Real women

There’s a phrase we tend to hear a lot in the fashion industry, particularly in regards to plus-size fashion: Real women have curves. It’s a catchy way for a brand to communicate its understanding of shoppers and their bodies.

The day that I created the #normalizenormalbodies movement, and little did I know that it would start a movement to connect stories from all over the world. This photo is one that i will cherish for the rest of my life.

Meet 11 Icelandic women who posed for photographer Helga Nina Aas — and got real about body image.

"I don’t recall when body issues became mainstream in my mind but I have early memories around age 11-12 where they started to take over my self-worth," she told Bored Panda. "I did my first diet at age 14, and it would continue off and on through 'til adulthood."

Meet 11 Icelandic women who posed for photographer Helga Nina Aas — and got real about body image.

We all have a friend or two who can’t upload a photo on Instagram without first photoshopping it. We’ve also got pals who aren’t afraid to show the world who they really are and love goofing about.

When you look in the mirror, point out all the things you like about yourself — even if they seem small. If you start to focus on your flaws, make it a point to pick out twice the amount of things that you love about yourself. Slowly but surely it will go from 'I hate the way I look' to I don't look my best, but DAMN I AM BEAUTIFUL REGARDLESS.

With seemingly ‘perfect’ social media posts hammering on your self-worth each and every day, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and believe that you might not look as good as you do. Correct posing, professional lighting, getting implants, having the entire day to exercise before photos, taking countless pictures until you get the right one, and photo-editing can turn anyone into an Instagram model or a fitness blogging star. However, it’s an inaccurate representation of reality and it can…

These girls are hotter