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Candice HuffineCandice HuffineMagazine cover starCandice Huffinenever let anyone stop her from following her dreams—first to become a model and later, a marathon finisher. The creator of@PSYouGotThis, a movement meant to get more people to take up running, andDay/Won, an activewear collection for all sizes, Huffine says body positivity is a journey.“There is no magic formula or tutorial I can share about how to become confident in your skin, but I have learned from experience it all comes from work,” she tells Verywell. “Be kind. Be patient.Be thankful.Be grateful.Set goals. Challenge your limits. Step outside of your comfort zone. Explore what your body is capable of and prepare to be amazed!“How to Cultivate Gratitude
Candice Huffine
Magazine cover starCandice Huffinenever let anyone stop her from following her dreams—first to become a model and later, a marathon finisher. The creator of@PSYouGotThis, a movement meant to get more people to take up running, andDay/Won, an activewear collection for all sizes, Huffine says body positivity is a journey.
“There is no magic formula or tutorial I can share about how to become confident in your skin, but I have learned from experience it all comes from work,” she tells Verywell. “Be kind. Be patient.Be thankful.Be grateful.Set goals. Challenge your limits. Step outside of your comfort zone. Explore what your body is capable of and prepare to be amazed!”
How to Cultivate Gratitude
Jessamyn StanleyLydia Hudgens PhotographyFeatured as a body-positive advocate across many outlets, yoga instructor and writerJessamyn Stanleypreaches the freedom to embrace yourself in full.“Body positivity is the only legitimate antidote to our overwhelming body negative society,” Stanley tells Verywell. “A woman should revel in her strength and beauty, a strength which literally gives life to the universe… Yoga gives a woman the potential to remember who she actually is—to look within herself for the strength which society actively and willfully seeks to pry from her grasp.”
Jessamyn Stanley
Lydia Hudgens Photography
Featured as a body-positive advocate across many outlets, yoga instructor and writerJessamyn Stanleypreaches the freedom to embrace yourself in full.
“Body positivity is the only legitimate antidote to our overwhelming body negative society,” Stanley tells Verywell. “A woman should revel in her strength and beauty, a strength which literally gives life to the universe… Yoga gives a woman the potential to remember who she actually is—to look within herself for the strength which society actively and willfully seeks to pry from her grasp.”
Jenny Gaither
How to Find Happiness in Your Life
Ana AlarconAna AlarconBoston-based food blogger,Ana Alarcon, wasn’t always as healthy as she is now. She used to avoid cooking and lived off frozen pizzas, instant noodle soups, and eggs. But she started making meals at home and decided to share her tricks with the world via her blog,Ana Goes Fit.To her, self-acceptance is all about appreciating your body at every moment: “Body positivity means loving the body you are in—the changes, the size, the color—and take care of it,” she tells Verywell.“Accept that it will change with time. [Self-confidence is] the idea that you can live in your body as it is, and treat it right through nourishment and movement andself-care, without punishing yourself for the way it looks.”Use Self Care to Reduce Stress
Ana Alarcon
Boston-based food blogger,Ana Alarcon, wasn’t always as healthy as she is now. She used to avoid cooking and lived off frozen pizzas, instant noodle soups, and eggs. But she started making meals at home and decided to share her tricks with the world via her blog,Ana Goes Fit.
To her, self-acceptance is all about appreciating your body at every moment: “Body positivity means loving the body you are in—the changes, the size, the color—and take care of it,” she tells Verywell.
“Accept that it will change with time. [Self-confidence is] the idea that you can live in your body as it is, and treat it right through nourishment and movement andself-care, without punishing yourself for the way it looks.”
Use Self Care to Reduce Stress
Zach MikoIMG ModelsMen carry a body-positive message too, andZach Mikodoes it with a smile. The first brawn model for IMG Models, he tells Verywell that confidence means focusing on the present.“To me, body positivity is learning to love and respect who you are right now,” he says. “Not tomorrow, not after a diet, or a workout plan, or losing or gaining 50 pounds. It’s loving your body right now in the very moment because right now your body is beautiful, it is amazing, and it is you. Love every muscle, every roll, every curve.”How to Develop Self-Compassion
Zach Miko
IMG Models
Men carry a body-positive message too, andZach Mikodoes it with a smile. The first brawn model for IMG Models, he tells Verywell that confidence means focusing on the present.
“To me, body positivity is learning to love and respect who you are right now,” he says. “Not tomorrow, not after a diet, or a workout plan, or losing or gaining 50 pounds. It’s loving your body right now in the very moment because right now your body is beautiful, it is amazing, and it is you. Love every muscle, every roll, every curve.”
How to Develop Self-Compassion
Allie Kieffer
Professional runnerAllie Kiefferscored a personal best in the 2017 New York City Marathon, shaving 26 minutes off her time—and snagging fifth place. After getting slack for her size, Kieffer has become a strong advocate for ignoring the idea that you have to be a certain weight to be a strong runner.
Alicia KeysC Flanagan/FilmMagic/GettyGrammy Award-winning singerAlicia Keys’ body positive message reads all over her face. She started a makeup-free movement in 2016 when she stopped wearing any cosmetics for her public appearances. And it definitely made an impact, garnering tons of media attention.If her song lyrics don’t inspire you to rise up and be proud of who you are, simply follow her IG where she often posts uplifting messages, likethis one: “We are a gorgeous, infinite circle of women of all shades, all styles, in all the ways we were made,” she writes. “Inside of us everything blooms.”
Alicia Keys
C Flanagan/FilmMagic/Getty
Grammy Award-winning singerAlicia Keys’ body positive message reads all over her face. She started a makeup-free movement in 2016 when she stopped wearing any cosmetics for her public appearances. And it definitely made an impact, garnering tons of media attention.
If her song lyrics don’t inspire you to rise up and be proud of who you are, simply follow her IG where she often posts uplifting messages, likethis one: “We are a gorgeous, infinite circle of women of all shades, all styles, in all the ways we were made,” she writes. “Inside of us everything blooms.”
