Avoid the F word (Fat)

While only 19% of girls are overweight, 67% think they need to lose weight.*

That staggering statistic means that almost half of girls think they need to lose weight, when they actually don’t.  With all the ‘skinniness’ in the media, who can blame them? To really see false self image in action, have a look at this Dove Body Think video:

If a model needs all that extra help from makeup, hairstylists and then Photoshop, what hope do we have of looking like the billboards? And besides, why should we want to?

To elaborate this point, only 5% of women have the kind of bodies that are considered ‘ideal’ for magazines.

This principle is the same for boys too. While boys don’t suffer as much as girls from image-related issues, the pressure is increasing. Overall, 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of getting fat.

We hear about the value of high self-esteem and that people with low self-esteem tend to experience problems in life, but what exactly is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is:

• how we value ourselves – our self-worth
• our attitude toward ourselves – do we like the type of person we are
• our ability to manage difficult situations
• our confidence in our own abilities
• how we see ourselves in our community and society – how we compare ourselves to others, and connect with those around us

It’s clear that our society has a problem. So, what’s a well-intentioned parent to do?

• Set a good example by embracing wholefoods and instilling a positive vibe around healthy food
• Avoid the F Word at all costs! You are NOT fat.
• Increase your knowledge of the foods that will fuel your busy life.
• Understand what all the hype is about with freekah, spirulina and superfoods.
• Get moving. It can be as simple as taking a walk or riding bikes as a family.

As a family health coach, I work to ensure that the entire family is eating and thinking healthfully. It is increasingly common that my clients are concerned about their teenage girls. A few sessions with a neutral health coach can be just what is needed to set your teenager on a healthful path.

Demystifying myths and inspiring healthful nutrition is my specialty. I am more than passionate about guiding our next generation to positive nutrition for mind body and spirit.

If you would like to discuss your family in more detail, I’m offering a Family Breakthrough Session for $39. You can sign up here and get your family on the healthy path it deserves.

I will be available during the July school holidays for appointments (Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th July) – perfect for busy teenagers.  Book early to avoid disappointment.

 

*Source: UK Teen Body Image Survey, Bliss Magazine