding freedom from the pressures of physical appearance through a faith-based, biblical approach to body image issues.

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather Creekmore interviews her coaching client, pastor's wife, biblical counselor and women's ministry leader, Jonna, to share her story of body image struggles and what she experienced as she went through Heather's group coaching program: the Body Image Freedom Framework. Jonna vulnerably recounts the impact of hurtful comments on her body image and identity (including a drive-by "lose weight" comment). She talks about her internal battles as a Christian and biblical counselor facing body image struggles and how she believed she should already know or have all the answers to be free.

Jonna helps listeners gain insight into the misconceptions surrounding seeking help for body image issues. She also unpacks her own journey and the temptation we all have to focus on physical appearance as a distraction from addressing deeper emotional wounds. Jonna's story highlights the importance of reorienting our focus towards pursuing the imperishable beauty of the heart and a quiet spirit and finding real beauty in fearing the Lord.

Jonna's story will encourage and inspire you. There is hope if you have body image struggles. And, there's no one too "informed" or "mature" to be beyond getting the help they need from a trusted advisor to identify the places you are stuck so that you can find true freedom in Christ. 

Next week we'll hear the rest of Jonna's story and she'll share how God worked in specific parts of her life through coaching!

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you a black-and-white, all-or-nothing type of person who has a difficult time living in the gray (or grace) when it comes to your body, your food, or your health? If so, then today's episode is for you! Heather interviews podcast host, RN, and Intuitive Eating and body image coach, Victoria Yates about how we can learn to live in the "messy middle." Heather and Victoria talk about what it looks like to have health goals yet to not obsess over them, idolize them, or turn them into a shaming force that is anything but healthy. 

Heather and Victoria dive into an empowering conversation about pursuing health goals without succumbing to the pressures of diet culture, delving into the importance of a calm and respectful relationship with food, the damaging effects of perfectionism and dieting, and the journey towards intuitive eating. With personal experiences and practical insights, they guide Christian women on a path of grace, self-compassion, and healthy living. 

Learn more about Victoria, learn how to work with her, or listen to her podcast here: https://www.victoria-yates.com/

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Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Haven't bought the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today is part two of the LIVE podcast featuring a 25-year eating disorder specialist, dietitian, and lover of Jesus, Amy Carlson M.S., L.D., R.D. Amy begins the episode by explaining something she said at the end of the last episode about taking the Lord's name in vain when we use God's name to rubber-stamp or sell our diet or fitness program. In addition to this truth bomb, Amy tackles questions from our live audience about participating in church-wide fasts, digestive issues that result from disordered eating or eating disorders, and what to do if you can't seem to stop binge eating. Amy shares so much wisdom in a God-honoring and gentle way. You can't help but get something out of today's great episode.

Interested in being a part of the next LIVE podcast? Make sure you're on the Compared to Who? email list at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Reading Challenge? This year for Lent (February 14-March 30) Heather invites you to read her brand new, 40-Day Body Image Workbook along with her. Weekly Zoom meeting check-ins will help keep us all reading and accountable. Plus, find community with other women who are also working to improve their body image in a God-honoring way. Find out more about this new challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Looking for more one-on-one support? Learn more about coaching and the Body Image Freedom Framework here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this first-ever episode of Compared to Who? to be recorded with a LIVE audience, Heather and her guest, Amy Carlson, RD and eating disorder expert dive into the pressure to conform to all the diet-related pressures of January. Heather and Amy candidly discuss the intertwining of diet culture and the church, shedding light on how confusing it can be when the messages of culture around us start coming at us from our own congregations.

Inspired by Creekmore's new book, "the 40-day Body Image Workbook," the conversation delves into making peace with one's body and feeling God's love, offering biblical encouragement and real talk about body image. Amy and Heather address the intertwining of diet culture and church culture, exploring how it can create shame and pressure regarding food and body image. They also discuss the concept of self-control in the church context and the dangers of using religious language to promote dieting and body image ideals. The episode highlights the need for genuine support, love, and deeper understanding within the Christian community as they navigate these complex issues.

This is part one of a two-part episode, part two includes the Q&A from the live audience that participated in the recording.

