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Woman Challenges Unrealistic Body Standards With Side-By-Side “Real Me Monday” Photos Of Herself (30 Pics)
Interview
We live in a world that is very much influenced by social media. And what we usually scroll through is a never-ending chain of pictures that showcase happy people with perfect bodies in beautiful places. If there were times when these moments from someone’s life used to encourage us to strive for more and for the better, now often people find these images to be a reminder that someone is doing much more than you. Despite the fact that society doesn’t avoid various discussions about body image, it’s still quite rare to see people who are open about how they really look in reality, without trying to force perfect body image.
One of these people is Bree Lenehan, who is a social media content creator and business owner. The woman who already has an army of followers caught everyone’s attention by posting side-by-side pictures of her posed and real-looking body.
More Info: Instagram | TikTok | Youtube
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Amy Stone-Chandler 2 years ago
I don't understand the constant challenge. Why are people so insecure and feel the need to do all the photoshops/filters etc? I don't even know how. Love who you are! There is such power in being your true self. She's beautiful. As are we ALL
Kelly Lynch 2 years ago
You are absolutely correct! I love how you said "There is such power in being your true self". I never thought of it like that but there really is something very powerful about just being yourself. There are no lies you need to remember or project. It is exhausting pretendingto be something you're not. When you *alone* hold the power of self-love and self-worth, you really do hold all of the power. And in that there is so much beauty. No filter needed.
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CincyReds 2 years ago
This is just stupid, no one wears their leggings like that in the second photo
Pamela Smargiassi 7 months ago
I don't do it on purpose.. My muffin top pushes that s**t down. It's got a mind of it's own!
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Nicole Tomme 2 years ago
Her smile reminds me of Amy Adams. So genuine. Thank you for being so honest about your body and its natural beauty. I hope I can do the same someday.
La Kalypso 2 years ago
I've looked at this entire series, and I sure feel better about myself. That totally works.
Ethan Hunt 6 months ago
Honestly, I wish women could publish the not-as-flattering photos. It would be nice to just normalize people's natural bodies. It would be so much healthier for everyone instead of perpetuating these unrealistic ideals. Honestly, it's just a attractive. But, given the nature of Social Media these days, not doubt they would receive all kinds of nasty comments.
Tomas Anshelm 2 years ago
Words have meaning. How the F is something "Unrealistic" when millions of people live up to it? If you don't like the standard, say so. But stop PERVERTING language you hacks.
The woman, who is known for her followers on social media as a Youtuber and the author, talks about health, self-love, and positivity. Bree started posting these two-sided pictures every Monday, calling it “Real Me Monday” by revealing that good looks can be posed and that people should love their bodies for what they look like in reality.
#4
ShriSha Kamboj 2 years ago
both are so real.....just be happy with ur pics n don't use them to spread the wrong things...even if it makes u happy
Bored Panda contacted the creator to find out more about her project. Bree shared that she was surprised to see so many people love her idea of showing her real self and encouraging others to do so. “It made sense to me that people are craving realness & relatability instead of the posed, perfected, fakeness we usually consume on social media. It made my heart happy to help people feel better and more loving towards themselves”, added the woman.
#5
Bree also revealed some details about the very start of her project. Even though people might seem to want to see more relatable body images on the Internet, but it takes courage to show people how you really look without knowing how they’ll react to it. The woman revealed why she started her project: “I first started the weekly series of ‘Real Me Monday’ because I'd experienced negative body image growing up & I wanted to challenge myself to put my real self out there, instead of posting my ‘perfect’ self online”. She also added that this practice made her more comfortable with how she looks like and boosted her confidence. Bree also didn’t hide the fact that by doing this she was able to help others to overcome their insecurities.
#10
Dani Alexander 2 years ago
The power of sucking in your stomach. And angles, angles play a big part in how your body looks on photos
For those who are trying to find themselves and are struggling with accepting the way they look, Bree says: “Prioritize positive self talk...We underestimate the power of our minds. We can't possibly ‘fall’ into loving ourselves. It takes practice, time and a lot of kindness. So in any endeavor for self love, it's not about how the outside looks, it's about what the inside says! Being kinder to myself has changed my world".
