How body-confident are you?

Find out how to best boost your body-image

1 WHEN YOU UNDRESS IN FRONT OF SOMEONE, YOU: Afreak out and switch off the lights straight away. The less they see the better! B feel confident that your partner loves you for who you are, regardless of the number on the scales. C think that although in an ideal world you’d love to have a body like Miranda Kerr’s, you know that your partner’s expectations of perfection are totally different from your own. 2 HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOURSELF NAKED IN THE MIRROR? A you’re down; you can’t bear to see yourself in the buff. B pretty good. Your stretch marks and wobbly tum are simply physical markers of life experiences. Cit’s a reminder that you need to lose a few pounds, but it’s no big deal. You’ll get there. 3 YOU’RE ON THE BEACH IN A BIKINI AND YOU FEEL: Alike you’re being scrutinised by other women. You’re certain they’re staring at your dimply thighs and less-than-perfect tummy. B proud of your curves. Sure, you might not have a supermodel’s figure but all those gym sessions you’ve been putting in make you feel strong and self-assured. CA little bit intimidated about how you look in a two-piece, but deep down you know it’s all in your head. 4 YOU’RE TRYING ON A DRESS AND ASK THE CHANGING ROOM ASSISTANT FOR ADVICE. SHE SAYS SHE THINKS YOU NEED THE NEXT SIZE UP. YOU: Af eel violated and decide never to shop there again. B thank her for the advice and assume the sizes in the shop are smaller than usual. C feel a little bit down but know it’s the motivational kickstart you need to get back in the gym on Monday. 5 WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL? A beautiful? You can’t remember the last time you felt good about yourself. B seeing a photo of yourself all smiley. It reminds you that you’re trying your best to live life to the fullest. C investing in new beauty loot. A sultry new perfume or a showstopping lipstick instantly makes you feel alive. 6 THE PERFECT BODY SHAPE IS: Athin, thin, thin! I don’t want an ounce of fat on me. B there is no such thing as perfect. We all come in different shapes and sizes. C slim and strong. I want my body to look powerful. 7 YOU GO TO THE GYM BECAUSE: A you’re desperate to lose a stone and dieting alone isn’t enough. B exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and helps you feel balanced. C working out boosts your mood and makes you feel better about your body.

THE RESULTS

IF YOU SCORED MOSTLY AS… YOU’VE GOT SOME WORK TO DO You battle body hurdles on a daily basis, and to blast away any body-image woes, you need to start by changing your mindset and give your body the respect it deserves. It’s not about how perfect and flawless you are necessarily in society today, it’s about how you make people feel when they are around you. ‘Confidence is about looking in the mirror and saying, “Yes my thighs are big but I LOVE them!” If you learn to say this to yourself, this is the message you are putting out to the universe, and in turn your life and friends and the universe will give you the same love back. Just as insecurity can be often picked up on, so too can confidence,’ says Antonia. Get in tune with your body, find out what foods satisfy and nurture you and start working out to help de-stress and improve your mood. IF YOU SCORED MOSTLY BS… YOU LOVE YOUR BODY Sometimes. It’s hard work staying motivated and body-positive, but you’re doing an awesome job at it. You readily accept both your best bits and your flaws, aware that your unique form makes you the person you are. You strive to remain healthy and active, as when you feel good on the inside, you feel better on the outside too. Keep with the upbeat attitude – spreading positive vibes will help you to excel in all areas of your life. ‘We all have one if not more amazing features or signature characteristics about us that we like, for example our eyes, legs, hair or lip shape. You have to take those unique wonderful things, magnify them and build around them,’ recommends Antonia. IF YOU SCORED MOSTLY CS… YOU’RE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS You’re a realist but definitely more of a ‘glass half full’ type. While there are things you would change about yourself, you don’t get down on a daily basis. You like looking and feeling good and you take care of your appearance. Working out is key for you as it helps you understand your body, and the goals keep you focused. ‘To maintain a sense of fulfilment, look at one thing you love about yourself and make a big deal out of that. In turn, any minor issues will not be amplified if you have one positive to start with,’ says Antonia. Keep up the good work!