Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

What do I do if I feel bad about having ruined my body? How do I believe my body is good even though I feel responsible for having messed it up? Isn't God mad at me because He gave me a good body and then I messed it up by the way I ate (or didn't eat) and exercised (or didn't exercise)? Today, Heather explores the reality that our bodies are made differently and some bodies are more susceptible to issues and disease than others. But, the real answer for this struggle is a theological answer. What do we believe about sin and the consequences of sin? What do we believe about repentance and forgiveness? What do we believe about making bad choices and how God handles that? The questions under the question is: Has my sin ruined my life? Have my choices changed my life in such a way that I'm no longer able to live the life God planned for me? Can God still use me even though I feel like I've made bad decisions? Heather explains how often the sins that we believe we are guilty of around our bodies are not what we think they are. And, how the real sins of pride, envy, lust of the flesh, greed, idolatry are what was under and driving those decisions to eat or exercise in a certain way. So-called food "sins" are often not about the food at all. Heather also digs into the concept of guilt, worldly remorse, and true repentance. Taking inspiration from Tim Keller's sermon, The Problem With Guilt , Heather explains how these concepts can help us get out of that place where we feel stuck feeling guilty for the ways we've inappropriately cared for (or neglected) our bodies. This topic is nuanced and tricky, but hopefully the truth of scripture about how God is still good and still has a good plan for your life, no matter how you feel you've "messed things up," will encourage you. Learn more about Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Learn more about the 40-Day Body Image Workbook: 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 talks with Shannon Popkin and Lee Neinhuis, authors of a new book about comparison for teen girls, about how women of all ages are tempted to compare themselves to others. The trio discusses the challenge of finding identity in Christ. The struggle to figure out how God made you and what he made unique about you while wanting to fit in and not be "different" from everyone else. Lee and Shannon offer beautiful stories and illustrations that will encourage you and equip you to encourage a teen in your life who may struggle with comparison. Do you struggle with comparison? Does a teen in your life seem to always be comparing herself to others? Do you wonder how to effectively encourage teens not to compare themselves to others and to learn confidence in Christ? Then this episode is for you! Learn more about Shannon and Lee and their brand new book, Comparison-Girl for Teens here: https://leenienhuis.com/comparison-girl-for-teens/ Buy a copy of the book here (amazon affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4bTXyDN Connect with Compared to Who? or learn more about the 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Body shame is real. We've all experienced it, but what do we do about it? Earlier in May, Oprah Winfrey hosted a three-hour-long forum with body love experts, actresses, and influencers to start a conversation about bodies, weight, and how we can start changing the narrative. Titled, "Making the Shift" and hosted by WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers), the conversation had several meaningful moments where women from all over the country shared the hurt, shame, and confusion they'd felt about their body image. In today's episode, Heather digs into what happened in the Oprah conversation. She explores how the one piece missing from these eloquent conversations is the key unlocking body shame. If you've been struggling with your body size or shape, and are looking for a fresh answer that's meatier than telling yourself positive affirmations in the mirror, this conversation will be a great encouragement to you. There are real answers out there for your body image struggles -- and the good news is they don't require Jedi mind tricks or "naked jump roping in front of the mirror" (yes, that was from the Oprah special!!!). Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Compared to Who? and how to improve your body image and find freedom from body shame here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Want to join Heather and a group of amazing women in reading Heather's new 40-Day Body Image Workbook? The groups started this Tuesday but it's not too late to join! Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Listen to Tim Keller preach on identity here. Watch Oprah's "Making the Shift" special on YouTube. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Summer's coming. Even if you weren't looking at the calendar you may have sensed that from the number of diet and exercise ads you see. The change of season can inspire us to set new goals and do things to try to feel better in our bodies, but what if there's a better way to meet your health goals without falling into the "going on a diet" or "following a new plan" pit? Today, Heather recommends a new way of thinking about your goals, goal setting, and how you measure success. This method can help you stay consistent, feel like you are making progress, and encourage your heart. Become the "kind of woman who..." and grow in spiritual, physical and mental health. Learn more about Compared to Who? and Heather Creekmore's books and coaching: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the 40-Day Body Image Workbook Reading Challenge (Starts