#13
#16
#20
#21
ShriSha Kamboj 2 years ago
how is she able to keep her face so calm while staring towards the sun?????
#23
Dyzio Da Chubby BUNBUN 2 years ago
Its like the first picture is staring at the second picture 😂😂
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Raven DeathShade 2 years ago
How is this body positivity, exactly? A skinny lady pulls down her waistline and pushes out her stomach to show...what? That Instagram pictures are staged? We know that already.
RandomBeing 2 years ago
Not everybody is consciously aware of that. Many girls are self conscious about their stomach fat. This staging is so prevalent that many of us absorb this as normal or what we should look like without realizing it.
Load More Replies...
RandomBeing 2 years ago
Having stomach fat is very normal and healthy. It's supposed to be there in fact. I appreciate this as my very normal amount of stomach fat has been something thats given me anxiety in the past.
Ozacoter 2 years ago
Indeed. It is sad how nowadays the image of a "healthy woman' must have a flat stomach that most people dont get unless they are underweight. For our society the right pictures show her as "fat" when she is perfectly healthy and fine.
Load More Replies...
Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Thanks for another enlightening post, Bored Panda! I had no idea instagram photos were staged and filtered and chosen from a whole roll of potential photos to show the most socially acceptable flattering photo. Profound!
Elita One 2 years ago
I just don't understand this trend, you want to show what real bodies look like so you show the difference between a fake and real photo. Just show what your real body looks like and stop posting the fake! Your not helping body positivity if you keep showing a fake body.
Bryan With A Why 2 years ago
I agree, but the point is it's not a "fake" body. It's not photoshopped. It's selective angles and elastic clothes that hide and slim the real body.
Load More Replies...
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
I know what you mean, however, if your tummy goes inside while you inhale then you are doing it wrong (stress reaction!) . It is supposed to come out with the inhale and go back in with the exhale...
Load More Replies...
Brendan Roberts 2 years ago
Maybe it's just me, but I prefer a bit of a belly on a girl. I'd rather be with someone I can pig-out on the sofa with, rather than share a bowl of spinach and kale.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
That's funny cuz I'm a woman & I feel the same way about a guy !!!
Load More Replies...
Kori Chamberlain 2 years ago
The important part about these images is that they draw arrention to posed vs relaxed bodies. Making sure the audience looking at posed bodies understands why they don't look like that in their relaxed position, while scrolling through their phone. It's not ground breaking work, just a friendly reminder that those people aren't walking around with their gut sucked in and back arched all day every day.
Alison Hughes 2 years ago
Ridiculous! Should be titled 'Slim girl works very hard to make herself look ever so slightly less slim in an attempt to promote false body positivity'
Charles Bosse 2 years ago
Yup. Another post of a young, fit woman who clearly spends a lot of their life working to meet cultural norms (how many workout outfits does she own?) of beauty showing that she can look kinda just okay if she tries hard. Cooooooool. We couldn't actually just have people look like they look in media, social or otherwise, and be okay with that, could we?
Load More Replies...
Charlie Taube 2 years ago
She always looks so much happier and beautiful in the “chubby” pictures.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
Because her face isn't tense like it is in the first pics... her whole body, including face is tense in first ones
Load More Replies...
Randolph Croft 2 years ago
In Ancient Egypt, a small pot-belly on both men and women signified wealth. You notice it in the tomb paintings of Pharaohs and their Queens. The height of desirability.
Bryan With A Why 2 years ago
Well yeah, because a belly showed they were wealthy enough not to starve to death...
Load More Replies...
Julia Purdy 2 years ago
Totally agree...did women learn nothing from the old days of whalebone corsets that led to fainting spells? Now we do it with starvation diets and expensive time-consuming workouts... and the older you get, gravity takes over anyway...
