Search
Close this search box.

Explore nutrition tips, kids’ meal plans, kids’ activities, recipes and more from pediatric nutritionist, Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE.

Building a Healthy Body Image

Print & Share
Building a Healthy Body Image

Body image is what you see when you look in the mirror or how you picture yourself looking to others. It is how you feel and think about your body, especially in terms of your height, body composition, and body shape. Body image is also how you feel in your own skin, which is evident in the way you walk.

Own a positive body image.

A positive body image is:

  • The ability to see your body as it really is.
  • Appreciating the shape of your body.
  • Caring for your body by eating healthy, engaging in regular physical activity for enjoyment and health; resting, drinking adequate fluids, not smoking cigarettes, not taking drugs and drinking alcohol; feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
  • Being UNIQUE.

Focus on health, happiness, and the ability to move, not weight.

In today’s world, the “ideal” male is considered to be:

“Bulky, Muscular, and Trim.”

In today’s world, the “ideal” female is considered to be:

“Sleek, Slender, and Slim.”

A healthy approach is to believe the ideal male and female is someone who is fit, healthy, and at peace with his or her mind, body, and relationship with food.

We must treat our bodies with respect. In other words, we must:

  • Remember that thinness does not equal happiness and success.
  • Love and be proud of our bodies for what they are able to do (make healthy food choices,
    let us practice our sport or other favorite physical activity for example) rather than hate them for what they are not able to do.
  • Believe that fit and healthy is much better than being unnaturally skinny and weak or frail
    in appearance.
  • Be careful how we go about losing weight. If you need to or feel that you need to lose weight, always first meet with your doctor and Registered Dietitian.

Remember: the thinnest athlete is not the best athlete. The best athlete is someone who is properly fueled, trained, and rested.

 

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Similar Articles You May Like...

About the Author

Picture of Chrissy Barth, MS, RDN, RYT

Chrissy Barth, MS, RDN, RYT

Chrissy is a registered dietitian, yoga teacher and communications expert in the field of holistic nutrition who is passionate about teaching others about optimal health and performance by taking the confusion out of nutrition. She is the founder and CEO of Nutrition.Lifestyle.Education – a nutrition coaching and consulting practice in Phoenix, Arizona, where she serves as a nutrition consultant to sports teams including the Arizona Cardinals, world-renowned spas, eating disorder programs, medical and training facilities, corporations, and local and national media outlets serving as a media spokesperson. Chrissy is also a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University and an Adjunct Faculty member with the Maricopa Community Colleges where she teaches nutrition and serves as a mentor to many aspiring future RDs and DTRs.

Sign Up Today

Sign up for our newsletter and get realistic, easy & tasty ways to eat healthy. Plus get free fun kids' activities!​

Get our free guide Say “No” to Food Rewards when you join.