Most body transformations focus on weight loss, but for Australian swimwear designer Karina Irby, her greatest achievement has been embracing her natural curves.
The 33-year-old Moana Bikini founder revealed she used to restrict her diet and obsessively exercise when she was younger because of the pressure of being skinny.
She shared her experience in a candid Instagram Story on Tuesday, posting a throwback photo of herself as a teen looking extremely slim.
Most body transformations focus on weight loss, but for Australian swimwear designer Karina Irby (pictured), her greatest achievement has been embracing her natural curves
While Irby emphasized that she “didn’t have a disorder,” she said her relationship with food and exercise was unhealthy at the time and her desire to stay thin was motivated by a distorted belief that it was the only way to be popular to be.
“I didn’t have an illness,” she began, “but I purposely ate less and did non-stop cardio.”
Irby said she accused “the media” of the time of “brainwashing” her into “thinking you’re only beautiful if you’re skinny. You would only have friends or one boyfriend if you were skinny.”
She added: “It was so toxic and extremely unhealthy, both mentally and physically.
The 33-year-old Moana Bikini founder revealed that at the time this photo was taken, she was restricting her diet and obsessively exercising due to the pressure of being skinny
“I’m grateful for my experience because now I can share body love with you guys,” she said
“But I’m grateful for my experience because now I can share body love with you guys. Be the change you want to see.’
Two months ago, Irby hit back at a troll who told her to “see a doctor” after she shared a relatable photo of her bloated stomach.
The Gold Coast native often posts about her bloating to remind her 1.1million Instagram followers that it’s completely normal and affects many women.
But after uploading a picture of herself feeling “bleh” during her period, a cruel follower said she should have her stomach checked by a professional.
Two months ago, Karina hit back at a troll who told her to “see a doctor” after she shared a relatable photo of her bloated stomach
After posting the above picture of herself feeling “bleh” during her period, one cruel follower said she should have her stomach checked by a professional
“Hm…um…that seems more than just ‘bloated’ to me. Have you thought about seeing a doctor?’ asked the troll.
Other critics said Ms Irby shouldn’t normalize bloating because it’s caused by a “poor diet” and one even accused her of “letting go”.
The body positive model shared some of those negative comments in a later post, insisting her recent bout of gas had nothing to do with her diet.
“Sorry, but I’d like to address my bloated post from two days ago,” she began.
The Gold Coast native often posts about her bloating to remind her 1.1million Instagram followers that it’s completely normal and affects many women
Several critics said Ms Irby shouldn’t normalize bloating because it’s caused by a “poor diet” and one even accused her of “letting go”.
“I read the comments and definitely felt down and disappointed. Trolls on fake accounts is one thing, but real women publicly making assumptions about me and gaslighting is another.’
She continued, “I’m posting how I’m feeling and two days ago I got my period and my body exploded like a water balloon so I’m sharing it.
“Today my stomach is back to normal for everyone who has been so stubborn and concerned. My pleasure.’
The body positive model echoed some of those negative comments, insisting that her recent bout of gas wasn’t related to her diet and was instead caused by her period
Karina Irby’s typical day on a plate
- First up: Almond Milk Flat White.
- Post-Gym: Protein shake filled with protein powder, a banana, 1/2 cup of berries, and a tablespoon of chia seeds and almond milk.
- Lunch: Salad sandwich on sourdough, a quinoa salad bowl, or vegetable sticks with hummus.
- Afternoon snack: Protein World’s Slender Bars.
- Dinner: Butter chicken, chicken salad tacos, shrimp laksa, baked fish, or sweet potato nachos.
- Dessert: Dark chocolate or Greek yogurt with berries.
Bloating is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is caused by changes in progesterone and estrogen levels, reports Medical News Today.
These changes cause the body to retain more water and salt, and bloating occurs when body cells become engorged with water.
Ms Kirby said she hopes by posting about her bloating she “can do”. [other women] feel less alone when you’re bloated and upset.
Bloating is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is caused by changes in progesterone and estrogen levels