Many eating disorder experts often mention the importance of “self love” and why it is essential to learn to love your body however others argue if this is actually a realistic concept. Even individuals without a history of eating disorders may not necessarily love everything about their body. We always think about that stretch mark, or how one part of our body hugs our jeans in the wrong way or that scar or tiny defect that is visible to others. Many experts are beginning to wonder if changing this concept of “self love” to “self acceptance” is healthier for individuals who are in recovery or who are currently struggling with an eating disorder. Is self-love connected with high standards and perfectionism? Is the concept of body neutrality a healthier way to approach our body image and shape?
“Body neutrality is looking at yourself in the mirror and maybe not liking how your thighs look in the shorts you are wearing, but allowing that to be a passing thought. It is going through the day wearing those shorts, pushing that idea to the back of your mind and realizing that it doesn’t matter. It’s much easier to lessen negative thoughts about your body or your self-image by focusing on acceptance, rather than a feeling of obligation. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, self-acceptance is one of the first steps to getting to self-love.”
Read more on Body Neutrality here.