| Health professionals tell us that improving | | | | they love. Many individuals may avoid certain |
| our body image is one of the best ways to | | | | sports, fitness classes, dating and even |
| prevent the onset of an eating disorder. | | | | social gatherings because of the way they |
| | | | feel about your body. Remind yourself that |
| Eating disorders are serious conditions that | | | | being cut off from the people and activities |
| can be difficult to treat because health | | | | you love is not going to change your body or |
| professionals do not yet understand precisely | | | | make you feel better. In fact, the opposite |
| how these complex disorders develop. Why do | | | | is true. Creating a supportive community of |
| some people develop eating disorders, while | | | | friends and family, and doing activities you |
| others don't? While many health professionals | | | | are interested in can make you feel more |
| have postulated many causes for these | | | | secure and confident. |
| disorders, no one understands the specific | | | | |
| combination of factors that contribute to the | | | | 3. Helping others can make you feel better |
| onset of the syndrome. Anorexia nervosa, | | | | about yourself. Consider participating in |
| bulimia, and binge eating disorder are the | | | | some kind of volunteer work as a way to help |
| three most common types of eating sicknesses. | | | | others and feel better about you. Volunteer |
| All are characterized by an unhealthy | | | | work can help put you in touch with those who |
| relationship to food. Health professionals | | | | need help, and helping others is a proactive |
| believe that cultivating a positive body | | | | and positive way to raise your self-esteem. |
| image and adopting a healthy lifestyle may | | | | |
| prevent eating disorders. | | | | 4. Think of your body as your best friend. |
| | | | Eating disorder patients often externalize |
| The following are five ideas for improving | | | | their own bodies, viewing it as something |
| your body image. Practice them daily to make | | | | outside of themselves that they must battle |
| them a part of your life. | | | | and subdue. Instead, think of your body as a |
| | | | best friend. Would you criticize or even |
| 1. Wear clothes that fit and flatter. Are you | | | | despise your own best friend? Would you |
| one of those people whose closet is filled | | | | support and nurture a good friend, or would |
| with clothes that don't fit right? Many | | | | you treat them poorly? When you think of your |
| times, we buy what we like, and not what fits | | | | body as your best friend, it makes sense to |
| or flatters our bodies. Find clothes that you | | | | treat it with a sense of respect, love, |
| feel comfortable in. Your clothes should make | | | | patience and acceptance. |
| you feel beautiful and comfortable. Avoid | | | | |
| tight fitting clothes, or anything that feels | | | | 5. Make a list of all the things you love |
| even slightly uncomfortable or | | | | about your body. Write down everything that |
| self-conscious. | | | | comes to mind, even things that seem |
| | | | insignificant to you at first. Read your list |
| 2. Don't avoid certain activities because of | | | | daily and add to it at all times. This list |
| your body. Many people who are self-conscious | | | | can serve as a powerful reminder of your |
| about their bodies often avoid activities | | | | inner strength, beauty and health. |