Promoting a healthy body image for women today

As women, most of us have a bad habit of scrutinising our body images. We compare, we put ourselves down; we obsess over the perfect size.

It's natural to compare yourself to other women, but at the end of the day what you're really doing is upping your chances of eating disorders, rapid weight loss, or low self esteem.

Instead of focusing on what you think you should look like or weigh, focus on how you feel.

Focus on treating your body like a temple.

Here's how you can get more energy, feel happier, and start feeling great in your clothes...

Get excited about good food

The key to eating food that's good for your body is to embrace a variety of healthy foods with balance.

Get excited about the food you eat: Discover new ways to cook vegetables, add fruit like diced pineapple or peaches to rice and other dishes, etc.

Indulge in your favourite sweet or salty treats – in moderation – now and then so that you don't end up craving them and overdoing it.

Have fun for 10 minutes, three times a day

You don't need to hit the gym or run around your neighbourhood at the crack of dawn in order to get in exercise. All you need is 30 minutes a day.

Do something you enjoy, and break it up into 10-minute sessions throughout the day. Exercise is supposed to be fun, so make it something you'll look forward to.

Hang around positive, happy people

A healthy social life can help your body image. Keep away from negative people, and spend time with positive and happy people instead. These people are usually confident and acceptant of their own body image.

Losing weight or becoming comfortable with your own body image is always easier when you have the well-meaning support of others.

For more ways to boost your body image, read: Fat talk: Why you need to stop using the “f” word

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