The Role of Body Trust in Eating Disorder Recovery
What Is Body Trust?
Body trust is the foundation of healing from disordered eating and eating disorders. It’s the ability to listen to and respect your body’s signals—whether that’s hunger, fullness, or the desire for specific foods. For many people struggling with an eating disorder, there’s a profound disconnect from the body. Diet culture and societal pressures can create a sense of distrust, making it difficult to truly understand what the body needs.
In recovery, rebuilding body trust is key to finding peace with food and your body. Trusting your body means acknowledging that it knows what it needs, and that its signals are valid, not something to be ignored or controlled.
Why Body Trust Is So Challenging
For those with eating disorders, trusting the body doesn’t come easily. Years of restrictive eating, over-exercising, or bingeing can cause the body’s signals to become muted or confused. At the same time, societal messages often emphasize external control over the body—counting calories, manipulating weight, or adhering to beauty standards.
This combination of factors can lead to a deep mistrust of the body’s wisdom. People might doubt their hunger cues, feel overwhelmed by emotional eating, or feel conflicted about their body’s natural shape and size.
Building Body Trust in Recovery
Rebuilding body trust is not a quick fix; it takes time, patience, and compassion. Here are some ways to start rebuilding this trust in your recovery journey:
Start by Listening: Reconnect with your body by paying attention to its signals. Begin to notice when you feel hungry, full, or satisfied. Practice eating when you’re hungry, even if it feels difficult or unfamiliar.
Move with Intention, Not Punishment: Instead of using exercise as a way to control your body or burn calories, focus on movement that feels good and supports your physical and mental well-being.
Challenge Negative Thoughts About Your Body: Take note of any negative thoughts you have about your body, and work to reframe them. Try to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion by acknowledging the incredible things your body does for you every day.
Honor Your Cravings: Trust that your body knows what it needs, and honor cravings without guilt. Cravings aren’t a sign of weakness or failure—they are simply your body’s way of communicating its needs.
Seek Professional Support: If rebuilding body trust feels too overwhelming to do on your own, consider working with a therapist or dietitian who specializes in eating disorders and body image. They can offer guidance and support throughout the process.
Why Body Trust Is Crucial for Long-Term Recovery
Body trust is vital not just for recovery but for sustaining it long-term. Once you start trusting your body, it becomes easier to maintain a balanced, nourishing relationship with food. You begin to realize that food is not the enemy, and neither is your body.
As you rebuild body trust, you also begin to heal emotionally. You stop fighting against yourself and instead learn to work with your body’s natural needs. This mindset shift helps to prevent relapse and promotes ongoing peace with food, exercise, and your body.
Conclusion
Building body trust is essential for healing from disordered eating and finding long-term recovery. By listening to your body’s cues, honoring your needs, and shifting away from external rules and judgment, you can cultivate a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and your body. Remember, recovery is a journey, and rebuilding body trust is one of the most powerful steps you can take along the way.
Get support and nutrition therapy for your eating disorder:
You Deserve Support—Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re struggling with food, body image, or eating behaviors, you deserve care and compassion. You don’t need to wait for things to spiral or reach a breaking point before seeking help. Treatment isn’t about being “sick enough”—it’s about improving your quality of life and addressing the behaviors and thoughts holding you back.
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, especially if you’re questioning whether your struggles are “serious” enough. But the truth is, if you’re even wondering, that’s reason enough to explore help. You deserve a life free from the constant battle with food and body image.
At Side By Side, we approach healing from a holistic, self-compassionate perspective. We empower our clients to rebuild trust in their bodies, discover self-acceptance, and live a fuller, freer life. Together, we’ll help you move forward toward nourishment and peace.