Body Positive Power

I feel like everything I've often wondered in the last ten years has been written in this book, plus more. I have struggled with weight most of my life. Mostly it's been with a savage easting disorder that landed me in the hospital at the age of 13 which I sort of recovered but as most people with an ED know it stays in the back of your mind where it lies in wait for the next stressful situation to rear it's ugly head. Although I'm average weight I struggle mentally and physically depend on exercise each day. The thoughts that revolve around food, what to eat how much to eat and what others are eating take up way too much space. I also worry about avoiding certain foods due to them being 'off limits' for high calories or the fact that i'll just binge.I have read many books on this subject, as most people with ED do but this one is different because it's not just a memoir but a fleshed out researched book based on facts as well as personal emotions (emotions that me most all share and relate to). It's a call to a revolutionary change. We are so conditioned to look a certain way as if we don't know any other way of living. This so called beauty and health industry has us in the palm of their hands playing on our hope that we too can look like whatever's been dangled in front of our noses on tv, the internet, magazines etc. Not to mention all the people around us; friends, family, people we see out and about (possibly at the gym) who are touting the latest fad diet or workout. We are inundated with the ads for super shakes and smoothies and gym equipment, fitbits and diet manuals to the point where we probably wouldn't know what to fixate on without all these 'health aids'.But I digress. The point is that Megan is introducing a way of life that isn't about what size you are or how your body looks on the outside. She's suggesting a way of being in the world that doesn't make you identify with being the one who works out, skips dessert or keeps it vegan. She's showing us a life that navigates beyond calorie counting or inch or pound counting. It's about experiencing a life that allows you to be freer than you ever thought possible. I have always had it in my mind to be better than I am but equated smaller with happier. I want to let go of that mentality and reading this book is like permission- which of course one shouldn't need but if this is the way to go so bet it-. I want to let go of the way of thinking that i feel we have all been tricked into thinking via 'the industry' and i want to say NOPE! I don't need the culture we have been thrusted into to define me way of life and thinking anymore. I am done with feeling bad about myself for zero reasons any longer. Seriously, why should people feel bad about their body? for eating something that isn't sugar, carb, gluten, fat, whatever else free? For being comfortable in a body that doesn't have any bones showing, for loving yourself and taking care of yourself mentally and physically and not being attached to any sort of diet or workout.Don't get me wrong. I love the energy I get from working out and think people should be active but not for the reasons people are being sold on. Not to chisel and fit in any specific size, but because it feels good. And if you don't like workout out then don't do it. But even those who don't like it probably don't mind walking or working on a project or playing with their kids or pets or something.Thank you for writing this for putting it out in the world as a tool for us to have the option to get on the same page and change the IDEAL body to something you can't see because it's not a single shape. The IDEAL body is the one you have no matter the day or number of calories you eat. It's the one that serves you by getting up the morning and figuring out problems and holding your children and completing a day of work and helping another person out. Perhaps the ideal body is one that smiles and loves itself no matter what.