Tuesday, May 21st but you can join until May 27th!) - 40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Woah! Today's episode is so good whether you are a "Swiftie" or truly believe she is the "anti-hero," you're sure to get something out of it. Taylor Swift is a household name and someone most, universally, recognize for her beauty and success. But, Taylor has been open about her struggles with body image issues and an eating disorder. She's felt the same pressure and shame many of us have felt about how we look. Today, Heather looks at what we can learn about our own body image issues and the lies we believe by studying how someone as successful and beautiful as Taylor Swift, still struggles. Heather explores the concept of body image idolatry and how the "idols" our culture worships, like Taylor, make us promises about peace, rest, joy, and satisfaction that they just can't keep. Today's show ends with four important things we can all learn from Taylor Swift to help us improve our body image and help the next generation of girls not get sucked into the same body image issues that we've wrestled. Connect with Compared to Who: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the 40-Day Body Image Workbook Journey here: 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 continues her conversation with Erin Todd from Intuitive Eating for Christian Women about the expression, "Turn to Jesus, not food." While we know that Jesus should be our source for everything, is it helpful or even accurate to say that we can turn to Jesus instead of eating the food we crave? Is this how we treat other decisions surrounding our bodies and what they need (Do we say, "Turn to Jesus, not sleep?")? Today, Heather and Erin continue their conversations to hash out what is helpful to remember about turning to God, and how this expression may sound more like diet culture than the Bible. If you've ever felt guilt and shame over giving into a craving at night or eating that food you swore to yourself not to eat, and then told yourself you should have turned to "Jesus not food," this episode is for you. Connect with Compared to Who: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the 40-Day Body Image Workbook Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Connect with Erin or listen to the Intuitive Eating for Christian Women Podcast Here: https://intuitiveeatingforchristianwomen.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore and special guest Erin Todd delve into an expression we've heard a lot in Christian circles: "Turn to Jesus Not Food." We've all been there. It's late, you've had a hard day. And what you really want it brownies, or cookies, or the ice cream. Maybe you bake or maybe you drive to the store. You give in. You eat the thing that you had hoped you wouldn't. It's like the craving took over. And, now you feel guilt, shame, and worse: You wonder if you've sinned by turning to food not Jesus. You believe you should have just prayed the craving away or handled the emotional need in a way that did not include food. Today Heather and Erin unpack this expression. They talk about whether or not our physical food cravings are sinful. They discuss how eating can and does help a stressed or tired body calm down, but how this doesn't have to be the only tool in the tool belt. Erin and Heather also talk about the importance of really listening to our bodies so that we can nourish them appropriately. We don't always have to "give in" to the cravings, but neither do we have to over-spiritualize them. Heather and Erin reference these episodes today: Gwen Shamblin and Starving for Salvation: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/starving-for-salvation-diet-culture-gwen-shamblin Gluttony Part 1: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-is-gluttony-really-what-the-bible-really-says Exploring Every Bible Verse on Gluttony: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/more-thoughts-on-gluttony-what-the-bible-says-part Connect with Compared to Who: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the 40-Day Body Image Workbook Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Connect with Erin or listen to the Intuitive Eating for Christian Women Podcast Here: https://intuitiveeatingforchristianwomen.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather chats with Amy Connell about the ways we as moms who were fully entrenched in diet culture can start to change the conversations in our home around food and body. Amy and Heather were both fitness instructors and focused on “health education” trying to, out of love, do what was best for their kids around food and exercise. But, as they discuss today, some of what they did was likely unhelpful. As the research shows, some of the rules they enforced and the ways they modeled a restrictive relationship with food or over-emphasized exercise may have sent the wrong message to their kids. Amy and Heather talk about how our children and teens are on the journey with us out of diet culture, whether they know it or not. They talk about how tricky it can be to have our children watch our pendulum swing from restricting all the foods or maybe always being on a diet to giving up dieting and trying to eat more intuitively. They also discuss how our kids—both boys and girls--are being influenced by social media and YouTube influencers around what they should eat and how they should look or exercise. They talk about how to manage this challenge when you are trying to teach your children and teens a different way. Similarly, Amy and Heather talk about helping our children see the agenda that the culture has for them--and how diet culture plays into this agenda that