3 Body Image Tips For Summer from a Princeton, New Jersey Eating Disorder Therapist
- Gabrielle Morreale
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
By: Gabrielle Morreale, M.A,. LPC. Rosemont College Graduate - Eating Disorder Survivor & Expert
As the summer approaches, we’re hearing a lot of toxic language surrounding our bodies. We can sometimes feel surrounded by negative body talk, and it comes across as a normal thing! Well, as an eating disorder therapist and survivor, I’m here to tell you it’s not! It’s harmful, and I see firsthand how it can be triggering and really difficult to navigate, especially when you are working through recovery from an eating disorder. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious about the summer season approaching, this blog is for you! I hope this blog will help you enjoy this season without the pressure to change your body. Gentle reminder, your body is already and always will be good.
The Problem with the Concept of “Summer Bodies”
Every year, as the nice weather approaches, so does the pressure to have the “perfect summer body.” So what is a “perfect summer body”?? In fact, perfection doesn’t exist at all!! Check out our blog on progress over perfection. https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/post/progress-over-perfection
Social media loves to push this image of what a “beach-ready” body looks like, and it can make a lot of us feel like we don’t measure up. As an eating disorder therapist, this is something I talk often with clients about. I like to remind my clients that ALL BODIES are beach bodies. If you have a body and you’re on the beach, that’s all you need. Much easier to say than it is to believe we know. (Check our our FREE Developing a Healthy Relationship with Social Media Guide HERE).
The truth is, this pressure can lead to stress, poor body image, and even unhealthy habits. These unhealthy habits can lead to eating disorders. Did you know that 25% of people who diet will develop an eating disorder. Is it worth it? These unrealistic expectations are not only harmful, but they can make the summer season hard to ignore.
Below are some tips that my team and I love sharing with clients as eating disorder and body image therapists.
Tip# 1: Redirect your thinking
Instead of focusing on changing ourselves for summer, we should be thinking about all the ways our bodies carry us through life, at every size and in every season. Your body is already a summer body, just by being yours. I often remind clients that seasons do not dictate body size. We often encourage clients to redirect their thinking when they’ve been exposed to toxic body talk and triggering situations.
Another great way to redirect your thinking is to create some mantras for yourself. One I like to share with clients is “I don’t need to change to fit what others deem as healthy”. There are a ton of helpful mantras that you can use to drown out the other intrusive or harmful messaging and thoughts you experience. If you can talk with a trusted friend or ideally an eating disorder therapist like us to come up with some that work for you.
Tip #2: Be open with the people you trust.
Talking openly with the people around you can really help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by body image thoughts or certain events, letting someone you trust know can make a big difference. It’s okay to set boundaries too, like asking to skip conversations about diets or body changes. Although this is hard, it can be done, promise!! Here is a video to help guide you on how to ditch diet talk.
Another Try to focus on meaningful things like how you’re feeling, what you’re looking forward to, or what helps you feel grounded. And if you’re supporting someone else, just being there to listen without judgment—and keeping the conversation body-neutral—can go a long way. Honest, gentle communication helps everyone feel safer and more supported.
Tip #3: Do and wear what makes you comfortable
One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to wear what makes you feel comfortable, physically and emotionally. That might mean choosing breezy outfits that don’t cling, or sticking with styles that help you feel more secure. There’s no rule that says you have to wear certain clothes just because it’s hot outside or because others are doing it. Comfort comes first.
Also, if you want to wear the shorts, I always tell my clients to wear the darn shorts. Your body deserves to be seen and take up space. By prioritizing your well-being over trends or expectations, you give yourself the freedom to enjoy summer on your own terms. Your body is not the problem—clothes should fit you, not the other way around. Furthermore, if there’s an event or activity that you think will trigger your ED or make you feel uncomfortable, say something! This season is meant to be enjoyed, and that includes you too!!
What you can do if you’re struggling
Reach out for help – Contact a licensed therapist, physician, or registered dietitian. We are currently accepting clients. Feel free to reach out today! https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/contact
2. Educate yourself – Read from reputable sources like our blogs https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/blog and free learning tools https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/free-resources or Eating Disorder Hope
Final Thoughts
You have the tools to navigate this season, and by using them you can and deserve to have a great summer! It’s okay to need to do things differently because you are struggling, nothing in the world is one size fits all. Your recovery is unique to you. Also if you’re feeling ready to ditch the diet talk and heal from your eating disorder, disordered eating, body image struggles or anything at all we would be honored to share in your journey. Reach out today! https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/contact
Extra resources:
https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/summer-triggers/#:~:text=Engage%20In%20Alternative%20Summer%20Activities&text=You%20can%20opt%20out%20of,that%20might%20compromise%20your%20recovery.
Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, VT, and FL
We offer a wide variety of services related to eating disorder recovery including trauma therapy! We offer Weekly Support Groups, Nutrition Services, and Family and Parent Therapy as well as Coaching, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. We offer our services for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Orthorexia as well as Maternal Mental Health, and eating disorder therapy for athletes online in New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, Vermont, and Connecticut! We are here to offer our support and understanding in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
We have immediate openings right now for eating disorder therapy in:
Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland South Carolina, Connecticut, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.
And recovery coaching worldwide.
Recovered and Restored is an eating disorder therapy center founded by Gabrielle Morreale, LPC. We specialize in helping teens and young women heal from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder and treat disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We provide eating disorder therapy in the towns of Horsham, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield, Blue Bell, Doylestown, and nearby towns with eating disorder therapy. Also providing virtual eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Some towns served virtually but are not limited to Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Center City, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Cape May, Avalon, Brick, Dover, New Castle, Bethany Beach, Marydel, and Oceanview
コメント