Positive Body Image in 2013

With the new year approaching so many of us have big resolutions to lose weight or get skinny. I have decided this year to be HEALTHY and have a healthy body image instead of trying to be skinny. I know...super cheesy right?! It might be but it is more important to be happy at a healthy size and to feel comfortable with yourself than to be skinny and malnourished.

We all see pictures flipping through magazines or on TV of super skinny size 0 models and have all thought at least once-- I wish I could look like that! I have so much respect for people that eat healthy and work out hard and often. That is what we all strive for and it is healthy. What we all have to remember is that not every one has the body shape of a model. Some people are built with bigger hips and can be very healthy still wearing a size 10-12. 

Here are a few of my favorite photo-shopped before and after pictures. 

Don't get me wrong, I have never had a professional picture taken and asked them to not photo-shop it. I do understand that part of the photographers job is to make us look good in their photos. I am all for skin touch ups and small enhancements but what gets me is in all of the photos above the models are fit and healthy looking in the BEFORE picture. A lot of them have inches taken off their bodies. My favorites are the last 2 pictures. Faith Hill's before picture looks like a healthy and fit mom. In the after picture her arm is half the size and so is her waist and side of her bra area. It creates an unrealistic image. 

I also love this photo of the Dove real beauty campaign vs. the Victoria's secret love my body campaign.

Ok-- I will step off the soapbox. I just want this to be a reminder in the New Year to: Love yourself, take good care of yourself, eat healthy non processed foods, and be confident with the way you are!  

I want to leave you with these great steps to positive body image that I will be hanging on my mirror as a daily reminder! :)