Back to Health & Beauty

FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOUR BODY

If you're like most girls, you might wish you were as thin as a supermodel or as strong as a pro athlete. Maybe you wish you were taller and curvier or just shaped a little differently. Thinking this way is a natural part of growing up. But learning that there are certain things about yourself that you can't change and accepting these things is a big and important part of growing up, too.

Instead of looking at the people you see all the time in magazines, on TV, in video games, or in movies, try looking at the real people around you. Look at all the different kinds of bodies people have.

If you're worried that you may be an unhealthy weight, you might want to talk to your parent or your doctor. Your doctor should be able to calculate something called your body mass index (BMI). Your BMI uses your weight, age, and height to see if your weight falls within a healthy range.

Tips for Feeling Great

Feeling like your body is overweight, underweight, too small, or too big doesn't necessarily mean there really is anything wrong with it at all. Instead, these feelings may simply mean that you just need a little boost of self-esteem. This means feeling good about yourself and the way you are.

Here are some healthy tips that can start you on your way toward feeling happy about your body and your weight:

Exercise! Get together with a bunch of friends or your family and have some fun playing your favorite sports or doing your favorite activity. You can also join a sports team at school or in your community. Exercising will make you feel stronger, healthier, and happier about your body.

Eat healthy snacks like veggies and low-fat dip, yogurt, fruits, and bagels instead of greasy potato chips and doughnuts. Try following the Food Guide Pyramid and trying some yummy recipes that are good for you, too! Remember, don't do any dieting without talking to your parents and seeing your doctor first.

Stop thinking negative things about yourself, and start giving yourself positive compliments. Try thinking of three good things about yourself each day. You can also try thinking of three things every night that made you happy during the day. Thinking these happy thoughts will put you on the road to being happy, too!

Set little goals for yourself. Try focusing on things that you're good at or things you like. The more you accomplish, the better you'll feel and the easier it will be to start setting bigger goals for yourself later. Surround yourself with people and things you love and that make you feel good about yourself. Don't forget that having fun is important!

If it seems like you've tried everything and still can't stop thinking about your body or your weight, you might want to talk to your parents, teacher, or someone you trust. If you're feeling blue because someone at school is teasing you, remember that lots of people say mean things because they feel bad about themselves and want to make other people feel bad as well.

The world is full of all kinds of different people, and you want to be unique and special - not the same as somebody else. The most important thing is to keep smiling, have fun, and be happy the way you are!