This is probably the best, most comprehensive book about body politics I’ve ever read. No kidding, no hyperbole. I’m legitimately stunned by the simultaneous complexity, nuance, and inherent accessibility of this text; it takes a seriously talented writer to strike that beautiful balance. Megan Jayne Crabbe (or @bodyposipanda as some of you may know her) has always been an inspiration, and I knew she was a totally incredible human, but the breadth and brilliance of this book gives me a whole new respect for her and her work as an activist.First and foremost, Crabbe knows her stuff. It’s so easy to get body positivity mixed up these days; it’s been hijacked by so many different groups for so many different purposes that the real soul of it is easily lost, misunderstood, or disregarded. Crabbe reminds us that body positivity actually stems from the work of fat activists, queer women, and women of color. It’s so much more than simply “loving yourself.”Body positivity is an entire movement that challenges the institutionalized oppression of bodies that don’t look like the “ideal” (i.e. white-washed, super skinny, impossibly flawless, permanently able-bodied, etc.). It’s about recognizing intersectionality and creating a world where ALL bodies are represented, respected, and celebrated as good bodies– just as they are. It’s about acknowledging and assigning human value not based on what we look like, but based on the fact that we exist. It’s about learning to de-program all the diet culture bullcrap and internalized shame that accumulates within us from the time that we’re born, completely destroying our sense of self-worth and pushing us into committing continued acts of violence against ourselves and others. It’s bringing awareness to the fact that we’ve been set up; the things we think we know about weight and health and worthiness are all messed up: weight is not an accurate indicator of health, obesity is not an epidemic that’s killing us all, DIETS DON’T WORK (and they mess with your body in ways no weight-loss company will EVER tell you about), you are valuable no matter what you weigh, your body evolved to store fat which has nothing to do with laziness, character, or will-power, etc., etc., etc.READ THIS BOOK.If you’re tired of dieting, read this book. If you’re tired of hating your reflection, read this book. If you want to support your loved ones, read this book. If you want to enjoy life and stop obsessing about weight, read this book. If you’re helping other humans with their mental or physical health in your profession, read this book. If you want a better understanding of what it’s like to live in a marginalized body, read this book. If you want real information about health and the weight-loss industry, read this book. If you haven’t heard of body positivity, read this book.READ THIS FREAKING BOOK.

I'm starting out with the one thing I really wish I'd known before purchase: there are pages filled with nude drawings, many is which are in erotic and semi- erotic positions. While I'm sure the purpose was to help with body acceptance, I'm also sure the same idea could have been conveyed with fully clothed figures. I feel it necessary to warn others who may not feel comfortable with nudity, or those who may be gifting this book to someone who might not like that. If you don't like nudity, but still want to read the book: the pages are thick enough to black out with a Sharpie marker. There is barely any bleed through. ( I did this before I started to read it) Other than that, I found nothing objectionable about this book. It is the first book on body positivity I have read, and I went in knowing very little. My ideas of what it would be were proven happily wrong. The book is a nice balance of facts, opinions, personal stories, and encouragement. It's a fairly easy and quick read. I do find myself thinking very differently about myself as well as others since reading it. Overall I enjoyed this book and found it very helpful. It is a good beginners course on body acceptance.

I read this book in no time because I struggled to put it down. I feel hopeful for the first time in I don't know how long. This book speaks to me like no one else knows how to. The me that evolved from 14 years of age. I am so tired of dieting, hating myself, caught in a cycle of fail/succeed, bad/good, shame/pride - all stemming from how I look. It's exhausting, and it is NO LIFE!Megan has opened my eyes to a new way to live. It's not about being fat or thin. It's about loving yourself, looking after yourself and being free!I'm so excited starting my journey into Body Postivity. For once I'm not hating myself every single day. It's going to be hard but I'm confident that using this book I can transform my outlook, eat intuitively and start actually living my life, instead of putting it on hold until I 'deserve' to.No more body shame, no more allowing others to define who I am, I'm ready to start LIVING!!!!I will be recommending this book to all of my friends, and will be buying copies for all of my loved ones that I think will benefit (most of them!!!)Thank you so much Megan Jayne Crabbe ❤️Can't wait to hear more from you ✌🏻

When I purchased this book, I truly didn't think it could make much difference to my 58 year old mindset of hating my body/feasting & fasting since age 13/affected mental health that comes with under nourishing a body, fighting every single day to control that eating... blah blah. However, how wrong I was. This book has been a life changer. And Megan I want to thank you right here and now for bringing this book out. I remain indebted. Megans style of writing is easy, concise and incredibly honest. She champions body positivity in such a way that is accessible to all and we are taken along with her through the book with positive direction and suggestion. Megan does not preach, more enlighten and leaves the rest to the reader. But of course by which time, we are empowered, enlightened and in truth free. This may sound like a dramatic review of her book. For which I make no apologies. If there is one book you buy on your way to going on another diet, THIS is the book you need. So many women who have struggled with, starved, hated and been at war with their bodies, will immediately relate to this book. And so many I am sure, will read it and whatever stage they are at in life, actually look back and realise that every single diet, diet food, exercise class, didn't work long term. The one thing that Megan shows is that the only thing long term that will bring you peace, even joy is body acceptance. I wish I had discovered a book similar to this years ago..I could have saved myself 43 years of enormous pain and suffering. Profound, deeply moving and enlightening, this book is amazing. Thank you Megan from the bottom of my big beautiful heart!

