Why does it seem the most common advice around self-care is to take a bubble bath? While that might be enjoyable to some, it’s not getting to the root of why you struggle to love yourself and your body to begin with.

As an Anti-Diet Nutritionist, mindset work is at the core of how I help my clients heal their relationship with food, fitness and body image. It’s identifying the harmful thoughts we learned from diet culture. And replacing them with graceful and nourishing beliefs around the inherent worthiness of our bodies.

Here are 5 ways you can start putting into practice today to love yourself and your body:

1. Take a moment of appreciation for everything your body does for you.

If that feels hard, start with the functioning basics: Thank you for my ability to walk. To read, think, and speak. For growing babies.

Our bodies are amazing! Its main purpose is to protect you and help you thrive. As you get further into your intuitive eating journey, your daily moments of appreciation will evolve. Such as appreciating the more specific benefits your body affords you.

2. Recognize that you are more than a body.

You are a brain. A voice. You have a heart. And you have a purpose.

Your body is just the suit that carries your soul around. Your contributions to society are based on who you are. Not what you look like. Separating the two helps to begin the journey of loving yourself and who you are, and progressing from body respect, to body acceptance, to eventually loving your body.

3. Bring awareness to negative self-talk.

Listen to the words you say to yourself. Notice any patterns? Do you have a go-to criticism?

4. Interrupt & shift those negative thoughts about yourself.

Shut it down as soon as you realize you’re criticizing yourself. Use a big ol’ “NOPE!” or “STOP!” to immediately interrupt yourself. Then speak kind TRUTHS about yourself. Either jumping up to Tip #1 or reminding yourself of God’s unconditional love for you. In the beginning, this can be through a mantra or memorized scripture.

5. Physically take care of your body in a way that feels good.

This could mean makeup and a cute outfit. Putting on really nice lotion. Cuddling up with a good book, coffee and chocolate. Doing a HIIT workout. Or ordering from your favorite restaurant. Whatever feels good to you and your body!

How will you be loving yourself towards healthy today? Let me know in comments!