If you'd like to learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Ready for freedom but don't think coaching is for you right now, grab Heather's latest book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and get started on your freedom journey:

https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather continues her conversation with coaching client, Rachel, who completed the Body Image Freedom Framework course and coaching program in the Fall. Rachel shared in the last episode her story of being raised in a Christian home and learning to love Jesus, yet, how she was always complimented on her appearance and how this, subtly, led her to become fixated on it.

In today's powerful episode, Rachel shares how God revealed to her that she looked at everything through the lens of her body. She thought about her body all day long, while getting dressed, while eating, while resting, while doing ministry. She thought about her body on vacation, while driving places, you name it, her body was always front of mind. Rachel talks about how we are called to love Jesus with all of our hearts, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), and how God convicted her that she was consumed mentally thinking about her body and food -- not thinking about Jesus. Rachel shares who God gave her new lenses to see her struggle differently and how God is helping her walk in new freedom with both her body and food.

Rachel shares how God has revealed to her the truth of scripture, that all of these things that we chase really are passing away, so that she can chase what will last and what is truly important.

Finally, Rachel also shares how though her weight has changed, she has become healthier - and even has the blood work to prove it. Many women who are in disordered eating or eating disorders are shamed with fear that to have a healthy relationship with food would mean they'd have an unhealthy body. But, this isn't the truth. There is a way to be healthy and free!

If you'd like to learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Use the code: START40 at checkout for any monthly payment option to get started for just $40 in January.

Ready for freedom but don't think coaching is for you right now, grab Heather's latest book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and get started on your freedom journey:

https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather interviews one of her graduates from the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program named Rachel. Rachel shares her story of feeling like her appearance is what made her accepted. She shares how she slowly and subtly slipped into becoming more and more obsessed and focused on her appearance and her weight as she aged. Rachel relates her story to Gollum from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Gollum became more and more obsessed with having the ring until it destroyed him. But that ring was his power, his worth, and his identity. Similarly, as Rachel looks back on her story she's able to see how her desire for beauty, a certain body size, and acceptance secretly became more important to her than Jesus.

Rachel authentically shares the journey God has taken her on and how she's been learning to walk in freedom with her body, body size, and food. This is part one of a two-part interview. In Friday's episode we'll talk about how Rachel viewed all of life through the lens of her body and how God helped give her new glasses to change her perspective.

If you are interested in learning more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program - or learning how you can get started in January for just $40, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching  At checkout, use the code: START40 on any monthly payment option for the course and coaching. Or reach out to Heather at Heather @comparedtowho.me if you have questions about the program or are wondering if it is right for you.

Looking for other ways to get free from body image issues? Check out Heather's brand new book, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“My body became my business card,” Belinda explains in today's interview. You'll hear all about Belinda’s journey from experiencing weight loss success and even coaching others in a popular weight loss business to being overwhelmed with body image issues and desperate for help.

Belinda just completed the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program. Belinda reached out on her 40th birthday for help and is now sharing her story after spending 12 weeks in Heather’s coaching and course.

Belinda had the “after” picture, but it hadn’t fixed her body image issues.

Today Belinda shares what she thought and expected from the program, how the program worked for her, and where she’s at now in her body image struggles.

“God wants you to be healthy and thin” was the message she heard, but it soon became an idol that Belinda was chasing and feeling more and more trapped instead of more freedom.

Now she feels like she has tools to knock down the lies and fight to believe what God says about her worth and her body.

Belinda shares how she had to re-learn principles around food and body from a biblical perspective and how she’s wrestled her heart posture and beliefs around beauty. She shares how this course helped her take that head knowledge and make it heart knowledge.

They also talk about how heavy the body shame is when women are struggling with body image issues and always trying to change their body to feel better about it.

They also talk about how the group coaching program connected Belinda to a group of women who understand not only her body image struggles but also understand a biblical perspective on how to solve them.

