RESHAPE YOUR THINKING

We all come in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes, we are conditioned to think that a particular body image is better, stronger, sexier or more acceptable than another. However, we need to be confident in our own body image and to celebrate our unique points of difference. As intelligent adults, isn’t it all about self-censoring and making sure that we – and our children – understand that the images we see on TV, in magazines and in films don’t necessarily represent the norm? And yes, the media have a role to play in that as well.

Sometimes, what we see is not really what it seems. Consider what happened at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics: a pretty young girl lip-synced her way into history, potentially at the expense of another young girl’s self-esteem. This is not a great message for our children: you may be talented, but if you are not deemed “pretty enough” you won’t be chosen. Like most parents, I seemed to spend ages explaining to my
five-year-old why that happened.

How often do we feel comfortable with the shape and size that our bodies really are? How often do we see kids dressing to look like adults, and adults trying to look like teenagers? Parents – fathers, in particular – have an important role to play in being sensitive about the comments and judgments they make about body image. It’s interesting watching my teenage daughters grow up and work out what is “real” in terms of how women look and what has been manipulated, both in real life and the media.

In keeping with our message of positive body image – to enjoy your life and love your body – we have dedicated this issue to body image breakthrough. We chose our cover for good reason: actor Julianne Moore is 47; she is intelligent, talented, Botox-free and beautiful. She works hard and, like most of us, juggles work and family life.

Also in this issue, in an exclusive extract from her autobiography, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet says, “Everyone wants to look good…regardless of [their] age or body shape.”

Our models in this issue have lived life and are comfortable with their own body image. One of our fashion models, Louise Tulloch, 29, shares her story with us on page 60 – a life and experience well lived.

For an inspirational story of bravery and body image breakthrough, read about burns survivor Lena Tukuafu’s experience at the age of five that changed her life (page 44).

Whatever your physical shape and size, you can choose how you shape your thinking about body image. Just remember to enjoy life.


Michael McHugh
Editor-in-Chief
michael@mindfood.com



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