Alex and Meredith are challenging the unrealistic beauty standard of the "summer body." They do this by exploring the history of the bikini body, explaining why timelines don't work for fitness goals, and emphasizing how healthy lifestyle habits are the only way to truly enjoy day-to-day life without shame. With social media and the constant bombardment of other people's "ideal" bodies, it has become increasingly difficult to appreciate your own body. Even professional ex-body builders can take years to rebuild a healthy mental image of themselves after starving themselves and pushing to get leaner. Alex and Meredith conclude the episode with the concept of a wellness body and share solutions to combat the increase in appearance-based, deadline-focused body goals.

— Camping

— Summer Body Trends

— The History of the "Bikini Body"

— Social Media & The Rise of Body Dysmorphia

— Seasonal Changes in Mood & in Diet

— The Downfall of Appearance-Based Goals

— Creating Healthy Lifestyle Changes without a Timeline

— Loving Your Body, or Being Neutral to It

— Building Habits to Allow Enjoyment Instead of Shame

— The Mental Health of Ex Body Builders

— The Wellness Body

— Why Dieting the First Time is Easier

— Psychobiological Model of Motivation

— Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

— Living Up to Other People's Expectations of Your Body

— Why You Should Never Comment On People's Bodies

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• “Spring is the best time to lose weight”: Evidence that dieting is seasonal and reaches peak intensity during Spring
• The Original Airbedz
• Brian Hyland - Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

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