We have so much information about health, our bodies, and what will make us feel better, coming at us from every direction. If you're ready to finally hear the truth, this episode is for you. Today, host Heather Creekmore welcomes coaching client Tephanie, and Compared to Who? team member, Christian body image coach, Tara, for a moving conversation about finding real freedom from body image struggles. This episode dives into what it’s really like to join the 40-day Body Image Journey, take the next step into group coaching, and experience transformative, Christ-centered growth alongside women in all stages of life.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Tephanie’s Story: Tephanie courageously shares how body image issues impacted her life for years—from feeling like the “heavier friend” as a child, to trying diets after marriage, and always believing thinness was the key to worth and happiness.

• The Power of Community: Listen as Tephanie describes overcoming her fears about group coaching, opening up in a safe space, and discovering that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.

• What Coaching Looks Like: Coach Tara explains how every woman shows up nervous, but together they create a sacred, honest place where transformation happens.

• Lasting Change: Tephanie reflects on how the journey shifted her mindset—from constant comparison and shame, to living with gratitude and serving as a positive role model for her family.

• Behind the Scenes: You’ll also get a peek into the structure of the coaching programs (the 40-day journey, Body Image Freedom Framework, Attunement Reset), how each builds on the last, and the real “magic” that’s only possible through Christ-centered community.

Key Takeaways:

• There is no “magic formula” for body image freedom—true peace comes from seeing yourself as God sees you.

• You’re not alone; women of every age and stage struggle with body image, but healing happens in safe, supportive community.

• Change is possible, even if you’ve felt stuck for years—the journey may be ongoing, but God’s freedom is real and available for you, too.

Ready for Your Own Journey?
Visit improvebodyimage.com to join the next 40-Day Body Image Journey or try the free “Obsessed to Blessed” mini course here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/obsessed-to-blessed

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you.

• For more episodes and resources, visit Compared to Who? Podcast or visit the Compared to Who? website at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Special Thanks:
Thank you to Tephanie for bravely sharing her story and to Tara for her wisdom and compassion.

Are you ready to stop comparing and start living? Hit play and be encouraged—real women find real freedom here.

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Welcome to a powerful and heartfelt episode of the Compared to Who? podcast, hosted by Heather Creekmore. In this episode, Heather chats with three real women—Patricia, Diane, and Jess—who have courageously walked through coaching and programs to improve their body image and relationship with food. If you’re tired of feeling stuck in food obsession, diet culture, or shame around your body, this episode is for you!

Episode Highlights:

• The guests share honestly about their lifelong battles with body image, food restriction, calorie counting, and the underlying fears and shame that kept them trapped for years.

• Patricia

  Reveals how she lived in “body image bondage” for nearly two decades, mistaking strict dieting for freedom until she discovered the faith-based approach of Compared to Who? and began her journey to genuine freedom.

• Diane

  At age 71, reflects on six decades of food obsessions and restricting behaviors, and how finally integrating her faith with her eating and body image struggles began her transformation.

• Jess

  Shares how she didn’t realize she even had body image issues until after having kids; she discusses the shame of living in a bigger body, the mental exhaustion of chasing diets, and how true freedom finally came through the support and tools offered in the coaching group.

• The women and Heather explore the themes of fear, idolatry, objectification, and the dynamic between self-worth and body size.

• Hear practical, inspiring stories about breaking the cycle of daily weigh-ins, obsessive thoughts, and moralizing food choices.

• Each guest describes how participation in the 40 Day Body Image Journey, the Body Image Freedom Framework, and intuitive eating coaching offered loving accountability, lasting mindset shifts, and deepened connection to God’s truth about their identity.

• The episode closes with encouragement for anyone who feels stuck, scared to start, or believes they’re “too old” or “too late” for change.

Key Takeaways:

• Lasting body image freedom isn’t about reaching your “ideal weight”—it’s about shifting your perspective, breaking fear-driven cycles, and finding your worth in God, not a number on the scale.

• Healing comes in community: support, vulnerability, and shared struggle are powerful in bringing freedom from shame and isolation.

• No matter your age or how long you’ve struggled, there is hope and there is help.

Resources Mentioned:

• 40 Day Body Image Workbook & Journey

• “Obsessed to Blessed” Mini Course

• Body Image Freedom Framework

Ready to start your own journey? Go to improvebodyimage.com and sign up for the 40 Day Body Image Journey—launching January 20th! Take the next gentle, faith-filled step toward freedom.

Connect & Share: If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join the conversation in our community. You’re not alone in this journey!

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Kick off your new year with a refreshing and hope-filled conversation about the pressure to set body-related goals and the journey toward real freedom. Hosts Heather Creekmore and Amy Carlson dig deep into why so many women set weight loss as their top resolution and how our culture’s diet obsessions impact families, friendships, and faith communities. You’ll hear honest stories, including “are we getting left behind?” anxiety, the latest health fads (GLP1s and fiber, anyone?), and powerful encouragement to seek God’s “how much more” rather than settle for the world’s lesser goals.

Whether you’re a goal-setter, a recovering dieter, or someone wondering what you might be missing by chasing smaller jeans instead of a fuller life—this episode will inspire you to open your hands, journal, and pursue the abundance only God can give.

**Get your FREE Obsessed-to-Blessed Mini course here.

Journal Prompts from Today’s Episode

1. What am I going to miss if I invest my time and energy into weight loss this year?
   (Reflect on what parts of your life could suffer or what experiences you might lose out on.)

2. What parts of my life feel stunted or neglected because of my focus on body goals?
   (Take inventory of relationships, passions, or spiritual growth you could nurture instead.)

3. What is my mind telling me ‘my life will begin when…’?
   (Finish this sentence honestly and challenge what you believe about starting to live.)

4. What am I not asking God for that would truly bring “how much more” into my life?
   (Go before God with open hands – ask Him what He wants for you in 2026.)

5. Who else is impacted by my health and eating practices?
   (Consider your kids, spouse, friends, or community and how your choices ripple out.)

6. How does seeking smaller goals (like a certain weight or restriction) limit the breadth of my ‘garden’—my life?
   (Picture your life as a garden and consider what fruit you aren’t tending to.)

7. “My life will start when…” versus “How much more does God have for me?”
   (Contrast your answer to these two prompts and pray for wisdom to pursue God’s best.)

Bonus: Community Conversation Starter
If something in this episode resonated with you or led to a new insight or goal, Amy encourages listeners to share their goal or what God is inviting them into for 2026. Imagine how uplifting it would be to see what God’s abundance is unfolding in lives beyond just body-centered achievements!

Encouragement
You’re not behind, and you don’t have to settle for less. Hear stories, biblical truths, and real talk that help you stop comparing and start living with open hands, trust, and greater faith.

Need more support? Learn more about the upcoming 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

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