Body image is defined as a subjective picture of one's own physical appearance established both by self-observation and by noting the reactions of others. This means that we may define our body image or we may follow the standards that our society perceive as an ideal body image. These standards may varies slightly from each other, but often unrealistic.
Everyone wants to have skinny, tall and other very unrealistic things like v-shaped jaw and thigh gap. These are the 'ideals' that our society (most of them) perceive as perfect. Although they are seen to be more prominent among females, we often overlooked that this matter also do exist among the men. Mens may have more preferences a body image of strong jaw, tall stature, broad shoulder and muscular body.
While these ideals may remain in our society, it is important to instill a positive body image and build a positive relationship with foods. That is to keep nutrition in mind. Countless men and women may fall into trap of misleading marketing messages that revolves around body image. Especially those promoting 'diet', causing them to remarkably and perilously alter their nutritional habits or intake. For someone with poor body image and low self esteem, this puts them at risk of developing eating disorder.
Eating disorders are a range of conditions expressed through abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified).
Most of the individuals pursuing weight reduction that I have encountered had one common thing. Falling for the promise of quick weight loss and results from various and many types of fad diets. Now you might be wondering on what is this 'fad diet'?
A fad diet is ... and reasons why these may compromise the nutritional status of an individual.
One of the most famous fads are those that encourage elimination of a food group, for instances fats or carbohydrates. Our body is designed to metabolize each of these food groups and utilize it's nutrients for various needs. It is important to understand that we need food varieties from every category to acquire distinct and assorted nutrients for survival.
There are many products or supplements marketed nowadays that often comes with a diet plan. A few were branded as "detox juice", "cleansing formula" and many more to name. While these are often marketed based on positive testimonials and it is up to an individual whether to consume and use them or otherwise, it is unquestionably recommended that you always seek advise and suggestion from you primary doctor or physicians before taking supplements from outside.
As hopeless as it may sound, I have to relay this to you that you can't do something today and expect big results tomorrow. Many diet fads will claim instantaneous weight loss or other unrealistic changes. Many of these nutritional problems rooted from behaviors. Time is also needed is exercising health behaviors. Despite certain result may be achieved from practicing particular diet fads, it is highly critical to note that these are relatively always short-term and short-lived.
On the other hand, losing weight with main focus on achieving a body image (skinny, thin, etc) will be an endless pursue posing a great risk to developing eating disorder. My advice is to instead focus your goal on achieving a healthy body with mindful approach. Moderation is key. If you find that the efforts in managing your nutrition concerns and problems may need a professional advice, there are many ways on how to achieve your target in attaining a healthy nutritional status. The internet has many resources for you to get your references. However, always make sure that they are from a person with credential, authorization and accreditation. Be sure that when it comes to nutrition, always come to your certified nutritionist or a registered/credentialed dietitian.
I may write another entry on how to recognize a fad diet. But if you are eager to know more. Click on this link to an article on identifying a fad diet.
0 Comments