It’s easy to have negative body image thoughts as the months get hotter. Its bathing suit season and social media will not let you forget it.

The following tips can help you improve your body image this summer.

Check the facts

If bathing suit season brings along negative self-talk and criticism, check your facts. Reminding yourself of some of some neutral body image ideas that you know are true may help ease negative thoughts.

Some examples include:

Everyone has a different body and all bodies are good.
You can eat and workout the same as the person next to you and you would still look different.
No one is more deserving of wearing a bikini or sports bra just because they are a certain size.

You did not learn this negative dialog overnight, it takes some time reminding yourself of these facts to believe them again, but knowing the truth helps. Remember, if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, why would you say it to yourself.

Wear what makes you feel good…

Sports bras and biker shorts might seem like the summer uniform if you look at social media, but we are not in grade school; you can wear whatever you want! It’s common in the hot months to want to wear as little as possible, but it’s ok if that is not your style. Rock that one piece, sundress, or t shirt. You will look more comfortable and confident wearing what makes YOU feel good versus wearing the “trendiest” look.

…And what fits

If last summer’s clothes are not fitting right or feeling comfortable this summer, donate them. It is SO normal for bodies to fluctuate and change. What’s important is you feel good in your clothes, and it’s hard to feel good in jeans that are too tight. Remember, the clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way around. We do not need to change our body to solve this problem. Trends are changing constantly anyway, so take this opportunity to pick up a few new pieces that fit and make you feel good.

Fuel and hydrate

It’s easy to get caught up splashing in the waves or going on a hike, but it is important to remember to bring water and a snack. Water helps not only replace your fluid needs that are lost through perspiration, but can help regulate your body temperature in the hot summer months. Summer is a great time to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables like summer squash, berries, and melons. Did you know you can also utilize foods with high water content, like watermelon, to aid in hydration?

Clean up your feed

If you are seeing pictures or TikTok’s promoting diet culture, weight loss, and quick fixes to get your “summer body,” it is hard to feel good about your own body or routine. Likely, you are doing what is best for your body, by listening to it and responding appropriately to its needs. If certain pages are posting content that makes you feel bad or question if should be doing *insert fad diet here,” I give you full permission to unfollow, mute, even report if the content is spreading misinformation.

If you are struggling with body image or food this summer, look to an anti-diet dietitian and therapist to begin your healing journey. Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help with the collaborative care that we offer for disordered eating and body image. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.

This blog post was written by Wells Ross, RD, LD.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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