Dana Falsetti
Yoga instructorDana Falsettiprefers to call the confidence movement “body justice” instead of body positivity.
“It’s not only about self-love and self-care, but it’s about the ways in which people in marginalized bodies are viewed and oppressed,” she tells Verywell.
“It isn’t only a space to talk about confidence, but also to engage in difficult discussion about the social and political climates that impact us. Confidence and assuredness of self give us the tools we need to keep on keeping on, to live life as fully as we can, and recognize all we have to offer.”
Em Ford
LondonerEm Fordstarted blogging in 2014, and after developing adult acne about a year later, she began posting makeup tutorials (along with makeup-free photos) on social media and on YouTube under her same blog name,My Pale Skin.
Gigi GorgeousGigi Gorgeous Getty / InstagramGigi Gorgeousis Canadian YouTube sensation Giselle Loren Lazzarato Getty, who started out posting makeup and beauty tutorials but found fame chronicling her gender transition. Her powerful 2019 memoir,“He Said, She Said: Lessons, Stories, and Mistakes from My Transgender Journey,” was lauded for its hilarious asides, candid honesty, and radical self-love.She’s known for captioning her posts with simple gems like “I am human.”
Gigi Gorgeous
Gigi Gorgeous Getty / Instagram
Gigi Gorgeousis Canadian YouTube sensation Giselle Loren Lazzarato Getty, who started out posting makeup and beauty tutorials but found fame chronicling her gender transition. Her powerful 2019 memoir,“He Said, She Said: Lessons, Stories, and Mistakes from My Transgender Journey,” was lauded for its hilarious asides, candid honesty, and radical self-love.
She’s known for captioning her posts with simple gems like “I am human.”
Tatyana McFaddenMike Hewitt/Staff/GettyTatyana McFaddenhas snagged 17 medals (seven gold!) throughout her career as a Paralympic athlete in wheelchair track and field. Plus, she won the 2018 Boston Marathon. But it’s her dedication to help other athletes with disabilities that makes her stand out on the scoreboard.Born with spina bifida, she wanted to race with her high school track mates. Her lawsuit to earn that right led to a disabilities act in Maryland that now requires schools to allow students with disabilities to compete in interscholastic athletics.“Having positive body image isn’t always easy, but our bodies have lead us to where we are today!” she posted on Twitter. “Remember you come with one body…love it will all of your heart.”
Tatyana McFadden
Mike Hewitt/Staff/Getty
Tatyana McFaddenhas snagged 17 medals (seven gold!) throughout her career as a Paralympic athlete in wheelchair track and field. Plus, she won the 2018 Boston Marathon. But it’s her dedication to help other athletes with disabilities that makes her stand out on the scoreboard.
Born with spina bifida, she wanted to race with her high school track mates. Her lawsuit to earn that right led to a disabilities act in Maryland that now requires schools to allow students with disabilities to compete in interscholastic athletics.
“Having positive body image isn’t always easy, but our bodies have lead us to where we are today!” she posted on Twitter. “Remember you come with one body…love it will all of your heart.”
Jameela Alia Jamil
Amanda Edwards / Getty Images
Jameela Jamil is the British actor, writer, and activist behind the hugely popular Instagram accountI Weigh. Known for her role as Tahani Al-Jamil on the hilarious NBC dark comedy series “The Good Place,” Jamil seeks to use her celebrity to share a message of self-love and acceptance.
Lindsey Clayton and Amber ReesLindsay Clayton and Amber Rees/InstagramFit influencers and founders of theBrave Body Project,Lindsey ClaytonandAmber Reeswanted to bring solid workouts with a realistic exercise approach to the masses. They believe in the balance between smoothies, sweat, pizza, and even booze. They spread confidence to everyone they come across, particularly through physical activity and being thankful for a body that can move.Their first priority for working out isn’t about sculpting a slim, toned body, but to feel good. Just take it fromthis poston Clayton’s IG: “Work out for the right reasons. Work out because you want to be the best version of you. Work out because it’s fun. The results will follow, I promise.”
Lindsey Clayton and Amber Rees
Lindsay Clayton and Amber Rees/Instagram
Fit influencers and founders of theBrave Body Project,Lindsey ClaytonandAmber Reeswanted to bring solid workouts with a realistic exercise approach to the masses. They believe in the balance between smoothies, sweat, pizza, and even booze. They spread confidence to everyone they come across, particularly through physical activity and being thankful for a body that can move.
Their first priority for working out isn’t about sculpting a slim, toned body, but to feel good. Just take it fromthis poston Clayton’s IG: “Work out for the right reasons. Work out because you want to be the best version of you. Work out because it’s fun. The results will follow, I promise.”
Michelle ElmanMichelle ElmanAs a body confidence coach,Michelle Elmanknows all about ways to raise self-esteem. She often posts messages and facts on fat on her Instagram page,@scarrednotscaredto inspire others.“The fear of fat not only drives body image issues but a disordered relationship with eating that can lead to broader psychological consequences,” she tells Verywell. “My aim is to help people realize that their body is good enough right now, and it’s important that they start living their life right now.”
Michelle Elman
As a body confidence coach,Michelle Elmanknows all about ways to raise self-esteem. She often posts messages and facts on fat on her Instagram page,@scarrednotscaredto inspire others.
“The fear of fat not only drives body image issues but a disordered relationship with eating that can lead to broader psychological consequences,” she tells Verywell. “My aim is to help people realize that their body is good enough right now, and it’s important that they start living their life right now.”
Amy PurdyMatthew Stockman/Getty Images SportAfter getting bacterial meningitis,Amy Purdylost both her legs at age 19. But that never stopped her from taking big steps forward. The Paralympic snowboarder, author of “On My Own Two Feet” and “Dancing with the Stars"contestant, has won two Paralympic medals (bronze and silver).“Life is all about perspective. I’m living the life I always dreamed of, just in a completely different way than I ever imagined,” she writes onIG. “We have to be willing to let go of what we thought our lives would look like & embrace what they are & that’s when we begin to see the endless possibilities!”
