https://www.choosingtherapy.com/body-positivity-books
"Building a healthy body image is a lifelong process of growth and self acceptance. It takes time to unlearn societal programming around our physical appearance. Which is why the concepts of body positivity and self acceptance are often first steps towards a larger goal of living wholeheartedly in our truth.
1. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
If the concept of a more holistic approach to body image and self acceptance—that calls in mind, body, heart, and soul—resonates with you, then you might find applicable takeaways, and perhaps even an “ah-ha” moment, in this hope-filled book by Brené Brown.
Dr. Brown centers her approach around this poignant definition of authenticity: “The daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be, and embracing who we are.” This serves as a powerful foundation for all of us as we navigate the expectations and pressures placed upon our shoulders in a comparison-obsessed world.
2. The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love
The Body is Not an Apology is a book written by the founder of the global media and education company of the same name. The organization is committed to the belief that radical self-love is a crucial foundational tool for social justice, global equity, and intersectional activism.
This book calls us to acknowledge that no human being should be ashamed of, or apologize for, existing in a human body. Sonya calls us to start within ourselves in order to dismantle the external systems that uphold body-based oppression. They remind us that these systems hinder our experiences of genuine self-love, both inside ourselves and in the world—but we have the power to challenge them by doing the work to embrace ourselves in a radical and unapologetic way.
3. The Body Image Blueprint: Your Go-To Guide for Radical Self-Reverence
If you are looking for a witty and refreshing take on embracing your body, add this read to your bookshelf. Berk impressively maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone while tackling topics that are often heavy, debilitating, and considered societally shameful to discuss.
This book combines the poignant vulnerability of a personal memoir with the practical direction of a self-help book. By sharing anecdotes from her personal journey with body image, alongside interviews with 50 other individuals who struggle with their body image, Jenny empowers her readers to feel safe, seen, and a little less alone. She follows these testimonials up with techniques and strategies for crafting your own body image blueprint. If you want profound wisdom wrapped in a jovial tone, with a side of levity, this may just be the book for you.
4. Body Neutrality: The Liberating Practice of Accepting Your Body Exactly as It Is
Are you intrigued by the approach of body neutrality, and looking for a quick read with powerful takeaways? Consider adding this book to your reading list.
Coming in at under 100 pages this book is accessible and approachable to all readers. Ghibaudy invites you on a journey to break up with our society’s fixation on diet culture and body shaming, and find peace and acceptance with your body exactly as it is, right now. This succinct read contains meaningful musings, simple strategies, and practical applications to help you embrace and respect your body as it is today.
5. More Than A Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament
In More Than a Body, authors Lindsay and Lexie Kite offer an alternative to our society’s beauty-obsessed ideals. They say that a positive body image isn’t about thinking your body looks good; instead, it is about knowing your body is good regardless of what it looks like. In a review, Chelsea Clinton calls this book an “indispensable resource for women of all ages.” The Kite sisters give readers an action plan, laying out the skills you need to reconnect with your body and whole self without the constraints of self-objectification.
6. The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is becoming more and more common, affecting as much as 2% of the population. In The Broken Mirror, author Katharine Phillips draws on her clinical experience and scientific research to provide one of the first definitive books on this debilitating disorder.
Phillips also presents anecdotes and interviews with over 200 people, illustrating the symptoms of BDD, and offering a comprehensive self-assessment for readers. This is a vital book, especially because, left untreated, BDD can lead to self-harm, hospitalization, and suicidal ideation. Fortunately, with proper treatment, many people are able to lead relatively normal lives.
7. Beyond Beautiful: A Practical Guide to Being Happy, Confident, and You in a Looks-Obsessed World
Illustrated with beautiful, full-color art, Beyond Beautiful aims to empower its readers with science-backed knowledge and proven strategies to practice effective self-care and self-love. This practical guide to improving your body image is not only beautiful to look at, it is also filled with wise advice and answers to difficult questions regarding confidence, social media, and modern beauty standards. Driven by psychology and fueled with illustrations, Beyond Beautiful is a breath of fresh air and a reprieve from negative mental chatter.
8. Nourish: How to Heal Your Relationship With Food, Body, and Self
We receive all sorts of confusing messages about food, nutrition, and diet culture. All the conflicting information and opinions can leave a person wondering what to eat and how to feel about themselves. If you find yourself thinking about your body and appearance more than you would like, consider picking up Nourish by Heidi Schauster, MS, RND, CEDRD-S, and founder of Nourishing Word Nutrition Therapy.
Based on 20 years of experience working with disordered and emotional eating, Schauster guides readers to reimagine and transform their destructive thoughts on food and body image. Using a 10-step process, she imparts a sense of acceptance, positive thinking, and self-love."
