Body Kindness Seminar
Fall 2021
The Body Kindness seminar is a program based on the book, "Body Kindness" by Rebecca 
Scritchfield, RDN. Each week, the group meets for 45 minutes to discuss, share, and work through topics, including - but not limited to - nutrition, developing kindness towards ourselves and our bodies, breaking ties to diet culture, creating a healthy relationship with food, and building self-compassion to help us live longer, more positive lives. To ensure a supportive environment for all members, we depend on group continuity over the course of the program. Please consider if you can fully commit to a minimum of nine sessions out of 11 active sessions.
Body Kindness is based on these principles:
- “What you do: the choices you make about food, exercise, sleep and more
- How you feel: befriending your emotions and standing up to the unhelpful voice in your head
- Who you are: goal setting based on your personal values
- Where you belong: body-loving support from people and communities that help you create a meaningful life.”
Expectations for Participation / Who May Benefit
This group is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical or health condition. Rather, the workshop seeks to provide guidance and support on developing a better relationship with food and our bodies by moving away from diet culture and building up self-compassion and acceptance. If you feel that you could benefit from a better relationship with food and body acceptance, this group is for you. Participants must be enrolled Emory students.
Seminar Program Schedule
Meetings are weekly on Fridays at 1 PM through Zoom. Holding these sessions virtually has shown to provide more space for safe reflection and sharing. Everyone who signs up will receive ample notification if any changes are needed to the schedule.
| Week | Meeting Date | Title | Assignments Due |
| 1 | 10-Sept |
Introduction and Choosing Body Kindness – The Path to Transforming Your Health Note: Sign up remains open until week 2 |
Privacy Forms and Pre-Survey Chapter 1 Read |
| 2 | 17-Sept |
Note: Sign Up Closes Eating with Body Kindness – Free Yourself from Food Rules |
Chapter 2 Read |
| 3 | 24-Sept | POSTPONED | Chapter 3 Read |
| 4 | 1-Oct |
Fitness for your life – choose what works for you Sleep – the Secret Superpower for Spiraling Up” |
Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Read |
| 5 | 8-Oct | Fall Break - Oct 10-12 | None |
| 6 | 15-Oct | All Feelings Matter – How Bad Feelings are Good for You | Chapter 5 Read |
| 7 | 22-Oct | Make Room for More Fun – Feel Better, Do Better | Chapter 6 Read |
| 8 | 29-Oct | Bouncing Back and Growing Stronger – Body Kindness Enhances Resilience | Chapter 7 Read |
| 9 | 5-Nov | Decide What You Stand For: Values-Drive Goals for Success | Chapter 8 Read |
| 10 | 12-Nov | Transform Your Health with Action: Planning and Time Management | Chapter 9 Read |
| 11 | 19-Nov | Befriend Yourself: The Beautiful Power of Self-Compassion | Chapter 10 Read |
| 12 | 26-Nov | Thanksgiving Break | None |
| 13 | 3-Dec |
Wrap Up: Nurture Your Closest Connections Build Your Body Kindness Tribe – Your “People” Will Inspire You |
Chapter 11 & 12 Read |
How to Participate
- Complete the sign up link
- Obtain a copy of "Body Kindness" by Rebecca Scritchfield, RDN (email us if you need to borrow a copy of the book or have financial constraints). Estimated cost $15. Procure a journal, notebook, etc. to write, complete activities, etc.
- Look out for your welcome email with follow up instructions!
- Mark your calendar so you never miss a session.
You MUST complete the above steps to be able to participate. The meeting link will be provided each week with a password for access.
Questions? Comments? Email us directly!
Carol Kelly, MS, RD, LD, CHES at ckelly3@emory.edu
Brittany Verras, MPH, RD, LD at bsumme2@emory.edu
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