Body & Food Issues
Sometimes the way that we think about our bodies or issues with food/eating can feel like they are taking over our lives. When our thoughts and behaviour about food and our bodies become preoccupying, we might be diagnosed with an Eating Disorder. Eating Disorders are mental health issues, but they can be encouraged by societies that idealize certain values and body types.
Tell a parent, doctor, caring adult or therapist what you're going through. Ask for help. Body image and food/eating issues can get better with help and compassion.
Some things to remember:
Try to accept Your Body
Nobody's perfect. Everybody wants to be liked and accepted just as they are. That's true for every BODY, too! See your body the way it is. Be less of a critic. Be more of a friend.
Don't body-shame yourself. When you make harsh comments about your own body, it hurts your self-esteem. That's true whether you say it out loud or think it to yourself. It hurts just as much as if someone else said it. Be kind. Respect yourself, even if you have things to work on.
Build compassionate habits. Do you have a habit of putting your body down? To break that bad habit, build a good one in its place. Tell yourself what you like instead of what you don't. Keep doing it until it is a habit.
Try to like Your Body
Find things to like about your looks. Maybe you like your hair, face, or hands. What about your shape, shoulders, or legs? Your eyes or your smile? Tell yourself what you like and why. If you get stuck, think of what your good friends like about how you look. Accept those things. Know that there's lots to like about you. Let yourself feel good.
Try to focus on what your body can DO. There's more to your body than your looks. When you play a sport, walk, run, dance, swim — that's your body in action. Your body is there for you when you stretch, reach, climb, or jump for joy. When you carry things, build things, or give someone a hug. Be amazed. Be thankful.
Try to be aware of your body. Don't ignore your body as you go through the day. Learn to breathe slowly and calmly as you move and stretch. Learn to tell when your body needs food or rest. Enjoy the way your body feels when you walk, run, and play.
Take Care of Your Body
Eat a variety of foods. Learn what foods make your body feel good and work well. Notice how much food is the right amount for you. Take your time when you eat. Really taste your food. Enjoy it. Eating at least three meals a day gives you the energy you need and it boosts your body image. When you treat your body right, you feel good about yourself.
Get good sleep. Learn how much sleep you need for your body. Get to bed on time. Turn off screens an hour before bedtime so you can sleep well.
Be active every day. Your body needs to move to be strong, fit, and healthy. You can be active by playing a sport. You can run, walk, work out, do yoga, swim, or dance. Stretching is great, too. Pick activities you like. Enjoy the fun you can have.
If you think that you should be a different weight, ask your doctor to refer you to a nutritionist. Don't try to diet on your own - almost all fad diets will force your body to lose weight that you will gain back again. Always talk to your parent and doctor about any concerns that you have about your body. Remember, in adolescence your body will be changing. You need to support those changes and find ways to love yourself exactly as you are!
Here's some information on where you can find resources on ways to cope with Body and Food issues.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre: www.nedic.ca
Sheena's Place: www.sheenasplace.org
Mirror Mirror: https://mirror-mirror.org/