Amy Purdy
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Sport
After getting bacterial meningitis,Amy Purdylost both her legs at age 19. But that never stopped her from taking big steps forward. The Paralympic snowboarder, author of “On My Own Two Feet” and “Dancing with the Stars"contestant, has won two Paralympic medals (bronze and silver).
“Life is all about perspective. I’m living the life I always dreamed of, just in a completely different way than I ever imagined,” she writes onIG. “We have to be willing to let go of what we thought our lives would look like & embrace what they are & that’s when we begin to see the endless possibilities!”
Keah Brown
Keah Brown, a writer, and author of the 2019 book “The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability and Other Reasons to Fall in Love With Me,” pens essays about her cerebral palsy and the mental battle that sometimes comes with her condition. But she always finds a silver lining, a few of which she features with #disabledandcute.
“Body positivity means that I embrace every bump, scar, and bruise I have even when it feels impossible,” she tells Verywell.
“It means celebrating every other body too—bodies of color, disabled bodies, non-binary bodies, LGBTQ+ bodies, and not just the bodies with a little chub that are still acceptable. Body positivity means celebration in the face of a world that doesn’t recognize the beauty in bodies like mine.”
Alissa Rumsey, RDPhoto Credit: Alissa RumseyRegistered dietitian and intuitive eating coach,Alissa Rumseybelieves eating shouldn’t be about what youcan’thave, but what you can. And she encourages clients to simply listen to their bodies.“We live in a crazy culture where it’s seen as normal to diet, to dislike our bodies, and to constantly be trying to change them,” she says. “I’m passionate about helping people make peace with their bodies so that they can stop postponing their lives ‘until I lose weight’ and be happy with their body just as it is today.”
Alissa Rumsey, RD
Photo Credit: Alissa Rumsey
Registered dietitian and intuitive eating coach,Alissa Rumseybelieves eating shouldn’t be about what youcan’thave, but what you can. And she encourages clients to simply listen to their bodies.
“We live in a crazy culture where it’s seen as normal to diet, to dislike our bodies, and to constantly be trying to change them,” she says. “I’m passionate about helping people make peace with their bodies so that they can stop postponing their lives ‘until I lose weight’ and be happy with their body just as it is today.”
Bruce SturgellBruce SturgellAfter countless trips to the mall left him empty-handed thanks to the lack of sizes,Bruce Sturgelldecided to startChubstr, a site that features style finds for plus-size men. To him, body positivity is simply about loving yourself.“Your size is just a part of what makes you who you are,” he tells Verywell. “You’re amazing just as you are! Don’t let anyone make you feel like less because you’re not the ‘right’ size for them.”Positive Self-Image Tips for Men
Bruce Sturgell
After countless trips to the mall left him empty-handed thanks to the lack of sizes,Bruce Sturgelldecided to startChubstr, a site that features style finds for plus-size men. To him, body positivity is simply about loving yourself.
“Your size is just a part of what makes you who you are,” he tells Verywell. “You’re amazing just as you are! Don’t let anyone make you feel like less because you’re not the ‘right’ size for them.”
Positive Self-Image Tips for Men
Kathryn Budig
This yoga instructorhas a full resume, including podcaster for Free Cookers, author of “Aim True,” recipe writer, and teacher forYoga Glo. But something else she should add: self-love advocate. In a recentInstagram post, she wrote a letter to her younger self about realizing her own beauty.
“Cherish what your body does for you and [ignore] the projections of others and that judgemental [sic] voice in your head,” she writes. “You look damn strong, girl, but skin and size doesn’t equate beauty.”
Kelly Clarkson
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty
“If you gauge your life on what other people think, you’re going to be in a constant state of panic trying to please everyone,” she said inone interview. “People should just concentrate on their own lives and their own health and their own happiness, and whatever that looks like for you, be happy with it.”
What Is Negativity Bias?
Olakemi ObiOlakemi ObiFounder of thePlus Is Diverse Campaign,Olakemifights for the representation of different races in the plus-size community to help promote diversity of all kinds. “To achieve full-body confidence, one must first build mind confidence,” Olakemi tells Verywell. “We have to start loving every bit of ourselves, regardless of whether we like it or not.
Olakemi Obi
Founder of thePlus Is Diverse Campaign,Olakemifights for the representation of different races in the plus-size community to help promote diversity of all kinds. “To achieve full-body confidence, one must first build mind confidence,” Olakemi tells Verywell. “We have to start loving every bit of ourselves, regardless of whether we like it or not.
Jess WeinerStefanie Keenan/GettyJess Weinerhas been helping change beauty standards, one effective campaign at a time. She helped launchDove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, as well as the new, morediverse Barbiethat celebrates more sizes, shapes, heights, hair colors, and more. She’s a firm believer that the journey to self-confidence is not an overnight switch, and says self-care involveseliminating negative self-talk.“Don’t allow nagging self-doubt to zap you of your power or agency,” she writes on herblog. “Quiet the negative talk so you can focus on positive change.”What Is Self-Efficacy?
Jess Weiner
Stefanie Keenan/Getty
Jess Weinerhas been helping change beauty standards, one effective campaign at a time. She helped launchDove’s Campaign for Real Beauty, as well as the new, morediverse Barbiethat celebrates more sizes, shapes, heights, hair colors, and more. She’s a firm believer that the journey to self-confidence is not an overnight switch, and says self-care involveseliminating negative self-talk.
“Don’t allow nagging self-doubt to zap you of your power or agency,” she writes on herblog. “Quiet the negative talk so you can focus on positive change.”
What Is Self-Efficacy?
