Top 5 Must Read Body Positivity Books

If you’ve ever looked at yourself in the mirror and felt disappointed or ashamed, then you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are dissatisfied with their bodies, even when they are healthy. This dissatisfaction can lead to issues with food, relationships, self-esteem, and more. It's already high time to learn about body postivity that inturn fills you with all the confidence you need.

Body positivity is a movement that encourages everyone to love their bodies regardless of shape, size, or colour. It’s become more mainstream in recent years with the rise of social media and celebrities like Ashley Graham. The media has played a role in promoting body positivity. However, there are many hurdles that people face when it comes to loving their bodies. Body shaming is still an issue that needs to be remedied. Body positivity means changing your mindset about your body. It's about loving and respecting it for what it is — even if that means loving and respecting its flaws. Here are some books to read to start feeling more body-positive today.

1. The Beauty Myth book by Naomi Wolf

I had a great experience reading this book that will change the way you think about beauty. It includes some really helpful information and explanations of sentiments I have difficulty vocalising or comprehending. These issues aren't just personal; they're a part of our unspoken daily existence. Wolf conducted a lot of research and included a lot of useful data, studies, and other sources. I'm not sure how you can disagree with it. Those harsh truths, on the other hand, might be extremely dismal. The Beauty Myth states that beauty (the sort of beauty marketed by the business) is what leads to happiness and success in all areas of life. The worst thing a woman can be is ugly and obese. She won't be able to fight for equality if she is preoccupied with her beauty. Over time, the Beauty Myth takes on various shapes.

As women's independence in the outside world has increased, the Beauty Myth has had to develop to keep women miserable on the inside.

The Myth has silently taken over our lives, from sexual freedom to food to our bodies. 

You can buy it here.

2. The Romance Diet: Body Image and the Wars We Wage On Ourselves by Destiny Allison

Body positivity is a movement that encourages everyone to love their bodies regardless of shape, size, or colour. It’s become more mainstream in recent years with the rise of social media and celebrities like Ashley Graham. The media has played a role in promoting body positivity. However, there are many hurdles that people face when it comes to loving their bodies. During, these years came 'The Romance Diet: Body Image and the Wars We Wage '' that changed the outlook on diet and body images. It's a book that encourages people to celebrate who they are and love what they’re doing. It talks about different parts of the body, how people look at them, and some of the negative thoughts people have. It also includes some physical exercises to help boost confidence.

You can buy the Kindle edition here.

3. Bodies out of bounds by Jana Evans Braziel (Editor), Kathleen LeBesco (Editor)

Body positivity is a complex and unique issue. Although there are no doubt health concerns and weight restrictions, many still have a hard time loving their bodies. Unfortunately, people have taken to social media to share their grievances in hopes of getting other people to like their bodies. It’s frustrating to see these selfies with the words like “10lbs heavier,” “Uglier,” “Fat” or “MASSIVE” over their pictures. It’s also damaging to young girls to see these women look like they have gained or lost weight. The examples are endless.This book ''Bodies Out of Bounds'' challenges these mainstream assumptions. The contributors to this collection demonstrate that what constitutes fat and how it is valued is far from universal; the wide range of meanings ascribed to body size in other times and places demonstrates that perceptions of corpulence are tainted by cultural, historical, political, and economic biases

You can buy it here.

4. The body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

The pages radiate body acceptance, and I've gained a new perspective on how much I should be concerned about what others think of me. The author eloquently describes how the society has formed this declaration of being "good enough," and how it is past time to rethink what is "good enough," The author proposes a novel yet realistic approach to dealing with the barrage of false images and subtle societal hierarchy that keeps individuals feeling unhappy, unlovable and "ugly," and even embarrassed of their physical appearance sometimes. The author's anecdotes are fantastic and allow you to connect with them easily. Don't be put off if this all seems a little lofty and academic. Give it a try.

You can buy it here.

5. Health at every size by Linda Bacon

Linda Bacon believes that being healthy and fit doesn’t mean being a size 2 or 6. Rather, she says that health is a more specific concept than a number on a scale. Being healthy means following a healthy lifestyle and being able to do things like playing sports and climbing a mountain.

Many of us are taught that it’s okay to just be skinny. However, being skinny isn’t ideal. Not only is it unhealthy, but it’s a hard line for many people to come to terms with but if you focus on health, then life gets a little bit easier.

Health at every size supports larger sized individuals and people who aren’t concerned about their weight. According to the book, size is no longer associated with health and being fit. Bacon says that a person’s size isn’t a reflection of their overall health. If this book gives a little bit of hope, then choose this right away. If this book gives you a glimmer of hope, pick it up right now.

You can buy it here.

Major take away 

Beauty standards have been passed down from generation to generation. However, it doesn’t need to be this way. It’s time to find what makes you feel good and put that out into the world. There are many ways women can take care of themselves, whether it is by getting dressed up for an event or staying in their pyjamas all day. You do not need to look like a supermodel or actor. You don't even need makeup sometimes. You just need to feel happy with yourself and know that you are unique and beautiful in your way.

Here's video for you :)