Speak to yourself and about others with kindness. Avoid commenting on people’s weight loss or gain, and refrain from self-deprecating remarks about your own appearance.
Step challenges, weight loss competitions, BMI-based insurance discounts. Result: Low engagement from higher-weight employees; increased shame; eating disorder triggers.
The goal is not to be perfectly healthy. The goal is to be functionally kind to the body you have, in the circumstances you are in, today.
If running on a treadmill feels like torture, stop doing it. Try dancing, hiking, swimming, weightlifting, yoga, or rock climbing. The best exercise is the one you actually look forward to doing.
Traditional fitness culture relies on "no pain, no gain." Body positive wellness relies on "joyful movement."
: Eat whole, nutritious foods that fuel your body and mind. Avoid restrictive dieting and focus on balanced, sustainable eating.
If loving your body feels too difficult right now, aim for body neutrality . Acknowledge your body for what it does ("My legs carry me where I need to go") rather than focusing on its appearance.