The Body Joyful

by Anne Poirier

Anne Poirier’s The Body Joyful is a game changer. It is an anti-diet book, a rejector of societies “thin ideal,” and a new perspective in a Covid world. It provides insights and strategies and is a roadmap to help you shift the way you think, act, and live. Inspiring and empowering, this relatable story offers the reader permission to find self-worth, hope, healing, and transformation, regardless of weight, size or shape.

In the words of author and speaker Brian Tracy “This inspiring, motivational book will help you unlock your self-confidence and feel wonderful about yourself. You’ll learn that you have no limits”

If you are ready to stop depriving yourself with diets and beating yourself up with self-criticism, this book is for you! Read it and join the Body Joyful Revolution Tribe now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2021

About the author

Anne Poirier is an award-winning author, nationally recognized Body Image Expert, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Eating Disorder Specialist, Life Coach, and founder of the Body Joyful Revolution. She is the author of The Body Joyful, The Body Neutrality Playbook, and Not a Fat Annie, books that inspire readers to cultivate self-acceptance, body neutrality, confidence, and a healthier relationship with food and themselves.

Anne writes about body image body neutrality, intuitive eating, eating disorder recovery, self-compassion, self-acceptance, mental wellness, women's empowerment, freedom from diet culture, emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Her work offers practical guidance and compassionate encouragement for anyone seeking to move beyond dieting, improve self-esteem, and develop lasting confidence.

Drawing from her own experience overcoming struggles with food, weight, and body image, Anne founded Shaping Perspectives: A Woman's Way to Joy to help women reject unrealistic beauty standards and embrace a life rooted in self-worth rather than appearance. Her mission is to help people of every size and stage of life discover that their value is not defined by a number on a scale but by who they are.

With more than 35 years of experience in fitness, coaching, and education, Anne combines professional expertise with personal insight. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Self-Talk Trainer, helping individuals develop healthier relationships with food, movement, and their bodies through evidence-based, compassionate approaches.

Anne has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Shape, Women's Health, Prevention, HuffPost, ABC, CBS, Fox, NPR, Livestrong, and numerous other media outlets. She has also appeared on more than 55 podcasts discussing body image, intuitive eating, eating disorder recovery, self-care, confidence, and emotional well-being. She currently serves on the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Lived Experience Task Force, contributing to conversations that promote awareness, education, and recovery.

Whether writing for adults or young readers, Anne's books encourage compassion over criticism, curiosity over judgment, and healing over perfection. Her goal is to empower readers to build confidence, embrace body neutrality, challenge diet culture, and create joyful, meaningful lives grounded in self-respect and authenticity.

When she isn't writing or speaking, Anne enjoys walking the beaches of Hilton Head Island, photographing sunrises, collecting sand dollars, dancing to 80s music, and spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and continues to inspire readers worldwide through her books, speaking engagements, and advocacy for body acceptance and mental well-being.

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked metaphor of a garden; planting seeds, growing roots, weeding and replanting. Anne uses this metaphor to show the life cycle of her eating disorder and self acceptance and explains how ones perspective makes a big difference. Well thought and well written, Anne's journey and hard earned wisdom can help anyone weed their garden and blossom.

[Timothy Drown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, real, and authentic! Poirier is a fresh voice. Poirier's personal story of struggle and healing offers the reader a glimpse of what life can be like. As she rejects society's thin ideal and embraces a non-diet way of thinking and acting she sets herself and us free. If you want to live a more authentic, energetic, joyful, happier and impactful life read this book. ~ Coach Tim Drown, owner ATP: On-line Nutrition & Fitness Coaching for the 21st Century

[Smith Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body Joyful is an empowering and compassionate guide that challenges conventional diet culture while encouraging readers to embrace self-worth, body acceptance, and personal well-being. Anne Poirier delivers a refreshing perspective that prioritizes healing, confidence, and sustainable self-care over restrictive dieting and unrealistic beauty standards.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its message of self-compassion. Rather than focusing on weight loss as the primary measure of success, Poirier encourages readers to redefine their relationship with their bodies and recognize their value independent of size, shape, or appearance. This shift in mindset feels both liberating and deeply needed.

The book combines personal insight with practical strategies, making it more than just an inspirational read. Readers are provided with tools and perspectives that can help them challenge long-held beliefs, develop healthier habits, and build a stronger sense of self-acceptance.