wants them to be so focused on food, exercise, body, and appearance that they can miss out on what God has for them and find themselves in anxiety, depression, eating disorders or worse. You'll be encouraged by today's podcast, share it with a friend or leave a review! Ready to sign up for the 40-day body image workbook reading journey? We start May 21st! Learn more or sign up here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Purchase Amy's new book, Your CORE Strength on most online stores including Amazon and Bookshop if you prefer to support independent bookstores. All formats, including paperback, ebook and audiobook are available. You may also grab the Parents Guide - a Cliffs notes version for you to learn the main concepts as well as receive other helpful resources like recommended Instagram accounts, books and podcasts, and ways to support your daughter. Want some more Christ-centered, diet-culture-free encouragement for your daughter? Invite her to listen to Amy's podcast for Christian teen girls, Lessons to My Teenage Self (also on YouTube if they aren't regular podcast listeners.)Connect with Amy:@gracedhealth (for women over 40)@lessons.pod (for teens)GracedHealth.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you trying to do everything right to be “healthier” but feeling overwhelmed with all the rules? Have you been sucked into watching a "master class," influencer videos, or subscribing to the program of an influencer who offers the “right” ways to eat, act, and move so that we can beat all our diseases or live a long life? Today Heather questions the food rules, whether or not they are helpful, too severe or disordered, and whether or not they are healthy for us spiritually and mentally (do they invoke humility or pride?). Is food the most important thing to our health or, if we look at history, are we putting too much emphasis on our food rules and the connection they have to optimal health? What about the ways we personally believe or hold to our own health and food rules? Are we willing to try anything and do anything to get what the idol of health gives us? Do we believe that we’ve “lost our lives” and do we try everything because we are desperate to “get our lives back”? In this information age, it's easy to believe that the end of all of our suffering is available if only we just work hard enough to find it. This can put us on a wild scavenger hunt to find the end to our sufferings. But, if it doesn't work, or even if it does, how does this affect our mental and spiritual health? Heather closes the show with five suggestions to help anyone be more discerning about health programs and their offerings, and what we click on. Learn more about Heather and Compared to Who? by visiting: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join the 40 Day Reading Challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You know those ads you see on social media or in your YouTube sidebar? The ones that tell you they have all the secrets to weight loss, optimal health, healing your thyroid, or fixing your autoimmune disease? Heather decided to investigate! She clicked, watched, and studied. Today she reveals what she learned, how the answers were the same, and how they were different. Today's show tackles the challenge of how we all want to take care of our health and steward our bodies well, but how easily manipulated or over-whelmed we can be by influencers who have the programs and solutions that are supposed to fix us. Today Heather explores how we reconcile this tension between being responsible and taking care of my health and being obsessive and feeling like it’s all on me to make sure I keep my body as healthy as possible to live a long healthy life. She also talks about the temptation we face when we start fantasizing about how great life will be if we can follow the plan and get optimally healthy and avoid all struggle. And, how eerily similar this is to the same game many of us played around trying different diets that promised to solve our weight "problems." Today Heather talks more specifically about the ways these influencers approach the “science” and the “root cause” of our thyroid, autoimmune, or weight loss issues. And how their solutions varied. Learn more about Compared to Who? here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can we age well? Internet searches tell us that aging well is about wearing sunscreen, avoiding smoking, drinking less, eating right, and exercising more. But, the focus on aging seems to be all about our bodies, but what about our souls? Can having a more eternal perspective allow us to face the reality of aging and to get real about the ways our bodies are failing while remembering and feeling energized by the real purpose and why we were put on this earth? Today, Heather looks at the importance of community and friendships to aging well. She also talks about the hopefulness and joy that can come from keeping in mind that we are eternal beings. She talks about how God’s faithfulness to us through the years we’ve already lived can remind us that He will be faithful to be with us as we age, even if we face physical or mental struggles. She also talks about how remembering that you are a "Forever Person" can help you keep your focus on what's really important without getting too fixated on what's happening to your body in the aging process. Want to read Heather’s new aging devotional? Learn more and grab your copy here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/aging-gratefully Want to read the 40 Day Body Image Workbook and join the 40-Day Body Image Workbook reading group that starts May 21st? Learn more 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.

