The so called “ideal body” is always on our tv’s, internet and magazines. These images will always pressure us to be as good looking as possible, have a six pack, and as be lean as possible.
There are two big problems with this-all of us come born into this world in all different shapes and sizes, and I know girls who look great at 12 stone, and I know girls who look overweight at 9 stone, it all depends on the way you are made and this is why I despise faddy diets, that purely rely on your weight as a guide to your physical wellbeing and condition.
They make all these “ideal body” photographs these days from sophisticated photoshop software packages available on all computers these days.
These ideal bodies are not real, you can erase poor complexions, thighs and bums can be slimmed down by a couple of clicks, you can make hair look glossier and fuller, so what you are seeing are “created” versions of a person.
These photos create real problems for teenagers and especially those in the early 20’s.
From the age of 12 to 13, you are likely to add 25% more body fat on to your body until you are fully grown. This is why we NEVER weigh under 18’s, because you are going to weigh heavier and heavier anyway, and this is part of your natural development.
So just as most people are getting bigger, the “skinny is beautiful” message is hitting you loud and clear. This is when negative body images become very real because you think you are doing something wrong.
The facts are that what the media is telling you is WRONG and NOT REAL.
Blokes don’t get away with it either, how many times have you been told by magazines that you need a bigger chest and arms, that you need to “bulk up” and get “ripped them same time?!!! This is why an increasing number of teenagers and young men take steroids and spend endless hours in the gym thinking more is better.
This never ends well!
What about protein shakes? There is a huge cult of youngsters think that by simply taking these shakes, you will get your body of your dreams!! This is down to false marketing by the protein making firms, “before and after” photos that are grossly exaggerated and a lot of lies spread by the shops and internet firms selling these.
Protein shakes can work, but only when you diet is already good, and you are training really hard and consistent, and even then getting into great shape takes a long consistent period of doing everything right.
How many ads do you see when beautiful people, with great skin and bodies are skipping down the road laughing and giggling all the time, like their life is fun
ALL the time, then you wonder why your life isn’t like that all the time?
Then you may think, that if you are as lean, as tanned then you would be popular and happy go lucky too and have a great life?
This is exactly what the advertisers WANT you to think!
What all this means is that you are comparing yourself to a fantasy, and you are never going to reach this goal which DOES NOT even EXIST!
Maybe its time to stop buying these fashion mags or watching these online sites, and focus on who you are on the INSIDE!
Your body is only ONE part of you, and you have a million other things to offer.
Of course its great to want to look good, dress your best and have a good appearance, this is what we promote after all.
I try to do the same myself (with varying results!) but I also like a beer once a week, ice cream now and again and I don’t spend hours a day obsessing about exercise and starving myself all week to allow me to do that!
So its great to want to look your best, but the images of role models you see in the media only exist in the computer of the professional who is using photo shop packages, so accept where you are, who you are and set realistic healthy goals that you CAN reach AND look your very best!
Your results will be much more long lasting!
