Is your self image keeping you from losing weight and if so how do you fix it? "Research suggets that having a healthy, realistic body image is associated with greater success losing weight. Weight loss by itself is no guarantee of improved body image so you might as well work on body image now, whatever your weight is", says Dr. Abramson, author of the book Body Intelligence
. Take his body image quiz below (full quiz found in Body Intelligence) to see where you stand then get tips on how to start loving your body so you can start losing weight long term!Think of a single word or phrase you would use to describe your body, then cirlce each statement that is true for you:
1. I'm dissatisfied with the shape of my body.
2. When people see me, they think I'm too fat.
3. I'm ashamed of my body when I'm naked with my partner.
4. I'm unhappy with the dimples on my flesh.
7. I avoid mirrors because I don't want to see how big I've become.
8. One part of my body is too large for the rest of my body.
10. I hate that my fat jiggles when I walk or run.
13. I avoid dancing/swimming/any activity that will draw attention to my body.
14. I try to avoid having my picture taken.
15. I have missed a social event because I didn't like the way I looked.
Consider whether the word you used to describe your body was negative. Now consider whether you agreed with statements 1-4. If yes then you are very dissasisfied with your body. Next look at statements 7-10. If you agreed with these you see yourself as too big. Finally look at the last three statements. If you agreed with these then you alter your behavior based on your self image. According to Dr. Abramson a negative body image will keep you from doing what is necessary to lose weight, i.e. riding a bike, having fun with your family or friends, going to social events. These are all activities that feed your self esteem and motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. Abramson has found that people who learn to love their bodies "have more energy to devote to making the changes necessary for permanent weight control".
Body Intelligence's Top Tips for Loving Your Body
*Track your body image thoughts feelings actions in a journal.
*Focus on your whole image rather than less satisfactory body parts.
*Use neutral terminology to describe your problem areas.
*Start participating in fun activities you have avoided in the past.
*Analyze and challenge irrational assumptions about your weight.
*Start getting comfortable with your less than perfect body parts.
For more body image boosting exercises get Body Intelligence
today:
