We are not born disliking our bodies
We were not born disliking our body or thinking there is something wrong with it, or that we need to change anything about ourselves.
Somehow, over time, many people start to become self-critical. They feel their body is ‘not good enough’ and it impacts everything in their lives.
Did you know that dietitians and nutritionists are generally not trained in body image work as part of their course? This is not something that I was taught at university. It’s a specialised area, and one that naturally and truly resonates with me, so I have done further training in this.
This includes specialised courses in both body image and food/eating behaviour relationship healing as well as clinician training in understanding disordered eating patterns and eating disorders.
All bodies are good bodies and the way you see yourself is not the way other people see you. Your mindset needs to change and w the right support, you can ‘unlearn’ negative and dangerous thinking that is stopping you from having a happy, healthy life.
I have many conversations with my clients about body image and have learned so much through this work. Here are some insights…
So, what is body image work?
Body image work is about addressing the relationship that you have with your body.
It’s not about changing your body. It’s about understanding and identifying your beliefs about your body and changing your relationship with it to be one that is more positive.
The goals of body image work are – firstly, get to a place of acceptance, then to neutrality, then to respect.
Body image work doesn’t resolve overnight, it is not linear, there is no ‘cookie cutter’ style solution. It is a complex ‘journey’ - because we are all unique and our stories are shaped by multiple factors including different life experiences and belief systems.
Let me ask you a questions to see if your relationship with your body is holding you back from living your best life.
How many minutes or hours a day do spend thinking or obsessing about food, body image, your clothing or how to change your body?
If you have to think about your answer to this question, then perhaps that IS your answer.
Then next, ask yourself how do you WANT your relationship with your body to be? If it’s not where you want it, then reach out and talk to me. I absolutely love taking my clients on a journey to transform the way they see themselves. Where and when required I will always work as part of a complementary multi-disciplinary support team. The results are more far-reaching than most people could imagine possible.
When you start loving yourself, other people will love you more too. Imagine the possibilities that could bring to your life.
Romy Bursztyn
An Integrative Nutritionist, Health & Wellness Coach, Nutrition Educator, freestyle cook and home kitchen garden hobbyist.