BOOK CLUB: You are not a before picture - Alex Light

You Are Not a Before Picture: A Powerful Guide to Breaking Free from Diet Culture and Making Peace with Your Body

Our Secret Sewing Club book club book for Jan is closely aligned to the bombardment of diets, courses, gym memberships and fads that we may be being bombarded with at the start of a new year.  It is hard to ignore them, and equally hard to not question whether some 'self-improvement' may be required.  I was recommended this book by a wonderful member of my Free Facebook Group Stitch Sewcial back in the summer after I braved a bikini photo in a body I have spent most of my life loathing.  

Alex Light's "You Are Not a Before Picture" is a breath of fresh air in the self-help world. Forget crash diets and unrealistic fitness goals; this book is about something far more radical and liberating - self-acceptance. Light argues that the pervasive "diet culture" that bombards us from every angle is not only unhealthy but also deeply damaging to our self-esteem. I could relate to this theory from the off and I am not sure I know another woman who wouldn't agree. 

It is not a sewing book specifically but it is very much aligned to one of the core values of The Secret Sewing Club - and why I founded it in the first place. It is my intention that in amongst the Sewing Know-how which can help support our fashion and style aims and increase our well-being, we also encourage self reflection about where the voices that lead to crippling self criticism may come from and beat them from with in.  Its a dual pronged approach! 

So, sewing aside, instead of subscribing to the notion that we are all just one fad diet away from our "best selves," Alex Light encourages us to challenge the very idea that our worth is tied to our appearance. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and practical exercises, she shows us how to:

• Identify and dismantle the diet culture myths that hold us back.
• Develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with our bodies.
• Focus on health and well-being instead of weight loss.
• Nurture self-love and build lasting confidence.

What I loved about this book:

The writing is relatable and engaging. She shares her own struggles with body image in a way that is both honest and vulnerable. This makes it easy to connect with her message and see ourselves in her story.

The book is full of practical advice. Light provides concrete steps that readers can take to start making peace with their bodies. These include things like challenging negative self-talk, practicing body neutrality, and finding joy in movement.

The message is one of empowerment, not shame. Light doesn't tell you what to do or how to look. Instead, she encourages you to find your own path to body acceptance.

Who should read this book:

Anyone who has ever struggled with body image or felt the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Anyone who is tired of the diet culture hamster wheel and wants to find a healthier, more sustainable way to relate to their body. 

Anyone who wants to cultivate more self-love and acceptance in their life.

Overall, "You Are Not a Before Picture" is a powerful and inspiring book that has the potential to change the way you see yourself and your body. It is a must-read for anyone who is ready to break free from diet culture and embrace the person they are right now.

I especially appreciated Light's emphasis on the importance of intuition and self-compassion. In a world that constantly tells us to doubt ourselves and strive for perfection, it is essential to learn to listen to our own inner wisdom and treat ourselves with kindness.

I also found the book's discussion of the intersection of diet culture and other forms of oppression, such as racism and sexism, to be insightful and thought-provoking.

If you are looking for a book that will help you make peace with your body and live a more joyful and fulfilling life, I highly recommend "You Are Not a Before Picture."

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

P.S. I would also like to add that "You Are Not a Before Picture" is a great resource for anyone who is supporting someone who is struggling with body image issues. The book provides a lot of helpful information and advice that can be used to start a conversation about these issues in a sensitive and supportive way.