Allison KimmeyAllison KimmeyIn addition to producing an ebook on confidence and sharing positive social media posts,Allison Kimmeyis also the founder of the non-profitGirlphoria, created to empower young women.“I spent decades believing that I was the only one that dealt with theshameof living in a larger body,” she says to Verywell.“When I found body positivity, it was the first moment I felt like I could identify with others that looked like me. To me, body positivity gives those living in marginalized bodies an opportunity to see that they are not alone, and to encourage them to take up space and to step into who they truly are.”
Allison Kimmey
In addition to producing an ebook on confidence and sharing positive social media posts,Allison Kimmeyis also the founder of the non-profitGirlphoria, created to empower young women.
“I spent decades believing that I was the only one that dealt with theshameof living in a larger body,” she says to Verywell.
“When I found body positivity, it was the first moment I felt like I could identify with others that looked like me. To me, body positivity gives those living in marginalized bodies an opportunity to see that they are not alone, and to encourage them to take up space and to step into who they truly are.”
Tamara PridgettTamara Pridgett/IGTrainer, fitness model, and editorTamara Pridgettisreal. She exudes confidence in both the way she carries herself and the way presents herself. She speaks her mind and she knows who she is, and that makes her one to follow.“Am I the only one who gets told how intimidating they are on a weekly basis?! I’ve heard this MY ENTIRE LIFE and I just don’t see it. I’ve been told that it’s everything from the way I walk, how I speak, to my commanding presence,” she writes inone post.“What I do see is someone who is 5'4” but has apersonalitythat makes them seem 6'0” tall. Someone who’s direct. Smart. Opinionated. Goofy. Slightly awkward. Determined. Ambitious. And most importantly, someone who’s confident with who they are. So if that intimidates you, I’m not sorry.“How to Cultivate Mental Strength
Tamara Pridgett
Tamara Pridgett/IG
Trainer, fitness model, and editorTamara Pridgettisreal. She exudes confidence in both the way she carries herself and the way presents herself. She speaks her mind and she knows who she is, and that makes her one to follow.
“Am I the only one who gets told how intimidating they are on a weekly basis?! I’ve heard this MY ENTIRE LIFE and I just don’t see it. I’ve been told that it’s everything from the way I walk, how I speak, to my commanding presence,” she writes inone post.
“What I do see is someone who is 5'4” but has apersonalitythat makes them seem 6'0” tall. Someone who’s direct. Smart. Opinionated. Goofy. Slightly awkward. Determined. Ambitious. And most importantly, someone who’s confident with who they are. So if that intimidates you, I’m not sorry.”
How to Cultivate Mental Strength
Shay NearyEllie Martin/InstagramShay Neary was the first transgender plus-size model to land a major fashion campaign forCoverstory. On the@watchshayslayInstagram feed, you’ll find tons of inspirational messages with deep insight into Shay’s thoughts about body image and finding the positive light even on dark days.One of our favoritereads: “My body and mind aren’t dividable. All the parts that make me, the person I am today, are cumulative. They are layers of work, time, abuse, self-awareness,body image issues, self-love, and insecurity. Each lesson…ever-growing always.“Understanding Stigma Transgender Women Face
Shay Neary
Ellie Martin/Instagram
Shay Neary was the first transgender plus-size model to land a major fashion campaign forCoverstory. On the@watchshayslayInstagram feed, you’ll find tons of inspirational messages with deep insight into Shay’s thoughts about body image and finding the positive light even on dark days.
One of our favoritereads: “My body and mind aren’t dividable. All the parts that make me, the person I am today, are cumulative. They are layers of work, time, abuse, self-awareness,body image issues, self-love, and insecurity. Each lesson…ever-growing always.”
Understanding Stigma Transgender Women Face
Ryan Sheldon
Blogger, brawn model, and founder ofConfessions of a Binge Eater,Ryan Sheldonopenly talks about hisbinge eatingdisorder and how it has affected his life. His goal is to take the stigma away to help others heal—his secret to more self-confidence, too.
“To me,body imageis three things—the way we feel physically in our bodies, the way we view our bodies when looking in the mirror, and the way we think others perceive our bodies,” he tells Verywell.
Understanding Male Eating Disorders
Ashley GrahamD Dipasupil/GettyAshley Graham, the first size-16 model to land on the cover ofSports Illustrated, is always up for discussing how to build confidence and celebrating diversity in women. She’s never afraid to stand up to haters who comment on her weight, humbly responds to women who say she’s an inspiration, and often showcases her serious gym moves.Her latestcampaignfor Swimsuits for All promotes unedited photos and encourages women of all shapes and sizes to get into a suit—and feel confident doing it.
Ashley Graham
D Dipasupil/Getty
Ashley Graham, the first size-16 model to land on the cover ofSports Illustrated, is always up for discussing how to build confidence and celebrating diversity in women. She’s never afraid to stand up to haters who comment on her weight, humbly responds to women who say she’s an inspiration, and often showcases her serious gym moves.
Her latestcampaignfor Swimsuits for All promotes unedited photos and encourages women of all shapes and sizes to get into a suit—and feel confident doing it.
Rebecca Scritchfield, RDRebecca Scritchfield, RDRebecca Scritchfielddoesn’t believe in dieting. Instead, this dietitian is all about creating healthy habits, enjoying life, and just being kind to your body—which is why she wrote “Body Kindness."“I believe we are all inherently worthy just for being born,” she tells Verywell.“Body positivity means living the value of respecting all bodies, no matter what they look like or what they can do. Everyone deserves to feel a positive connection with their body.”What Is Self-Esteem?
Rebecca Scritchfield, RD
Rebecca Scritchfielddoesn’t believe in dieting. Instead, this dietitian is all about creating healthy habits, enjoying life, and just being kind to your body—which is why she wrote “Body Kindness.”
“I believe we are all inherently worthy just for being born,” she tells Verywell.“Body positivity means living the value of respecting all bodies, no matter what they look like or what they can do. Everyone deserves to feel a positive connection with their body.”
What Is Self-Esteem?