Matthew Stevens 2 years ago
Maybe it's just me but I think a smile and posture go a long way! The only pictures where the girl doesn't look attractive or 3,7 and 9 where she looks depressed or is wearing extremely baggy clothing. Smile goes a long way to being attractive.... More so than the appearance of a perfectly flat stomach
Jasmine Sporing 2 years ago (edited)
My mom used to say "suck it in" all growing up. Luckily my dad taught me to love myself and that women should have a little fat on them. Curves he say... men like Curves. I grew up hearing both from my parents but my dad made the biggest impact because that's what men thought. So I have never been super self conscious about belt fat or having Curves. I'm not fat but I'm also not a size 4. I still find myself "sucking it in" a lot without even thinking about it. Which is scary because even though I'm not self conscious that's been beaten into my head so much my mom and society that I'll do it without thinking about it. I can't imagine how some women feel. We are all beautiful and I'm glad this finally starting to be brought out.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
U r lucky, my dad was *complete* opposite.. I never ever looked good enough in his eyes, even though my body looks pretty darn good for having 4 kids & I've always been told I was pretty.. but *his* view of me affected my self-image..
Load More Replies...
Stefan 2 years ago
I think there is a need of image education. I'm still baffled that people need this kind of post to realize how fake most of fashion/beauty photos are.
Nihilism Is the Only Way 2 years ago
most kids out there are truly shocked to find out things like this. I'm so glad i don't have daughters. i wouldn't allow her on any social media if i did! LOL
Load More Replies...
Briana Kessler 2 years ago (edited)
Ok. We've seen this many times. I understand the point, but at what point are these just to get attention? We've seen this on Bored panda alone multiple times.
Nihilism Is the Only Way 2 years ago
i have no problem with redundant articles like this. the unrealistic beauty standards of the Kardashian/jenner clan gets hammered into our heads (especially young ppl!) so it's only fair to combat that with regular postings of stories such as this. (and everyone knows Kardashian/jenners have billions of dollars, professional makeup artists, designer clothes literally made just to flatter their body type, and (even tho they don't like to admit it:) fillers, botox and major plastic surgery. basically not even the "Instagram models" look like that! LOL)
Load More Replies... Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Whoops, new to BP's app. Was meant to be posted under John's reply to my comment.
Load More Replies...
Julie Williamson 5 months ago
Lowering the waistband of your pants and slouching is no more "the real me" than the posed photos. Trying to cash in on the "body positive" movement this way is disingenuous.
Donna Marie 8 months ago
It's refreshing to see the natural look. what a relief to see someone not trying to look like the 2024 image of 'perfect.'
Amanda AmandaS 8 months ago
Just goes to show how women are expected to suck their gut in to hide their true body or risk getting called fat or pregnant, whilst it’s acceptable for men to usually just let it all hang out, especially as they get older and develop their “dad bod” And let’s not forget the ridiculous sizing on women’s clothing, which can be massively hit and miss depending on your body shape.
George Figueroa 2 years ago
I call BS. I bet both pics were photoshop and/or exaggerated. You can photoshop some things and make it look good. But she wants us to believe the whole body was photoshop and done perfectly? Bull… if she would post the same pic with and without photoshop that’s one thing but she staged the “normal” pics
Who Panda 420 2 years ago
Yeah I didn't get this..it's the same hot chick one with belly out one sucked it. No difference. Nothing to feel positive about just hot chicks showing a little belly. Supposed to make me feel better. Don't think so
Nathan Viehland 2 years ago
I think all the women should be proud of how beautiful they look naturally.
LSR 2 years ago
Wow, what a surprise. Another attention seeking "oh look at me and I will present myself as flawed but expect all of the viewers to tell me how beautiful I really am" c**t. What a great contribution.
Pyrite FeS2 2 years ago
That's like saying anyone who feels positively about themselves and posts online is an attention seeker. Kindly, grow up. If you have nothing nice to say, leave. You're only making yourself seem like a senile old person, it's not a very flattering look. She looks beautiful and if you're too insecure to admit that? That's your problem. Have a good day, hopefully you cheer up a bit.
Load More Replies...
Sophie Jackson 2 years ago
No offense, but this woman has a near-perfect body and this isn’t at all helpful. She has to TRY to not look gorgeous.
