Body Image Tips for Summertime

As the weather warms up and summer clothes come out, it's completely normal for body image struggles to feel more intense. Bathing suits, shorts, and sleeveless tops can stir up a lot—especially in a culture that equates “summer-ready” with unrealistic beauty standards.

If you’re someone navigating recovery from an eating disorder or working to heal your relationship with food and body, summer can feel like a minefield. You’re not alone. As a non-diet dietitian, I want to offer some gentle reminders and practical tips for supporting your body image during this time of year.

1. Your body is already summer-ready

Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as a “bikini body.” The idea that we must shrink, sculpt, or tone ourselves into worthiness before we can enjoy the sun is a lie fueled by diet culture. Your body, exactly as it is today, is valid and deserving of joy, comfort, and fresh air. Wear the clothes that feel best for you—not the ones you think you should wear.

2. Curate your media—compassionately

Social media can be a tough space in the summer, filled with transformation posts, diet ads, and body-centric messaging. Take this as permission to hit “unfollow,” “mute,” or “block” liberally. Instead, seek out body-diverse, recovery-supportive content that helps you feel grounded and affirmed. It’s not about living in a bubble—it’s about protecting your peace.

3. Notice comparison—and gently disrupt it

It’s human to compare. And also—comparison often leaves us disconnected from our own needs. When you notice your mind drifting toward comparing your body to someone else’s, gently ask:

“What do I need right now?”

“How can I support myself in this moment?”

This redirection helps bring the focus back to you—not as a project to fix, but as a person to care for.

4. Prioritize comfort over appearance

If a certain outfit brings anxiety or discomfort, you don’t need to force it just because it’s “what people wear in summer.” You have full permission to dress in ways that feel safe and comfortable for your body. Comfort is not a sign of giving up; it's a form of self-respect. If it helps you be more present, it may be a safer option.

5. Reconnect with the purpose of summer

Summer is not just about how you look—it's about what you do and how you feel. Sunshine, longer days, swimming, laughter, watermelon, hikes, late-night ice cream runs. Your body is the vehicle that lets you experience all of that. Can you connect to even one small joy today that reminds you of that?

6. Remember: it’s okay if this is hard

Body image isn’t something you just “fix”—it’s something you relate to, and that relationship evolves over time. Some days will feel easier than others. Give yourself permission to feel what comes up without judgment (and if you can, share those feelings with someone so you don’t feel so alone). You’re doing the work—and that matters more than any outfit or mirror moment.

Final thoughts

You are allowed to take up space this summer. You are allowed to nourish your body, enjoy food, rest in the shade, and run through the sprinklers. Healing your relationship with your body is brave, and it doesn't take a vacation just because the seasons change.

Whether you’re navigating recovery, questioning diet culture, or just learning to be gentler with yourself—you are worthy of summertime joy.

I’d love to walk alongside you on this journey of re-discovering and re-defining your relationship with your body. https://www.tnnutritioncounseling.com/contact-8