When You Look in the Mirror, Do You Like What You See? - July 5, 2009

When You Look in the Mirror, Do You Like What You See?

Women in the U.S. are under pressure to measure up to a certain social and cultural ideal of beauty, which can lead to poor body image. We are constantly bombarded with "Barbie-like" images. The need to be younger and thinner is increasingly promoted. The message we're hearing is either "all women need to lose weight" or that the natural aging process is a "disastrous" fate.

We all want to look our best, but a healthy body is not always linked to appearance. In fact, healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes! Changing your body image means changing the way you think about your body. At the same time, healthy lifestyle choices are also key to improving body image.

• Healthy eating can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones.
• Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image, and energy levels.
• Plenty of rest is key to stress management.

Learn more about having a healthy body image.

What's New on the Woman Activity Tracker?

If you earn 8 virtual Woman Challenge trophies in 8 weeks, you will be able to download your Woman Challenge Certificate and print it from home at the end of your Challenge.

Check out your Woman Challenge trophy case.

For additional health information, visit:

New Bonus Quiz!

Are you a Quiz Mastermind? Find out by taking this week's quiz, Body Image and Your Kids. Get all five questions correct and earn 20 extra minutes of moderate-intensity activity toward your weekly goal!

Take this week's Bonus Quiz!

Voice Your Vote!

How many diets have you tried in the past year?

• None.
• 1-2.
• 3-4.
• 5 or more.

Vote!

Speak Up!

Do you have a disability that makes working out hard?

11 women have answered this question so far!

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