T Ka 2 years ago
Amazing! The world needs more ordinary body pics to clear the view of pretended ones as natural. Great work! It's horrible how fake and anorectic becomes "norm" or "beauty" in an enlightened world of today. Sad. So this was a real treat! Thanks for making my day great and jiggly =D. Love that insightful smile! Cheers from Sweden
Chelsea Kelley 2 years ago
It's insane what a few inches of fabric and the right pose can do, she is absolutely adorable anyway you toss the coin, though- we need more people to feel comfortable like this, because if we promote and prioritize something different, it will be a new normal- she looked so adorable with her belly, it's crazy that society would call that "fat" or "unattractive", when it's just a healthy human body! And it's beautiful as long as we remember to look at it that way, as a miraculous thing that contains you and keeps you alive, it's actually an incredible thing when you think about it, and we should celebrate all of our healthy bodies, and work hard to make them HEALTHY (not "perfect", that is so completely subjective anyway!) when they are unhealthy, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be your best self, but always remember that your best might look TOTALLY different than mine, or anyone else's, for that matter! Being happy and comfortable in your skin is the ultimate beauty, IMHO!
Bartosz Adamek 2 years ago
Who would have thought that when you photoshop and try to forcefully look bad you... Look bad. Suprise.
Kelida Pierre 2 years ago
Some of you in the comments are f*****g hilarious is she only supposed to be 300 pounds plus for this to be body positivity???
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
Then everybody would be screeching that she promotes being morbidly obese as body positivity! There is no way to win here - anybody trying to post something uplifting will always be dragged down back into the bucket with the other crabs. How dare she speak about body positivity when she has such a pretty smile! /s
Load More Replies...
Septum Sempra 2 years ago
I love it that if I want a fit girl or at least ome that do not need a harpoon if I want to catch her then it's 'unrealistic standards' But it's perfectly normal to turn down men under 6' ...
Randy Kitchens 2 years ago
Real guys like really pretty tummys and belly buttons with slight muffin tops. So fine.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
'Enough' for who exactly? Whose business is it but hers how strong her abs are?
Load More Replies... Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Good to know, John. Next time I pick up a barbell to get myself healthy and increase bone density to be strong into old age, I'll remember that all you need is a female in the kitchen cooking for you.
Load More Replies...
Raven DeathShade 2 years ago
How is this body positivity, exactly? A skinny lady pulls down her waistline and pushes out her stomach to show...what? That Instagram pictures are staged? We know that already.
RandomBeing 2 years ago
Not everybody is consciously aware of that. Many girls are self conscious about their stomach fat. This staging is so prevalent that many of us absorb this as normal or what we should look like without realizing it.
Load More Replies... RandomBeing 2 years ago
Having stomach fat is very normal and healthy. It's supposed to be there in fact. I appreciate this as my very normal amount of stomach fat has been something thats given me anxiety in the past.
Ozacoter 2 years ago
Indeed. It is sad how nowadays the image of a "healthy woman' must have a flat stomach that most people dont get unless they are underweight. For our society the right pictures show her as "fat" when she is perfectly healthy and fine.
Load More Replies... Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Thanks for another enlightening post, Bored Panda! I had no idea instagram photos were staged and filtered and chosen from a whole roll of potential photos to show the most socially acceptable flattering photo. Profound!
Elita One 2 years ago
I just don't understand this trend, you want to show what real bodies look like so you show the difference between a fake and real photo. Just show what your real body looks like and stop posting the fake! Your not helping body positivity if you keep showing a fake body.
Bryan With A Why 2 years ago
I agree, but the point is it's not a "fake" body. It's not photoshopped. It's selective angles and elastic clothes that hide and slim the real body.
Load More Replies... Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
I know what you mean, however, if your tummy goes inside while you inhale then you are doing it wrong (stress reaction!) . It is supposed to come out with the inhale and go back in with the exhale...
Load More Replies... Brendan Roberts 2 years ago
Maybe it's just me, but I prefer a bit of a belly on a girl. I'd rather be with someone I can pig-out on the sofa with, rather than share a bowl of spinach and kale.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
That's funny cuz I'm a woman & I feel the same way about a guy !!!
