Doherty Nutrition Logo
Doherty Nutrition Logo
Book Online

Empowering YOU: The Transformative Role of Yoga in Cultivating Positive Body Image

January 22, 2024

Kelly Minarick, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, MBA, RD, LD

Written By: Kelly Minarick, RD, LDN

Meredith Link, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, RD, LD

Edited & Medically Reviewed By: Meredith Link, RD, LD

  • 5 min read
a woman sits in a lotus position with her eyes closed

Table of Contents

If I can name the one thing that has helped me cultivate a positive body image above all else, that is the practice of yoga. Unlike most fitness culture, yoga encourages taking the focus off of how we look externally and shifting the focus to how we FEEL internally. I am now an avid “yogi” and spend many evenings relaxing into child’s pose on my mat, feeling the ground underneath my body, and breathing deeply into the present moment. It’s such a relief to focus on my conscious breath and movement instead of stressing about my messy hair, the way my stomach rolls over my pants, or dwelling on the silly thing I said yesterday.

Yoga for Positive Body Image

Because of this focus on the present moment, breathing, and mindfulness – yoga directs us away from the external (judgement, comparison, and achievement). The first tenet of yoga is to do no harm – including to ourselves. This means freeing our mind of upward or downward comparison and getting curious about those thoughts (without judgement) when you find your mind wandering in that direction. Yoga also allows you to cultivate gratitude for what your body can do – your strength, flexibility, and balance, as opposed to what it looks like. Instead, you can focus on the small improvements you notice from day-to-day which will keep you feeling motivated.

Setting an Intention

In yoga, “intentions” play a pivotal role in guiding practitioners towards a mindful and positive connection with their bodies. Setting intentions involves focusing on specific qualities or attitudes one wishes to embody during their practice. I have had many yoga teachers encourage the class to set intentions that foster self-compassion, acceptance, and gratitude for their body’s capabilities. By centering the mind on positive affirmations and nurturing thoughts, you can gradually reshape your perception of your body, fostering a healthier and more harmonious relationship with yourself. A few of my current favorites are, “honor your body and what it can do TODAY,” “embrace imperfections,” and “listen to your body – just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”

Conquering Body Shame Through Yoga

I often hear clients say they don’t want to try yoga because they feel ashamed when their belly gets in the way of their foreword fold, or plough pose feels suffocating thanks to their large chest. It can be so frustrating when you feel like parts of your body are preventing you from truly feeling into the present moment, stuck in the shame and comparison mindset. My view of this is that everyone’s bodies are different – and everyone’s bodies are MEANT to be different. Some people find certain poses easier, and others find different poses easier. The beauty of yoga is that it is a solo journey. It doesn’t matter if your tummy gets in the way or if you can’t keep up with the person next to you. Once you surrender to your imperfections and focus on your breath, you can learn to just be in the present moment. This grants you the ability to focus on the things you can control (your breath, how much effort you give, which thoughts to let go of) rather than what you can’t control (the way your body looks).

What to Expect

Whether you’re a total yoga newbie or a seasoned yogi, we have the class for you! Join me, Kelly Minarick, RD, LDN and certified yoga instructor Isabella Ferrari, MCN, RD, LD, CSO for Yoga for Positive Body Image. Sign up here to join, spots are limited. This informative and movement-based class is designed to help you cultivate a positive and loving relationship with your body. All bodies are welcome in this judgment-free space where each pose becomes a celebration of strength, flexibility, and self-acceptance. In the first half of the class, you will listen to an engaging lesson on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for positive body image. The second half of the class will be an all-levels yoga class embracing self-love and empowerment.

Essential Yoga Gear

Elevate your yoga journey with tools to enhance your practice. From comfortable mats to eco-friendly props and size-inclusive apparel, these thoughtfully crafted accessories cater to every body, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

  • Size inclusive yoga brands

Conclusion

Yoga can transform your body image by shifting your focus from external appearance to internal well-being. Explore the mindful practice of yoga where you are encouraged to set positive intentions, conquer body shame, and foster self-compassion.

Donut keep this tasty knowledge to yourself!
Share this blog post and let's spread these nutritious tips!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SHOP THE ARTICLE

Doherty Nutrition Amazon Page

Supplement & Vitamins
Shop Now
Random Things We Love
Shop Now

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Our Specialties

General Health & Wellness
Learn More

ADDITIONAL ARTICLESPANOL

Related Posts

More General Health & Wellness Articles
Return to The Doherty Nutrition Blog

Shop The Article

a pink striped yoga strap with a label that says tumaz

Tumaz Yoga Strap

a black amazonbasics yoga mat with a black strap

Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat

two gray yoga blocks with the word gaiam on them

Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block

a blue hydro flask water bottle with a black handle on a white background

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle

ADDITIONAL DIETITIANS

Our General Health & Wellness Dietitians

Remy Bidmead smiling in front of a brick wall

Remy Luper

RD, LD
Licensed in TX

Senior Dietitian: Eating Disorder Specialist

Diana Figueroa, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, RD, LD

Diana Figueroa

RD, LD
Habla Español
Licensed in TX

Business Development Manager

Follow Us On Social!

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Google Tiktok Youtube Pinterest
Stay Up To Date With the Doherty Digest

Doherty Nutrition is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Google Tiktok Pinterest

Subscribe to the Doherty Digest

Click here to get access to our latest handouts, dietitian tips, and learn what’s new at DN.

Explore Meal Plans

Subscribe to the Doherty Digest

Click here to get access to our latest handouts, dietitian tips, and learn what’s new at DN.