Stephanie YeboahKaye Ford @fordtographyStephanie YeboahstartedNerd About Townas a beauty blog. Though her first love was fashion, she initially lacked the self-confidence to post about her own style. Today, she regularly shares style posts, and how she picks herself up from self-confidence slumps. In onepostshe says one thing she’s learned is that her body is not the enemy.“Even when I’m not feeling fantastic, I can come back to knowing that my body is working with me, not against me,” she writes. “It’s my best ally in living my fullest in celebration of radical self-love.”
Stephanie Yeboah
Kaye Ford @fordtography
Stephanie YeboahstartedNerd About Townas a beauty blog. Though her first love was fashion, she initially lacked the self-confidence to post about her own style. Today, she regularly shares style posts, and how she picks herself up from self-confidence slumps. In onepostshe says one thing she’s learned is that her body is not the enemy.
“Even when I’m not feeling fantastic, I can come back to knowing that my body is working with me, not against me,” she writes. “It’s my best ally in living my fullest in celebration of radical self-love.”
Rachel SpencerRachel Spencer/InstagramGrowing up,Rachel Spencerdealt with body image issues, always comparing herself to others and having a strong desire to be someone else. But when she found a body-positive community on Instagram, it turned her life around. Now she’s a life coach, passing that confidence on to others.“Confidence isn’t a switch in your brain that you can turn on and off,”she shares. “No one is born without insecurities and no one makes the decision to love themselves without an uphill battle. Healing isn’t linear. So as your body begins to change, just remind yourself to let go.”5 Ways Stop Self-Hate
Rachel Spencer
Rachel Spencer/Instagram
Growing up,Rachel Spencerdealt with body image issues, always comparing herself to others and having a strong desire to be someone else. But when she found a body-positive community on Instagram, it turned her life around. Now she’s a life coach, passing that confidence on to others.
“Confidence isn’t a switch in your brain that you can turn on and off,”she shares. “No one is born without insecurities and no one makes the decision to love themselves without an uphill battle. Healing isn’t linear. So as your body begins to change, just remind yourself to let go.”
5 Ways Stop Self-Hate
Harnaam KaurHarnaam Kaur/InstagramHarnaam Kauris no stranger to bullying—she has experienced it since grade school. Withpolycystic ovarian syndromecausing an imbalance of hormones that led to her growing a full beard, Kaur decided to embrace her body and her beard at age 16. Since then, she’s become a strong voice on self-acceptance.She gives talks throughout the world on self-esteem and embracing your uniqueness—and every word she says is one to hold on to. Just check out herTED Talkto hear for yourself.
Harnaam Kaur
Harnaam Kaur/Instagram
Harnaam Kauris no stranger to bullying—she has experienced it since grade school. Withpolycystic ovarian syndromecausing an imbalance of hormones that led to her growing a full beard, Kaur decided to embrace her body and her beard at age 16. Since then, she’s become a strong voice on self-acceptance.
She gives talks throughout the world on self-esteem and embracing your uniqueness—and every word she says is one to hold on to. Just check out herTED Talkto hear for yourself.
Bo Stanley
Bo Stanley/Instagram
You might recognizeBo Stanleyfrom her time on “The Bachelor” in 2015, but she’s making plenty of waves elsewhere. The model and pro surfer, who found strength on her board, celebrates women of all sizes. Her entire Instagram account is filled with messages about body positivity and embracing diversity in bodies, especially in the surfing industry.
“To me, body positivity means loving and honoring your body wherever it may be in this very moment,” Stanley tells Verywell.
Lita Lewis
Trainer and wellness retreat host,Lita Lewisbelieves that “femininity and sexiness” can also mean “tough, bold and durable.” She wants all women to accept their bodies, whether that means curvy or slim.
She even created a clothing line,Thick Athletics, to help people embrace that. Some of her signature shirts include cheeky messages like “Love Thigh Self” and “I Love It When You Call Me Thick Mama.”
Throughout hersocial posts, you can find words of body-loving inspiration, like “Seriously, just stop allowing negative opinions to penetrate your consciousness. It’s so much easier to ignore shade when you choose to care more about how YOU feel about yourself -vs- how others feel towards you.”
Kate SpeerKate Speer/InstagramBetter known as Positively Kate, bloggerKate Speerunderwentshock therapyin college to treat her misdiagnosedbipolar disorder. She lost two years of her memory from it and worked through therapy to get back to ahealthy mental state.Candid in her battle withdepression, Kate is also open about her struggles with body image.One of her Instagram postswent viral when she shared her #jiggleforjoy.“My body is MORE than its appearance,” she writes. “My body is NOT my value. My body is simply the vessel for my fabulous self… MY BODY—IN ITS ENTIRETY—IS WORTHY OF LOVE.”
Kate Speer
Kate Speer/Instagram
Better known as Positively Kate, bloggerKate Speerunderwentshock therapyin college to treat her misdiagnosedbipolar disorder. She lost two years of her memory from it and worked through therapy to get back to ahealthy mental state.
Candid in her battle withdepression, Kate is also open about her struggles with body image.One of her Instagram postswent viral when she shared her #jiggleforjoy.
“My body is MORE than its appearance,” she writes. “My body is NOT my value. My body is simply the vessel for my fabulous self… MY BODY—IN ITS ENTIRETY—IS WORTHY OF LOVE.”
Demi LovatoTheo Wargo/Getty Images EntertainmentYou can always count on “Sorry Not Sorry” singerDemi Lovatoto tell it how it is, even if that means being vulnerable. She’s willing to share her struggles withbody image and disordered eatingand showing the real side of learning to love yourself, all while living in the spotlight.“I’m insecure about my legs in this picture,” she wrote on one inspiring Instagram post. “But I’m posting it because I look so happy and this year I’ve decided I’m letting go of my perfectionism and embracing freedom from self-criticism. Learning to love my body the way it is is challenging but life-changing.“What Is Self-Awareness?
