50+ Body Acceptance Affirmations to Build Body Gratitude

Body acceptance affirmations are a powerful tool to build a healthier relationship with your body, focusing on acceptance, appreciation, and embracing your appearance as it is.

In a culture that often idealizes certain body standards, these affirmations provide a much-needed antidote to societal pressures, allowing us to reclaim our sense of self from external judgments.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of body acceptance, its role in shaping our body image, and how affirmations can support this transformative journey. You’ll discover a variety of body acceptance affirmations, learn how to create your own personalized statements, and receive practical tips for integrating them into your daily routine.

Disclaimer 

This blog post is intended to be a tool to provide body image support and encouragement. However, it is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice. 

If you have or suspect you have an eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder, I strongly encourage you to seek the guidance of a qualified professional.

The information provided in this post should not be interpreted or used as medical advice. Always consult your physician or a healthcare professional on matters relating to your health and well-being. 

Seeking help is a sign of strength, and we are here to support you on your journey to body acceptance and appreciation.

Content Warning: Some cited research may contain fatphobic language and perpetuate weight stigma. 

What is Body Acceptance?

Body acceptance is an approach that emphasizes learning to accept and respect your body without necessarily loving it every moment. 

Body acceptance is a culmination of body positivity and body neutrality. To break this down, body positivity promotes embracing and loving your body regardless of societal standards, while body neutrality shifts the focus away from appearance. Body acceptance borrows from both. It involves the principles of body neutrality but also recognizes appearance. However, instead of loving your body, “flaws” and all, as body positivity is typically portrayed, body acceptance acknowledges that insecurities and frustrations are natural. 

Body acceptance is about adopting a non-judgmental, flexible, and curious perspective that helps us avoid the pressure to change or alter our appearance and instead accept our body as it is and still treat it with respect and care, regardless of how we feel. 

Is Body Appreciation the Same Thing as Body Acceptance?

Body acceptance and body appreciation are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are distinct concepts, but both are equally important.

Body appreciation is the practice of recognizing and expressing gratitude for our bodies, regardless of whether they meet societal beauty standards.  

Body appreciation doesn’t mean loving every feature of our physical appearance or the number of things our bodies can do, but rather valuing our body’s current abilities and accepting its limitations with self-compassion and care. It’s about being thankful for any positives, such as a unique familial physical characteristic or our body’s ability to heal from an infection. 

Body appreciation is a core feature of positive body image and is closely linked to both physical and emotional well-being (8, 9). 

When we appreciate our bodies, we are more likely to treat them well and take care of their needs. This can result in increased physical activity, intuitive eating, and reduced disordered eating, dieting, as well as cigarette and alcohol use.  

It also fosters higher self-compassion, life satisfaction, and happiness and decreased negative emotions such as depression. Body appreciation also serves as a protective factor when exposed to societal beauty ideals (10, 11, 12).

Exploring Body Gratitude

Sometimes, you might hear the term “body gratitude” used in the same context. While body gratitude is fundamentally the same as body appreciation, adopting the perspective of gratitude might resonate differently with some people. 

The language of gratitude often encourages a sense of thankfulness, which can feel more accessible or natural to some. Regardless of the term that resonates more with you, the act of being grateful for our bodies can be a powerful practice that leads to a more positive relationship with our bodies.

Functionality Appreciation 

Functionality appreciation is similar to body appreciation. It’s about appreciating and honoring the body for all the things it’s capable of and allows us to do. For example, hugging your child, enjoying a nostalgic movie, having a deep and meaningful conversation, crafting beautiful artwork, playing an instrument, going for a run, enjoying an ice cream cone, listening to your favorite music, doing a pull-up, accomplishing a goal, meditating, recovering from illness, digesting food, taking a rejuvenating nap, enjoying the cool feel of rain on your skin on a hot summer day, etc. 

While functionality appreciation is similar to body appreciation, there are slight distinctions. Functionality appreciation focuses on all that our body can do, while body appreciation also includes both functionality and appearance. 

Both body appreciation and functionality appreciation offer similar benefits, including higher well-being, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and higher levels of Intuitive Eating. They’re also associated with less anxiety and depression and less drive to conform to societal beauty standards. 

What are Affirmations?

Affirmations are a powerful tool to combat negative self-talk and cultivate a more positive mindset.

They are statements or phrases that help to reprogram your subconscious mind. With consistent use, affirmations can help you overcome self-doubt and negative thinking.

Contrary to what is sometimes portrayed, they are not about striving for perfection or bringing impossible tasks to fruition but rather recognizing and celebrating your strengths, beliefs, and values.

They can improve your sense of self-worth to help you cope with challenging situations. 

When you use affirmations, you’re essentially encouraging yourself and affirming your values. 

This allows you to cultivate a stronger sense of self, helping you navigate life’s challenges more easily and resiliently.

How Affirmations Work

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” -Henry Ford

Henry Ford’s quote perfectly summarizes the influence that our thoughts can have on our lives.

Our thoughts are extremely powerful and can influence how we feel and how we act. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all interconnected. 

When you have negative thoughts, you’re more likely to engage in behaviors that validate them. This creates a cycle that reinforces your negative thoughts and beliefs even further.

Studies have shown that a significant portion of our self-talk tends to be negative.  

Sometimes, our negative self-talk and beliefs can become so deeply ingrained that we’re not even conscious of their presence. These thoughts can even act as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Affirmations have the power to change those thoughts. By using positive affirmations, we can reprogram our brains and break free from negative thought patterns.

Why Affirmations are Important for Body Acceptance

Affirmations can help in improving body image by helping to reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about our bodies. They encourage us to focus on our internal worth, capabilities, functionality, characteristics, values, and more that extend beyond physical appearance. 

Affirmations help to remind us that beauty is far more diverse than what is portrayed by societal beauty standards. They can empower us to care for and respect our bodies, regardless of how we may feel about them on any given day.

By repeating these statements, we can gradually rewire our thought patterns and create a more balanced, healthier perspective on our bodies. 

When Affirmations Might Not Work for Body Acceptance

While affirmations can be a helpful tool in promoting a positive body image, they may not be enough on their own, and incorporating other strategies or seeking support and guidance can be beneficial. Sometimes, addressing deeper-rooted beliefs or past experiences that contribute to a negative body image may require additional help with the implementation of affirmations or the use of other techniques altogether.

In these cases, working alongside a professional can be valuable in developing a more comprehensive approach to cultivating a positive body image.

Also, while these affirmations can be used as a starting place for you, if they don’t resonate or connect with you, they’ll feel like empty statements. Additionally, affirmations shouldn’t be used as a way to suppress or avoid negative emotions but rather to acknowledge and process them. 

Be sure to check out the section on creating your own affirmations that align with your values and experiences, or feel free to jump ahead to that section if you prefer.

Body Acceptance Affirmations

1. I am uncomfortable in my body, but changing my appearance is not the solution.
2. By accepting my body, I free myself from the constraints of societal expectations so I can spend my time, money, and energy on things I value instead.
3. It’s okay that my mobility has changed. I will work with a physical therapist to find movements that feel good and support my health.
4. Accepting my body gives me time and energy to focus on things that truly matter in life.
5. My body is a part of who I am, but it does not define my worth.
6. I don’t love my appearance right now, but I still nourish and respect my body.
7. I do not need to conform to society’s limited standard of beauty.
8. I appreciate my resilience to get through tough times and come out stronger. 
9. My friends and family love me for my internal qualities, no matter what I look like. 
10. My unique traits are a beautiful reflection of my culture. 
11. My body allows me to experience the world around me.
12. I feel uncomfortable in my body today and acknowledge that this feeling is temporary and normal. 
13. I do not need approval of my appearance from other people.
14. I deserve to eat satisfying and nourishing meals, no matter what I ate the day before.
15. I practice movement that makes me feel good and that I enjoy.

