MOEVIR Magazine New Year Issue 2025

[ Elizaveta Stepanova ]

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2973395

Model @lalali.st

Ph @piny_a

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Elizaveta Stepanova says: to every girl reading this: be kind to yourself.

As a model, I’ve spent a lot of time in front of cameras, It’s a world where beauty is often magnified, but it’s also a world that taught me some of the most important lessons about self-worth and body image. I want to share my perspective with you—especially for the girls out there who may feel the pressure to look a certain way or struggle with weight loss. 

Let’s be honest: the world we live in can make it feel like our value is tied to how we look. Social media, magazines, and even casual comments from people around us can create a constant feeling that we need to be “perfect.” But let me tell you something right away: perfection is an illusion. Even as a model, I’ve had days when I didn’t feel good enough, when I worried about fitting into a dress, or when I compared myself to someone else. But here’s what I’ve learned along the way: the most beautiful thing you can be is healthy, confident, and kind to yourself. Weight loss, fitness, and beauty are personal journeys, not destinations. They don’t define your worth, and they certainly don’t make you any less amazing on the days when you feel far from your ideal. 

Weight loss should be about health, not pressure If you’ve decided to lose weight

I want you to approach it from a place of self-care, not punishment. Weight loss isn’t about punishing your body for how it looks right now; it’s about nurturing your body so it can function at its best. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way. Firstly, focus on nutrition, not deprivation: Instead of focusing on cutting calories or skipping meals, focus on what you can add to your plate. Incorporate more colorful vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Think of food as fuel, not an enemy. Also, I always try to listen to my body: every body is unique. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. Listen to how your body feels after meals, workouts, or even rest days. Your body knows what it needs better than any diet trend. And of course staying active is like a , kind simply advice, but find what You Love: exercise doesn’t have to mean hours on the treadmill. Find activities that make you feel good—dancing, hiking, yoga, or even just walking your dog. The best workout is the one you enjoy because you’re more likely to stick with it. Hiking and yoga for me already like a daily routine. And girl, be patient to yourself! Weight loss is not a straight line. There will be ups and downs, and that’s completely normal. Celebrate small victories and focus on how you feel, not just the number on the scale.

Here’s something I want you to hear loud and clear: It’s okay to not always look perfectly good or be in the best shape of your life. Life isn’t a photoshoot, and real beauty isn’t about being “camera-ready” 24/7. Even as a model, I’ve had days when I didn’t feel my best. Sometimes, I’ve had to shoot on days when I felt exhausted or when my skin wasn’t cooperating. But I’ve come to realize that those moments don’t make me any less worthy or beautiful. They just make me human. 

Society often glorifies the idea of perfection, but perfection isn’t real. What matters most is how you treat yourself on those days. Instead of being harsh on yourself, remind yourself of everything your body does for you. It carries me through life, allows me to experience the world, and gives me the strength to pursue your dreams. One of the most freeing things I’ve learned is that life is about balance, not extremes. I don’t have to eat salads every day or work out seven days a week to be healthy.

In fact, trying to be perfect all the time can lead to burnout and frustration. I allow myself to enjoy the things I love—whether that’s a slice of cake, a lazy day on the couch, or a night out with friends. Balance is about finding a rhythm that works for me, where i can care for my body without depriving yourself of joy. 

So to every girl reading this: be kind to yourself. Celebrate your journey, no matter where you are. And never forget that you are so much more than how you look. You’re strong, unique, and absolutely enough—just as you are.