Demi Lovato
Theo Wargo/Getty Images Entertainment
You can always count on “Sorry Not Sorry” singerDemi Lovatoto tell it how it is, even if that means being vulnerable. She’s willing to share her struggles withbody image and disordered eatingand showing the real side of learning to love yourself, all while living in the spotlight.
“I’m insecure about my legs in this picture,” she wrote on one inspiring Instagram post. “But I’m posting it because I look so happy and this year I’ve decided I’m letting go of my perfectionism and embracing freedom from self-criticism. Learning to love my body the way it is is challenging but life-changing.”
What Is Self-Awareness?
Cece OlisaCece Olisa/InstagramCece Olisa’smotto sums up her attitude: “Don’t wait on weight to live the life you want.” The blogger turned entrepreneur started a body-positive convention for curvy girls, timed with New York Fashion Week to discuss fashion, beauty, and of course, positivity. Her blog and YouTube channel also share fitness, dating, and fashion tips, and advice “from a plus-size perspective.”
Cece Olisa
Cece Olisa/Instagram
Cece Olisa’smotto sums up her attitude: “Don’t wait on weight to live the life you want.” The blogger turned entrepreneur started a body-positive convention for curvy girls, timed with New York Fashion Week to discuss fashion, beauty, and of course, positivity. Her blog and YouTube channel also share fitness, dating, and fashion tips, and advice “from a plus-size perspective.”
Chris MosierChris MosierDuathlete and triathleteChris Mosierhas active written all over him. He’s also earned recognition for being the first transgender athlete to make a men’s U.S. National Team, to be featured inESPN The Magazine’s The Body Issue, and to receive a Nike sponsorship.“As an athlete, my body is my tool and my vehicle for achieving my dreams,” Mosier tells Verywell. “There’s no one right way to have a body, or to be an athlete, or to be a transgender person. Once we stop worrying about what others will think of us or say about us, the whole entire world opens up.”
Chris Mosier
Duathlete and triathleteChris Mosierhas active written all over him. He’s also earned recognition for being the first transgender athlete to make a men’s U.S. National Team, to be featured inESPN The Magazine’s The Body Issue, and to receive a Nike sponsorship.
“As an athlete, my body is my tool and my vehicle for achieving my dreams,” Mosier tells Verywell. “There’s no one right way to have a body, or to be an athlete, or to be a transgender person. Once we stop worrying about what others will think of us or say about us, the whole entire world opens up.”
Ana Rojas BastidasAna Rojas Bastidas, Power to PrevailMom and creator of the blogPowerToPrevail,Ana Rojas Bastidasfound confidence in movement. Getting to the finish of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and triathlon helped strengthen her career successes andpersonal relationships. But she knew she had to address her body concerns, and she learned to accept herself—which made her feel free.“Body positivity means being free to be me. It’s important because in a world with 7 billion people it’s easy to feel as though it’s our job to please everyone when really there’s only one person who can make memories for you—and that’s you,” she tells Verywell.
Ana Rojas Bastidas
Ana Rojas Bastidas, Power to Prevail
Mom and creator of the blogPowerToPrevail,Ana Rojas Bastidasfound confidence in movement. Getting to the finish of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and triathlon helped strengthen her career successes andpersonal relationships. But she knew she had to address her body concerns, and she learned to accept herself—which made her feel free.
“Body positivity means being free to be me. It’s important because in a world with 7 billion people it’s easy to feel as though it’s our job to please everyone when really there’s only one person who can make memories for you—and that’s you,” she tells Verywell.
Amrita HepiAmrita Hepi/InstagramNo one follows the idea of dancing like nobody’s watching more than Australian pro dancer and choreographer,Amrita Hepi. She even gave a TedxYouth talk titled “To Be a Good Dancer, Don’t Give a F***.” In her speech, she says dance is about separating yourself from the gaze of others and just enjoying your body.“Commit to your movement,” she says. “There’s nothing to lose from movement.”
Amrita Hepi
Amrita Hepi/Instagram
No one follows the idea of dancing like nobody’s watching more than Australian pro dancer and choreographer,Amrita Hepi. She even gave a TedxYouth talk titled “To Be a Good Dancer, Don’t Give a F***.” In her speech, she says dance is about separating yourself from the gaze of others and just enjoying your body.
“Commit to your movement,” she says. “There’s nothing to lose from movement.”
Danielle BrooksAdela Loconte/WireImage/GettyWhen she’s not starring as Taystee on “Orange Is the New Black,“Danielle Brooksoften posts about self-confidence and herself-esteemstruggles and triumphs on Instagram and loves to talk about self-confidence—she even spoke about beauty in all shapes and sizes at New York’s Beauty Con Festival.One example of her social media inspiration to look beyond aesthetics for self-fulfillment came after she finished a Spartan Race: “My first @SpartanRace thank you to my amazing trainer for showing me there are more rewarding goals in life than chasing a number on a scale.”
Danielle Brooks
Adela Loconte/WireImage/Getty
When she’s not starring as Taystee on “Orange Is the New Black,“Danielle Brooksoften posts about self-confidence and herself-esteemstruggles and triumphs on Instagram and loves to talk about self-confidence—she even spoke about beauty in all shapes and sizes at New York’s Beauty Con Festival.
One example of her social media inspiration to look beyond aesthetics for self-fulfillment came after she finished a Spartan Race: “My first @SpartanRace thank you to my amazing trainer for showing me there are more rewarding goals in life than chasing a number on a scale.”
Ash SotoAsh Soto/InstagramAsh Soto, also known as @radiantbambi and “the girl with the world painted on her body,” always shares words ofuplifting wisdom on her Instagram page.“We tend to look for the approval of others to feel content or to feel good about ourselves,” she writes. “It’s so important to not feed your self-doubt with thoughts that aren’t healthy and will make you feel like you aren’t enough, don’t question your self-worth EVER.”
Ash Soto
Ash Soto/Instagram
Ash Soto, also known as @radiantbambi and “the girl with the world painted on her body,” always shares words ofuplifting wisdom on her Instagram page.
