Are you rockin’ thick thighs?

Try these tips for rockin’ thick thighs when it's 95....

As the temps start to rise and we begin wearing less clothes, do you notice yourself being more aware of or distracted by your body? Particularly that good ol' thigh rub and the way your "you know what" starts to eat your shorts?

For many of us, this physical and emotional discomfort prevents us from wearing shorts and keeps us hot and miserable all summer long. Here are 3 of my favorite tips that have helped me begin making peace with the thunder in my thighs....

1. Give yourself permission to care for your body. Your body, including its cellulite, varicose veins, leg hair, bug bites, chafing, etc., deserves to be treated with kindness and care. I spent many nights boiling in a pair of jeans at the racetrack on a Saturday night in August. I wish someone had told me I didn't need to cover my legs. I didn't need to make myself miserable, almost to the point of feeling sick, just in case someone else was uncomfortable about my legs being exposed. While it’s hard, I know now that I'm not responsible for how others feel about my legs. However, I do take responsibility for caring for my body. When I'm cold, I break out my cozy socks and favorite sweater. When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm thirsty, I drink. When nature calls, I go. And... when it's hot out, I give my body the opportunity to stay cool (even if other people have feelings about it). If I don’t care for my body, who does?

2. Wear the damn shorts... the pair that doesn't make you preoccupied with your body. After a miserable trip to the farmers market where I spent more time pulling my shorts down than I did shopping for veggies, I came home and got rid of every single pair of jean shorts I owned. However, realizing I might, on occasion, want to wear something other than bike shorts, I decided I should try to find a pair I like.

While trying to decide where to shop for shorts, I came across a facebook post by Trace's Boutique. It was a photo of owner, Tracy. She was sharing how she was leaning into her discomfort about wearing shorts and had decided to just wear the damn things. I thought to myself: YES, GIRL!! And.... here's the key: Wear the shorts that don't make you preoccupied with your body. The same is true for bathing suits, underwear, etc.

Any item of clothing that is too small, too short, too tight, pinches, rides up or has to be readjusted constantly is going to keep you hyper-focused on your body. Now, I recognize being able to bop right out and buy a new pair of shorts comes with privilege, and I want to point out that there's no shame in thrifting, clothes swapping with your girlfriends, homemade digs, etc. Whatever from wherever that makes you your most comfortable self and allows you to be less distracted by your body and more present in your life.

3. Anti-chaffing body powder/body glide are a must. If you're an outdoors type of person like me or live in SEIA where it has been 90 for days, these products are as essential as the daily deodorant application and shower. My favorites: Extra Strength Gold Bond Body Powder and body (body glide).

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Need more support?
- Register here for Gentle Yoga at the Lounge! June's theme is "Body Kindness."

- Join Michelle Russell (RD, LD, CEDS) the first and third Thursday of each month for a Body Image Support Group. Click here to learn more.

- Get Summer Innanen's FREE Body Confidence Makeover: 10 Steps To Take To Help You Feel Comfortable In Your Body And Release Your Inner Badass.

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P.S. Bike shorts and body glide under dresses are where it’s at. (How did I go 35 years before knowing this?!)

P.S.S. If you're still having a hard time making peace with your thighs, maybe start with this small step: Offer them a little gratitude for all the times they've prevented you from dropping your phone in the toilet. Teehee!

In seriousness, hang in there. Like most things in life, this is a practice; not a perfect. Be gentle with yourself.