This week Aleen and Sami are back to read some ‘Dear DST’ emails about quarantine, race, wellness, and how these all relate to one another. They start with a reflection on how drastically life has changed since quarantine began and the exhaustion that comes from our current day-to-day. Plus, they discuss the pressures to start dieting again and the ways we criticize ourselves, including feeling sorry for how we look. Then they respond to a listener who is struggling to find fitness motivation and give their own tips, like working out for mental health not to burn calories and how big of a difference that can make. Another listener writes in to share her story of grappling with body image and how expectations differ based on race. Plus, they talk about toxic behavior from parents and read an email from a listener who’s father criticizes her food choices. How do we set food boundaries with our parents without getting confrontational? Do we scream, like Sami, or calmly ignore it, like Aleen? Finally, they finish out the week with some great book recommendations and a Non Scale Win about joining the protests.

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