Distorted Body Image
It seems that everyone is advocating about the
best methods to lose fat weight (of course including us, and really that's what
we do best!), but I have to warn you this: becoming obsessive about the whole issue about
losing weight/fat or going over board about attaining the perfect physique may do
more harm than do.
We have been exposed by the media that
a desirable body for a woman means having really thin body and for a man extreme
muscularity seems to be the order of the day. On the other hand, the average person
on the street is getting fatter than before. The gap between the 'ideal body' and the
'average body' is fast becoming wider and wider. While it is encouraged to be lean and
healthy, it is neither practical (hard to achieve and harder to maintain) nor healthy
to be too lean too fast.
The root of the all these problems:
distorted body image. A distorted body image can lead to self-destructive behaviors.
Women might resort to extreme methods like self-starvation or compulsive exercise to
achieve their goal of looking thinner. Guys, on the other hand, might use illegal aids
like anabolic steroids to achieve maximum muscle mass and super cuts. All these methods,
we all know, have very detrimental effects on our health.
So what can one do to avoid the trap of distorted body
image and unhealthy practices? Here are some suggestions:
- Realistically view your genetic shape and size. Study photos
of your parents and your close relatives to get a good overall sense of your family genes
for body shape and size. These are some of the things that you cannot do anything about.
- While it is good to have a role model, choose one that has a
body that has a body shape similar to yours and you can realistically achieve at the
end of the day. Forget about those extremely buffed bodies with ripped abs or super thin
bodies you see in those magazines. Do you know that most of the models don't look that
all fantastic most of the time? They only look great during the time they are
doing photo shoot. This coupled with a great dose of special lightings, camera
tricks, surgical implants and computer touch-ups, created their perfect looking
bodies.
- Start with a simple exercise program like brisk walking and
light resistance training if you have never exercised before or laid off for an extended
period. Slowly build up.
- Adopt a healthy eating plan for life instead of going on the
latest diet plan.
- Look at yourself and others holistically: What are your real
skills and talents? What kind of person do you really want to be: a shallow person
who is totally obsessive with achieving great looks or one that is physically healthy and
character to match? What is it about some people that makes them seem attractive, even if
they are not built like movie stars or models? You will see that the most attractive
people are those who are always confident no matter how they look and they are
enjoying life!