What makes The Body Joyful particularly impactful is its accessibility. Poirier writes with warmth, empathy, and authenticity, creating a supportive atmosphere that makes readers feel understood rather than judged. Her approach acknowledges the struggles many people face with body image while offering hope and encouragement for meaningful change.

The themes of empowerment, resilience, and personal transformation resonate throughout the book. It serves as a reminder that true wellness extends beyond physical appearance and includes emotional well-being, self-respect, and living a life aligned with one's values.

For readers seeking freedom from diet culture, a healthier relationship with their bodies, and practical guidance toward greater self-confidence and joy, The Body Joyful is an inspiring and worthwhile read.

[Christy Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly emotional in the best possible way. Anne Poirier’s honesty and vulnerability make her story powerful and inspiring. The book discusses difficult topics with compassion and hope, which I appreciated deeply. It reminded me that healing is possible and that self-worth is not defined by appearance. The practical guidance throughout the book also makes it useful and encouraging. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone seeking motivation, healing, and self-acceptance.

[Judith Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers such a refreshing alternative to the toxic messages constantly promoted by diet culture. Anne Poirier encourages readers to embrace self-worth, confidence, and healing instead of chasing impossible standards. I loved the positive and supportive tone throughout the book. It felt empowering rather than judgmental. The personal stories added emotional depth and made the message feel genuine. This is a book that can truly help readers shift their mindset and begin building a healthier relationship with themselves.

[Geller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers such a refreshing alternative to the toxic messages constantly promoted by diet culture. Anne Poirier encourages readers to embrace self-worth, confidence, and healing instead of chasing impossible standards. I loved the positive and supportive tone throughout the book. It felt empowering rather than judgmental. The personal stories added emotional depth and made the message feel genuine. This is a book that can truly help readers shift their mindset and begin building a healthier relationship with themselves.

[Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely connect with books this deeply, but The Body Joyful felt incredibly relatable. Anne Poirier shares her experiences honestly, which made the book emotional and impactful. I appreciated how she focused on healing and self-awareness instead of shame or pressure. The writing style is warm, supportive, and easy to understand. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and reflect on how you treat yourself daily. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking encouragement and emotional healing

[Vincenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a healing conversation every woman needs to hear. Anne Poirier speaks openly about body shame, dieting, and emotional struggles in such a relatable way. I appreciated the empowering message about learning to value yourself beyond appearance. The practical reflections and mindset shifts were especially helpful. This book left me feeling encouraged, inspired, and more compassionate toward myself. It’s an important read in today’s world where so many people struggle with unrealistic expectations and self criticism.

[Trish McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body Joyful is a vulnerable, touching memoir that is an all too familiar story for many women today. Anne Poirier’s journey from her struggles with weight and body image to her failed relationships, eventually leads her to finding a therapist. The “sandbox” conversations in the counselor’s office are required reading as Anne begins to slowly set boundaries and give herself permission to feel deserving. The last part of the book is a step-by-step guide, and ultimately, Anne's gift to you.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read through Anne’s life story, I saw myself in so many similar events and that brought me a deeper understanding of my seeds and roots. This is such an honest look at the struggles around our ingrained thoughts regarding our self esteem and patterns. The helpful “Steps Back” simplify the task of inquiry and bring a sense of peace regarding our roots. Part V brings healthy steps forward to a more joyful life!

[L.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a marvel. A heavy hitting book that handles delicate topics with grace and poise but without shying away from things that might hurt. I cried a lot reading this book, but they weren’t bad tears. It’s uplifting to know that I am not alone, and it’s empowering to find routes, ways, and words to combat the negative voices in my head. Thank you for being open and vulnerable about sharing your life journey, and letting people know that we aren’t alone.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Body Joyful expecting another book about confidence and self improvement, but what I found was something much deeper. Anne Poirier challenges many of the beliefs we carry about weight, appearance, and self-worth in a compassionate and practical way. Her writing feels genuine, relatable, and free from judgment. What stood out most was the reminder that our value is not determined by a number on a scale or society's expectations. This book encouraged me to treat myself with more kindness and respect. It is inspiring, empowering, and full of wisdom. I highly recommend it to anyone who is tired of self-criticism and ready to embrace a healthier relationship with themselves.

[Kelsey Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very raw and beautiful for the author to share so much about her own journey through self love, however, I felt like I was hoping for more of a roadmap than a memoir.