Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Body Image

Confidence is a very important part of maintaining a healthy body image. Respect yourself, no matter what body type you are. The media may portray a "perfect figure" that is unachievable for many people. When you're looking in the mirror, focus on your good features, give yourself some compliments. If you respect yourself and your body, you are less likely to engage in unhealthy activities.

Exercise is another important tool in maintaining a healthy image. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day reduces stress, lowers your body fat, improves your sleep, and boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Proper nutrition helps you maintain your weight, prevents disease, and boosts your self-confidence.

Websites

• A Guy's Guide to Body Image
• How to Dress your Body Shape
• Body Image and Self-Esteem

Books

• How I Look Journal, by Molly and Nan Dellheim.
• Healthy Body Image: Teaching Kids to eat and Love their Bodies Too!, by Kathy Kater.