Day 8 | The Skinny Bag Chronicles: When Being Thin Was “The Thing”
- Heather Newman
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
We’ve made it to Day 8, and it’s time to add new layers to this journey. A big realization for me is that healing and/or growing, becoming your best version of you, your healthiest version.... isn’t just about one or two goals—it’s a full mind-and-body reset. How you move and how you think are equally important.
Looking back, my 20s were dominated by the idea that being thin was everything. So many friends around me struggled with eating disorders that felt “normal” at the time. I wasn’t immune. I remember one week, prepping for a Friday weigh-in for dance, I went on a strict diet: popcorn and string beans. All week. Yes, you read that right.
It worked—I lost five pounds. ---ugh, how dumb!!!
But at what cost? Zero energy. Foggy brain. Exhaustion. And I didn’t even question it then. That was just what you did to stay thin.
… until you claim your life....become very self aware and take control....nothing changes.
Walking, paired with a structured protein plan, was my game-changer. Moving back and forth clears your mind in a way nothing else does.
Skipping a walk now? You feel it immediately.
Walking has helped my anxiety , MY INFLAMMATION, my stress, my clarity and my relationship with food more than anything else I’ve tried—and trust me, I’ve tried a lot.
Not naturally a walker? Start small. Baby steps are easier than you think. I remember when 20 minutes on the treadmill felt like running a marathon.
Now, here’s the approach I wish I’d taken:
Day 1-3: Walk 5–10 minutes around your neighborhood after dinner (or on a treadmill/walking pad). reducers inflammation.
Day 4-7: Walk 20 minutes after dinner.
Next week: Add a few minutes in the morning, plus keep the evening walk. Walking for digestion is unmatched.
And yes, shoes matter.
This week I got new Nikes: my trusty P6000s (third pair, worn daily for a year) and the V2K, which has a little extra style and support. Both linked in my LTK!
Follow my LTK @HeatherNewman on the @shop.LTK app to view this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
Healing isn’t fast. It’s a series of baby steps, consistency, and small victories. Day 8 is about moving forward—mind, body, and heart.
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