Body Image Basics
Body image is how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or how you picture yourself in your mind, what you believe about your own appearance and how you feel about your body.
A negative body image is a distorted perception of your shape. You are convinced that other people are more attractive than you are and that your body size is a sign of personal weakness. You feel ashamed, self conscious and anxious about your body. A poor body image can contribute to emotional distress, low self esteem and eating disorders.
A positive body image is a clear true perception of your shape, you celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape. You feel comfortable and confident in your body.
My Story
As a teen girl, I struggled with low self esteem and bad body image. My first diet was at age 12, called the “Tab diet”, which consisted of only drinking Tab sodas. I was always very active, dancing, tumbling, etc. I was a cheerleader and on the gymnastic and volleyball team. I had a sports body figure, not a model thin figure. So, even though I was healthy and looked healthy, fit and trim, I wasn’t happy with my body because I didn’t look like the girls in the magazines.
Our society gives women the message that if we are not the perfect size it is impossible to be happy, successful, sexually desirable, fashionable, lovable, or capable of moving with grace.
Recent studies reveal that two thirds of American girls have already been on their first diet by their tenth birthday. It’s estimated that 100 million Americans are trying to lose weight on any given day. Approximately 10 million Americans are currently in treatment for Anoxeria Nervosa and Bullima with millions more suffering from Binge Eating Disorder.
It’s estimated that 55% of the America population is overweight or obese. More than 75% of American women “feel fat”
Eating disorders affect up to 24 million Americans and 70 million worldwide. 50% of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. At least 50000 individuals will die as a direct result of eating disorders. It is estimated that currently 11% of high school students have been diagnosed with an eating disorder.
In 1992, the National Institute of Health held investigatory hearings and concluded that diets do not work and many may dangerous to one’s health.
List the beliefs you have about fat…
List the beliefs you have a carbohydrates…
List the beliefs you have about your body…
List the beliefs you have about your ability to lose or gain weight (if this is a relevant health goal)
Do you act as if these beliefs were scientific facts?
How do you react when you encounter these thoughts?
How does it feel when you believe that thought? Be still. Notice what happens.
Does this thought bring peace or stress into your life?
Where in your body do you feel this thought?
I no longer believe that thin is good and fat is bad. I think the time has come for women to stop hating their bodies and start living their lives more fully. We women need to develop new ways of seeing ourselves and each other.
Changing your body image means changing the way you think about your body. Realizing your true value is a prerequisite for positive change. You are a special person just the way you are. Your weight is just a small part of your unique self.
The key is to accept yourself in any given moment exactly as you are.
We need to accept the bodies we are currently in. Our bodies are always changing and the body we have today will not be the same body we have tomorrow. Our cells are always changing. What we do today however, will affect our future bodies. So we need to treat our bodies today with love, respect and kindness. Positive changes today will have a positive effect in the future.
Your life does not begin and end being thin. Your life begins when you decide to begin it. Life is rich and beautiful. It is to be enjoyed. Body size has nothing to do with how you experience and feel life.
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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 01.01.2011
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