The 2000s were not a great time for body image and body positivity culture. Food Network star Valerie Bertinelli remembered that era with frustration when she was going through her closet. She found the clothes she had worn in a "before" shot for a Jenny Craig commercial she did in 2009, in which she credited the brand with helping her lose 40 pounds.
In the video released to Instagram recently, Bertinelli wore the same outfit as in that "before" shot, and expressed anger that she thought she was fat in that outfit.
“I have done so much emotional and mental work to recover from years of, ugh, pretending everything was OK when it wasn’t. Health is not a body size. Health is not that number you see on a scale. Your worth as a human being isn’t dictated by your body.”
Her caption was also poignant, explaining with vulnerability that she, like all of us, is on a journey of self-acceptance.
"Our bodies do not define who we are as human being’s. A number on the scale does not define how much love your heart can hold."
People thanked her for being so vulnerable and sharing her story.
@mbcreags/Instagram
@lisahnborg/Instagram
In particular, people thanked her for being a good role model.
@thepioneerwoman/Instagram
@susieqreviews/Instagram
Others shared parts of their own stories.
@sjew1988/Instagram
@ddyson02/Instagram
@cathy_dempsy/Instagram
@jrsinstagram/Instagram
Because, really, it's about having a beautiful soul, as someone said.
@puppyrzr/Instagram
Finally, there were those who just said thanks.
@carlaphall/Instagram
Bertinelli can currently be seen on the Food Network hosting the show Kids Baking Championship.
@DonaldJTrumpJr/X
@DogRightGirl/X