The percentage of women (and some men) using Botox to get rid of signs of aging has skyrocketed! Of course, the Bible doesn't have any specific instructions on whether or not it's okay for us to get Botox. Today, Heather explores the topic from every angle--physically, mentally, and spiritually--to allow you to decide for yourself whether or not Botox injections are okay for you. Listen so you can make a thoughtful and informed decision about this very common practice here in the U.S. New to the show? Learn more about Compared to Who? and listen to the top episodes here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/podcast Learn more about Heather's brand new book on aging called: Aging Gratefully- A 30-Day Devotional for Women Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we continue our mini-series on aging and explore the tricky topic of what to do when your clothes no longer fit. Heather talks about the reality that women's bodies do change and that over the years we will wear different sizes because our bodies will respond to aging, stress, pregnancies, and other changes in our lives in physical ways. So, what do you do when you have a closet full of clothing and nothing to wear? Heather offers encouragement over how to not feel shame about getting rid of clothes that aren't the right size, what to do when you're stressing out about having to go up or change sizes, and how you can turn the narrative of shame around getting rid of clothes into a beautiful way to bless others. If you've got a closet full of clothes from decades past, this episode is for you. Learn more about the 40 Day Body Image Workbook Reading Challenge here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Learn more about Heather's brand new book: Aging Gratefully here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Are you new to the podcast? Find out what episodes to start with here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/podcast Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today host Heather Creekmore delves into the topic of aging and the fear that often accompanies it. She talks about the cultural pressure to stay young, the struggle with body image, and the desire to remain relevant in a society that values youth. Heather shares insights from her new book, "Aging Gratefully," a 30-day devotional for women that covers various aspects of aging, from bodily changes to finding purpose in midlife and beyond. Throughout the discussion, she encourages listeners to consider the biblical perspective on aging and to embrace the reality of getting older with gratitude and trust in God's plan. Heather's discussion spans a range of topics surrounding aging, including the cultural pressures and myths associated with aging, the changing seasons of life, and the fear of becoming irrelevant. She also highlights the biblical perspective on aging, offering a refreshingly positive viewpoint on something our culture points to as negative. One significant topic Heather focused on was the symbolism of graying hair and how it has been distorted by cultural messages. Drawing from Proverbs 16:31, Heather shares how marketers convinced us that gray hair would ruin our lives, but how the Bible tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, representing wisdom and victory. As we dive into the concept of aging gratefully, Heather challenges us to shift our mindset away from cultural norms and expectations and embrace the unique beauty that comes with every season of life. Get your copy of Aging Gratefully here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Learn more about Compared to Who? here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you've been in church for even a few minutes you've likely heard that you should derive your identity from Christ. But how does one do that--especially when we've been conditioned from birth to perform for applause or be the type of person who makes everyone else smile in approval? Today, Heather digs into this topic of how we change where we find our applause. It's not that we go from seeking the applause of others to being content with the applause of ourselves (that's what culture says to do.) Instead, it's that we find a source of applause far greater than ourselves or those around us. We recognize, through the Gospel, the delight of God! If you're tired of trying to please everyone...or living for compliments and approval and it never being enough, this episode is for you. You'll be encouraged in ways to find a strength and peace in your self-image that outlasts and outdoes anything you could achieve through your own accomplishments. The pressure is off! Heather's inspiration piece for this episode is the sermon "The Sickness Unto Death" preached by Dr. Tim Keller. You can listen to the full sermon here: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-sickness-unto-death/ Scripture references for today can be found in Jeremiah 9:23-34 and 1 Corinthians 4. Are you ready to improve your body image? Find out about great resources, coaching, and other opportunities at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Don't forget to leave a review! Those are a huge blessing to this ministry! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Did you know that the 24 hour work day was created around how men work best, but not women? Today, Heather’s guest Dr. Victoria Pait offers fascinating and helpful information about how women can start to work better with their bodies by syncing their lives to their cycles and better understanding the rhythms of our bodies. Heather and Dr. Pait talk about what’s going on in a woman’s body throughout the four phases of the menstrual cycle. They also talk about how to cope as hormonal levels change or dip during peri-menopause. She even explains what happens to our bodies during this time and what we can do to best support our bodies during all seasons. When is the best time of the month to connect with others? Why do you sometimes feel like hiding or being anti-social? How can you maximize those days of the month when you feel great and plan for extra rest or alone time on those days when you don’t? How hard should you be exercising or what is the best way to exercise during your cycle or in peri-menopause? How can you improve your sleep? You’ll be amazed by the helpful information Dr. Pait shares today. Connect with Dr. Victoria Pait here: https://www.Instagram.com/Drvictoriapait https://www.Instagram.com/victorymountchiropractic https://www.victorymountchiro.com Learn more about Compared to Who? and Christian body image coaching here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Have you seen Heather's newest book on aging? Learn more here: 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 digs in to how our experiences in gym class may be impacting our body image issue today. Did you get picked last for the teams? Did you hate getting hit by the dodge ball or wearing gym uniforms or changing with the other girls? Did a teacher weigh you and then call out the number for the whole class to hear? Many who wrestle with body image issues are still struggling with trauma of what we were told or believed was true about us in gym class! Today Heather reminisces through the various angles of this issue and offers encouragement for anyone still suffering with gym class trauma. Have you read the 40 Day Body Image Workbook Yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Start on your journey to body image freedom and healing from gym class trauma (or other body image issue instigators) today! Learn more or get your copy here: 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.

