⚠️ Do you find yourself comparing your body to other dancers— or even to your past self?

In this 5-minute booster, Registered Dietitian Rachel Fine shifts the focus away from food and onto body image, reminding us that confidence has less to do with appearance and more to do with mindset. Take 5 minutes to unravel 2 important prompts to consider to boost your body image for the day ahead.

Learn how to:

✅ Recognize why comparisons hurt your body image (and your dancing)

✅ Reframe comparative thoughts with empowering prompts

✅ Avoid the hidden sacrifices of trying to manipulate your body through restriction

📅 Perfect for: dancers, educators, and parents who want to support confidence, resilience, and artistry beyond appearance.

👉🏼 Read the full post: https://dancenutrition.com/body-image/

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🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: Nutrition for Dancers

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Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.

Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 | What Is Body Image, Really?

Why body image is more about mindset than physical appearance.

0:13 | Welcome Back: Nutrition for Dancers

Rachel Fine shifts the focus away from food and onto dancer body image.

0:36 | How Comparison Shapes Body Image

Why comparing yourself to others in class can harm your confidence.

1:19 | Today’s Focus: Navigating Comparative Thoughts

Practical tools to handle comparison and protect your body image.

1:25 | Two Types of Comparative Thoughts

Comparisons to other dancers vs. comparisons to past versions of yourself.

2:11 | Learning to Navigate, Not Eliminate, Comparison

Why it’s unrealistic to block all thoughts—and what to do instead.

2:22 | Prompt #1: You Don’t Know Their Story

Why comparing to another dancer ignores their unseen struggles.

2:52 | Prompt #2: What Would You Sacrifice?

The risks of manipulating your body through restriction and dieting.

3:20 | The Real Costs of Restrictive Eating

Injury, hormonal instability, concentration struggles, and burnout.

3:32 | Prompt #3: What Would You Gain?

Shifting focus from what you’d lose to what you’d gain in confidence.

3:46 | Food Freedom and Less Guilt

How body image work helps you reduce food guilt and enjoy social eating.

4:00 | Flexibility and Joy Around Food

Why stepping away from rigid rules opens new experiences.

4:14 | Living in the Present Moment

How improving body image frees you from stress about the future.

4:23 | The Bigger Picture of Body Image Work

What dancers truly gain from navigating comparison with compassion.

4:34 | Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Prompts to take with you in the studio and beyond—plus share your tips in the comments.

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.