Did you know that you probably are not as overweight as you might think? That's right, it turns out that man and women incorrectly perceive their weight. Women often think they are heavier and bigger than they actually are and men- men seem to think just the opposite. Men typically think their weight is just fine when in fact the typical male is actually over weight. The confusion occurs on both sides because of the society we live in; women are pressured by media outlets such as the mall, magazines, commercials, and TV, that thin and slim are in- think Barbie. On the other hand men might be smaller than some of their friends or colleagues but that does not mean they are at an ideal weight, and when it comes to TV, commercials, and news papers, the average man is portrayed as medium to over weight to fit a "normal" that has arisen since the average American continues to gain weight.

There is no one on the planet who does not succumb to the bombardment of TV commercials, billboards, magazines, and movies where advertisers are telling us the way we should look, and has warped our perceptions of looking good verses feeling good, and being healthy.

Unfortunately most women and about half the men are dissatisfied with their appearance and for many that dissatisfaction turns into rash choices of choosing the knife over a little hard work and exercise. More than half of Americans now view plastic surgery as the best option for achieving perfection, however the effects of cosmetic surgery in most cases does not resolve a persons body-image issues, and in some cases they can make maters worse.

Whether you are looking at magazines, movies, or the television, these perfected bodies you are trying to emulate can not be obtained because most of them have been made to appear the way they do because they are in a professionally lit studio, had their hair and makeup done, and many, many times the photography has been professionally digitally retouched with aggressive shading, shrinking, and airbrushing...how could you ever compete with this, you can't and shouldn't.

Talk with someone you admire and find out how they have obtained success, write in a journal, and or join a club where everyone in the class is trying to achieve the same healthy goals as you are. When you work along side someone they can help you see your positive sides, this is especially needed when you first start out because if you can't get beyond your flaws you will never have the motivation to get going.

The next month go one step further and set a goal as to how many "highlights" you will make and reward yourself at the end of the month if you have reached your goal, should you fall short, don't give up try again. Should negativity creep in, talk to someone you admire and seek out some of the ways they have maintained their healthy body image, and never give up.