Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Heather Creekmore - Christian Body Image Author and Speaker

**The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing themselves to others!**

  • Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles?
  • Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better?
  • Do you know that "God looks at the heart" or "You're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better?
  • Bonus: Have you ever prayed for God to zap you skinny? ;) (Your secret is safe here.)

If you answered yes to any of the above, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image Issues is the show for you!

Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like feeling out of control with food, body shame, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, dieting, body dysmorphia, body hatred, and more from a practical, grace-filled, biblical, and gospel-centered perspective.

I'm Heather Creekmore, author of several books (including a forthcoming body image workbook), speaker, and Christian body image coach. Our approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. We hope every episode is filled with grace and hope for your personal struggle. I spent decades battling the scale and the mirror. But, now I help women get free from body image issues so they can stop comparing and start living. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey.

Find out more about Heather Creekmore and the ministry of Compared to Who? or to get Christian body image coaching, visit: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

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Episodios

Finding Body Image Freedom Through Understanding Agency
Hace 5 días
Finding Body Image Freedom Through Understanding Agency
Host Heather Creekmore dives into the concept of agency and its importance in growing up emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to defeat body image issues. She begins by framing agency as the ability to make good decisions for oneself without excessive dependence on external input and approval. Heather shares her own story about overcoming internalized limitations imposed by others' opinions, highlighting how these constraints often manifest in our lives. Heather emphasizes that agency is crucial for managing body image and food issues. She discusses how a lack of agency—stemming from experiences like emotional abuse, overly controlling environments, or childhood trauma—can lead to unhealthy food relationships, including restrictive eating or impulsive bingeing. She connects this to broader themes of spiritual growth, urging you to trust yourself under God's guidance and to stop allowing other people's opinions to dictate your self-judgment. By examining scriptural teachings and real-life examples, Heather will encourage you to challenge your fears and limiting beliefs. Growing up means taking control of one's life, making independent decisions, and seeing oneself accurately through the lens of God’s truth, rather than through the judgments of others.  Ready for coaching? Learn more at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Learn more and connect to Compared to Who?: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How Do You Know and Feel That God Loves You?
27-09-2024
How Do You Know and Feel That God Loves You?
Host Heather Creekmore tackles the deep-seated issue of truly feeling and knowing that God loves us. She begins by questioning whether listeners feel God’s love beyond just an intellectual understanding of it. Heather suggests that if more people genuinely felt secure in God’s love, concerns about body image would diminish significantly. Heather explores the disconnect between head knowledge and heart knowledge regarding God's love. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and internalizing God's steadfast love. Heather explains that chasing idols—whether they be body image, health, or other people—hinders the ability to feel God’s unconditional love. Heather advocates for confessing and repenting from idol worship to clear the ‘dust and dirt’ that clouds one’s perception of God's love. She urges listeners to visualize Jesus with them, embodying a loving and compassionate presence, free from disappointment or anger. She delves deeper into the concept of acceptance and approval from God versus humans. Heather underlines that individuals often seek validation by altering their bodies to gain others' approval, a futile effort since true safety and acceptance come only from God. Heather reminds listeners that God’s love is both spoken and demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, highlighting the importance of embracing this truth above societal pressures regarding body image.  Learn more about how Compared to Who? can help you find body image freedom and healing by visiting: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Learn more about Heather's 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.
How Your Nervous System Affects Your Body Image Issues Featuring Dr. Tamara Rosier
20-09-2024
How Your Nervous System Affects Your Body Image Issues Featuring Dr. Tamara Rosier
Today Heather Creekmore continues the conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier diving into the intricate relationship between the nervous system and body image issues.  Here are three key takeaways you won't want to miss: Holistic Approach to Body Image: Culture often misguides us into believing that weight loss alone can resolve body image issues. Dr. Tamara Rosier and Heather Creekmore discuss that true resolution involves both physical and spiritual components, highlighting the complexity of understanding what is going on in your brain and your nervous system in certain scenarios. Understanding Nervous System Dynamics: Your nervous system plays a pivotal role in how you perceive and manage stressors related to body image. The episode emphasizes the importance of being aware of your nervous system to stay within your "window of tolerance"—a balanced state where you can effectively manage stress and interact socially without distress. Effective Coping Strategies: Both Dr. Rosier and Heather share personal stories of hyperarousal and hypoarousal, offering practical advice like box breathing and EMDR therapy. These techniques can help regulate the nervous system, providing tools to cope with anxiety, stress, and social situations more effectively. Dr. Tamara Rosier also introduces her new book, "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family," which offers valuable insights into family dynamics and emotional management, applicable to everyone, not just those with ADHD. (Amazon affiliate link) Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Do Body Image Issues Make You a Target for Narcissists?
