Body Neutrality – A Shift in Perspective

When we consider our bodies, we often put much emphasis on how we think our bodies should look and what we need to do to” fix” them. Common thoughts may be around weight loss, exercising more, covering our grey hair or masking our wrinkles to fit an idealized norm of beauty. It’s hard to feel satisfied with how we look in this moment when we don’t fit the mainstream culture’s beauty standard, which may then impact how we feel about ourselves out in the world. Our value and self-worth become tied to our appearance.

Body Neutrality offers a shift in perspective. Body neutrality is defined as viewing one’s body with neither love or hate, but rather just allowing it to “be,” generally thinking less about the appearance of one’s body and shifting focus to what the body allows us to do. Anne Poirier, a certified intuitive eating counselor and eating disorder specialist, started using the phrase in her work with clients in 2015. She states “The body-neutral approach leans toward the belief that it doesn’t matter if you think your body is beautiful or not. Your value is not tied to your body nor does your happiness depend on what you look like.” Body neutrality is the middle ground between hating your body and loving it; it’s accepting your body just is.

When you make this shift you can more deeply explore:

Your body is not your value

Your appearance does not determine your intelligence, kindness, success, or worth.

Function over form


Appreciate what your body allows you to do—walk, think, breathe, hug, create.

Neutral thoughts are enough


You don’t have to love your body every day. “It’s just my body” is a valid and healthy perspective.

Appearance is not a moral issue


Weight, skin, shape, aging, and ability are not indicators of discipline, goodness, or character.

Respect and Acceptance

You can treat your body with kindness and respect regardless of its current state, weight, or appearance.

Inclusivity

Recognizing that all body types are valid, including those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those undergoing changes like aging or pregnancy.

Reducing Mental Burden

Freeing up mental energy that was previously spent on body dissatisfaction, guilt, or dieting, allowing for focus on other areas of life. 

Boundaries around body talk


You can choose not to engage in conversations about dieting, weight loss, or appearance.

As you explore body neutrality, and the concepts above consider what resonates for you and see how you might want to align more with your body than against her. This approach may allow you to let go and let be, and perhaps feel more gratitude and appreciation for all your body does for you every day.

Consider the following:

Using neutral self-talk:

• “My body is just my body—it doesn’t have to be perfect.”

• “I don’t need to love every part of my body to respect it.”

• “My worth isn’t determined by my appearance.”

• "My body changes, and that is okay."

• "My body is the least interesting thing about me."

  
  

Shifts in thinking:

• Choosing clothes based on comfort and practicality, not just how they make your body look.

• Exercising because it improves mood, strength, or health, not just for weight loss.

• Eating because your body needs energy and nourishment, rather than focusing only on calories or appearance.

If you would like to further explore together, please reach out!

I offer a trauma-informed non-diet approach paired with intuitive eating and mindfulness. I would love to work with you to explore your relationship with food and your body and begin the process of developing a non-restrictive way of eating that is enjoyable and feels good.

Kindly,

Joy