In part two of the live coaching episode with Presli, Heather Creekmore and client, Presli, delve into the concept of righteousness and adoption in the context of body image and family upbringing. Presli bravely opens up about her family's view of fitness and body size, revealing the deep-seated impact it had on her perception of herself. They discuss the idea of being seen for who you truly are, beyond physical appearances, and how authenticity and integrity play a crucial role in finding freedom from body image struggles. In this vulnerable and insightful conversation, Heather guides Presli through a journey of self-discovery and reflection, prompting her to explore the concept of adoption in the Bible and how it relates to her own life. The session touches on the power of authenticity, breaking down the myth of a "perfect" external appearance, and finding true value and acceptance. If you're looking for real, relatable discussions on body image and faith, this episode is a must-listen. It's a powerful reminder that we are all seen, known, and loved beyond our physical attributes. Ready for body image coaching? Join the April/May mini-session and have direct access to Heather through April and May to get your questions answered. Plus, get 4 sessions with an encouraging group of Christian women. See what's included in the April/May group coaching mini-session here https://www.improvebodyimage.com/offers/XorzcqNz/checkout Or, find out more about Heather's coaching options 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 today's episode, host Heather Creekmore leads a live coaching session with guest Presli, as they dive into the topic of rejection and its impact on body image. Presli shares her personal experiences of feeling rejected due to physical attributes, and the shame and desire to cover up that followed. Through a candid conversation, they explore the damaging effects of societal pressures on body image and self-worth, and the desire to be seen and accepted. Drawing on biblical teachings and personal experiences, Heather and Presli discuss finding comfort and contentment beyond physical appearance and societal standards, and how seeking value and joy in the Lord can lead to true contentment. Watch for part two of this powerful conversation this Friday. Is coaching right for you? Learn more about Heather's coaching offers at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching A new mini-session group is opening for April/May only! Learn more about how you can find body image freedom through group coaching. https://www.improvebodyimage.com/offers/XorzcqNz/checkout Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather tackles the tricky topic of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other drugs that have recently been approved for weight loss. Heather talks about Oprah's new television special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution which aired this week and is now available on Hulu. She also references another television program on Ozempic called: The Skinny Confessions, Life After Ozempic (also available on Hulu). Scripture doesn't give us clear direction on weight loss or weight loss drugs. So there's a lot of gray space (and opportunities for grace) as Heather discusses both the positive and negative aspects of why we would choose to use one of these weight loss drugs. New here? Start with these episodes: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/get-started Heather's first episode on Ozempic: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/why-i-want-to-try-ozempic-what-you-need-to-know-if Heather's podcast on righteousness: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/the-religion-of-our-diets-confusing-messages-of-di Exercise Non-Responders episode: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-is-an-exercise-non-responder-does-exercise-wo Learn more about Heather and Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather helps explain what a healthy theology of our bodies should look like. Do you have a biblical view of your body and what it was made for or have you been influenced by culture and the wisdom of the world into believing that your body has two purposes: serving God and trying to look or be better? Heather looks at 2 Corinthians 4:7 where Paul talks about our bodies being "jars of clay" and whether or not this instruction is supposed to make us focus on trying to perfect what those jars of clay look like. Heather encourages listeners that they have one main mission and purpose: loving God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus (the Great Commandment and the Great Commission) and how caring for our bodies needs to support this main mission. Heather ends the show with a look at two