17-09-2024
Do Body Image Issues Make You a Target for Narcissists?
Host Heather Creekmore and Dr. Tamara Rosier offers invaluable insights into navigating relationships with narcissists and understanding the crucial role of boundaries. Here are three key takeaways: 🔹 Boundaries Are Essential: Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about defining what actions you will take in response to those that affect you. Even Jesus set boundaries to take care of his needs, as reflected in the New Testament. 🔹 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior: Narcissists use others to feed their ego and keep them off balance. This is different from mere selfish behavior, which is more about convenience. Identifying and distinguishing these behaviors is vital to protect your well-being. 🔹 Levels of Problematic Behavior: Not all negative behavior is "toxic." Dr. Rosier introduces the concept of "peccadillos" (minor annoyances), "noxious behavior" (selfish actions), and truly "toxic behavior" (harmful and manipulative). Recognizing these levels helps in managing relationships more effectively. Tune in to get more insights, personal anecdotes, and strategies for managing relationships and maintaining your mental health. 🎧 Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com Check out Dr. Rosier's new book here: https://amzn.to/4ensduq (Amazon affiliate link) Learn more about coaching: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Shop for cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Stephanie Sarkis research on narcissism. Chuck DeGroat's book, "When Narcissism Comes to Church"   (Amazon affiliate link)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Coaching with Presli 2: Unpacking Control, Disappointment, and Expectations for Our Bodies
13-09-2024
Coaching with Presli 2: Unpacking Control, Disappointment, and Expectations for Our Bodies
Today Heather coaches her client Presli around her struggles with body image, the need for control, and the fear of judgment. Presli opens up about feeling frustrated by the perceived pressure to adhere to strict rules about her body, while others seemingly don't have similar expectations placed on them. She candidly shares her belief that smaller women have better experiences in life, attributing this to societal ideals perpetuated by the media and those around her. The discussion revolves around the deep desire to be seen and accepted, as well as the pressure to maintain a certain body image. Both Heather and Presli emphasize the need to find lasting contentment in an identity rooted in Christ, as opposed to seeking it from external sources. They explore the theme of chronic disappointment and the struggle to trust in God's plan, with the notion that having control over every aspect of life does not lead to fulfillment. The episode provides a safe space for open dialogue, addressing the dissatisfaction of being loved or accepted for superficial reasons and the impact of appearance on relationships and self-perception.  Here's the episode Presli and Heather discussed about the goodness of God: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/i-ruined-my-body-how-do-i-believe-my-body-is-good Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey began September 1. Learn more 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.
Live Coaching Call: Presli's Battle with Butter & Fear
10-09-2024
Live Coaching Call: Presli's Battle with Butter & Fear
Heather Creekmore shares a recording coaching session with her client, Presli, who has been working through the Body Image Freedom Framework online course. They discuss Presli's journey, including her past struggles with body image and her recent experience at a restaurant where she felt derailed by the presence of butter in her meal. They also touch on Presli's feelings of anger, fear, and the pressures of diet culture. Throughout their conversation, they explore how these emotions and thought patterns have impacted Presli's relationship with food and her body. The episode also delves into the concept of the "gluttony of delicacy" (coined by C.S. Lewis) and the psychological impact of feeling like one has a special "life sentence" when it comes to food. The conversation ends on a hopeful note as Presli shares her journey of learning to enjoy food without fear and how she's working towards a healthier relationship with her body. The episode offers insight and encouragement for anyone struggling with body image issues and diet culture pressures. Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more 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.
Are Diet & Exercise Effective Ways to Avoid Body Image Issues?
03-09-2024
Are Diet & Exercise Effective Ways to Avoid Body Image Issues?
In this episode of "Compared To Who?" Heather Creekmore challenges the common belief that changing our bodies is the solution to body image issues. She discusses the harmful impact of diets and exercise on individuals' well-being and tackles the cultural misconception that achieving a certain body size will lead to freedom from body image struggles. Heather emphasizes that people of all sizes experience body image issues and that placing hope in diet and exercise often leads to disappointment, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical detriment. She warns against diet culture's subtle influence, warping Scripture to manipulate individuals into believing that their worth is determined by their body size and equating weight loss with spiritual success. Listen to the first episode on Gwen Shamblin and Diet Culture in the church here: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/starving-for-salvation-diet-culture-gwen-shamblin Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more 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.
4 Ways to Stop Negative Thoughts About Your Body: Part 2
30-08-2024
4 Ways to Stop Negative Thoughts About Your Body: Part 2
