With Spring on the horizon and the longest, darkest days behind us, we begin our slow emergence out of our wintry slumber and into brighter days.
As we move into a season of warmer weather and sleeveless tops, the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) pressure to start making preparation plans for our bodies can feel a little daunting.
As an antidote to the all too familiar toxic body reminders we scroll across daily, these books are a welcomed ray of sunshine. Soaking up the positivity from these pages will encourage you to leave shame at the door and learn to love yourself unconditionally.
Just like the little plant seedlings we watch emerge from the underworld seeking nourishment from the sunshine this time of year, so do we, as humans.
We, too, require nourishment that will energize and uplift us and these books are just what we need to feed our minds and reclaim our body confidence this season.
With everything from dismantling diet culture, to embarking on your own journey of body acceptance, this list has you covered:
1. Body Kindness: Transform Your Health from the Inside Out--and Never Say Diet Again by Rebecca Scritchfield
This book is for you if: You desire straightforward advice on how to ditch the diet mentality and heal your relationship with your body for good.
2. Fattily Ever After: A Black Fat Girl's Guide To Living Life Unapologetically by Stephanie Yeboah
This book is for you if: You crave a master class in becoming bold and navigating a life of unapologetic confidence in any body.
3. More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament by Lexie Kite and Lindsay Kite
This book is for you if: You seek evidence-based but practical guidance embodied in an easy to digest, step-by-step guide to finally ending the war and making peace with your body.
4. Beautiful You: A Daily Guide To Radical Self-Acceptance by Rosie Molinary
This book is for you if: You’re ready to take action in a 365-day journey of small steps towards feeling better about yourself.
5. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
This book is for you if: You love a feel-good series filled with incredible stories of raw, relatable characters who are coming into their own right along with you.
6. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
This book is for you if: You want to explore the intersectionality of diet culture and become empowered to set yourself free with an unwavering amount of body liberation.
Whether you’re just dipping a toe into the body positive movement or you’re a seasoned, bo-po warrior, these titles will inspire you to be your own B.F.F
Kelsey Ellis is a Certified Personal Trainer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Certified Professional Life Coach in Vancouver. Her focus is body positivity and helping people move with joy, build self-acceptance and take the shame out of their fitness game. Find Kelsey on Instagram at @healthy_with_kelsey.