Christian influencers who have created a theology of the body that says that plastic surgery is the best way to "throw off the sin that entangles" and why perfecting our bodies in the way culture says they need to be perfected, may be a distraction from our main mission. There's no shame or condemnation for any who have gotten work done, but instead, we can all consider, moving forward, what the best ways to support our body's true mission should be. Have you read the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Heather uses a bit from Day 4 of the book in today's episode. You'l want to read the whole thing if you haven't already. Learn more here: books-for-christian-women-body-image Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Maybe you've heard that as Christians we have to be careful to go to God, not to food. Maybe you've heard that emotional eating is wrong, sinful, or not "taking care of your temple" the way God instructs. But, what if there's more to it than that? What if God created our bodies to eat and what if relating to food and eating should be as simple and benign as the way we relate to breathing, sleeping, or even using the bathroom? In today's podcast, Heather takes an alternative look at emotional eating and the religion that our culture (diet culture) has created around food and food rules. Heather challenges the notion that dieting is the only way to relate, biblically and healthfully to food. Heather also challenges the concept that restricting food and keeping a fear of "overdoing it" is what's most healthy for us as Christians. What if restricting is what leads us to an over-obsessive relationship with food that renders us less useful for the cause of Christ? Today, prepare to have your preconceived notions about food, dieting, and what the Bible says challenged in a healthy and helpful way. Heather references this passage where Jesus fed the disciples breakfast: John 21:1-14 Heather references the book, "Health, Money, and Love and Why We Don't Enjoy Them" by Robert Farrar Capon. Heather invites you to join the next 40-Day Reading Challenge starting in May. Learn more at ImproveBodyimage.com Ready for more intensive body image help? Join the Body Image Freedom Framework Mini-Session happening this April and May. Email Heather for more information. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's show gets a little spicy as Heather calls into question the dieting trends over the past 50 years and where they came from. You'll be shocked to hear who really came up with the low-carb trend. You may even be a little frustrated to learn how some who advocated for eating a certain way have changed their minds as they "reconsider" the science. The question Heather brings us back to today is: What does the Bible say about food? Does the Bible tell us we have to follow whatever food rules are trendy in order to be a good "steward" of our bodies? Does God care about how we eat? Who should we listen to when it comes to taking care of our bodies? There's some big revelations and many questions in today's episode. Consider pausing or journaling your thoughts as you listen to help you find or make peace with food. Have you read the 40-Day Body Image Workbook yet? Many of today's concepts are connected to principles, stories, and charts found in this fantastic new resource. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian or drop Heather an email (Heather @ Comparedtowho.me) if you'd like to read through the book with a group starting May 21st. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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) 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 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.) 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 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: Am I believing that this life is the end game -that this is the Parade and not the warm up? 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? 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/ 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Are you READY to take the 40-Day Body Image Journey? 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. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 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! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 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/ 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 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: [email protected] 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: Make your body goals about something more than your weight. Make your life about something more than your body. 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.

