Put Down That Magazine, Turn Off That TV

I’d highly recommend seeing Happy Belly Health. They won’t sell you on some diet fad or miracle supplement… she’ll do the research to find out what YOUR body needs and then roll up her sleeves with you and get to work. – Kelli L.

How to Build a Better Body Image

Society places enormous value on how we look, and the media reflects that (or creates it, depending on your point of view). Either way, paying too much attention to what we see in magazines, on TV, and on billboards can really undermine how we feel about ourselves. 

Point #4: Put Down That Magazine; Turn Off That TV

Of course, it’s impossible not to compare ourselves to others. But so often, people see themselves differently than others see them. The media’s fixation on unrealistically thin, buxom, Barbie-waif body types does not celebrate the beauty of diversity, and that’s a shame. It leads to body-image disturbance for a lot of people, increases our anxiety because we want to look like the babes and dudes we see in the movies. And that can lead to extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and addictions to cosmetic surgery.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Always be critical of what you see in the media
    Assume that most “perfect” bodies are heavily Photoshopped
    Learn to override your internal deception about your body
    Make a point to expose yourself to a diversity of health positive body images
  • And most importantly, take control of your body image by taking control of your health. One way you can do that is with our Curb Your Cravings program (read about it below). After all, our body image should be a reflection of our personal life experiences. If we’ve had four children—or given birth to twins late in life—we probably don’t have a flat stomach, and we should be proud of that. Our bodies can do amazing things.
  • Seek out role models that embody health of body, mind, and soul. Purposefully look for inspiring character, resilience, and confidence in your idols.
  • In other words, look inside. Lasting beauty isn’t always in-your-face beauty—it’s the kind that wraps in things like integrity and grace. Start to notice it in others, and you’ll soon start to see it in yourself. Not everyone is “easy on the eyes” according to mainstream-media standards, but we certainly do all have something to offer beyond a flat stomach and killer thighs. 
  • The goods news is, there’s a new trend these days in Hollywood, largely thanks to social media, of beautiful celebrities posting raw, natural pics, and insisting that magazines stop Photoshopping them. Role models who advocate diversity and acceptance are so magnetic, aren’t they?

 

Are you curious?
Let’s chat. 

CURB YOUR CRAVINGS


Lose Weight for the Long Run
Learn to Eat for Nutrition & Enjoyment

Trying to lose weight? You’re not alone. Today more than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese—not surprising when you consider our culture of take-out and eating on the run. That’s why we’ve developed our Curb Your Cravings Weight-Loss Program. Now you can lose weight and feel great with the right support tools to finally get long-lasting results while becoming a healthier and more balanced you.

“I highly recommend Happy Belly Health if you’re looking for a reset and a better relationship with food.”  – Maddy, San Francisco

HAPPY BELLY HEALTH    
415.565.1090   
shanti@happybellyhealth.com

If you’d like to receive these newsletters, send us an email and we’ll send them to you. We won’t spam you or sell your email. 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Your Road to Optimal Health Begins Here

Download these health strategies and take the first steps: “3 Steps to a Healthier You!”
As an added bonus, you’ll also receive our free Happy Belly Health e-newsletter.

The subject that most interests me is: