R-E-S-P-E-C-T… Your Body!
THIS is one of my favorite of the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating.
“Respect Your Body.” We’ve all heard of “self-respect,” but how does one respect their body?
I believe it begins by recognizing Diet Culture’s attempt to strip us of God-given dignity and leave us chasing unrealistic body ideals for…Well, basically for as long we live! (For real, DC is no respecter of age. 🤦♀️)
What do I mean by Diet Culture? Aah, forgive me! Let’s define it:
Diet Culture is a societal system of beliefs, messages, and behaviors that place value on a person’s weight and appearance rather than well-being.
*Read that again.
🗣 The message of diet culture sounds like:
“You are NOT enough as you are.”
“Whatever it takes, even at the expense of health or balance or sanity, to look like that… is worth it!”
“IF you become _________ (more thin/ toned/ voluptuous, etc.), THEN you will deserve ________ (kind self-talk, a loyal relationship, the big vacation, a new outfit, or whatever else you desire but don’t believe you deserve in your current state).
Diet culture treats appearance as currency to attain the life you daydream of. And yet, the reality is — if you believe happiness will be discovered in the mirror, you’re doomed for disappointment.
If or when a physical change you desire does transpire, you’ll eventually recognize the inner void cannot be filled by a smaller pant size, a “beach body,” or more likes on Instagram. This prolongs the search for the next big achievement or sense of accomplishment to gain temporary relief. (And yes, this process IS as exhausting as it sounds! 😰)
Here are 3 ways to begin healing by practicing respect for your body:
Prioritize comfort for your body in it’s current state. — Bodies change over time, we know that. They change throughout infancy, childhood, adolescence, and onward into adulthood. Body change is inevitable.
With physical changes often comes a necessary change in clothing size. While that fact is widely accepted during earlier years of life, it becomes far more difficult to grapple with as an adult.
Keep this mind — clothes are meant to fit your body, your body is not supposed to be manipulated to fit into clothes. That means if it pinches, digs, rides up, or leaves marks, it’s probably time to consider buying a larger size. This is not about “settling” or “letting yourself go,” it about honoring your body’s current needs. Your body deserves to breathe easy and move without restraint.
Choose kind words. — Take note of how you speak about your body. Would you say that to someone else about their body? If not, it’s probably rude and critical. You deserve better. Your words carry weight!
If you want to change your mindset, being considerate of word choice is a perfect place to begin! You don’t have to pretend…Keep it real and honest while also kind and up-lifting.
*BONUS APPLICATION - If you want to break the habit of self-degrading speech, consider implementing 3 body appreciation statements daily. You can jot these down in a journal, on your mirror, or share with an accountability partner. Begin celebrating ALL your body does for you, functionally! 🙌Seek to understand. — Like any relationship, understanding is a key factor for showing respect. Get to know your body and what it needs to thrive, so that you can serve it well!
There is a lot of nutrition confusion out there. If you’re not quite sure HOW to nourish appropriately, you’re not alone! Meet with a Registered Dietitian to learn about your individualized nutrition needs.
How will YOU begin to show your body the R-E-S-P-E-C-T it so deserves?
“Respect Your Body” is only 1 of 10 Intuitive Eating principles. If you would like to learn more about Intuitive Eating and want to gain community & professional support, I invite you to join me for the 12-week food freedom journey for women called, ‘Able Together!’
Click the link below to learn more!👇
I hope to connect with you soon! ♡
Grace Lopez, RD, LD/N, CLC, CPT
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist