Parenting Australia

Love Your Shape with Arlene Normand

Observe women who seem comfortable with their bodies. They all come in different shapes and sizes. Some women are large, but dress with flair and are the centre of attention. Many characteristics make people appealing, not just slimness. Historically, voluptuous figures oozed sensuality. Try including yourself in your definition of beauty; you may find it extremely liberating.

Talk to yourself positively. Rather than listening to your inner critic, remind yourself that no-one is physically perfect. Don't obsess about what you see as "wrong" with your body.

Befriend your mirror image. Look at yourself in a full length mirror and focus on the areas you like. Breathe deeply and compliment yourself on some aspects of your appearance while gazing at your image.

Stop focusing on the appearance of your body. Rather, think about its function as an instrument of action. Exercise is an important tool for making that change. Create physical challenges; meeting these will be empowering and give you confidence.

Try to be realistic in your view of yourself. What's the use in saying you are overweight when you fall into the healthy weight range? Use your clothes as a guide if you're worrying over a couple of kilos and stop overestimating your flaws.

Cultivating self confidence like you would a habit. Tr y acting as if you are self confident. Stand tall with your head up high, shoulders back and a pleasant expression on your face. Always remind yourself that you are important and that you matter. Stop comparing yourself to other women. Whether they're movie stars, younger women, colleagues or models, just stop. If people make negative remarks about your body remember it is their problem. People often project their own struggles onto other people.

Be kind to your body. Rest when you are tired. Go for a walk. Moisturise your skin. Eat well and stay groomed: when you look as good as you can, you'll feel great. This is your body: taking care of it can instill pride of ownership.

CHICKeN TANDOORI

4 x 125g single chicken breast fillets

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp tandoori spice

1/2 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic

2 tsp grated fresh ginger

1 tbs lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup low–fat plain yoghurt

Mixed salad leaves and lime wedges to serve

1. Place chicken in a large shallow dish.

2. Process coriander, cumin, tandoori spice, onion, garlic, ginger, juice and salt in a food processor to a smooth paste. Add yoghurt; mix well. Coat chicken with the tandoori paste. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight.

3. Preheat your oven to 190'c

4. Place the chicken on a wire rack in a baking dish.

5. Cook in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Serve chicken sliced with mixed salad leaves and lime wedges.

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Arlene Normand is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Nutritionist and author. Her focus is on diet, eating-related issues, weight loss, diabetes, gastro-intestinal problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and IBS. She can be found at Suite 102a, 91 O'Sullivan Rd, Rose Bay. Tel: 9362 4876, or visit www.arlenesway.com.au

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