Building Body Appreciation

Our bodies do so much for us, so how can we shift our mindsets to build more body appreciation?

Written by Emily Edling & Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN. Edited by Sabrina Stadelman

In Intuitive Eating, we reject diet culture, honor our internal cues, find joyful and mindful ways to move our bodies, and use gentle nutrition. As much time as I (Emily) have spent growing in the ten principles designed to help us improve our relationship with food and our bodies, the concept of body respect continues to be challenging for me.

This time of year, I find myself thinking a little more about my appearance. This is natural, since we are literally a little more exposed in the warmer months, and these have been extra warm months for most of us here in the U.S.

For those of us working to restore respect for our bodies, the summer can be extra challenging. Often, this time of year leads us to bring our attention back to our outward appearance. Diet culture places too much importance and morality on outward appearances. Since those messages are all around us, we can internalize them and easily feel insecure or critical about our bodies. Those messages are loud, and they can seem like the truth.

If you are struggling with this as well, consider this shift in perspective:

When our kids are growing, we marvel at how their bodies know what to do. We trust that their bodies will change and grow at just the right time. I recently realized that the same appreciation for our adult bodies can be applied. Our bodies are always changing and adjusting, miraculously doing their job. I want to have that same appreciation toward my own changing body throughout my life.

If you find yourself being critical of your appearance, notice those thoughts and be gentle with yourself. Remind yourself to appreciate your imperfect body for all the ways it shows up for you and enables you to do the things you love to do.

One way I like to reframe my thinking is that our bodies are like the house for our souls. It's important that we care for our house, but it's not the appearance that is so special. Like we tell our kids from the time they are very little, it's what's inside that matters. All houses are different, but they have a similar role in our lives: to literally house our true selves.

Body image and Intuitive Eating help us honor and respect our bodies. I consider this rerouting of my thinking to be like a recalibration. I don't want my appreciation of my body to change with the way I'm feeling day to day. I want to respect my body for all its wonders, no matter the outward imperfections I may be noticing. My body is keeping me alive every day on its own. My body is fending off viruses and infections in hidden areas that I don't even think about. My body is maintaining the perfect pH and blood calcium levels and regenerating cells all the time, all without being asked, and usually without an issue. Thank you, body!

We are on this journey of body appreciation with you. How does this recalibration idea sit with you? What would you tell a friend who may be struggling with body acceptance? How can you thank your body today?

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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.