Accepting Our Changing Bodies
- Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN
- Sep 29, 2025
- 4 min read
The importance of accepting our changing bodies and how wearing clothing that fits comfortably can be an act of self-care.
Written by Emily Edling & Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN. Edited by Sabrina Stadelman.
With the crisp weather coming soon, we want to touch on redeeming the closet. We can be so hard on ourselves sometimes. Diet culture has deemed that any weight gain or any instance where our bodies are getting bigger is a problem. When our old clothing doesn’t fit, it can feel like a personal failure. As our bodies change throughout our lives, we need to adjust our clothing to literally fit our bodies. If you have kids, you know all about buying clothing when their bodies change…no big deal. Our bodies change throughout our lives, too! Sometimes with a big change (like childbearing (an especially stressful time), if you have surgery, and simply age), and sometimes just changing because that’s what it’s doing.
But we often resist the changes our bodies may go through. Change might feel like failure; the catalyst often being when an article of clothing doesn’t fit comfortably.
If I (Emily) am feeling like my body isn’t the “right” size, if I’m focused on what I’ve deemed a ‘problem area,' I end up being hyper-aware of that part of my body. I’m over-monitoring my every inch. This isn’t a healthy mindset or fun. Ill-fitting clothes will bring my attention back to my body. But it’s not that my body is wrong; the clothes are wrong for my body. It’s like a pair of shoes - maybe there’s a pair you love at the store, on sale! But if they don’t fit, they aren’t for you. It would be silly to attempt to change our shoe size. It’s also not necessary to attempt to change your body size to fit into clothing. Change the clothing, not your body!
I am a frugal person, and I sometimes get hung up on what feels like wastefulness. My body has changed, and the clothes in my closet no longer fit me. I have to set that aside and realize it is worth it to me to have clothing in my closet that fits my body.
Some ways that I have kept my closet filled with items that truly fit my ever-changing body:
Thrift - there are such gems out there, and it's good for the environment!
Does your town have a marketplace swap page online?
Could you organize a clothing swap with your good friends and neighbors?
If I know my size in a certain brand, I love shopping with the online thrift platforms - huge savings and usually a great experience.
There are some great body-inclusive Instagram pages out there that could provide inspiration from fashionistas in your size.
There is a woman in my town who helps women shop for their bodies in a personal shopper type of consulting. If you have the means to go that route, find someone who is body-neutral and will be in the body-respect mindset while you’re shopping together.
I recently purchased a few staples for my wardrobe in my today size. It feels so good to go into my closet and know that the items living there will fit me today. It takes me less time to get dressed, and I’m pleased when I check the mirror before heading out the door. One interesting thing I have noticed throughout the day is that my attention isn't drawn to my body. Where I might have been adjusting and feeling insecure about my too-tight clothing, I now focus on the real tasks of the day, with more mental capacity for things that truly matter. I feel like I hold my head a little higher on those days that I’m wearing clothing that is my size.
Having clothing to fit your body doesn't have to be a luxury. You deserve to have clothing that fits you.
What about your favorite item of clothing makes you feel fabulous? Is it hard to let go of clothes that no longer fit? How can you show your body respect and kindness when your size changes throughout your lifetime?
Need help answering these questions? We are here for you.
Individualized counseling: accepting insurance with appointments available soon
Our Intuitive Eating Membership, Nourish Your Life, includes body image support:
Nourishing Notes from Aterra Nutrition
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter for down-to-earth nutrition tips, resources, and offerings from our team of registered dietitians and interns.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.
Comments