What if you stopped judging your body for how it looks — and started appreciating what it can do?

This episode explores body functionality appreciation, a research-backed practice that shifts focus from aesthetics to ability. You’ll learn how noticing what your body does builds confidence, self-efficacy, and long-term body image resilience, and how to approach it without slipping into ableism.

We’ll cover:

• The science behind body functionality and why it matters for positive body image
• How self-efficacy and “mastery experiences” boost movement confidence
• Three simple, evidence-based ways to start appreciating your body’s functionality today

References:
Alleva et al., 2018 • Tylka & Piran, 2019 • Lindsay & Lexie Kite, More Than a Body • Bandura, 1997

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Ever catch yourself saying “I just feel fat”? You’re not alone — and you’re also not actually describing your body.

In this episode, Jess breaks down what that phrase really means, why our brains default to body-bashing language, and how to decode the emotion underneath it. You’ll learn about the psychology of body-image disruptions, body talk, and emotional regulation, plus three sturdy, practical strategies to help you respond with compassion instead of criticism.

Because “fat” isn’t a feeling — it’s a story your brain tells when something else needs attention.

In this episode:

• Why “I feel fat” often follows emotional or situational triggers
• What research says about body talk and body-image fluctuations
• A 4-step “Sturdy Translation Practice” you can start using today
• Three sturdy strategies: translate your body talk, move to process emotions, and reality-check your body perceptions

Referenced research:

• Cash, T.F. (2008). Cognitive-Behavioral Perspectives on Body Image
• Fredrickson, B.L. & Roberts, T.A. (1997). Objectification Theory
• Piran, N. & Teall, T. (2012). Body Connection & Body Image Disruptions
• Tylka, T.L. & Wood-Barcalow, N.L. (2015). Body Appreciation Scale–2
• Hall, K.D. et al. (2016). Body Fat Change Dynamics
• Batra, P. et al. (2015). Hormonal & Fluid Changes Across the Menstrual Cycle
• Sawka, M.N. et al. (2007). Water Retention & Hydration Physiology
• Orbé-Austin, L. (2018). “When We Say We Feel Fat…” Psychology Today

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Tired of being told to “just love your body”?
 In this episode, Jess unpacks why body-positive slogans often fall flat — and what the research actually says helps you build a more peaceful, realistic relationship with your body.

You’ll learn the difference between body positivity (the movement) and positive body image (the mindset), why self-compassion is a more effective approach than toxic positivity, and three practical ways to start treating your body with respect — even on the hard days.

💪 Topics covered:
 • The real roots of body positivity (and how it got co-opted)
 • What self-compassion actually does for body image
 • Why “just love yourself” can backfire
 • Three sturdy, science-backed practices you can try this week

Referenced research:

• Raque et al. (2023) – Pathways by Which Self-Compassion Improves Positive Body Image
• Wollast et al. (2025) – Self-Objectification and Social Media: Role of Self-Compassion
• Cannavò et al. (2024) – Body Surveillance and Self-Compassion
• Barron et al. (2021) – Fitspiration vs Self-Compassion Content Effects
• Mills et al. (2022) – Integrating Shame, Positive Body Image, and Self-Compassion
• Brown, B. (2012) – Daring Greatly: “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”

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Ever catch yourself mid-lift arguing with… yourself?
 In this episode, Jess digs into the surprisingly powerful science of self-talk — why that inner voice exists, how it shapes your confidence and body image, and three evidence-backed ways to train it so it helps instead of hijacks you.

You’ll learn:

• What self-regulation actually means (and why it matters under the bar and in daily life)
• Why talking to yourself in the second person (“You’ve got this”) changes your stress response
• How to use self-compassion without slipping into toxic positivity
• How your inner dialogue directly affects body image and self-trust
• Three sturdy tools you can practice this week to start shifting your tone

🧠 References

1. Kross, E. et al. (2014). Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: How you address yourself matters. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
2. Neff, K. & Germer, C. (2019). The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Guilford Press.
3. Alderson-Day, B. & Fernyhough, C. (2020). Inner speech and self-regulation: Toward a model of dialogic thinking. Frontiers in Psychology.

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Pregnancy and postpartum body image are often framed through loss and “bounce-back” pressure — but the research tells a different story. In this episode of Sturdy Girl, Jess takes you inside the science and lived experience of pregnancy, weaving in surprising findings about body image, mental health, strength training, and the incredible physiological adaptations that prove just how sturdy our bodies really are.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just navigating a changing body in another season of life, this conversation is for you.

Resources & Research Mentioned:

• da Silva et al. (2023): Systematic review of interventions for body image in pregnancy/postpartum
  
  
• Ponzio et al. (2022): Multidimensional changes in body image across pregnancy
  
  
• Floris et al. (2023): Prepartum body image disturbance predicting postpartum disturbance, mediated by emotional regulation
  
  
• Da Costa et al. (2020): Positive maternity attitudes as protective against prenatal depression
  
  
• ACOG guidelines on physical activity in pregnancy: Exercise and pregnancy outcomes
  
  
• Dahlen et al. (2018): Running during pregnancy and birth outcomes
  
  
• Salvatore et al. (2025): Instagram exposure and postpartum body satisfaction
• Sturdy Girl episode on 'bounceback culture'
• Sturdy Girl episode on body image and postpartum
  
  

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Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.

