Body positivity—a term that you’ve probably heard all over social media—invites us to look beyond the superficial standards of beauty often portrayed in mainstream culture. But what does body positivity really mean, and why should you consider incorporating it into your life? Let’s explore the concept, its purpose, and practical ways to make it part of your daily routine.
What is Body Positivity?
At its core, body positivity is about self-acceptance, recognizing your inner worth, and appreciating your body for what it can do rather than how it looks. It involves loving, appreciating, and accepting your body despite any perceived flaws. This movement encourages you to shift your focus away from trying to change your body through restrictive diets or excessive exercise. Instead, it promotes embracing your body as it is, prioritizing health and well-being in a way that feels good and sustainable for you.
Body positivity is about working with your body, rather than viewing it as an enemy that needs to be changed or fixed. It allows you to appreciate your body’s capabilities and to be grateful for what your body can do, rather than critiquing how it looks.
What Body Positivity is Not
It’s crucial to understand that body positivity is not about denying the importance of health or engaging in unhealthy behaviors. It does not encourage excessive dieting or extreme exercise to achieve a particular body image so that you can feel “body positive.” The goal isn’t to fit a certain mold but to break free from societal expectations and appreciate your body for all it does.
The Purpose of Body Positivity
The purpose of body positivity is to help you find your “why”. Why do you want to be healthy? Why do you want to feel good in your skin? It encourages doing things for yourself, not because of societal pressures or the opinions of others. For instance, work out because you enjoy feeling strong and empowered, not because you feel pressured to look a certain way. This shift in mindset allows you to focus on activities that genuinely bring you joy and satisfaction.
How to Incorporate Body Positivity into Your Life
- Unfollow Toxic Social Media Accounts: Take a look at who you follow on social media. Are these accounts promoting unrealistic body standards or making you feel like you need to change yourself to be worthy? If so, it’s time to unfollow them. Surround yourself with content that promotes self-love, diversity, and acceptance.
- Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good: Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable in your skin. Fashion is for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Find what makes you feel good, and wear it proudly.
- Eat Nourishing Foods: Focus on eating healthy foods because they nourish your body and help it function at its best. Your body deserves good nutrition, not because you’re trying to fit a certain image but because your body needs fuel to keep you healthy and active.
- Shift Your Mindset: Practice doing things for yourself and not because of what you think others expect of you. Clothes are for everyone, the gym is for everyone, food is for everyone, physical activity is for everyone. There’s no rule dictating that these things are only for people of a certain body type or ability, and you are allowed to enjoy each of these things in whatever way feels best for you.
- Celebrate Diversity in Body Types: A great example of body positivity in action is the diversity of athletes seen in the recent Summer 2024 Olympics and the upcoming Summer 2024 Paralympics. These athletes come in all shapes and sizes, reflecting the different demands of their sports, yet they are all at the top of their fields. This diversity proves that there isn’t just one type of body that’s “fit” or “healthy.”
- Embracing the Natural Changes of Your Body: Your body isn’t designed to stay the same throughout your entire life. It’s natural for it to go through changes that reflect your experiences and achievements. Your body now isn’t supposed to look the same as it did in high school because you were still a child then, and you’ve grown in so many ways since.
- Focus on What You Can Appreciate: Instead of focusing on perceived negatives of your body, try to find things you appreciate about your body. For example, consider how incredible it is that your body allows you to move, to heal, and to experience the world around you. Acknowledge that it’s okay to have days when you don’t feel great about your body; not every day needs to be perfect. Allow yourself to experience your feelings without judgment.
Conclusion
Body positivity can help you build a healthier relationship with your body, discover your “why”, and empower you to achieve your health goals, whatever they may be. It’s about shifting your mindset from changing who you are to accepting and celebrating the unique person you are today. So, why not start incorporating body positivity into your life today and see how it can transform your relationship with yourself?
Want to embrace a nourished life and be part of an inclusive, amazing, and supportive community for busy women? Head here to join my free community group where you’ll have access to a metabolism-boosting meal plan, live trainings from me, and much more!
In my 8+ years as a Registered Dietician Nutritionist & metabolism expert, I’ve helped 100s of women reach their nutrition goals through my signature 3M approach. By focusing on Mindset, Mindfulness, and Metabolism, you too can discover your most confident self and feel better than ever. This blog is a great place to start – whether you want to lose weight or learn to make meal planning for your busy life easier than ever!
If you’re interested in deeper 1:1 support, you can find the details of my high-touch, personalized coaching program (and how it will change your life forever!) here.
Are you ready to say goodbye to the cycle of temporary fixes and hello to a lifetime of feeling and looking your absolute best? It’s time to take control of your health and well-being NOW.
Watch my free masterclass “From Roadblocks to Results: The Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid to Boost Your Metabolism” so you can feel your best!
This article was written by Alyssa Coscino, nutrition intern. Fact checked by Allison Tallman RD.