We all have one. We all have a relationship with it, and it’s not always a good one. We often despise it, yet we are completely responsible for it. Yes, I’m talking about body image.

People that have a healthy body image will embrace their unique shape, will not obsess over their appearance and will be confident in their bodies. They will be conscious that the shape of their body does not define who they are.

People with a negative body image will feel inadequate in their bodies, will be critical of themselves and will spend a lot of energy comparing themselves to other people they deem “better looking”. For them, their bodies are something to be ashamed of. They become anxious and can develop depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders as a result.

Health Canada defines body image as “the picture an individual has of his or her body, what it looks like in the mirror, and what he or she thinks it looks like to others.” |Health Canada|.

And that’s where the problem begins. Most people nurture a distorted view of their body image because their basis of comparison is totally unrealistic. The media presents us with unattainable beauty standards that are based on computer modified or generated bodies. The result: 35% of preadolescent girls, and even boys, between the ages of 6 and 12, are dieting and entering a downward spiral of hating their bodies. As adults, women have a 90% rate of dissatisfaction with their appearance. |The Canadian Women’s Health Network|.

The dieting industry is estimated to be worth billions of dollars by selling promises of weight loss to desperate dieters. However, 95% of these dieters will regain the lost weight and will often end up weighing more!

So this month, I wanted to find out more about our eating habits and how they impact our body image. I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Di Nardo, Ph. D.

Julia is a psychotherapist specializing in helping adults who struggle with weight management and emotional eating. During this interview, you will learn about different eating patterns and how your eating style can not only affect your health, but also the perception you have of your body image.

As an Image Coach, I thrive at getting my clients to understand their own, unique body shape and helping them maximize their natural assets. I also stress the importance of having a healthy body – a well fed, well rested, well trained body, regardless of its natural shape – in order to gain self appreciation and feel great about their appearance.

Watch my interview with Julia to discover how your beauty begins in your plate!

« Back to Chic Style website
  • NEWS


    Now Available!

    Essential Guide to Table Etiquette

    My e-book Essential Guide to Table Etiquette will teach you the basic golden rules for memorable business dining.

    $12.95 + tx

    Easy purchase with Paypal

    PLEASE NOTE: a link to download your e-book will appear after your transaction is complete. Make sure to click on it to get your copy.

    Take a look at the Table of Contents

  • READ, HEAR, VIEW


    Radio Interview with Dr. Joyce

    Learn more about branding by listening to Kathleen’s interview with
    Dr. Joyce Knudsen

    This text will be replaced by the flash music player.

    _______

    Article in VOIR
    Read about journalist Mélissa Proulx's experience with Kathleen's services
    (in French)


    _______

    Article in A2Z Parents Magazine
    Read Kathleen's article on how to give yourself a
    Body Image Tune Up

    and learn great ideas for a confidence boost when you are a busy mom



  • KATHLEEN RECOMMENDS

    MARCH 2011 BLOGPOST
    The Power of Handshaking
    by Robert E. Brown and Dorothea Johnson.



    FEBRUARY 2011 BLOGPOST
    First Impressions
    What you don't know about how others see you
    by Ann Demarais and Valerie White


    JANUARY 2011 BLOGPOST
    Viviane Bastien

    Professional Organizer