Intuitive eating principle #8: Respect Your Body
Embracing body respect and neutrality
It’s no secret that we live in a culture obsessed with the idea of the “perfect” body. Because of this, the idea of embracing your body as it is can feel uncomfortable. Intuitive Eating Principle #8, Respect Your Body, is an invitation to embrace the uncomfortableness and shift from a mindset of critique and control to one of acceptance and appreciation.
This principle is not about loving every part of yourself all the time; it’s about creating mutual respect and taking care of your body, no matter how you feel about it in the moment.
Why Respecting Your Body Matters
It’s the Foundation of Self-Care
Respecting your body means making decisions that honor your health and well-being. When you treat your body with care, you're more likely to nourish it with what it needs—such as food, movement, and rest—to support your overall wellness.Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. They are influenced by so many different factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and personal experiences. Respecting your body means letting go of the societal pressure to have a specific look and embracing your body as it is—so you can feel good from the inside out.Focusing on What You Can Control
You can’t change your height, bone structure, or natural body shape—but you can change how you treat yourself. Respecting your body includes shifting focus from what you can’t control to what you can.
How to Practice Body Respect
1. Stop the Negative Self-Talk
Would you speak to a friend the way you sometimes speak to yourself? Probably not. Start noticing negative thoughts about your body and replace them with neutral or positive ones. For example:
Instead of “I hate my thighs,” try “My thighs are strong and help me walk, run, and move.”
2. Dress Comfortably
Wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel good can dramatically impact how you view your body. Donating anything that feels restrictive or that you’re saving for a “someday” size can feel incredibly freeing!
3. Take Care of Your Body
Basic self-care is an act of respect. Showering regularly, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, moving in ways you enjoy, and eating nourishing foods you love are all forms of body respect.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Social media often shows filtered, curated versions of people’s lives and bodies. Remind yourself that your journey is unique—and that comparison is the thief of joy.
5. Seek Support if Needed
If respecting your body feels difficult, you’re not alone. Working with a dietitian, therapist, or joining a support group can help. You don’t have to do this on your own!
A great place to start is The Anti-Diet Sisterhood—my private Facebook group filled with women who are working on healing their relationships with food and their bodies.
Remember: Respect ≠ perfection
Respecting your body doesn’t mean loving every part of it every single day. It means treating your body with care, even on the days when you’re struggling with how it looks.
When you lead with respect, you begin to build a healthier relationship with your body, food, and movement. Over time, this foundation can grow into greater self-acceptance—and maybe even love.
Take it one step at a time. And always remember: Your body is worthy of respect exactly as it is—today and every day.
How do you practice body respect?
Share your favorite tips or reflections in the comments!
