As an eating disorder therapist, I feel that in recent years, the term 'body neutrality' has become more and more prevalent. What is body neutrality? NEDA, the National Eating Disorders Association, describes this topic as ' Not supporting the hatred of our vessel (our physical structure) or the love and adoration of our vessel.”
To me, the topic of body neutrality is essential. Why? Well, in a society that praises some bodies over others, as well as utilizes commercials and ads to validate weight loss, sculpting, and body modifications, I feel that we are missing a crucial step in our body satisfaction. I am definitely not saying you need to wake up and absolutely love every single part of you from your head to your toes on the daily! I am also not saying that body modifications are inherently wrong. The point here is that there is this specific bug that can go around and bite people when they least expect it. That bug is known as comparison.
Let me back up a bit. If you currently experience body comparison or negativity towards your body, can you remember the first time someone ever said anything to you to influence you to believe otherwise? When discussing this topic, I tend to mention this sweet story about my little sister. When she was five (let's be honest, I still do it to this day), I would tell her that she was SO beautiful. Without skipping a beat she responded with 'I know'. As I still chuckle to myself in amusement, I cannot help but wonder when and if that will change. At what point do we stop believing that? Do we ever really believe it or do we have the same confidence my sister has?
Back to comparison. If the narrative we surround ourselves in does not provide body support, then comparison of being better, skinnier, more athletic, or even being more like the photo shopped photos surrounding us daily can be an easier idea to hold onto versus the alternative. This tends to be the catalyst that starts a spiral reaction of changing your food habits, workout habits, and other unhealthy obsessions.
If you feel that you or a loved on may experience disordered eating and/or an eating disorder, please see resources like NEDA, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org and book a session with me. I would to go on this journey of self discovery, self-love and/or neutrality, and re-framing your unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
