Weight Loss Diet Program .org
Do you want to lose weight? Are you tired of the same old diets that don't work? Enjoy theses free diet tips, weight programs, diets, suggestions and weight loss articles - updated often.
Teen Chat 4 Steps To Have A Great Body Image
Author: Christine McGogy
Article:
Hi Teens:
If we were to do a survey that asked how many of us feel happy
with our bodies, what percentage do you think would answer, "I
am happy with how my body looks?"
Research done about body image shows that women are much more
critical of their appearance than men. They are much less likely
to like what they see in the mirror. Eight out of ten women will
be dissatisfied with their reflection, and more than half may
see a distorted image.* Young women need more self-confidence
and self-esteem in themselves.
Young people these days are bombarded with media messages every
day. We watch TV shows and movies with perfect looking actors,
and we read fashion magazines picturing top models.
How can we not end up feeling inadequate? We compare our looks
with actors and models, and then we feel awful because we aren't
as skinny, or don't have the same straight nose, or the same
hair, or big eyes, etc.
What we don't know is how many plastic surgery procedures the
models may have gone through, how the photos are touched up and
airbrushed, and how many actors and models feel the need to
starve to maintain their demanded body weight. The models appear
to have it all because of their looks, but do we really know if
they are happy? Would you be happy if millions of people were
judging your body on screen or in magazines? Would you be happy
if you could rarely eat?
No wonder there are so many ads for weight loss wonder pills and
instant diet plans. We see before and after pictures that lead
us to believe that our lives will be perfect if we can only lose
the weight. Then we will be beautiful, right?
Again, what the media doesn't tell us is that many of the people
in those miracle weight loss commercials are paid quite
handsomely to lose weight, and are even using other methods
beside the product advertised. Also, they don't tell us how many
of these people gain the weight back and then some after the
diet is over.
These companies spend millions of dollars on marketing to figure
out new ways of attracting people to their product. Be aware of
the big, bad advertising monsters who make you feel as if you
have to look a certain way to be a worthwhile person.
Another big influence can be your friends and family members who
are overweight and will tell that you need to lose weight as
well. The question you may ask is, if they need to lose weight,
why do you also need to lose weight? Do they want you to be
unhappy with your body? It seems as if the pressure to be skinny
never ends.
Unfortunately, excessive and prolonged dieting can lead to
eating disorders.
Overeating is usually caused by emotions. You may notice that
when you feel tired, angry, or lonely, you reach for a cookie or
another slice of pizza.
Next time you eat, ask yourself the question, "Am I eating
because I feel hungry, or is there another reason?"
Eat a variety of foods, and make fruits and veggies part of your
daily food intake. If you are not already doing so, find a sport
that you enjoy. It might take a few tries for you to find one
that fits you best, but keep looking. Being physically active
will help you feel better about your body.
Unfortunately, some sports nowadays do cost a lot of money,
which can create a big problem for teens. If that is the case,
there are other ways to keep your body fit. Go for walks with
your dog (or your friends), go bicycling, play Frisbee, jump
rope, just get moving. Even mowing the lawn is good exercise,
and you may also be able to charge for it and make some money on
the side!
4 Steps to Have a Great Body Image - more
self-confidence/self-esteem for women - The End * Social Issues
Research Centre This article is part of the Teenacity Teen Chat
Guide "Get what you want and break free" - 6 ways to help you
unleash your greatness no matter what your life is like now!
About the author:
Christine McGogy, mom of two Teens, Founder and Owner of
http://Teenacity.com - http://www.teenacity.com . Free Teen Chat
Series 6-part guide for Teens "Get What You Want and Break
Free"!
|
