Body neutrality encourages self-care and respect by promoting balanced, realistic perspectives on health, movement, and personal well-being.
When we hear phrases like “body positivity,” it often comes with the idea that we must fully embrace every aspect of ourselves as we are, without ever wanting to make a change.
While that’s an important perspective, it’s equally valid to acknowledge that sometimes we do want to make changes. Not because we aren’t enough but because we’re seeking growth or fulfillment in ways that feel right to us.
That’s where body neutrality comes in. This approach encourages us to appreciate our bodies as valuable tools, while making mindful, intentional decisions about the changes we want to pursue, decisions rooted in self-respect and care, not external expectations. Let’s break this down using the acronym C.H.A.N.G.E.
What Does It Mean to Embrace C.H.A.N.G.E.?
Often, we set goals for our bodies to meet societal standards or to win approval from others. But lasting, meaningful change begins with understanding why we’re pursuing it.
Are we doing it for others, or for ourselves? When we shift our focus inward and prioritize healthy, balanced reasons for change, we can honor both our physical and emotional well-being.
C.H.A.N.G.E. stands for Choose Healthy Actions and Grounded Expectations.
Here are three examples to consider:
Exercise
Exercise can often feel like a punishment for the way we look or a desperate attempt to fit into a particular mold. But when approached with grounded expectations, exercise becomes a celebration of what our bodies can do.
For instance, regular movement can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis as we age. This kind of motivation —centered on self-care and longevity— fosters a healthier mindset than striving for someone else’s approval.
Skincare
The beauty industry bombards us with products promising to erase wrinkles and reverse aging. It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that we need to look younger to be valued.
But what if skincare became less about fighting time and more about feeling comfortable in your own skin? Maybe it’s as simple as addressing dryness because it genuinely bothers you, not because you’re chasing an impossible standard.
Diet
Food and body weight are deeply personal topics. Dieting often comes with external pressures to look a certain way, but it can be reframed as a tool for improving health and energy levels.
For example, addressing specific health concerns like high cholesterol or diabetes can be a logical and self-empowering reason to reassess your eating habits.
Ultimately, the key is to ensure that any changes you pursue are about improving your own well-being and happiness, not fitting into someone else’s narrative.
A New Perspective on Self-Worth
Our self-worth isn’t rooted in how we look but in the value we bring to the world, the relationships we nurture, and the unique qualities that make us who we are. When we begin to see ourselves as inherently worthy —regardless of societal standards— we open the door to self-acceptance and lasting change.
Take a moment to appreciate the incredible things your body allows you to do. From the strength it shows in challenging moments to the small acts of kindness it enables, your body is worthy of care and respect simply because it is yours.
As you consider C.H.A.N.G.E., remember this truth: your worth is not determined by your size, shape, or age. It’s found in how you treat yourself, the love you show others, and the purpose you pursue.
Moving Forward with Body Neutrality
Before committing to any changes in your body or lifestyle, reflect with these three empowering questions:
- Who am I doing this for?
- Does this decision honor my health, my values, and my purpose?
- Am I grounding my expectations in reality, or in the desire to please others?
Instead of thinking about body neutrality as a way to ignore your appearance or to strive for perfection, use it to embrace balance. Find a place where you can appreciate your body for what it can do, nurture it with compassion, and focus on the qualities that truly make you shine.
Let your decisions reflect not only who you are today but who you’re growing into.
Want more tactical steps to embrace a body neutrality mindset? Grab the video course inside the Radiant Style Shop to learn more.
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Unlike body positivity, body neutrality allows space for both self-acceptance and mindful change without pressure to love every aspect of your appearance.
Stacey is the owner and creator behind Radiantly Dressed. She is a certified image consultant and AICI member focusing on creating simplicity in wardrobes via color and style.
