From unsolicited opinions about weight to limited options on what to wear, being a plus-sized girl in Nigeria is an overwhelming experience. Today, Muna Ikejiaku shares tips on owning your body and loving yourself as a plus-size babe in Nigeria.
Stop judging yourself
Understand: society’s standards for beauty will always change. You need to stop striving to keep up. Love your thighs when they jiggle. Your flabby arms and fupa are as perfect as you want them to be. Other people’s validation won’t make you feel beautiful until you feel it yourself. Be in awe of your body and don’t be scared of your reflection.
Don’t be a ghost
It may take a minute, but you need to stop hiding. There’s no joy in being absent in life. Bask in good moments and let yourself be enjoy life. I promise, you don’t want to look back on your youth without pictures to match the memories you shared with people. Crack your shell open. Don’t let life pass you by.
You are photogenic; say no to bad pictures
What are your angles sis? Everyone has them. I want you to end the toxic cycle of accepting photos that don’t make you look good today. You can’t get your friends to take better pictures of you if you don’t understand your body. Explore self-portraits, set up a nice corner in your house and spend time capturing the insecurities that cloud your mind in front of a camera. Find the angles that make you feel confident.
Don’t be scared to wear anything
Girl, I need you to release yourself from the “Plus-size girls can’t wear…” box. Put on a crop top. Wear a tight dress and flaunt those thighs. Let the rolls hang and your tummy bulge. If the outfit can’t handle that then let it go. Stop questioning your body, please.
Ditch brands with unflattering clothes for plus-size girls
Girl, that ruched body-hugging dress with a high slit and sleeveless arms will bang on your body too. Don’t let high fashion brands stress you out with their sizing. I had to learn that huge shapeless dresses with puffy sleeves and weird patterns are not for big girls. If one dress doesn’t fit, there’s a slinkier dress out there for you.
Eat whatever you want at any time
Tune out the judging looks and comments. Nigerians will always have something to say and that shouldn’t be your problem. I’m all for a healthy relationship with food, but I’ll stuff my face in a burger when I feel like it. Don’t let guilt consume you if you want to have a treat.
Choose only good vibes
Until you find the right people, get comfortable with being alone. Don’t make excuses for sadistic people that make snarky comments about your weight. I need you to confidently call them out on their bullshit and leave. Surround yourself with the people that hype you like a queen. Anything less needs to go, sis.
Trust me, you’re sexy AF
Don’t ever think you’re not the “it girl.” Stop comparing yourself with friends you think are more attractive than you. Trust your body. You can’t hate something and expect it to ooze sexiness. Fall in love with your body and revel in it.
