Negative body image is more common than you think, especially in a society that often emphasizes unrealistic beauty standards. If you’re experiencing negative feelings about your body, know that you’re not alone. At Confidently Nourished, we specialize in weight-neutral, intuitive eating approaches, and with these tools we aim to support you in developing a supportive relationship with your body.

Normalizing the Struggle

It’s important to normalize the harsh views we can have about ourselves. We live in a society that idealizes thinness and other seemingly impossible standards. This constant bombardment can lead to the development of an inner critic that creates a lot of noise and negative self talk. It’s natural to struggle with these feelings given the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. However, there is hope. By embracing body neutrality and seeking supportive environments, you can begin to shift your perspective and develop a more accepting relationship with your body.

Understanding Body Neutrality

It might feel impossible or forced to go from disliking your body to loving it – we just learned that this makes sense. This is where body neutrality comes in. Body neutrality is the concept of accepting your body as it is, without necessarily loving or hating it. It focuses on what your body can do rather than how it looks. This approach can be particularly helpful if you struggle with negative body image, as it provides a middle ground between body love and body hatred. 

Tips for Embracing Body Neutrality

So where do you begin? Here are some ideas: 

• Focus on Functionality: Instead of focusing on appearance, think about the amazing things your body allows you to do, such as walking, laughing, texting, or even just breathing.
• Practice Staying Present: Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and reduce negative self-talk. Body image thoughts are often rooted in the past or present. Engage in activities that help you stay present, like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Curate Your Social Media: Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic body standards and instead, follow those that celebrate body diversity or are unrelated to body all together. Use your feed to expand your view on life!
• Wear Comfortable, Expressive Clothing: Choose clothes that make you feel physically comfortable and authentically yourself, rather than those that fit a certain trend or expectation. 
• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts about your body arise, get curious. Ask yourself if these thoughts are really true or where you learned that idea. Consider what you would say to a friend in the same situation.

Bringing It All Together

Let’s imagine a day where you integrate these tips into your routine:

You start your day by choosing clothes that feel comfortable and express your personal style, focusing on how they make you feel rather than how they make you look. As you head out, you remind yourself of the things your body does for you every day, like allowing you to go for walks and experience relationships with your friends.

At a social event, you begin to feel self-conscious, but you take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the present moment. You intentionally engage in conversations and enjoy the event, focusing on the joy of the experience rather than your appearance.

Later, you spend some time on social media. You’ve curated your feed to follow accounts that celebrate diverse bodies and perspectives. Instead of comparing yourself, you feel inspired and excited by the content you see.

By applying these principles of body neutrality, you can create a daily routine that supports a healthier, more accepting relationship with your body. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety related to body image and contribute to a more positive and fulfilling life.

We want to acknowledge this can be easier said than done. If you’re feeling that way, seek professional support – so many of us need it! 

Our Approach: A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space

Here at Confidently Nourished, we consider ourselves to be body image experts. Working with an intuitive eating, inclusive dietitian can provide a safe space to explore and address deeper issues related to food and body image. 

Our team of dietitians is here to offer creative solutions and compassionate support. We understand that dealing with negative body image can be uncomfortable, and sometimes you just need a space to talk about those harder emotions. We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss all things food and body-related.

The Next Step

Negative body image is challenging but it’s possible to turn down the volume on that harsh inner critic. Embracing body neutrality and focusing on what your body can do, practicing mindfulness, limiting unhelpful influences, and seeking support can all be powerful tools in this journey. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Our dietitians are here to help you navigate these feelings and find your path to body acceptance and well-being.

If you’re ready to make the shift, contact us to schedule a session. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more positive relationship with your body.