Episode 361: Katie Acker

Body Image

Katie Acker reflects on her lifelong struggles with body image, shaped by societal pressures and personal experiences. She recalls how her mother, a special education teacher, never dieted, which influenced her own approach to body image. Despite this, Katie experienced periods of self-doubt, especially during puberty and weight fluctuations. Gin Stephens emphasizes the importance of passing on positive lessons to avoid negative self-talk, noting, "We want to pass on our best lessons so that our kids don't have to learn them the hard way that we did." 1

   

Honesty Pants

Katie shares her unique method of tracking body changes through her 'honesty pants,' a pair of Banana Republic size six linen trousers. These pants serve as a tangible measure of her progress and self-image, symbolizing her journey towards her ideal body weight. Despite fluctuations, Katie maintains a focus on overall wellness, often turning to exercise due to her athletic background. She notes, "It wasn't always about how much I weighed. It was about the way I looked just, like, dead in the face." 2 3