Have a Healthy Body Image

Fat or Thin, Be Sure of A Positive Body Image

Young women desire to have the body of super-thin models or television personalities. Such inclinations can result in an unhealthy body image, low self-esteem and there is also the possibility of disordered eating behaviors. Disordered behaviors may be anything such as eating too little, too much or sticking rigidly to only “healthy” foods. Symptoms of such disordered eating include rapid weight loss, picky eating and wanting to eat in isolation.

Food is closely linked with body image. Registered dietitian nutritionists are the right people to impart a healthy body image by teaching you to accept your body and by helping you to balance food and emotions. If you are having a negative body image, it is recommended that you get in touch with an RDN at www.firsteatright.com immediately to imbibe a positive and healthy body image. RDNs always insist on the fact that food can be a source of pleasure, health and love.

Body Image is Linked to a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plan plays a critical role in overcoming a poor body image. Add a variety of nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean red meat, chicken, fish, vegetable oils, nuts, turkey, fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, beans and peas and whole grains. You can indulge in sweets or salty food occasionally to avoid cravings or guilt.

A vegetarian diet provides all the essential nutrients considering that it includes foods such as nuts, beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and fat-free or low-fat dairy or non-dairy substitutes.

The Crux of Physical Activity
Physical activity helps boost body image and relieve stress, when done under optimal conditions. But the same physical activity becomes stressful when the person becomes obsessed with it. Feelings of guilt, depression and overweight in case of missed workout sessions call for immediate attention.

It helps young women to take up some moderate-intensity exercise such as walking, jogging, biking or dancing for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This must be combined with resistance training at least two times a week for strong muscles and bones. Free weights, wrist and ankle weights and rubber resistance bands are categorized as resistance training exercises.
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Have an Active Social Life
A healthy and active social life lifts a person’s body image. Surround yourself with happy, positive and uplifting friends to be more confident about your body image and to have a positive mind. All these, along with encouragement and support from your loved ones are sure indicators of developing a positive self-image.