Load More Replies... Kori Chamberlain 2 years ago
The important part about these images is that they draw arrention to posed vs relaxed bodies. Making sure the audience looking at posed bodies understands why they don't look like that in their relaxed position, while scrolling through their phone. It's not ground breaking work, just a friendly reminder that those people aren't walking around with their gut sucked in and back arched all day every day.
Alison Hughes 2 years ago
Ridiculous! Should be titled 'Slim girl works very hard to make herself look ever so slightly less slim in an attempt to promote false body positivity'
Charles Bosse 2 years ago
Yup. Another post of a young, fit woman who clearly spends a lot of their life working to meet cultural norms (how many workout outfits does she own?) of beauty showing that she can look kinda just okay if she tries hard. Cooooooool. We couldn't actually just have people look like they look in media, social or otherwise, and be okay with that, could we?
Load More Replies... Charlie Taube 2 years ago
She always looks so much happier and beautiful in the “chubby” pictures.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
Because her face isn't tense like it is in the first pics... her whole body, including face is tense in first ones
Load More Replies... Randolph Croft 2 years ago
In Ancient Egypt, a small pot-belly on both men and women signified wealth. You notice it in the tomb paintings of Pharaohs and their Queens. The height of desirability.
Bryan With A Why 2 years ago
Well yeah, because a belly showed they were wealthy enough not to starve to death...
Load More Replies... Julia Purdy 2 years ago
Totally agree...did women learn nothing from the old days of whalebone corsets that led to fainting spells? Now we do it with starvation diets and expensive time-consuming workouts... and the older you get, gravity takes over anyway...
Matthew Stevens 2 years ago
Maybe it's just me but I think a smile and posture go a long way! The only pictures where the girl doesn't look attractive or 3,7 and 9 where she looks depressed or is wearing extremely baggy clothing. Smile goes a long way to being attractive.... More so than the appearance of a perfectly flat stomach
Jasmine Sporing 2 years ago (edited)
My mom used to say "suck it in" all growing up. Luckily my dad taught me to love myself and that women should have a little fat on them. Curves he say... men like Curves. I grew up hearing both from my parents but my dad made the biggest impact because that's what men thought. So I have never been super self conscious about belt fat or having Curves. I'm not fat but I'm also not a size 4. I still find myself "sucking it in" a lot without even thinking about it. Which is scary because even though I'm not self conscious that's been beaten into my head so much my mom and society that I'll do it without thinking about it. I can't imagine how some women feel. We are all beautiful and I'm glad this finally starting to be brought out.
Janet Hanna 2 years ago
U r lucky, my dad was *complete* opposite.. I never ever looked good enough in his eyes, even though my body looks pretty darn good for having 4 kids & I've always been told I was pretty.. but *his* view of me affected my self-image..
Load More Replies... Stefan 2 years ago
I think there is a need of image education. I'm still baffled that people need this kind of post to realize how fake most of fashion/beauty photos are.
Nihilism Is the Only Way 2 years ago
most kids out there are truly shocked to find out things like this. I'm so glad i don't have daughters. i wouldn't allow her on any social media if i did! LOL
Load More Replies... Briana Kessler 2 years ago (edited)
Ok. We've seen this many times. I understand the point, but at what point are these just to get attention? We've seen this on Bored panda alone multiple times.
Nihilism Is the Only Way 2 years ago
i have no problem with redundant articles like this. the unrealistic beauty standards of the Kardashian/jenner clan gets hammered into our heads (especially young ppl!) so it's only fair to combat that with regular postings of stories such as this. (and everyone knows Kardashian/jenners have billions of dollars, professional makeup artists, designer clothes literally made just to flatter their body type, and (even tho they don't like to admit it:) fillers, botox and major plastic surgery. basically not even the "Instagram models" look like that! LOL)
Load More Replies... Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Whoops, new to BP's app. Was meant to be posted under John's reply to my comment.
Load More Replies... Julie Williamson 5 months ago
Lowering the waistband of your pants and slouching is no more "the real me" than the posed photos. Trying to cash in on the "body positive" movement this way is disingenuous.
