Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson has been praised for sending out a powerful body image message while on holiday.
The former Emmerdale star has been enjoying a trip away with her daughter Mia and Strictly Come Dancing pro partner Gorka Marquez. Gemma has been sharing snaps of her trip on social media. The former Emmerdale actress had fun playing on the beach with her three-year-old daughter Mia while promoting body positivity, Manchester Evening News reports.
Gemma, Gorka and Mia have jetted off for what she previously said will be their last holiday as a family of three after she revealed back in January that they are expanding their brood. The mum, who is expecting her second child - a little boy - said she packed some beach trousers to wear after feeling swollen and bloated and saying she's never had as much cellulite in her life. She says four years after her first pregnancy it has been harder on her body but decided not to cover up her body.
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The 38-year-old told how she decided to ditch the trousers from day one of the holiday after thinking about the "negative effect" it could have on her daughter Mia. Sharing her thoughts on her Instagram page, Gemma said: "I bought some beach trousers to wear on this holiday, because even though I'm aware why it’s happening and how clever my body is. I’ve never been as swollen, bloated, uncomfortable in every day tasks and had as much cellulite in my life."
She added: "My boobs alone are three cup sizes up! Second pregnancy, almost four years older and with a little boy this time it’s been a lot harder on my body. (I know how we feel about our bodies is relevant to the individual and it’s just how I currently feel in MY body). I got to the beach on day one of this holiday, looked at Mia playing and I suddenly felt relaxed.
"It dawned on me if I kept them on that she’d ask why I’m in trousers and I thought about the negative effect It could have on her down the line me saying 'because mummy’s legs and bum are a lot bigger than usual.'"
She continued: "I don’t ever want her to feel like she should cover herself, especially on the beach! So the pants came in handy to wipe up my non alcoholic cocktail but other than that, they haven’t been needed! Ive worn my bikinis every day. "
Gemma added: "The top of my thighs chaffed like a MF but we had an absolute blast on the beach and made the most incredible memories as a family. I can’t belive next time we’ll have little man with us as a family of four. We’re so lucky and so blessed."
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And in a signing-off message to her followers she wrote: "REMEMBER! Loving your body only when it’s 'in shape' is like loving your pets only when they behave. Norm and Ollie s*** on the kitchen floor occasionally but I love them none the less."
Her fiance Gorka, 32, said: "You look perfect to me!" and This Morning presenter Alison praised: "This is lovely you look incredible."
TV presenter Jenny Powell said: "Spot on and just wow ...you are blooming and it’s a joy to see!!" And rosieholliday85 commented: "Thank you so much for writing this. Currently pregnant with baby number two, and four years on since my first pregnancy too. I resonate with absolutely everything. You look great."
Lisakate_41 said: "What a great role model you are not only for Mia but for girls/women alike, you look fab and happy which is lovely to see." And sara.gohl cheered: "Yes Gem! Keeping it real as always. You look fab xxx"
On her Instagram Stories she poked fun at herself by sharing a picture showing her middle and legs while lying down on the beach. "At this point even I' unsire if I have my bikini bottoms on," she wrote with a crying-laughing emoji.
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