Post by melenda on Apr 19, 2004 12:54:22 GMT -5
Proportion Distortion: Why Women Hate Their Bodies
By Ellen DeLalla, Registered Nurse & Licensed Mental Health Counselor
<br>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted national survey of 11,631 high school students, which revealed that more than a third of the girls considered themselves overweight, compared with fewer than 15 percent of the boys. Almost half of the girls surveyed currently were dieting – of those dieters, about 25 percent didn't even think they were overweight. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, it has been shown that 80 percent of American women express dissatisfaction with their appearance.
So how do we overcome our hang-ups about our bodies?
Appreciate the natural blessings with which you were born.
Find the goodness in yourself and de-emphasize the flaws that cannot be changed.
Concentrate on good health practices rather than on pleasing society at large.
Know that the outer layer is only skin deep; it’s what’s inside that counts in the end.
Behave in a way consistent to your own values, not the values of others.
Learn to appreciate your uniqueness.
The grass is never really greener on the other side of the fence; “it only depends on how much nurturing the gardener gives it.” (Louise, eDiets Moderator.)
Take time to smell the roses (without the thorns).
Take time out to spend with loved ones.
Love yourself today, tomorrow, and always no matter what shape or size you are!
Live life today! It’s the only one we have!
It is tough when the odds seem against you, but there is hope when you challenge these unrealistic goals. Creating a positive body image starts with positive self-talk and appreciating your body for all the wonderful things it can do for you.
By Ellen DeLalla, Registered Nurse & Licensed Mental Health Counselor
<br>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted national survey of 11,631 high school students, which revealed that more than a third of the girls considered themselves overweight, compared with fewer than 15 percent of the boys. Almost half of the girls surveyed currently were dieting – of those dieters, about 25 percent didn't even think they were overweight. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, it has been shown that 80 percent of American women express dissatisfaction with their appearance.
So how do we overcome our hang-ups about our bodies?
Appreciate the natural blessings with which you were born.
Find the goodness in yourself and de-emphasize the flaws that cannot be changed.
Concentrate on good health practices rather than on pleasing society at large.
Know that the outer layer is only skin deep; it’s what’s inside that counts in the end.
Behave in a way consistent to your own values, not the values of others.
Learn to appreciate your uniqueness.
The grass is never really greener on the other side of the fence; “it only depends on how much nurturing the gardener gives it.” (Louise, eDiets Moderator.)
Take time to smell the roses (without the thorns).
Take time out to spend with loved ones.
Love yourself today, tomorrow, and always no matter what shape or size you are!
Live life today! It’s the only one we have!
It is tough when the odds seem against you, but there is hope when you challenge these unrealistic goals. Creating a positive body image starts with positive self-talk and appreciating your body for all the wonderful things it can do for you.