Body Positive Affirmations [The Ultimate Guide]

In a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards, Body Positive Affirmations offer a breath of fresh air. 

This post will take you on a journey into body positivity and the power of personalized affirmations. We’ll dig into why these affirmations work, when they might falter, and how you can tailor them to resonate with your unique experience. Practical tips for incorporating them into your daily life will equip you with a fresh perspective on self-acceptance. 

Ready to break away from conventional beauty norms? Let’s dive in.

Disclaimer 

This blog post is intended to be a tool and 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 Positivity?

Body positivity is a social justice movement that advocates for equity, acceptance, and representation of all body types, regardless of appearance or identity. The goal is to challenge societal beauty standards that perpetuate feelings of inadequacy while advocating for inclusivity, access to basic rights, and acceptance for all individuals.

The body positivity movement stems from the fat acceptance movement of the late 1960s.  It was created as a response to the discrimination and structural biases that marginalized groups faced based on size, gender, race, physical ability, and more. 

At its roots, it was a powerful political statement, a way of demanding basic care, representation, and respect for all body types. 

Over the years, body positivity has shifted the focus from a radical counterculture advocating for the representation and rights of marginalized body types to the more sanitized and diluted messaging of  “love the skin you’re in” or “all bodies are beautiful.” 

While viewing body-positive media does increase body satisfaction, body appreciation, and overall psychological well-being (1), body positivity as it’s portrayed today has faced some criticism and limitations.

Body Positivity Criticisms 

Critics of the body positivity movement have argued that promoting acceptance of all body types can lead to complacency and poor health. However, this line of thought is no more than internalized weight bias and ignorance. 

In fact, research has shown that individuals who experience shame, stigma, and discrimination based on their bodies are more likely to experience negative health outcomes (2, 3). In contrast, promoting a positive body image has been associated with increased participation in health-focused behaviors (4, 5).

While body positivity does have benefits,  there is some criticism of the messaging of body positivity as it’s portrayed today. 

Despite initially aiming to promote inclusivity and acceptance of marginalized identities, the body positivity movement has shifted to centering around white women who meet conventional size and beauty standards, embracing “flaws” that are just normal parts of every body, like cellulite and stomach rolls. 

Do a quick Instagram search of body positivity, and you’ll see what I mean. 

The lack of representation of diverse identities in the body positivity movement has left many people feeling excluded, particularly those who need it most. Additionally, labeling normal body parts as “flaws” can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy and further promote narrow beauty standards, leading to a sense of inadequacy in the majority of people who don’t fit within those ideals.

Additionally, the messaging of body positivity tends to place responsibility solely on the individual; it’s up to your to love your body.  However, in order to be effective, there needs to be systemic change focused on combating the discrimination and systems of oppression that marginalized groups face and eliminating the factors that perpetuate a negative body image in the first place.

Body Positivity Limitations 

While the message of body positivity is still important and a step in the right direction because representation and inclusivity matter, it also has some limitations. 

For some, transitioning from body hate to body love might seem unattainable or inauthentic.  Additionally, the messaging keeps the emphasis on physical appearance, which can impede other aspects of identity and lead to self-objectification.

For these reasons, body neutrality came about, a more accessible approach that takes the focus off of appearance. If body neutrality sounds more like what you’re looking for, check out this post on Body Neutrality Affirmations (FYI, there is some overlapping info in this post).

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 Positivity 

Affirmations can help us reshape our internal narrative about our bodies.

They help us shift our mindset by challenging societal beauty norms and reminding us of our unique beauty. Over time, consistent use of these affirmations can promote a healthier perspective and a deep acceptance of our bodies just as they are.

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 Positivity

While affirmations can be a helpful tool in promoting body positivity, 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 improving your 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.

25 Body Positivity Affirmations

1. I celebrate the beauty and diversity of all bodies.
2. Every body is worthy of access to care and equal rights.
3. I embrace my body’s unique features and characteristics.
4. My body is an expression of my identity AND only one small part of my identity. 
5. I reject societal beauty standards and define my own beauty.
6. I refuse to buy into ageist beauty standards.
7. I appreciate the journey my body has taken.
8. I am not a commodity for marketers and influencers to sell their beauty and diet products to.
9. My body allows me to experience life.
10. Cellulite, wrinkles, and fat are not “flaws.”
11. I practice self-compassion and understand that body positivity is a process.
12. I uplift and support others in their body-positivity journey.
13. I reject the pressure to conform to today’s beauty standard.
14. I embrace my unique look and refuse to blend in.
15. I will not let societal standards erase my identity.
16. I am authentic, unfiltered, and proud.
17. Just as a garden thrives with various flowers, beauty thrives in diversity.
18. My face shows a connection to my heritage and ancestry, and that is an amazing thing.
19. Society does not get to dictate what is beautiful.
20. I will embrace my own unique beauty.
21. I refuse to be swayed by marketing that peddles youth and thinness as the only way to be beautiful.
22. There’s beauty in diversity, and I am a part of that.
23. No one beauty ideal can encapsulate all the unique beauty in the world.
24. Societal standards do not define me, I am the author of my own beauty.
25. I reject the chase for “perfection,” I am perfect as I am.

Write Your Own Body Positive 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 Positivity Affirmations  

Now that you’ve come up with some Body Positive 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.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps 

Affirmations are a powerful tool for cultivating body positivity. 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! 

If you’re interested in learning more about body image or Intuitive Eating, be sure to check out some of these other blog posts: 

• 100+ Intuitive and Mindful Eating Affirmations to Help Combat Negative Self-Talk
• Overcome Bathing Suit Anxiety – Tips from an Intuitive Eating Dietitian
• Intuitive Eating for Weight Loss [Everything you Need to Know]
• 50+ Body Neutrality Affirmations to Help Break Free From Appearance Obsession
• Looking for an Intuitive Eating Coach? Read this!
• The Ultimate List of Body Image Affirmations
• The 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating [A Complete Guide + Free PDF]

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.