Connect with Belinda here: https://www.instagram.com/healthinhisimage/

Ready for coaching this year? Get started with Heather's Body Image Freedom Framework Coaching or online course for just $40 in January. Use the code: Start40 on www.improvebodyimage.com course page. Or, drop Heather an email at: heather@comparedtowho.me to learn more

Have you read Heather's brand new 40-Day Body Image Workbook? Learn more about this fantastic resource at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather welcomes Amy Reinecke host of the "Love Your Body Well" podcast. Heather and Amy discuss what Amy means when she talks about loving your body well and how it's not about body pride or a feeling you have about your body, but rather about an action you take towards your body -- how you treat it and think about it. Amy shares her story of weight loss and weight gain, struggling with back issues and an autoimmune disease, and how God has walked with her to a place where she feels more confident and comfortable with her body, even though it's not the size she prefers.

Today Heather and Amy also talk about:

**What's underneath our desire to "press the easy button" and try another diet to "fix it all" (and why this never works!)

**How to unlearn our dieting behaviors

**Amy shares how she felt like she was making "everyone else happy" with her weight loss, yet how she was miserable and stressed out on the inside.

**How there's not a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss or health. We will each have to figure out what works for us.

**Why your story and life are still valuable, even if you wish your body looked different.

Learn more or connect with Amy Reinecke at: www.loveyourbodywell.net or on her podcast: Love Your Body Well

Ready for coaching this year? Get started with Heather's coaching or online course for just $40 in January. Use the code: Start40 on www.improvebodyimage.com course page.

Have you read Heather's brand new 40-Day Body Image Workbook? Learn more about this fantastic resource at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's January so everyone's talking about fasting! Churches are doing corporate fasts, Organizations are running sugar fasts. People have cleared out their pantries of all foods that aren't legal on the Daniel Fast and stocked their fridges with vegetables they'll only ever eat in January. Today, Heather digs into fasting. Is fasting good? Should we be fasting? What is the purpose of fasting?

Heather challenges listeners with the real purpose of fasting and offers cautions for those who have a history with eating disorders or disordered eating who try to fast. 

Heather also challenges listeners with the truth of scripture in regards to the Daniel Fast. Heather takes a deep dive into the story of Daniel and what happened when Daniel and his friends refused to eat the king's rich food. Why did they do it? What was their purpose in fasting from these foods? What happened to their bodies when they fasted? Heather looks at the surprising truth of scripture that reveals how their fast actually made them "fatter in the flesh."

Here's the episode Heather referenced with Amy Carlson from last year: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/should-i-fast-if-i-had-an-eating-disorder-a-look-a

Heather ends the episode by encouraging listeners to have a vision for their lives that is bigger than themselves and their bodies.

Here are some of the hot topics from today's episode:

• The Spiritual Reasons for Fasting
• The Daniel Fast
• Sugar fasts
• The one question you need to ask yourself before you fast or while you're fasting
• Should people with eating disorders or a history of an eating disorder fast?
• How we can serve and honor God through fasting and other spiritual disciplines.

Learn more about Heather's brand new book, the 40-Day Body Image Workbook or grab the facilitator's guide here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and group coaching program here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It's a New Year! In this episode, host Heather Creekmore offers three challenges to encourage and inspire you to become healthier and more beautiful in the ways that matter the most to eternity. Heather explores Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey, the WW president’s apology that ushered in their new programs to sell weight loss drugs in addition to their program, and more. Heather encourages listeners to think about health and beauty in a more holistic way and offers practical tips that are easy to implement now and all year long.

Here are your three challenges:

1. Make your body goals about something more than your weight.
2. Make your life about something more than your body.
3. Make your heart about Jesus, not body change.

Here are resources mentioned in today’s show (This list includes affiliate links, a small portion of any purchases will be paid to Compared to Who?):           

• New York Times op-ed on Oprah
• 40-Day Body Image Workbook
• Body Image Freedom Framework Online Course and Coaching Program
• Feed Yourself by Leslie Schilling
•   Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole
• Heather’s episode on Ozempic.
• Dolly Parton and Judging Bodies Episode
• Heather’s interview with Leslie Schilling about Feed Yourself book

Use the code: START40 to get started with Heather's online course or group coaching for just $40 in the month of January. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.