SEVEN SECRETS TO a KILLER BODY IMAGE

Girls' Life, June, 2001 by Karen Bokram

EVER WONDER WHY SOME GIRLS SEEM TO HAVE ALL THE CONFIDENCE? US, TOO. WE ASKED REAL GIRLS' LIFE READERS TO REVEAL THEIR WISDOM!

SECRET 1

CONFIDENCE RULES.

Confidence comes from not worrying about things you can't control. While you can choose to be active and healthy, genetics play the biggest role in how your body looks. And since life doesn't come with a reset button, why not focus your energy on the things you like about yourself?

I have a growth deficiency--I'm really short and flat-chested for an almost 13-year-old But for the most part, I am OK with it. There is the odd day when I think it stinks, but then I forget about it and just go have fun with friends, read a good hook, go on the computer, whatever. It really bums me out when my friends complain about their bodies. We should all realize were goddesses in our own way!

Rachel C., 13

You can have an awesome bod no matter what! All you need is a big dose of confidence, confidence, confidence. I definitely DO NOT have the perfect body. I'm in eighth grade and, last year, I was down on myself because I'm totally flat. On the other hand, I can eat as much as I want and not gain weight. All you have to do is find something you like about yourself and then make the most out of it.

Megan L., 14

SECRET 2

ENVY IS A WASTE OF TIME.

You know that saying about the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence? Same is true for bodies--flat girls want 34Cs, short girls want to be tall, blah, blah, blah. So the next time you look in the mirror and are about to slam yourself, remember there are plenty of girls who see your "flaw" as an asset! Works for J. Lo!

Sometimes when I shop for pants or skirts, I don't feel so hot about myself. I usually wear one size up from most of my friends. I try not to feel so self-conscious because I know I'm a lot taller than most girls. I also remind myself that as long as I'm healthy, it doesn't matter what size I am.

Jen

Here's a lesson I learned from some girls in my class: I was really jealous of them, but then I found out they were also jealous of me. You may not be a super model, but remember that everyone has at least one great body feature. Hey, girls might even be jealous of you!

Jackie G., 11

SECRET 3

FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE, NOT YOUR SIZE.

It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Would you stop loving your sister or BFF if she weighed 10 pounds more? We didn't think so. The sad thing is many girls get bummed about themselves when their bodies go through natural changes. So next time you start to criticize yourself, think, "Hey, lots of people love me just the way I am." Do what Camryn Manheim does, and show yourself the same care and respect.

I'm not perfect but, when I look in the mirror, I think, "I'm looking pretty good today." I don't worry too much about my appearance. My friends are my friends, and they like me because of my personality--not my body! Whether you're big, small, short, tall or whatever, don't get upset with yourself about your size. If you have friends who like you for you--that's all you need.

Alina N., 12

Body confidence comes from my friends being supportive. My friends never say mean things about my appearance. If they did, they wouldn't be true friends.

Laura R., 14

I believe my friends when they tell me they wish they looked more like me. I am also not afraid to give myself compliments! And I pay quite a few to my friends, too.

Catherine E., 11

SECRET 4

HEALTHY HABITS ROCK.

Let's get one thing straight: The goal of working out and eating right is not to turn yourself into a scary stick like Calista Flockhart. But study after study proves girls feel better about themselves if they exercise regularly (anything from team sports to fun runs to dancing around your room for 20 minutes) and eat a balanced diet (that means all the food groups). Need more ideas on how to feel and look great? Check out our "Summer Savvy Ways to Feel Spectacular" on page 64.

My body image changes as fast as my body morphs! Some days, I say, "I'm looking so good right now." Other days, I say, "Molly, you should really tone up that tummy!" After I've exercised, I automatically feel better. I recommend this to everyone. It makes you feel refreshed, healthy and energetic.

Molly F., 13

I play soccer 24/7 and while other people snack on potato chips, I munch on fruit. To feel great just eat healthy and stay active.

Hanna S., 13

I eat lots of fruit (yum!), plenty of protein and not as many sugars. Another great confidence builder? Play outside more and do well in school.

Marissa L., 12

Snacking really packed the pounds on me, so I came up with a solution. Every time I want a candy bar, I chew gum instead Not Bubblicious or Hubba Bubba but sugar-free stuff like Trident. And thank God for my dogs because I can torture them into going for a long run with me every day.

Christy, 11

SECRET 5

HARNESS THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING

Having a healthy bad is only half the battle. You also need a healthy mindset. Vow to banish negative thoughts the second they pop into your head just like Drew Barrymore does. Instead of looking for things to hate, why not choose some things you love? Even if it's just that you have cute ears or nice toes. Everyone has at least one great feature. Be proud of it!