In a world inundated with diet culture and fat phobia, reclaiming body trust can feel like a radical act of self-love. Reconnecting with your body means recognizing it as your ally, not an adversary. Hilary Kinavy and Dana Sturtevant’s book, Reclaiming Body Trust: Break Free from a Culture of Body Perfection, Disordered Eating & Other Traumas, outlines the foundations of Body Trust, including working the edges of your comfort zone, finding community, observing with kindness and curiosity, embracing imperfection, and honoring your resources. These principles help you return to your body, your home.

Similar to a meditation practice where getting distracted and losing focus is common, cultivating and healing body trust comes from repeatedly returning to these foundations, no matter how often you stray from the path. It’s about acknowledging that straying is part of the process and that each return strengthens your connection with your body.

Reclaiming body trust is a personal and ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Your body is wise and resilient. Trust it, collaborate with it—it’s your lifelong companion.