Let's face it; fashion shows, magazine/catalogue images, and even television shows can make young women and girls feel unsure of their bodies. Society tells us that if you're thin, you can win. If you're fat, you're not all that. However, it just isn't true! Women have many different body types. These body types differ for different reasons, one being metabolism differences. Metabolism is a chemical process that breaks down different nutrients in the body. Metabolism breaks down fats more slowly in some people than others, causing some people to weigh more than others. Genetic differences also contribute to different body types. If your mother, your grandmother and your great-grandmother were all overweight or all very thin, chances are strong that you will be overweight or very thin. Weighing ten pounds more than your neighbor or not being able to run five miles doesn't make you unhealthy. Being healthy means that you eat properly, you exercise (or at least walk when you have the opportunity to walk), you get enough rest, and you don't participate in high-risk behaviors (like smoking, drinking, having unprotected sex, using drugs, and other unhealthy behavior).
Besides the fact that society can be misleading, the ideal beauty image changes over time. For example, the voluptuous Marilyn Monroe was once considered one of the most beautiful women of all time. Decades later, Kate Moss was considered one of the most successful models and beautiful women (and she was also extremely thin). In actuality, it is both pointless and tiring to try to model your self after stereotypical female images. Not only can your body become physically damaged, but your emotional and psychological being can be damaged as well (especially if you try way too hard to change your body). While it is easier said than done to love your body the way it is, it is extremely healthy to have a positive attitude about the body that you were blessed with.
Healthy Living Main Page
What types of exercise exist?
What type of simple exercises can I do to try and stay fit?
Nutrition - What are YOU eating?
Society's Views about Healthy Living and Physical Fitness
Links and Bibliography