In today’s culture, many women feel trapped in an endless battle with food and their bodies. 

Nina Manelson, a body peace coach, is on a mission to help women find peace and acceptance in their bodies as they are. With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and body trust guide, Nina is committed to ending the war women often feel they must wage against their bodies to fit into society’s narrow beauty standards.

In a candid conversation, Nina shared her powerful, feminist, anti-diet approach, emphasizing the harm of weight cycling and before-and-after photos. These images, so pervasive in diet culture, reinforce fatphobia and unrealistic ideals. As Nina explains, when people see these transformation pictures, it often leads to a “compare and despair” mindset, where viewers feel inadequate in their bodies and are tempted to start yet another diet. This cycle perpetuates a toxic belief system—one that has deep roots in societal messaging and often begins at a young age.

Nina also touched on her personal experience, recalling how her mother, with no ill intent, took her to Weight Watchers at nine years old. This was a critical developmental period when her body was naturally gaining weight in preparation for puberty. This innocent act sent a powerful message that her body was not okay the way it was. It’s a message many of us have internalized from childhood, whether from family, peers, or the broader culture.

A key takeaway from this discussion is the concept of conditional love. Many women believe they can only love their bodies once they lose weight or achieve an “ideal” size. Nina calls out this mindset for what it is: painful and harmful. 

“When my body behaves just the way I want it to, then it gets love,” she explains. This kind of thinking mirrors how many of us were taught to earn rewards—whether it be a dessert as a child or societal approval as adults. However, Nina’s message is clear: our bodies are deserving of love and respect as they are, regardless of size or shape.

One of the most profound aspects of Nina’s approach is the idea that body changes are natural and necessary. Whether it’s the weight gain before puberty or the shifts during menopause, these transitions are part of a woman’s life. Yet, society pushes the narrative that we should maintain the same body, even as we age. This messaging is not only unrealistic but deeply damaging, especially when women are in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, entering what Nina calls the “queen stage” of life. This is when women should step into their power, free from external validation, and be fully aware of their worth.

Yet, many women in this stage still struggle with feeling unworthy because of their bodies. Instead of focusing on their gifts and talents, they remain caught up in shame and body obsession. Nina reminds us that this relentless pursuit of an ideal body—often at the expense of our mental and emotional well-being—is exhausting and unnecessary. The key to breaking free from this cycle lies in cultivating a respectful relationship with our bodies.

So, how do we start this process? Nina offers a simple yet profound exercise: say hello to your body. This practice involves placing your hands on your body and gently greeting it, asking, “How are you, really?” It’s a way to reconnect with yourself, open a dialogue, and listen to what your body needs. Whether it’s rest, nourishment, or compassion, the act of checking in allows us to honor our body’s wisdom and foster a relationship based on care and respect.

Nina’s approach to body peace is not about quick fixes or sudden transformations. It’s about practicing connection and relationship with ourselves over time. It means listening, respecting, and responding to our body’s needs in a compassionate way. As she explains, “We have to look at our beliefs, our hurts, and our stuff in order to break free of the ‘not good enough’ mindset.”

For those struggling with moments of self-doubt or shame, like when clothes don’t fit the way we expect, Nina suggests starting with acknowledgment. Instead of spiraling into negative self-talk, recognize the feelings—whether they’re disappointment, frustration, or sadness—and give yourself permission to feel them. This is the first step to moving beyond the familiar but painful cycle of body shame and toward a more compassionate relationship with ourselves.

Ultimately, Nina’s message is one of liberation: we are all worthy exactly as we are, and it’s time to stop hustling for worthiness based on outdated and harmful ideals. The journey to body peace may not be easy, but it’s a journey worth taking—for ourselves and for the next generation.

You can enjoy Nina’s freebies here. Follow Nina on Facebook or Instagram for more encouragement in your journey.

So if you’re ready to stop obsessing over food and start living in alignment with your values, join us in Non Diet Academy. I look forward to supporting you on this transformative journey.

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Search for Episode 129: How to Increase Your Odds of Binge Eating and Gaining Weight

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