'Instagram vs. reality' photo will have you loving your bikini body

Krista Thurrott
·Lifestyle & Shopping Writer
Sarah Puhto <i>(Photo via Instagram/saggysara)</i>
Sarah Puhto (Photo via Instagram/saggysara)

Sara Puhto is a 21-year-old blogger who regularly gets real about her life as a body positive advocate. In her most recent post, she breaks down the reality of social media, sharing a side-by-side photo of the difference between Instagram and reality.

Instagram vs reality I used to always lay in specific way to avoid looking “bigger”. Years ago I thought that if I had abs my tummy would be flat all the time. But that’s not true at all, in reality we all have tummy fat. Our tummies bunch together, make rolls, our skin bends. We all have different bodies. Don’t let the way you feel about your body stop you from enjoying yourself. Don’t let your insecurities stop you from making memories. Cause in a few years you want to think back and remember all the fun you had with your friends and not think about the fact that you left early because you didn’t feel good about yourself or because someone took a “bad” photo of you. Next time you feel this way remember that you are your own worst critic. Our bodies look different in different positions. Neither is worse than the other just because one isn’t glorified on media. Your body is normal. Your body is worthy. You do not need to change yourself. You are absolutely amazing the way you are —————————————— . . . #embracethesquish #youareworthy #bodypositive #stopcomparing #bikinibodies #effyourbeautystandards #bodyimage #loveyourbody #bodyacceptance

A post shared by Sara Puhto (@saggysara) on Mar 19, 2018 at 6:46am PDT

“I used to always lay in a specific way to avoid looking ‘bigger.’ Years ago I thought that if I had abs my tummy would be flat all the time. But that’s not true at all,” wrote Puhto. “In reality we all have tummy fat. Our tummies bunch together, make rolls, our skin bends. We all have different bodies.”

The Finnish writer explains how it’s common for women to compare themselves to what they see on social media, and how that can damage self esteem.

“Don’t let the way you feel about your body stop you from enjoying yourself. Don’t let your insecurities stop you from making memories,” she continued. “Cause in a few years you want to think back and remember all the fun you had with your friends and not think about the fact that you left early because you didn’t feel good about yourself or because someone took a ‘bad’ photo of you.”

ALSO SEE: Sisters’ side-by-side photo proves every body is beautiful

Body shape & weight We all come in different shapes and sizes. We all have our own insecurities. I used to be obsessed with comparing my weight to other people’s. But we all have different factors that affect our weight. Such as height, muscle mass, breast size, time of day, water retention. Your weight does not equate to your health, or your beauty, or your worth. Don’t obsess about weight gain or loss. Don’t let a scale control how you feel about your body. You should be proud of your body for all the things it allows you to do! Don’t let a small thing like weight, height, body fat cause you to hate your whole body. The way you look does not change who you are as a person. You are absolutely incredible the way you are now. Your uniqueness is your beauty. Thank you to my sister, @ritapuhto for letting me use her in this photo!! —————————————— . . . #stopcomparing #lookafteryou #sistergoals #bodylove #allbodiesaregoodbodies #bodydiversity

A post shared by Sara Puhto (@saggysara) on Mar 3, 2018 at 1:33am PST

Puhto is also quick to remind her 228,000 followers that not everything you see online is real. When it comes down to it, regardless of the size of your body, it bends, folds and sags.

“Next time you feel this way remember that you are your own worst critic. Our bodies look different in different positions. Neither is worse than the other just because one isn’t glorified on media,” she wrote.

The post has resonated with many, with more than 24,000 likes and 400 comment. Readers were especially appreciative of the young blogger’s wisdom as we inch towards bathing suit season.

“Desperately needed to see this as I fearfully start bikini shopping for this summer. Thank you,” wrote one follower.

“This just made my day. Thank you so much for this inspiring post. I struggle with this all the time and this really encouraged me to love me for me!” added another.

ALSO SEE: Model’s side-by-side photos prove how angles can fool you

Love your body ]]>🌿🌴💕

Latest Stories