“We tend to look for the approval of others to feel content or to feel good about ourselves,” she writes. “It’s so important to not feed your self-doubt with thoughts that aren’t healthy and will make you feel like you aren’t enough, don’t question your self-worth EVER.”
Tess HollidayCindy Ord/GettyYou can’t have a body-positive influencer list without the woman behind@effyourbeautystandards, a movement meant to defy the beauty boundaries and provide a safe space to share struggles and triumphs.Tess Hollidayis aiming to change the way media portrays women and beauty, and with that comes her part in the documentary, “Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image.” Produced to help change how media represent women and the ideal look, this film is meant to lift women up, instead of making them feel less-than.
Tess Holliday
Cindy Ord/Getty
You can’t have a body-positive influencer list without the woman behind@effyourbeautystandards, a movement meant to defy the beauty boundaries and provide a safe space to share struggles and triumphs.
Tess Hollidayis aiming to change the way media portrays women and beauty, and with that comes her part in the documentary, “Straight/Curve: Redefining Body Image.” Produced to help change how media represent women and the ideal look, this film is meant to lift women up, instead of making them feel less-than.
Milly SmithMilly Smith/InstagramFounder of@selfloveclubb,Milly Smithoffers insight into what she looks and feels like behind the screen. She explains that, like most areas of life, there are ebbs and flows in her body positivity and she’s learned to accept that.“Some days I am feeling my damn self, parading around in lingerie, snapping pics of my bootay,” shewrites. “Other days I’m avoiding mirrors at all costs, I’m hiding my body the best I can…realizing that like every journey in life there will be ups and downs, has really given me some relief, some closure, and some acceptance.”
Milly Smith
Milly Smith/Instagram
Founder of@selfloveclubb,Milly Smithoffers insight into what she looks and feels like behind the screen. She explains that, like most areas of life, there are ebbs and flows in her body positivity and she’s learned to accept that.
“Some days I am feeling my damn self, parading around in lingerie, snapping pics of my bootay,” shewrites. “Other days I’m avoiding mirrors at all costs, I’m hiding my body the best I can…realizing that like every journey in life there will be ups and downs, has really given me some relief, some closure, and some acceptance.”
Sarah SaporaSarah Sapora/InstagramSaporais the founder of theBody + Love Workshops, a weekend ofmeditation, discussion, and cultivating a positive mindset.“I fully believe that life-long change can only come from a place of self-love,” she tells Verywell. “Not shame, not fear, not self-judgment. Just love. If we want to learn to honor our body and to create a happier and healthier life (whatever that looks like for us) from the inside out, wehaveto learn to love ourselves as we are first!”
Sarah Sapora
Sarah Sapora/Instagram
Saporais the founder of theBody + Love Workshops, a weekend ofmeditation, discussion, and cultivating a positive mindset.
“I fully believe that life-long change can only come from a place of self-love,” she tells Verywell. “Not shame, not fear, not self-judgment. Just love. If we want to learn to honor our body and to create a happier and healthier life (whatever that looks like for us) from the inside out, wehaveto learn to love ourselves as we are first!”
Iskra Lawrence
Mike Windle/Getty
As an AerieREAL model,Iskra Lawrenceshares real talk on her social pages, promoting self-love and body acceptance. In onepost, she reveals her struggles in fashion and how she’s risen above the scrutiny. She’s starting a new docu-series on Facebook Watch, dubbed “The Mirror Challenge.” It’s meant to show how people view themselves, and how to make it a positive perspective.
“I thought if I looked like ‘her’ (an unrealistic beauty ideal),I’d be happy, successful, and loved,” she says on Instagram.
“All I found was failure (because you can’t change who you are), emptiness (because my time and energy was being used up trying to achieve something completely self-absorbed and shallow sacrificing doing things I loved) and unhappiness (because no restrictive diet or abusive exercise feels good)”.
Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Body Image Issues
Kenzie BrennaKenzie Brenna/InstagramThe woman behind #CelluliteSaturday,Kenzie Brennahas a feed filled with candid images and even more intimate captions. She often shares her negative thoughts about her body and then how she addresses them and flips them into a more positive view.“You don’t have to be in love with yourself every day, but I PROMISE if you practice self-love you will have more loving moments with yourself than you could ever dream of,” she says inone postabout stretch marks.
Kenzie Brenna
Kenzie Brenna/Instagram
The woman behind #CelluliteSaturday,Kenzie Brennahas a feed filled with candid images and even more intimate captions. She often shares her negative thoughts about her body and then how she addresses them and flips them into a more positive view.
“You don’t have to be in love with yourself every day, but I PROMISE if you practice self-love you will have more loving moments with yourself than you could ever dream of,” she says inone postabout stretch marks.
Gina SusannaGina Susanna/ InstagramGina Susannaof@nourishandeathas recovered fromanorexia, orthorexia, and excessive exercising. She learned to love her body and now helps to spread that acceptance, via her online presence, to others who might be suffering. She believes “life is too short to spend it at war with your body.”“Seeing the way my body folds like gentle hands in conversation—patiently; respectfully; is my recovery win,” she writes on Instagram. “Because I chose it. Even when I didn’t think it was an option, I chose it.”The Connection Between Body Image and Eating Disorders
Gina Susanna
Gina Susanna/ Instagram
Gina Susannaof@nourishandeathas recovered fromanorexia, orthorexia, and excessive exercising. She learned to love her body and now helps to spread that acceptance, via her online presence, to others who might be suffering. She believes “life is too short to spend it at war with your body.”
“Seeing the way my body folds like gentle hands in conversation—patiently; respectfully; is my recovery win,” she writes on Instagram. “Because I chose it. Even when I didn’t think it was an option, I chose it.”
