Positive Self-Image and Healthy Goals
Being thin isn't the answer - it's what's inside that counts. Work at making how you look less important in your life. Easier said than done? Here are some exercises to help you feel good about your body and yourself.
- Remind yourself of all the things you are besides a body.
- "I am caring, worthwhile, growing,
,
,
" - Stop thinking that being thinner is the answer to all of life's problems. Deal with and set goals about the real issues in your life.
Goals for my job:
Goals for my relationships:
Scales belong on a fish. Try to keep off the scales.
Too many people let the scales tell them how their life is going to be - "Tell me machine, how should I feel today?"
- Enjoy eating well, being active and feeling good about yourself.
- Do two things each day that you would have done in the past only if you were thinner.
- Do the same things every day for a while, then try riskier activities. Behave like a person who is comfortable with her body. Watch what happens to the way you walk, eat, relate to people.
Activity 1:
Activity 2:
- Stop judging your body. If you find yourself being critical of your body, replace the thought with a neutral thought like "the sky is blue." It will help to stop negative feelings.
- Get rid of clothes that don't fit. Wearing tight clothing only tells you how "not right" your body is.
- Find ways to reward yourself other than by eating.
I can reward myself by:
* Adapted from The National Eating Disorder Information Centre Bulletin, April/May, 1987. Developed by Public Health Nutritionists in Ontario; distributed by Nutrition Services, Halton Regional Health Department. [link]