Valerie Bertinelli, the 63-year-old Food Network star, recently shared a powerful message about body image and self-acceptance on Instagram. After discovering the outfit she wore in her first “before” photo as a Jenny Craig spokesperson, Bertinelli posted a video reflecting on her journey to self-love.
“Health is not a body size. Health is not the number you see on the scale,” Bertinelli declared while wearing the rediscovered pink button-up shirt and jeans. “Your worth as a human being isn’t dictated by your body.”
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She admitted feeling “fat” the last time she wore those clothes but now feels “more beautiful, more at peace, more mentally and emotionally stable than ever.” Bertinelli expressed the irony of finding beauty and peace while wearing what she once considered her “fat clothes.” In her Instagram caption, she elaborated on her journey of self-acceptance and focusing on emotional well-being rather than suppressing feelings with food or alcohol. “I am enough,” she affirmed, emphasizing that body size and weight do not define a person’s worth or capacity for love.
Bertinelli’s message of self-love resonated with her followers, garnering support and praise for her vulnerability and honesty. This isn’t the first time Bertinelli has opened up about her journey to prioritizing mental and physical health. In June, she shared another Instagram video discussing positive lifestyle changes and the impact of her divorce from Tom Vitale. She attributed her improved well-being to focusing on her emotional and mental health, leading to a greater awareness of nutrition and self-care.
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Bertinelli explained that therapy, journaling, and meditation helped her realize the importance of self-compassion and nourishing her body with nutrient-rich foods. She shifted her focus from calorie counting to consuming adequate fiber, protein, and vitamins. This holistic approach, she said, made her “feel better” both physically and mentally. She also significantly reduced her alcohol consumption, acknowledging it as a form of “protection” she no longer needed.
In February, Bertinelli shared her experience with Dry January on TikTok, revealing a surprising “side effect”: her jeans had become loose enough to require a smaller size. She celebrated this positive outcome, further highlighting the link between mental and physical well-being. Encouraged by her success, Bertinelli expressed interest in extending her sobriety to Dry July and even Sober October.
Bertinelli’s ongoing journey of self-discovery and commitment to mental and physical health serves as an inspiration to many. Her candidness about her struggles and triumphs encourages others to prioritize their well-being and embrace self-acceptance. Her message is clear: true beauty and worth come from within, not from a number on a scale or the size of clothing.