In this episode of "Compared to Who?" host Heather Creekmore continues the important conversation on stopping negative thoughts about our bodies. Heather highlights the necessity of reevaluating beliefs about body image and the importance of valuing God's thoughts above one's own. Drawing from Isaiah 55:8-9, she encourages the listener to assess whether they live in alignment with God's truth or prioritize maintaining a certain image in the eyes of others.   Heather also discusses the idea of self-worship and the pursuit of self-created ideals, emphasizing the need to shift focus from self to God. She delves into the significance of embracing humility and repentance as transformative measures. The episode emphasizes the use of the "Philippians 4:8 filter" to assess and process thoughts. Heather walks the listeners through a practical application of this filter, guiding them to evaluate thoughts against the criteria of truth, honor, righteousness, purity, loveliness, excellence, and praiseworthiness. Throughout the episode, Heather encourages listeners to identify and discard detrimental thoughts, highlighting the liberating impact of cultivating a healthy thought life. Heather also shares personal experiences and testimonials from her journey, attesting to the transformative power of aligning thought patterns with biblical truths.  Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more 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.
3 Ways to Find Rest in Your Body Image or Eating Disorder Recovery Journey
11-06-2024
3 Ways to Find Rest in Your Body Image or Eating Disorder Recovery Journey
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus promises us rest. But, how many of the ways that we seek rest are tied to striving, religious rituals, or promises made to us by marketers selling us something that promises to change our bodies. Heather hopes this episode will help you internalize the truth of the Gospel and how this can give you rest that far surpasses reaching a goal weight or having an ideal body. Heather digs into all the reasons why we have a hard time finding rest in these issues or in our recovery journey and how we can preach the Gospel to ourselves to find the rest the Bible promises. There are three things we need to "get" before we can find the rest the Bible promises: 1) We need to get grace. Most of us don't understand how grace touches us every single day and is so much more than just our assurance of salvation for eternity. But, grace can help us defeat comparison, envy, and find rest in our body image and food issues. 2) We need to get to know God. There are two big components to getting to know God: worshipping him and understanding our identity is completely formed by knowing our relationship with Him and who he is. 3) We need to get a long view. We're reminded to think about our future--take care of your body so that you will be able to care for your grandchildren or be mobile in your senior years. There's nothing wrong with this advice, but what we really need to do is think in light of eternity. If we're only making decisions in light of what we'll be like when we're 80 or 100, we've missed out on the purpose of our lives and what God created us to do that will last for eternity.  Heather uses the illustration of life as a sort of maze where there are lots of corners and path options that look like they'll lead to rest, but really they are dead ends. We see light coming from their corridors and think "Yay, that's my way to freedom." But, instead we just find ourselves trapped. Instead of making Jesus our co-pilot on our journey through life, we need to actually follow and trust him through the maze. This is our only way to true rest. Today Heather explores each of these concepts and how they can encourage and inform you as you deal with body image or eating disorder recovery and issues. Heather uses scriptures from Matthew and the parable of the talents to help you better understand God's desire to grant you rest. Learn more about Compared to Who? and Heather's Christian books on body image and comparison, Christian body image coaching, other recommended podcast episodes, and more, go to: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Are you connected with us by email yet? Be a part of Heather's email list and you'll get messages weekly that encourage you and recommend top podcast episodes so you can stay encouraged while this show is on a two month hiatus. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Have you read the 40-Day Body Image Workbook? A new session of the 40 Day workbook journey will begin in August. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Follow Compared to Who? on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram and join our private Facebook community here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I've Messed Up My Body: How Do I Move Forward?
04-06-2024
I've Messed Up My Body: How Do I Move Forward?
Today Heather talks to her friend, neuropsychologist and author, Dr. Michelle Bengtson about how we can move forward after we feel like we've done things (or had things done to us) that have caused hurt or damage to our bodies. With grace and compassion, Heather and Michelle talk about how God wants to use our scars for our good and His glory. Dr. Michelle offers tangible and practical ways to move forward in grace and healing, including the recommendation that you find someone to walk with you who has had a similar journey and can understand both your wounds and scars. They talk about the realities that some things we have done to our bodies -- via eating disorders or an unhealthy relationship with food -- may have left a visible mark, but God is not upset by or afraid to use that. Heather and Michelle explore how to get past the shame, how to get past the condemnation, and how to let God turn those scars into something beautiful.  Learn more about Dr. Michelle Bengtson's brand new book, Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past is Not Wasted. (Amazon affiliate link) Learn more about Heather's book, the 40-Day Body Image Workbook. Learn more about Dr. Michelle Bengtson and all of her books here: https://www.drmichelleb.com Heather's other episodes featuring Dr. Michelle Bengtson include: Finding Hope in Pain and Suffering: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/finding-hope-in-suffering-pain-featuring-dr-michel Identity, Depression, and Anxiety: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/identity-depression-anxiety-how-to-find-freedom-wi OCD, Narcissism, Eating Disorders, and Body Image: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/ocd-narcissism-eating-disorders-body-image   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I Ruined My Body: How Do I Believe My Body is Good When I Messed It Up?
31-05-2024
I Ruined My Body: How Do I Believe My Body is Good When I Messed It Up?
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.
How to Stop Feeling Shame About Your Body: Does Oprah's Solution Work?
24-05-2024
How to Stop Feeling Shame About Your Body: Does Oprah's Solution Work?
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.