The Connection Between Body Image and Eating Disorders
Megan Jayne CrabbeMegan Jayne Crabbe/InstagramMegan Jayne Crabbe, of@bodyposipanda, blogs about body confidence, intuitive eating, fatphobia, and more—she even wrote a book, called “Body Positive Power,“about it all. You’ll find inspiring quotes on her Instagram feed, plus insights into her self-love mindset, especially after an eating disorder.“Something I realized last year is that I’ve spent the majority of my life giving other people the power to define me, rather than taking that power for myself,” she writes in one post. “I’ll probably spend a lifetime unlearning the idea that how I see myself is in everyone’s hands except my own. But I think it’ll be worth it.”
Megan Jayne Crabbe
Megan Jayne Crabbe/Instagram
Megan Jayne Crabbe, of@bodyposipanda, blogs about body confidence, intuitive eating, fatphobia, and more—she even wrote a book, called “Body Positive Power,“about it all. You’ll find inspiring quotes on her Instagram feed, plus insights into her self-love mindset, especially after an eating disorder.
“Something I realized last year is that I’ve spent the majority of my life giving other people the power to define me, rather than taking that power for myself,” she writes in one post. “I’ll probably spend a lifetime unlearning the idea that how I see myself is in everyone’s hands except my own. But I think it’ll be worth it.”
Amy Poehler
Pascal Le Segretain/WireImage/Getty
“Go around your body and kind of thank it for what it gives you and thank yourself for your great eyesight, or your thick hair, or your nice legs, or your strong teeth, or whatever it is that you have that you were given,” she says inone video. “And make friends with those parts of your body and not try to focus on the parts that will never change.”
Nicole Groman, RD
Nicole Groman
Non-diet dietitianNicole Gromanencourages you to listen to your body and honor your cravings—not deprive it of what it wants. She even created a clothing line signifying just that, calledBody Over Mind Apparel.
“It’s so crucial to promote body confidence because there are so many voices out there (extreme diets, juice cleanses, weight loss supplements) telling us that there is something wrong with our bodies the way they are and we need fixing.”
Margot MeanieMargot Meanie/InstagramMargot Meanieloves fashion and expresses her style in every post on Instagram. She’s also the creator of@alternativecurvesand #alternativecurves, which she dubs as “a place to celebrate diverse alternative, quirky, goth, and non-mainstream plus-size fashion.” Margot is a self-proclaimed activist but doesn’t always use words to fight for her cause.“To me, dressing my fat body can be an act of rebellion,” she says on hersite. “Letting others see a woman comfortable wearing what she likes in the body she currently has I believe can instill confidence in others.”
Margot Meanie
Margot Meanie/Instagram
Margot Meanieloves fashion and expresses her style in every post on Instagram. She’s also the creator of@alternativecurvesand #alternativecurves, which she dubs as “a place to celebrate diverse alternative, quirky, goth, and non-mainstream plus-size fashion.” Margot is a self-proclaimed activist but doesn’t always use words to fight for her cause.
“To me, dressing my fat body can be an act of rebellion,” she says on hersite. “Letting others see a woman comfortable wearing what she likes in the body she currently has I believe can instill confidence in others.”
Lachlan WatsonEdward Berthelot / Getty ImagesYou may know actorLachlan Watsonfrom their work on the Netflix sensation “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” On the hit show, they play Theo, a transgender character based in part on Watson’s own life experiences as non-binary, pansexual, and genderqueer. Watson uses their platform to show that life, love, beauty, and worth don’t need to fit neatly into society’s boxes. Beauty is exactly who you are.Sample posts include “the best things for you will never be perfect because perfection will never challenge you. say it again.” And then there’s their epic Insta tag line: “Assigned cool at birth.”
Lachlan Watson
Edward Berthelot / Getty Images
You may know actorLachlan Watsonfrom their work on the Netflix sensation “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” On the hit show, they play Theo, a transgender character based in part on Watson’s own life experiences as non-binary, pansexual, and genderqueer. Watson uses their platform to show that life, love, beauty, and worth don’t need to fit neatly into society’s boxes. Beauty is exactly who you are.
Sample posts include “the best things for you will never be perfect because perfection will never challenge you. say it again.” And then there’s their epic Insta tag line: “Assigned cool at birth.”
Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDNShana Minei Spence / InstagramShana Minei Spenceis the self-described “eat anything” dietician behindThe Nutrition Tea. The registered dietitian and nutritionist shares her body-positive, “healthy at every size” (HAES) outlook—as well as her radiant smile—on her Instagram feed.You’ll find nuggets of motivational, self-love, real-life wisdom. She strips away the drama, nonsense, and negativity (and flat-out lies) from many of the food and body messages that bombard us every day with such posts as: “Unpopular opinion: Your goal weight and the weight that’s healthy for your body isn’t always the same.““Your food doesn’t have to be healthified or swapped,” she reminds us. “You are allowed to have a second helping. You can say no thanks to what you don’t want.” Additionally, Spence says in another post: “Just another reminder that serving sizes are suggestions. You can eat more or less according to your hunger.”
Shana Minei Spence, MS, RDN, CDN
Shana Minei Spence / Instagram
Shana Minei Spenceis the self-described “eat anything” dietician behindThe Nutrition Tea. The registered dietitian and nutritionist shares her body-positive, “healthy at every size” (HAES) outlook—as well as her radiant smile—on her Instagram feed.
You’ll find nuggets of motivational, self-love, real-life wisdom. She strips away the drama, nonsense, and negativity (and flat-out lies) from many of the food and body messages that bombard us every day with such posts as: “Unpopular opinion: Your goal weight and the weight that’s healthy for your body isn’t always the same.”
“Your food doesn’t have to be healthified or swapped,” she reminds us. “You are allowed to have a second helping. You can say no thanks to what you don’t want.” Additionally, Spence says in another post: “Just another reminder that serving sizes are suggestions. You can eat more or less according to your hunger.”
A Word From Verywell
But if you don’t find inspiring messages that fully resonate with you, consider posting your own. After all, anybody can be a body-positive social media influencer—all it takes is a body and the knowledge or leap of faith that nothing is more beautiful, powerful, and contagious than love and loving yourself (and others) just the way you are.
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