I'll admit, when I sit down to read I usually gravitate towards fiction...my perfect choice when I want to unwind & escape life for a while.However, Body Positive Power by Megan Jayne Crabbe piqued my interest.  After seeing this book multiple times on Instagram, I decided to give it a go.  My main thoughts on this book can be summed up in one word.Wow.I'm not going to lie, this book shook me to my core.  One thing that I have battled with for years is my self-esteem, and this has been influenced by my weight and looks.  I've hated how I look since about the age of 10, and I have battled with my weight & done various diets since the age of around 14.In my mind once I lost weight I would be happy.  Once I fit into a size 8 (UK) everything would be better.  And you know what, that never happened.  My weight went up and down, the diets never worked, and things didn't miraculously get better, nor did I feel happier.Reading Body Positive Power helped me realise that those diets, etc (the fuel for an entire industry) they aren't meant to 'work', they are there entirely for profit.  Megan's book has also helped me to see that I am fine just how I am. My body isn't perfect, but it's mine.  Yes it doesn't necessarily work perfectly (hello chronic illnesses), but it does work.  It allows me to breathe, walk, talk, love, hug my loved ones, and live my life.I'm no longer afraid to look in the mirror.  Since reading this book I'm inspired to live my life to the fullest.  Rocking a bright red lipstick everyday with my porcelain pale skin (Snow White eat your heart out), and wearing clothes, not to hide my curves, but that make me feel good...that make me smile.Embrace yourself, your softness, your curves & uniqueness.You rock!This book is definitely a must-read for everyone, and a total eyeopener too!***** stars from me!

In a world completely obsessed with social media you have to be of extremely strong mind to not get hung up on clean eating, macros and #fitfam. I have had various eating disorders and body inage issues in my life, and even now, aged 30, when I am 6 years weight restored, I still struggle with body image and food, in particular intuitive eating and eating without rules and numbers!I began following Megan on Instagram after reading about her in a magazine, I think she is an inspiration and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her book. It didn't disappoint.This book is so very useful, and super important, whatever your situation, because it focuses on what really matters - happiness! Years of counselling and dietician sessions have failed to teach be about intuitive eating, because even recovery has it's rules and guidelines, but for the first time in my life - thanks to this book - I have begun to learn what "normal" eating is, and it's certainly not calorie counting my Dominos!Megan fights against the media ideals, the "beach body ready" diets and the idea that we all have to look the same. Her book is like having a little pocket counsellor and life coach.I think this book is so important for men, women, boys and girls, because it unmasks the media campaigns that set us all striving for an ideal that doesn't exist without airbrushing, it focuses on the idea that self acceptance is the most important thing of all.Thinking of paying for diet club membership? Save your money, order this book and a large pepperoni pizza instead!

Dear Megan,Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Writing this book is the single best thing you could have ever done for young women and all people everywhere! You have contributed to helping us learn to love ourselves, which we deserve! You should be proud of the fabulous role model you are for us all and you have changed my life! Thank you, you gorgeous, fabulous QUEEN!This book made me cry. It made me angry. And then something amazing happened. It made me see everything so clearly.One day, about a third of my way through the book, I looked at my half-naked body in the mirror and I saw something amazing. I saw beauty and feminity in the wide hips I used to hate, I saw softness and protection in my jelly belly. I saw myself as a beautiful and capable human being!This book has made me angry at every magazine I see in every shop, and makes me want to scream from the rooftops for people to love themselves! It has made me see the world so differently. I am now on a mission not just of finding self-love, but to help others around me to find it too! Because we are all BEAUTIFUL, SASSY, FABULOUS, GLITTERY QUEENS and we deserve to feel that way!And Megan... Thank you again! Keep bossing life and bringing body positivity to the people that need it most! You are and inspiration and you are beautiful!And to anyone still reading this... You are enough. You are worthy. You are beautiful.