Stay Sturdy, friends.

If you’ve ever felt like body thoughts take up way too much of your brain space, this episode is for you.
 Body image work isn’t about loving your reflection 24/7 — it’s about learning how to stop obsessing over your body so you can shift your focus back to living the big, rad life you deserve.

In this episode, I break down the four research-backed pillars of positive body image — appreciation, respect, functionality, and embodiment — and show you how body image flexibility is the key to making it all practical in real life.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why obsessing over your body hijacks your mental energy and joy
• The four pillars of positive body image (and how to practice each one)
• How hustle culture and “just be disciplined” can actually keep you stuck
• A simple ABCD framework to catch obsessive thoughts before they spiral
• Why the ultimate goal isn’t to think about your body more — it’s to think about it less

Research mentioned:

• Tylka, T. L., & Wood-Barcalow, N. L. (2015). What is and what is not positive body image? Body Image Journal
  
  
• Alleva, J. M., & Tylka, T. L. (2021). Body functionality: A review of the evidence. Body Image Journal
  
  
• Piran, N. (2017). Embodying the mind, embodying the world: An integrated model of embodiment. Body Image Journal
  
  
• Sandoz, E. K., et al. (2013). Body image flexibility and ACT. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science
  
  

Let’s connect:
✨ Want support in building a sturdier body image and mindset? Learn more about 1:1 coaching with me
.

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BMI has been used for decades as a quick way to measure “health” — but here’s the truth: it was never designed for individuals. Created in the 1800s by a mathematician and adopted by insurance companies in the 1970s, BMI ignores body composition, genetics, fitness, nutrition, and mental health. Yet it’s still used to label and shame people in ways that often do more harm than good.

In this episode of Sturdy Girl, I break down the history of BMI, why it’s a flawed measure of health, and what to focus on instead. I share my own story of walking out of a doctor’s office when BMI was used against me, plus research that highlights better, sturdier ways to define health. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical steps for doing a “sturdy health check-in” that has nothing to do with a chart.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Where BMI really came from (and why it was never meant for you)
• The major flaws of BMI as a health measure
• Why focusing on weight alone misses the bigger picture of health
• Research-backed alternatives like Health at Every Size (HAES)
• A simple “sturdy health check-in” to measure progress beyond numbers

Be sure to check out EverWild's Signature strength membership, Grit. Use code 35FOR35 to save on your first 3 months (and get a free week trial). 

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We’re back for Season 6 of Sturdy Girl! And we’re kicking things off with a big question: What does it really mean to be a sturdy human?

Spoiler: sturdiness isn’t about having defined thigh muscles, perfect confidence, or an unshakable routine. It’s about resilience. It’s about having deep roots and flexible branches — the kind of strength that helps you bend without breaking when life gets messy.

In this episode, Jess is breaking down her own evolving definition of sturdiness (from shrinking herself with running → to barbell training → to navigating pregnancy), the three pillars of being sturdy (body, mind, and self-relationship), and why sturdiness matters more than ever in a world obsessed with “looking” or “performing” sturdy instead of actually being it.

You’ll also walk away with a few simple, research-backed practices for building your own sturdy foundation — no overhauls required.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why sturdiness is about resilience, not perfection
• The 3 pillars of being a sturdy human: body, mind, and self-relationship
• How diet culture and hustle culture confuse “looking sturdy” with being sturdy
• Research on body image flexibility + self-compassion (and why it matters for resilience)
• A few of my favorite tiny sturdy habits you can start this week

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In this bite-sized Sturdy Short, Jess spills the tea on three surprisingly simple things that seriously improved her body image—starting with breaking fashion “rules,” turning down the mind chaos with mindfulness, and learning that self-compassion isn’t just cozy vibes, it’s a power move. If you've been wondering where to start or just need a nudge, there’s a no-pressure “choose one” challenge at the end to help you get out of your head and back into your body—because healing doesn’t have to be heavy.

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Do you ever feel like you’re doing all the right mindset work around body image, but something’s still…missing?

This week, we’re exploring embodiment—not as a buzzword, but as a powerful, research-backed tool to help you feel more at home in your body.

We’ll break down:
 ✨ What embodiment actually is (and isn’t)
 🧠 The difference between self-objectification and body connection
 🔬 The science behind how embodiment improves body image, eating habits, and emotional resilience
 🛠️ Practical, doable ways to practice embodiment in real life (no candles or crystals required)

Plus, we get real about why embodiment can feel so hard—and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

If body image work has ever felt like a frustrating loop, this episode is your invitation to try a new (and sturdy) path.

Send Us A Message!

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Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
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Stay Sturdy, friends.