Positive Body Image=Good Health

Body image, is the way we look at and view our bodies or how we think others view us.  Nearly all of us struggle to maintain a positive body image at some point in our lives.  Guys obsess about an Adonis physique, while women try to achieve model status.  It’s great that we have goals for ourselves and want to get fit.  I know I fantasize about having a Gisele Bundchen body, but I don’t compare myself to her and get down on myself for not having her “perfect” body.  I’m happy with my own body and I know that my body type is completely different than hers.  Others may fantasize about having a model body too, which is alright, but they make the mistake of comparing themselves to those “perfect” bodies.  Some people try everything to change themselves into a perfect image, including “quick fix” fad diets.  However, it doesn’t matter what they do, because in order to have a perfect body, you must find out what “your perfect” is (a healthy goal) and stop comparing yourself to others.  This negative view of yourself as not being “good enough” or “perfect” will prevent you from getting fit and being healthy.

Now, you’re probably wondering, “is there really a connection between body image and good health?”  The answer is YES!  In a study done by Columbia University, researchers found that people who were stressed about their body image, were more obese than people who weren’t stressed about their image.  There have been a number of other studies conducted that come up with this same result.  Many people with a poor image of themselves fall into negative habits, like eating disorders or become depressed or are/stay obese, none of which are healthy. 

Unfortunately you can’t just snap your fingers and think positively about yourself.  It takes time and work.  You also have to discover it for yourself.  No one can tell you to be a certain way and it becomes so.  Below is a list of some things to keep in mind, as you try to maintain a positive attitude about yourself, but remember, you have to work on these things and truly believe in having a positive body image.

• Learn to understand that media images of the human body are not realistic and do not represent our diverse population.  Many of the actors and models you see are airbrushed or really glammed up.  Also, just because they “look” happy and are possibly thinner than you, doesn’t mean they are actually happy.
• Remember that there’s more to you, than the way you look  
• Try not to focus so much on your weight, but how your body feels.  Think about what you’re putting into your body and how you’re moving your body to make it feel good.
• Don’t try to fit into a type, but accept the type you are 
• There’s no such thing as a perfect body or image