It would be difficult to do this food freedom work without simultaneously working on body image. Losing weight doesn't usually fix body image, Bahr said. "Often people find that no matter how much their body changes, it's just never enough because body image is an inside job."
Having positive body image has more to do with being kind, compassionate, and respectful to ourselves than liking how our bodies look. Instead of trying to change your size, shape, and appearance, focus on body acceptance (or body neutrality), body functionality, and body appreciation as you are right now.
"I often ask, what would your 99-year old self appreciate about your current body? What will they wish you had done more of with your time? What will they wish you had done less of?," Bahr said. We also need to understand why we don't like our bodies and who plants and profits off those ideas.
Colette shared that if a client comes to her wanting food freedom, but their fear of weight gain or hatred for their body is just as concerning as their relationship with food, they'll focus on body image prior to addressing food. "Once there is less pressure on food and its impact on the body, once body image starts to move more towards respect and acceptance, then sometimes food freedom is much easier to achieve," Colette said.
You can use journaling to help improve your body image. Some journal prompt ideas are: What do you believe your body says about you? Do you believe these things about other people or do you not judge others on their body shape or size? Is this how you would talk to your mother, daughter, or friend about their body?