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 83% of college women diet no matter how much they weigh.  Female students who are in a sorority are more prone to dieting behaviors because they are generally held at a higher standard of appearance.

Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to a women’s happiness and wellness. “Body vigilance begets body worry, which begets food worry, which fuels the cycle of dieting.” We are constantly at war with our bodies – women are sold the message“if they can do it, you can do it; just try harder.”

 Studies say that attaining a “beach body” is the # 1 motivation to kickstarting a diet  Women are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer, or losing their parents.  75% of women’s ideal body shape is at least 10% underweight  The pressure women feel to be thin is at an all time high

 Teaches body to retain more fat when you begin eating normally  Slows rate of weight loss  Decreases metabolism  Increases binges and cravings  Increases risk of premature death and heart disease  Linked to eating disorders  Gradually erodes confidence and self trust

 Many forms: low-fat, low-carbohydrates, high-protein, liquid cleanse, etc.  Hundreds of diets have been promoted as the best approach to dieting.  Strict recommended eating guidelines by omitting foods.  Due to calorie and nutrient restrictions diets increase health risks.

 At the age of 13, 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their body” …This increases to 78% by 17 years old.  1 out of every 100 women age is starving herself, sometimes to death.

 Restricting leads to binging  Immediate weight loss, not long term  Food obsession  External cues vs. Internal cues  Body goes into Starvation mode  Biological mechanisms prevent long term dieting

 Eating becomes enjoyable and not shameful  Trusting your body to make decisions and not the scale  Dieting erodes confidence and self-trust  No more binging and ignoring cravings  Decreases risk of premature death and heart disease

 Stop the diets for good by making peace with food and becoming comfortable with the weight that fits you

 Discover pleasure and satisfaction related to food  Get rid of “Forbidden Foods”  Learn to enjoy all foods, regain trust  Feel your fullness and listen to your body

 External Cues  Emotions  Inability to be in tune with internal cues

 A negative body image triggers dieting behaviors. Thus, appreciate your body, and understand that appearance says very little about your character and value.  If you become accepting of your body, you will refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.