Happy New Year! 

Congratulations!  It is 2013 and almost three weeks into the new year and time for some to put into effect their New Year's Resolution to lose those extra pounds from the good hearty winter feasts.  While others, as pictured below, look forward to gaining the added weight so needed during pregnancy.

So, what constitutes a healthy body image?  It depends on influences that relate to social and cultural values that could change over time.  The general basis for a healthy body image is as follows: a healthy diet, good exercise, enough rest, and a positive frame of mind.  With these basics covered, a healthy body image should be easy to maintain, right? 

Social and cultural influences can enhance or sabotage this self image. Athletes and beauty models in popular magazines, for instance, influence us on a regular basis.  As human nature would predict, there is always room for improvement.  The degree to which people are willing to go to seek self improvement may be debatable.

The beauty myth
Vintage ed., with a new introd. by Naomi Wolf

The old cliche, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, provides little satisfaction when there are so many opportunities on the market to become more beautiful.  Naomi Wolf
investigates the social perception of the beauty myth.  The author questions the current obsession to attain beauty and regards this obsession as demoralizing for women.  Naomi Wolf would support the healthy body image suggestions outlined above. 
Elizabeth Brown in her March 22, 2009 article from The Christian Monitor provides an engaging review. 

The muscular ideal : psychological, social, and medical perspectives
1st ed. Edited by Guy Cafri and and Kevin J. Thompson

Men are not immune from this influence.  The current body image promoted in the exercise and fitness industry is the muscular physique. To develop this body ideal can be as simple as incorporating heavy weight resistance training with a high protein diet.  Other options include steroid use, cosmetic surgery, and muscle enhancement substances but may come with serious health risks.  Eatingdisordersreview.com reviewed this title in their March/April 2008 Volume 19, Number 2 edition .

 Feeling good about the way you look : a program for overcoming body image problems by
Wilhelm, Sabine.

Despite the social and cultural pressures to attain the "ideal" body image, the best suggestion is to develop an awareness of positive self perception through education.  Using step-by-step guidelines, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) exercises, and overall motivational guidance, this self-help book has received many positive reviews on its success.  For more titles including detailed definitions on body image, click the little fella holding the mirror:   

This year, 2013, will be an exciting one and hope that whatever New Year's Resolution you follow, it will be a healthy, productive, and happy one.