Around the Web: Body-Positive Sites and Blogs

Here are a few wonderful websites and organizations to turn to for advice if you'd like more information and support on self-esteem and body acceptance issues. Take a look through these great sites -- they'll help you realize that if you don't like what you see when you look in the mirror, it's not your body you need to change -- it's your mind.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on January 18 2008

We’ve decided to spotlight a few wonderful websites and organizations to turn to for advice if you’d like more information and support on self-esteem and body acceptance issues. Take a look through these great sites – they’ll help you realize that if you don’t like what you see when you look in the mirror, it’s not your body you need to change – it’s your mind.

We know you love their T-shirts – so we figured you might want to check out their website, too. Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty is dedicated to destroying stereotypes about what women should look like, and empowering females to realize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. On their site, you’ll discover powerful videos such as “Onslaught,” which shows all the images of artificial beauty that a child is bombarded with on a typical day; interactive activities and games that help build self-esteem; and great tips for parents, teachers, and mentors to help kids develop a healthy self-image.

Though most of what you read about body image is aimed at women, guys are susceptible to insecurities, too – but it’s even less acceptable to talk about in their world, particularly if they’re part of the jock crowd. A site called Bodysense, which is dedicated to promoting positive body image in the world of sports, has a special page devoted to boosting self-esteem in males – if you, or someone you know, might benefit, make sure to check out their great tips.

We’ve also come across a few amazing blogs that take great pride in shattering the Barbie complex into a million little pieces. The women behind these blogs are smart, funny, and not the slightest bit ashamed of their curves – and you shouldn’t be, either. (Though we keep things clean here, we can’t vouch for outside links, so if you’re offended by explicit language, proceed with caution.)

mamaVISION is a blog run by a former model intent on sharing the truth about what it takes to be supermodel-skinny. With intelligent, witty posts on everything from foot liposuction to the disturbing trend of “pro-anorexia” mothers, this site offers a biting portrayal of the bitter truth behind the glossy magazine covers. Some of the photos you’ll find here are not for the faint of heart, but if you know someone who’s heading into eating disorder territory, these shocking images may make them think twice.

Another great blog, Big Fat Deal, is run by three women who share their insights on weight in pop culture and the news media, with stories on everything from the trauma of buying a plus-sized prom dress to the nauseating new concept of “guilt-free” lip gloss. Don’t miss the site’s “greatest hits” page, with some of their most memorable blog entries from the last four years.

Finally, we also love The F-Word – which doesn’t stand for what you’re thinking. They’re talking about food, fat, and feminism, with plenty of great videos, weekly round-ups of “the world in weight,” expert interviews, and “Eating 101,” a great list of tips for ways to maintain a healthy attitude when it comes to food.

We know it’s tough to love your body when all you see on magazine covers are photos of emaciated Olsen twins and other cadaverous celebs, but we know you’ll feel better if you put away the InStyle and visit one of these websites instead. And while you’re at it, maybe eat a cookie, too – contrary to public belief, it really won’t kill you.

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

Around the Web: Simple Steps to Happiness

There are plenty of spots around the web to turn to if you need a mood boost. Here are a few of our favorite websites that deal with happiness and how to find it. Read More
The Small Story: A Site About the Beauty of Everyday Life

On her blog, The Small Story, former reporter Cara Solomon shares the inspiring little-known stories of Massachusetts. Read More
The Johnny Cash Project: Create a Crowdsourced Music Video

In the Johnny Cash Project, you can create a frame for a one-of-a-kind music video that changes every time you watch it. Read More
Five Ways to Give without Spending a Dime

You'd like to give more to charity, but your meager income won't allow it. Fortunately, we've rounded up five great sites that let you contribute to charitable causes without spending a single dime. Read More
A Homemade Life: A Memoir/Cookbook Sure to Leave You Wanting More

For the perfect combination of delicious recipes and beautiful stories, there's no beating Molly Wizenberg's new book, A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table. Read More