What do you see when you look in the mirror?  If you feel comfortable, happy and healthy with your weight and have a realistic perception of your size and shape, this is identified as a healthy body image.  Problems exist when you look in the mirror and have a distorted image of your shape and size.
Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person.  A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
Developing a positive body image and healthy mental attitude is crucial to a person's happiness and wellness.  Here are a few tips to help you tune into establishing a positive body image:

• Be kind to yourself – Learn to accept yourself for who you are.  Recognize your strengths, talents and abilities.  Celebrate the unique body and self that is you.
• Challenge the current values portrayed in media – accept all body sizes as good.  Look for and create role models that are a better reflection of reality.
• Establish healthy lifestyle choices – Eating healthy food can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones.  Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image and energy levels.  Get plenty of rest each and every night.
• Change your viewpoint – Instead of asking "How can I get thin?" ask yourself "What can I do to be healthier and happier?"  Recognize that your body size is, to some extent, dependent on your genes and your weight is not necessarily something you can change.  The way you live your life is.

Information from: www.peelregion.ca/health/eating/weight/thinking.htm