1. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, discuss things you like about yourself with a friend or family member. 2. When you hear those around you talking negatively about their bodies, remind them of positive things the body does such as breathe, play, read, and eat. 3. When someone gives you a compliment, rather than objecting say “thank you.” 4. Celebrate the things about yourself and the people in your life that have nothing to do with appearance. Also known as negative body talk, these are statements made in everyday conversation that reinforce the thin ideal, contribute to dissatisfaction with your body, and further substantiate a narrow view of beauty. Statements that are considered fat talk don’t necessarily have to be negative; they can seem positive yet also reinforce the need to be thin. Examples of negative body talk are “I need to lose weight” or “I wish I had a six-pack for my abs.” Eliminate fat talk from conversations. Strive for a “healthy ideal” and know that this will look different for everyone. Focus on health, not weight or size. FOUR WAYS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY BODY IMAGE This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Health Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438-WELL (9355). An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity • UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • 12-0527 printed on recycled paper Did you know? • Many pictures in advertisements and magazines are airbrushed or computer modified to make the person look better... think about how many of these images we are exposed to in our lives. • Americans spend more than $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products each year... and yet, do these tactics really work? Wellness.IllinoisState.edu If you would like a copy of this publication for use in your department, contact Health Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438-WELL (9355), or print from our Toilet Talk archives at Wellness.IllinoisState.edu. WHAT IS FAT TALK?