Body Appreciation Affirmations 

1. I appreciate my resilience during difficult times.
2. I am grateful for my body’s ability to adapt over time.
3. I celebrate my eye as they reflect my family history.
4. I am grateful for my body’s capacity to support my passions, dreams, and aspirations.
5. I am grateful for being able to enjoy the beauty of an evening sunset.
6. I’m thankful for my body’s stamina during long hikes.
7. I love the distinctiveness and charm of my red hair. 
8. I celebrate my body’s ability to create and bring new life into this world.
9. I love that my smile can create connections with others and spread happiness.
10. My body size may not conform to societal standards, but it is strong and powerful.
11. I love the way my freckles create a playful and whimsical pattern. 
12. I treasure the laughter and connection shared with loved ones.
13. I am grateful for the power of my words to convey stories of my life and connect with others. 
14. I am grateful for my muscular legs that allow me to squat more than I weigh. 
15. I find solace and inspiration in engaging in photography. 

Body Gratitude Affirmations 

1. I appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of my physical features.
2. I am grateful for the gift of my senses, allowing me to fully experience life.
3. I am thankful for my body’s flexibility and mobility.
4. I appreciate my body’s resilience and ability to adapt to change.
5. I am grateful for the strength and stability my body provides.
6. I embrace the natural curves and contours of my body.
7. I am thankful for my body’s capacity to nourish and sustain me.
8. I appreciate the power of my voice, allowing me to express myself.
9. I am grateful for my body’s ability to dance and move with grace.
10. I appreciate my body’s ability to recover and bounce back from challenges.
11. I am thankful for my body’s ability to breathe and provide life.
12. I love and honor my body, embracing its natural changes and cycles.
13. I am thankful for my body’s strength and endurance during physical activities.
14. I appreciate the pleasure and connection I experience through touch.
15. I am grateful for the wisdom and knowledge stored within my body that comes from age. 

Functionality Appreciation Affirmations 

1. I am grateful for my body’s ability to overcome illness.
2. I love the connection that comes from enjoying a meal together with a loved one. 
3. I’m grateful for my body’s ability to run a 5k in record time.
4. I cherish the nostalgia of listening to music from my younger years.
5. I’m grateful for my introspection and ongoing growth. 
6. I savor the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals that evoke memories.
7. I love how my body feels after a restful night of sleep.
8. I am grateful for the ability to be a shoulder to cry on and provide support to people I care about.
9. I’m grateful for my mind’s ability to pray and connect with a higher power. 
10. I am thankful for my body’s ability to dance and the liberation and self-expression that comes from it.
11. I’m grateful to be able to explore new worlds through reading.
12. I love that my body can conquer challenges and push my limits through rock climbing.
13. I appreciate the mind-body connection I feel when practicing yoga.
14. I celebrate the healing power of laughter.
15. I cherish the strength and flexibility my body possesses.

Write Your Own Body Acceptance Affirmations

I hope some of these affirmations I’ve shared resonate with you! 

These affirmations are a great starting point, but the more impactful affirmations are the ones you write yourself to reflect your own needs, experiences, values, and challenges. 

Here are some helpful tips for coming up with your own affirmations

1. Identify Negative Thoughts without Judgement 

Begin by identifying unhelpful or negative thoughts you have regarding body image. Acknowledge these thoughts and bring awareness to them without judgment. Are there any trends or patterns? Use these thoughts as the foundation for your affirmations.

2. Use “I” Statements.

When writing your affirmations, use “I” (or “my” and “me”) statements such as “I am,” “I will,” or “I trust.”

3. Align them with your values. 

Make sure that the affirmations resonate with you and align with your values. Ask yourself if the current thought you’re having aligns with your values or moves you further away. What’s a statement that aligns more with your values?