Donna Marie 8 months ago
It's refreshing to see the natural look. what a relief to see someone not trying to look like the 2024 image of 'perfect.'
Amanda AmandaS 8 months ago
Just goes to show how women are expected to suck their gut in to hide their true body or risk getting called fat or pregnant, whilst it’s acceptable for men to usually just let it all hang out, especially as they get older and develop their “dad bod” And let’s not forget the ridiculous sizing on women’s clothing, which can be massively hit and miss depending on your body shape.
George Figueroa 2 years ago
I call BS. I bet both pics were photoshop and/or exaggerated. You can photoshop some things and make it look good. But she wants us to believe the whole body was photoshop and done perfectly? Bull… if she would post the same pic with and without photoshop that’s one thing but she staged the “normal” pics
Who Panda 420 2 years ago
Yeah I didn't get this..it's the same hot chick one with belly out one sucked it. No difference. Nothing to feel positive about just hot chicks showing a little belly. Supposed to make me feel better. Don't think so
Nathan Viehland 2 years ago
I think all the women should be proud of how beautiful they look naturally.
LSR 2 years ago
Wow, what a surprise. Another attention seeking "oh look at me and I will present myself as flawed but expect all of the viewers to tell me how beautiful I really am" c**t. What a great contribution.
Pyrite FeS2 2 years ago
That's like saying anyone who feels positively about themselves and posts online is an attention seeker. Kindly, grow up. If you have nothing nice to say, leave. You're only making yourself seem like a senile old person, it's not a very flattering look. She looks beautiful and if you're too insecure to admit that? That's your problem. Have a good day, hopefully you cheer up a bit.
Load More Replies... Sophie Jackson 2 years ago
No offense, but this woman has a near-perfect body and this isn’t at all helpful. She has to TRY to not look gorgeous.
T Ka 2 years ago
Amazing! The world needs more ordinary body pics to clear the view of pretended ones as natural. Great work! It's horrible how fake and anorectic becomes "norm" or "beauty" in an enlightened world of today. Sad. So this was a real treat! Thanks for making my day great and jiggly =D. Love that insightful smile! Cheers from Sweden
Chelsea Kelley 2 years ago
It's insane what a few inches of fabric and the right pose can do, she is absolutely adorable anyway you toss the coin, though- we need more people to feel comfortable like this, because if we promote and prioritize something different, it will be a new normal- she looked so adorable with her belly, it's crazy that society would call that "fat" or "unattractive", when it's just a healthy human body! And it's beautiful as long as we remember to look at it that way, as a miraculous thing that contains you and keeps you alive, it's actually an incredible thing when you think about it, and we should celebrate all of our healthy bodies, and work hard to make them HEALTHY (not "perfect", that is so completely subjective anyway!) when they are unhealthy, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be your best self, but always remember that your best might look TOTALLY different than mine, or anyone else's, for that matter! Being happy and comfortable in your skin is the ultimate beauty, IMHO!
Bartosz Adamek 2 years ago
Who would have thought that when you photoshop and try to forcefully look bad you... Look bad. Suprise.
Kelida Pierre 2 years ago
Some of you in the comments are f*****g hilarious is she only supposed to be 300 pounds plus for this to be body positivity???
Yoga Kitty 2 years ago
Then everybody would be screeching that she promotes being morbidly obese as body positivity! There is no way to win here - anybody trying to post something uplifting will always be dragged down back into the bucket with the other crabs. How dare she speak about body positivity when she has such a pretty smile! /s
Load More Replies... Septum Sempra 2 years ago
I love it that if I want a fit girl or at least ome that do not need a harpoon if I want to catch her then it's 'unrealistic standards' But it's perfectly normal to turn down men under 6' ...
Randy Kitchens 2 years ago
Real guys like really pretty tummys and belly buttons with slight muffin tops. So fine.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
'Enough' for who exactly? Whose business is it but hers how strong her abs are?
Load More Replies... Girl Anachronism 2 years ago
Good to know, John. Next time I pick up a barbell to get myself healthy and increase bone density to be strong into old age, I'll remember that all you need is a female in the kitchen cooking for you.
Load More Replies... Related on Bored Panda
