How to improve body image? Can you improve body image? There is this idea in our culture that we should all conform to a small range of body shapes and sizes. This idea paints a very narrow and inaccurate view of body diversity. So I’m sharing my tips and actionable advice on how to start feeling better in your body right now!
How to improve body image??
It is important to remember that everybody is different. We all have different genetic and cultural traits. Even if everyone started eating the same things and did the same amount of exercise for a whole year, we would not all look the same at the end of the year. This is because each person’s genetic inheritance influences their bone structure, body size, shape, and weight differently.
91% of women do not like their body and will resort to dieting
20 million women in the world will suffer from an eating disorder
Scientists estimate that the average person has a setpoint range of about ten to twenty pounds, meaning at any given time, there is a ten-to-twenty-pound range at which your body will be comfortable and not resist attempts to change. But you can find your own setpoint. How? By listening to your body and eating normally- AKA eating intuitively!
Is Barbie’s body realistic?
Unrealistic body standards run rampant in today’s world. Models physique and society depictions of an ideal body are ridiculous- we grow up having unrealistic expectations and standards set for us… for example Barbie.
Barbie’s body:
-the probability for such a body shape is less than 1 in 100,000
a woman would not have the necessary body fat to menstruate at all, and her body mass index would approach the “severely underweight” range.
Barbie only has room for a half a liver and a few inches of intestine
She would be completely incapable of doing any heavy lifting with her wrists.
With her foot size she would have to walk on all fours.
What is truly the cost of pursuing this perfect body ideal!?
How does body image affect daily life?
People with negative body images have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsessions with weight loss.
Remind yourself that true beauty is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether or not you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
Tips to improve body image
- We can’t expect to improve body image overnight, it takes a lot of work and you need to strive for progress, not perfection. Body LOVE might not be attainable, but body confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin is the goal.
2. Think about the people in your life who you admire, respect, or love. Next, ponder why you admire these individuals. So if their appearance isn’t why you respect these people, don’t you think others feel the same way about you?
3. The way we speak to ourselves matters so stop telling yourself negative things, because you’ll start to believe them. Find a way to re-frame the words.
4. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not good enough and you are not good enough. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones via journaling or affirmations.
5. Write down things you love about yourself! If you notice yourself engaging in negative self-talk, read your list!
6. Not to get too “woo woo” on you but your mindset really does affect so much- manifest positive thoughts to cultivate positive energy.
7. And as always, ignore the haters and sign up for nutrition coaching with me if you need more support or have questions!