For example, if family is one of your values, and you’re worried about attending a family gathering because you’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance, remind yourself of the value you place on family connection. Instead of focusing on your appearance, choose affirmations like “My presence with my family matters more to me than my appearance. I choose to create memories and be in the moment rather than worry about my appearance.”

4. Choose Affirmations That Feel Authentic.

If you’re currently struggling with negative feelings about your body, reciting affirmations like “I’m beautiful” may seem insincere or unconvincing. Instead, opt for affirmations that acknowledge your current feelings and emphasize something that feels more authentic or attainable. For example,  “Even though I’m feeling down about my body, I still deserve nourishment” or “My value extends far beyond my appearance.”

5. Use Neutral Statements.

Similarly, if positive statements feel too challenging, start with neutral statements that are easier to believe for you.

6.  Keep the affirmations concise.

Keep your affirmations short, meaningful, and easy to remember. They will likely be more concise than the examples I have given since I was trying to portray the meaning behind the affirmations as well. 

7. Write Them Before Tough Moments.

Write down your affirmations before tough moments.  It can be hard to come up with them in the heat of the moment. 

8. Give Examples 

When negative thoughts are rooted in core beliefs, they can be challenging to overcome. Typically they arise from past experiences, which can validate those beliefs. Your past experiences give you examples to support your beliefs. 

To make your affirmations more effective, try finding examples that support the positive statements as well. For example, If you’re working with the affirmation “I am more than my appearance,” remind yourself of moments when you were praised or appreciated for your non-physical qualities, such as your kindness, intelligence, or creativity. Remembering these instances can help you internalize the belief that your worth extends beyond your physical looks.

9. Update your Affirmations as Needed. 

Regularly reassess and adjust your affirmations to reflect your current challenges and growth. Your needs and perspective will likely change over time. 

10. Don’t Overthink It

Writing and using affirmations can feel intimidating at first but don’t stress too much over it. It’s a process that gets easier with practice. It doesn’t have to be perfect. 

How to Use Body Acceptance Affirmations  

Now that you’ve come up with some affirmations that resonate with you, it’s time to start using them. Here’s how to start incorporating your affirmations:

1. Make affirmations a habit.

Incorporate affirmations into your daily routine. Choose a time of day when you can dedicate a few minutes to repeating your affirmations. This can be when you wake up, during your morning coffee, or before bed. Tip: saying them in the morning can start your day on a positive note.

2. Use affirmations before a challenging situation.

If you know you’ll be entering a situation that usually triggers negative thoughts about food or your body, try using affirmations beforehand. 

3. Repeat them consistently

Consistency is key when it comes to affirmations. They’re not a quick fix. You won’t see changes after one time. It takes time and practice. 

4. Visualize your affirmation.

As you repeat your affirmation, visualize yourself living out the words. 

5. Align your behaviors with your affirmations.

Our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are all interconnected. When your actions reflect your beliefs and values, you reinforce your affirmations and make them more impactful.

Body Acceptance Affirmations: Final Thoughts and Next Steps 

Affirmations are a powerful tool for cultivating body positivity, acceptance, and appreciation. By using them consistently, you can reprogram your mind and develop a more positive relationship with your body. 

I hope this post gave you the boost you need to start crafting your own affirmations and using them on your body image journey! 

Want to learn more? Be sure to check out some of these other blog posts on affirmations: 

• The Ultimate List of Body Image Affirmations [Transform Your Mindset]
• Body Positive Affirmations [The Ultimate Guide]
• 50+ Body Neutrality Affirmations to Help Break Free From Appearance Obsession
• 100+ Intuitive and Mindful Eating Affirmations to Help Combat Negative Self-Talk

If you’re looking for personalized support,  I offer one on one body image and Intuitive Eating counseling services to help you find food freedom and body confidence. My one-on-one services are tailored to your specific needs and concerns. We work to develop a plan together that will help you achieve your goals and fit into your life. Whether you’re looking to break free from the diet cycle, overcome emotional or binge eating, or start treating your body with respect and kindness, I’m here to help.