This week we discuss the parameters of "How to be aware of your body image" ready for the  New Year; which is ironic timing with Christmas and all the high calorie chocolate and over indulgence with turkey stuffing et al. The secret is obviously restraint and not over eating!

New Year normally brings new year resolutions and if you are about to set yourself a new  target weight or body shape then that needs to be realistic and also you need to know what your current body shape is too. Your starting point is just as important as your end conclusion.

It is a given fact that most people actually hold a radically different conception of themselves in their "minds eye" than is actually the case; also this varies again on how others may perceive you and your silhouette too.

For instance, people who used to be overweight may look in the mirror and still think that they need to think that they need to loose more kilos and visa versa with slimmer people who have added on some pounds. Please just be as realistic as you can here!! It's not easy admittedly there are images of the female form everywhere we look using glamorous and beautify bodies for all forms of advertising.  Research has shown that in ladies magazines there are 10.5 times more ads promoting weight loss than in mens' magazines. The media is in a frenzy about  quick fix diets, cosmetic surgery and TV is full of the ever young actresses complete with full pumped up faces and Botox; some are known to faint on the set due to lack of food for that all important stealth like body? 

We have to ask ourselves why the media promotes the perfect skinny form….and to me the overwhelming conclusion is FOR MONEY.  Cosmetic companies, food manufacturers, dieticians', plastic surgery companies all profit and benefit from individuals lack of self worth and poor self esteem.

We also have to ask ourselves how to break this cycle of poor self worth and being guided by the media – who after all are they to tell us what constitutes beauty and good health. What is desirable and what's not especially when there have been some overwhelming successful campaigns such as Dove's Real Beauty Campaign and Nike's Thunder Thighs, Big Butt and Tomboy Knees Campaign too. No longer do we have to keep harping on about zero sized models to make an impact in fashion and glamour.

Surely this has to be more important in all aspects of our lives today? If a young pubescent girl starts seeing larger sized models rather than zero sized skinny "chic" then this has to affect what is regarded as acceptable sizing? Girls look at role models and other girls to conclude what is socially acceptable – this is social comparison and in turn affects self perception.  Such impressionable young girls need to see realistic body images in the media and then wouldn't it be great if Hollywood followed the trend too – reflecting the real world that we live in today.

So lets be practical as we run up to the final days of Christmas. Lets get out that full length mirror and actually look long and hard at the naked you in front of the mirror. After all, Gok has made a fortune out of this process!  No one likes all of their body and we would all like to change elements of ourselves but is it really as bad as you think. Confide in your closest friends (that's what they are there for remember0 and don't be afraid to discuss those hidden fears. From seeing where you "are" in terms of your body shape, silhouette, weaknesses and strengths can you truly set realistic targets for yourself in the New Year.

Motivate yourself towards your goal; include your friends too if you need that added support and advice. Set daily, weekly and monthly targets and reward yourself with (no not sweets!) but treats when you have achieved some of your milestones.

Ok that's the last article before the New Year and I would just like to wish all my readers a very happy festive season and here's to a goal rewarding 2009.  Eat and be merry but start 2009 with clear goals and lots of decisive action.

I will be back in 2009 with more model advice and tips.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Sophia x

Christmas Break – UP NEXT WEEK!!

If you would like more model advice, help or guidance contact Sophia White

Sophia White Ethnic Model Agent  I E:sophiamodelagent@googlemail.com I MB: 07930 324 651 

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