Finally, the days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter! Summer is on the way and there is a lot to be excited about like maybe an upcoming vacation, warmer weather, or just a break from school.
But summer may not be as exciting for all of us, especially those with body image concerns. Diet culture is always trying to suck the life out of us by constant messaging that our bodies are not ok unless we fit a certain mold.
Let’s take a look at some factors that may influence your body image in the summer and explore ways to embrace body neutrality and weight inclusivity during summer break.
Diet Culture Sucks
Unfortunately, diet culture is never tame on social media but in spring and summer months content is notorious for popping up like an annoying fly buzzing around our heads.
This may look like a new diet, a supplement that will melt your fat away, or a 30-day challenge that will change your life.
It can be easy to fall prey to these silly diet culture promises at any time, but you may be at highest risk for these traps in the summer.
So you might be asking: “Shouldn’t I be focusing on my health this summer? Why not go on a diet or try out some of the new supplements on the market?”
First, I’m not here to tell you what to do, but consider doing some more research before following tips from your average influencer.
The truth is diets have been shown to be infective and not support weight loss long term.
Not only do diets not actually help you lose weight in the long run, but there are a lot of negative health impacts from dieting including physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that can even develop into diagnosable disorders.
I’m here to tell you that there are other options instead of submitting to diet culture and most likely suffering this summer!
This can look so different for everyone; find what works best for you. Here are a couple of ideas on ways to improve your body image this summer.
3 Tips for a Better Body Image This Summer
1. Reframe negative self-talk about your body.
We’re all our worst critics, right? Well in reality, we continuously make choices consciously or unconsciously to accept these thoughts that may tear us apart.
And to tell you the truth, most of these thoughts don’t even come from us, but from a mean bully or insensitive family member from the past.
These words about our bodies have been internalized, and once you start to believe them, it can cause harm to your overall well-being.
Reframing negative thoughts and talking back to your inner critic is a journey but gets easier over time. Those negative thoughts about your body start to get quieter and easier to stand up to. Reframing negative self-talk can look like this:
- Reminding yourself of all the your body does for you
- Reflecting on what you love about yourself not based on your appearance
- Saying exactly the opposite of what the negative thought is
- Saying something kind to yourself when your inner critic feels loud
- Focusing on yourself, not others
2. Listen to podcasts or read books that inspire body acceptance
Now that you do have a little more time without a crazy course load this summer, this could be a great time to indulge in knowledge that may be beneficial to your individual journey.
The path to improving your body image is a windy road that is yours to experience but hearing different perspectives can help make your journey more clear and help along the way.
There are so many authors and speakers out there who talk about ditching diet culture and the journey to experience more peace and harmony with food and your body. Check out our UCAN resource page for all of our favorites. Here are a few we highly recommend for summer reads/listens:
Podcasts
- Food Psych– Intuitive Eating and Anti-Diet- Christy Harrison
- Maintenance Phase– Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes
- Dietitians Unplugged– Aaron Flores and Glenys Oyston
Books
- Intuitive Eating– Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
- Body Kindness– Rebecca Scritchfield
- Anti-Diet– Christy Harrison
3. Dress for Self-Acceptance
Dressing for self-acceptance looks different for everyone. This can mean wearing something that makes you physically and mentally feel good.
I know it can be easy to get caught up in the fashion trends but finding clothes that make YOU feel confident can positively impact your body image versus buying something that is popular and turns out is not the right fit for you.
To find your next comfy and confident outfit, buy from local and thrift stores. Find clothing that is for you and makes you feel amazing.
The journey of improving your body image is for you to navigate but remember that there is so much support for you here at NAU and in the body-positive and anti-diet community! Make an appointment with a UCAN Health Coach and we can walk this journey together.