Did you know that your body image issues and cleaning your house like a crazy person may be connected? If you've ever turned into a cleaning Gestapo before company came over or if you've ever stressed way too much over how your house looked, you may be surprised to find out that there's a body image connection. Getting free to be yourself in your body may help you become a little more chill when it comes to cleaning your house before guests stop by. If you've ever cleaned the house to make it look like "no one lives here," you'll be able to relate to this episode in many ways! Here are some other things we talk about as we discuss how cleaning house connects to body image issues: What image are we trying to protect or portray in our physical homes? Is this related to the image we're trying to present in our soul's earthly homes--our bodies? How control issues flare in similar ways between cleaning our homes and caring for our bodies. What is the difference between loving others and desiring to be approved of and accepted? The mistake we make when we over-clean is the same as when we over-exercise or over-restrict food from our bodies. Who are we trying to impress? Is image management playing more of a role in our lives than we know? The "Mirror Tilt"-- How we can learn to better manage our image and understand Jesus's desire for us as image bearers. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/KlYCi3QMj0o Read the original blog post that got so much attention here: How Cleaning Your House Like Crazy Connects to Your Body Image Homework: How have YOUR body image issues connected to how you care about the appearance of your home? Are we email friends yet? Join the 5 Day Body Image Freedom Email Challenge here: https://www.comparedtowho.me Grab Heather's brand new book, the 40-Day Body Image Workbook and the freebies here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Ready for some extra support on your journey to body image freedom? Do you want to believe you are more than a body but still feel stuck? Struggling with the hot or holy paradigm? Check out Heather’s coaching options. 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 concept of addiction--but not in a way you might expect. Heather isn't talking about drugs or alcohol or other things that you expect people to be addicted to. Instead, she talks about being addicted to body change--of chasing idols of body image and beauty through controlling and manipulating her body size and shape. Heather breaks down some amazing teaching from Dr. Tim Keller on the topic of addictions and idolatry and she applies this teaching to our issues with food and body. The sermon she refers to throughout today's episode is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcuE9ewrwVw Here are some other topics talked about in today's episode, I'm a Body Change Addict: How the prophet Jeremiah shows us Israel's idolatry problem and how this applies to us today! The deep spiritual desire we have to find affirmation. What addiction really is and how it's a spiritual problem. The addiction cycle and what Jeremiah 2:27 teaches us about it. How we can see what our addictions are as we compare what bothers us versus what bothers are friends. How addictions can't be solved just through changing our bodies. The Biggest Loser definition of salvation. How scolding and shaming never helps us change anything. What does work to break us out of addiction and sin. How our priorities reveal our treasures and our idols. Tim Keller's solution of thinking about these issues as issues between our bridegroom (Jesus) and his bride (us) and how this changes things. Why we all want to look flawless. Take the 5 Day Email Challenge from Compared to Who? and join the friends list at www.Comparedtowho.me Learn more about Heather's new book The 40-Day Body Image Workbook and get the bonuses here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Connect with Heather or drop her a message at Heather@ compared to who.me. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore teaches through 1 Timothy 4:1-10 and looks at the ways scripture instructs us to think about our food, pleasure, contentment, and even exercise. This passage includes instruction about how we think about and relate to food and our bodies and even exercise. As she examines these scriptures you’ll see the two concepts that Paul wanted to communicate to the young pastor Timothy and the concepts God still wants us to understand today are godliness and contentment. Listen and be encouraged to feel better about your body image and enjoy God's good gifts this Christmas season and all year long. Today Heather asks: Can we be content with his gifts? As we learn from 1 Timothy, the more we know him, the more we grow in godliness, and the more we enjoy his gifts-- even the gift of our body and food. Having a godly perspective, the training in godliness has so much to do with the way we relate to our bodies, our food, and others, in this life and is also good for the life to come. As you'll be encouraged to remember in today's encouraging show: Having an eternal perspective changes everything. Here are the verses read in today’s podcast: 1 Timothy 4:1-10 Luke 17:11-17 Here’s a link to Jeff White’s sermon on this topic: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/the-freedom-of-contentment-life-of-grateful-joy-10th/ Check out Heather’s new book, the facilitator's guide, and the walking workouts: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: Hope for Christian Women Who’ve Tried Everything Episodes referenced in today's show: Here's a link to a podcast episode on contentment and Philippians 4:13 https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/can-philippians-4-13-be-my-weight-loss-or-fitness Episode to learn more about Heather's new book: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/the-body-image-solution-a-40-day-workbook-to-break Link to gluttony podcast episodes: Part 1 on gluttony: https://omnystudio.com/p/compared-to-who/clips/5775b9f0-b418-46bd-ad75-b02200dd7563 Part 2 on gluttony: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/more-thoughts-on-gluttony-what-the-bible-says-part Link to the Burden of Better book that contains data on gratitude, grace, and contentment Link to Amy Carlson podcast episode that talked about abstaining from premarital sex not the same as abstaining from pleasure around food: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/have-we-christianized-disordered-eating-featuring Mind Over Milkshake Study: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/04/14/299179468/mind-over-milkshake-how-your-thoughts-fool-your-stomach Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's "Ask Me Anything" episode Heather tackles two listener questions: 1) What do I say when a friend loses weight (and everyone else is complimenting her)? 2) Why is it bad to put myself down? I'd never say anything mean about someone else's body, so what's the problem with criticizing mine and saying that I don't like the way I look? Heather tackles both of these questions from the perspective of what the Bible asks of us, that is: speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). She gives a hope-filled answer for the one who is struggling to know what to say after a friend loses a considerable amount of weight (through a risky method). Heather also offers some encouragement for how you can help the friend, family member, or co-worker who can't stop putting her self down. Don't forget to check out Heather's brand new book, "The 40-Day Body Image Workbook." If you purchase the book this month you can get the 5 free walking workouts to help you process the content. Plus, you can also download the facilitator's guide. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Ready to go deeper in your journey to freedom next year? Sign up for coaching and Heather's online class: The Body Image Freedom Framework. 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's thought-provoking new episode may challenge the way you think about judgment and body image. Host Heather Creekmore delves into the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7, exploring how our tendency to judge others based on their bodies might not align with biblical principles. Heather emphasizes the impact of the judgments we make about others on our own body image struggles and the importance of recognizing our own idols of the heart as part of the impetus for judging others. Heather even tackles the topic of Dolly Parton's attention-getting half-time show performance on Thanksgiving, when she appeared in a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform. Should we judge Dolly? Or, should we simply say, "You do you, boo?" Or, is there another answer the Bible prescribes? Heather goes through Matthew 7, the Bible's most famous judging verses, and talks about what it means to judge others, and explains the Bible's very clear prescription on parameters around how we should judge. Heather examines the challenges of judging people's bodies by their size or appearance, shedding light on the dangers of complementing weight loss and the complexities of body size and health. Heather also talks about how our quickness to judge may reflect more work that needs to be done in our own hearts around the topic of body image. Heather explains, "Until I'm able to stop idolizing the woman that has the body size that I think would make me happy, until I'm able to stop judging others by their bodies and, really, therefore, objectifying them, it's really hard for me to break free from my own body image issues." Don't forget to check out Heather's brand new book, "The 40-Day Body Image Workbook." Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Ready to go deeper in your journey to freedom next year? Sign up for coaching and Heather's online class: The Body Image Freedom Framework. https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Photo credits: Jeff Schultes, Shutterstock. DFree, Shutterstock Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

December is full of episodes and articles telling you how to "stay healthy" during the holidays by avoiding holiday treats or exercising more . . . but today Heather encourages you with easy, tangible ways you can feel healthier during the holiday season that have nothing to do with restricting food or stressing over your weight. In today's episode, Heather talks about the keys to being able to truly enjoy the holidays, feeling the meaning and significance of the Christmas season. Body image and food issues can keep us self focused and stressed, but there is a way to find the real peace, joy, and rest that Christmas should bring. Here are three fun facts shared on today's episode: 1) Heather shares a personal story of overcommitting and the lesson learned from not saying no to a task, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing rest and relaxation. 2) Heather encourages listeners to take a break from social media and engage in activities like reading or doing an advent devotional to combat the unhealthy comparisons on social media. 3) Heather emphasizes the importance of deep breathing and its positive impact on overall well-being, suggesting taking deep breaths both figuratively and literally to see positive results. Ready to start your body image freedom journey? Grab the 40-Day Body Image Workbook now available everywhere Christian books are sold. Learn more about this great resource to help Christian women with body image issues and BONUSES available for ordering this month here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Looking for more personalized help in the new year? Consider joining the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program. 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 gives a preview of her brand new book, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: Help for Christian Women Who've Tried Everything. In this episode, Heather shares the inspiration behind her book and reveals some of its key features. Heather highlights the importance of body image freedom and provides insights on why it is crucial to break free from the chains of diet culture. In this episode, she takes listeners through each week of the workbook, offering a glimpse into the discussions surrounding faith, worth, influences, food, thought life, and so much more. Plus, Heather announces an exclusive bonus for listeners who purchase the book before the end of the year: Walking workouts to help you process the content. So, get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards body image freedom with Heather as your guide. Ready to grab your copy of Heather's brand new book or start reading the sample OR cash in on your pre-order bonus of the 5 walking workouts. Learn all the things here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Use the code: THANKFUL and save 30% off the Body Image Freedom Framework Course and Coaching (groups start in January). Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Ready to grab a group of women in your church or a group of friends and go through the content together? Learn more about Heather's group guide to help you facilitate taking a group through the book, here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/group-guide-40-day-body-image-workbook Contact Heather if you need help with bulk orders: [email protected] Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.