It's not uncommon these days to hear a five-year-old say "I hate my belly."
How in the world have they learned that attitude at such a young age?
Even though they may not exactly know what they mean by the sentiment, they've seen it in their role models (older siblings, parents), as well as plastered across media outlets.
Lisa Lynn, author of I Love My Body, a children's book about self-love and positive body image, grew up as an overweight child, suffering from a sugar addiction as early as two years of age. She suffered through the hurt of name-calling, such as "roly poly," but eventually learned to grow out of the negative self-talk and thrive as a healthy adult.
Lisa says that self-love is the best way to teach kids about positive body image and healthy lifestyle, and the book aims to give parents the tools to do just that.
For instance, instead of "I hate my belly" or "my thighs are too big," Lisa says that we should be teaching kids to say, "I love my arms because they let me hug my family."
Two other huge factors in positive body image are gratitude and laughter. A four-year-old laughs about 300-400 times a day; a 40-year-old laughs about four times a day. Be grateful for the body that you have, even if it's not perfect. And, be grateful for everything you have. Lisa suggests having a "gratitude meeting" every night.
What can parents do if they suspect negative body image thoughts creeping into their child's brain?
Address it and start talking about it... but, sit back and listen. Let your kid vent. And, if need be, throw yourself under the bus. If you recognize that you've been saying negative things about your own body in front of your child, own up to that and then take steps to change. You have to lead by example, because kids watch way more than you think.
Listen in as Lisa shares more about the book, as well as practical steps parents (and kids) can take to improve self-love, boost body image, and live happy, healthy lives.
I Love My Body: Talking to Kids About Body Image
It's not uncommon these days to hear a five-year-old say, "I hate my belly."
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 1
- Audio File: wellness_for_life/1547wl5b.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Lisa Lynn, Author & Founder of LynFit
- Book Title: The Metabolism Solution
- Guest Website: LynFit
- Guest Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/LisaLynnFitness
- Guest Twitter Account: @LisaLynnFitness
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Guest Bio:
For nearly 30 years, Lisa Lynn has devoted her career to personal training, specializing in metabolic weight loss and performance nutrition. She is best known for her 13 years as Martha Stewart's personal trainer who has said, "Lisa is the only trainer that made a difference."
Coupled with her vast experience in the field of fitness and nutrition she has earned four educational certificates from the International Sports and Sciences Association's Professional Division including: Certified Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Fitness Therapy and Elite Trainer.
Lisa's years of research in metabolic boosting and performance nutrition resulted in the development of her Leaner Lifestyle Series, specifically designed to promote healthy fat loss by boosting the most sluggish and stubborn metabolisms. Lisa is also a regular go-to nutrition and fitness expert on The Dr. Oz Show, appearing in two of his highest-rated episodes. Major media outlets frequently call upon her for her expertise in fitness and nutrition. Lisa maintains a diverse portfolio of clientele including professional bodybuilders, models, actors, CEOs and real-world people throughout the country.
In addition to The Dr. Oz Show, Lisa is a regular guest as nutrition and fitness expert on The Martha Stewart Show, FOX News, News 8 Connecticut and Sirius Radio where she has inspired and equipped millions of viewers to lose weight and maintain their results through healthier lifestyles.
Lisa has also been prominently featured as an expert in the following publications: Dr. Oz Blog, Martha Stewart Living, Share Care, Iron Man, Fitness Magazine, Muscle Magazine, Muscle Media, Physique Forum, Performance Press and American Health. Lisa is a recognized best-selling author, publishing The Metabolism Solution in 2014, a comprehensive book that takes the reader on a step-by-step journey to a new, Leaner Lifestyle. This book teaches how to safely boost your metabolism while allowing you to lose weight.
In 2015, she authored her first illustrated children's book, The I Love My Body Book, addressing all of the issues kids face (adults too). This book is a must have for every household who wants to be physically and emotionally healthy. Parents say they love this book to as it makes these principals easy to do.
Her most recent book, Win the Fight: Stomp Out Melanoma, was co-authored with Dr. Deepak Narayan. It is an all-encompassing book that covers everything from melanoma skin cancer risk factors and diagnosis procedures to living well after treatment.
Raised in a household lacking healthy nutrition or lifestyles choices, Lisa struggled as a child with her weight and a lack of support. As a teen, she persevered to lose 40 pounds and has kept it off despite an under-active thyroid.
Lisa’s work with body-building and fitness experts, including Dr. Fred Hatfield, helped her understand how specific combinations of nutrition and exercise can help others achieve the look they want—from simply slimming down, to gaining lean, ripped muscle. Lisa makes a unique personal connection with her clients and addresses a broad range of health and wellness needs. She is inspired to help people achieve optimal health with lifestyle solutions that are effective in the real world.
Lisa lives in the greater NYC area. She owns and operates a performance training and nutrition facility where she practices her passion for personal training and consultation. When she's not on set for TV, she can be found coaching her clients or spending time with her family. She enjoys supporting charitable activities including Education and Hope, which brings education to impoverished children and young adults in the western highlands of Guatemala; Hope Foundation which creates sustainable educational systems and Young Life, a global organization that provides adolescents with caring adult mentors. - Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: No
- Host: Susanne Bennett, DC
Published in
Wellness for Life
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