Ah, summer. Once the golden hero of our youth, now the evil villain commanding us to cast aside the comforting concealment of oversized sweaters, and face the world with a winning smile and a surfeit of skin.

The self-condemnation begins each spring. Scowling at ourselves in unforgiving mirrors, we see not our true bodies, but an overwhelming resemblance to the Michelin Man, or perhaps a scarecrow, depending on our particular body issues. Craning our necks and twisting our spines, we suck in and puff out, obsessing over flaws that are grotesquely magnified by unflattering lights and our own insecurity.

Now, repeat after me: ENOUGH ALREADY!

In its purest form, beauty is a reflection of health. In cultures where food is scarce and childbirth dangerous, women are prized for child-bearing hips and voluptuous figures. Even our own cultural obsession with plastic surgery is an attempt to look uber-healthy. Eyelid lifts to look younger. Nose jobs to restore symmetry. Breast implants that make us look like distorted fertility goddesses. We slice and we dice in an effort to look like vibrant, sexy and young.

What if we invested just a fraction of that time and money into actually getting healthier? Instead of just looking beautiful, we would actually be beautiful. Perfect!

Well, perfect except... we want to look and feel beautiful NOW, and becoming healthier isn't an overnight process. Fear not. Here are a few confidence boosters that are both healthy and effective:

- Buy new undergarments. When was the last time you were professionally fitted for a bra? If it has been more than a year, it has been too long. Trust me - any disappointment you feel upon learning your new bra size will disappear when you see the difference in the lines and contours of your body with the proper foundation garments in place! More importantly, you will feel better (no pinching or slipping!) and provide valuable support to your frame, too.

- Start a simple exercise program. You will feel more beautiful just knowing that you are taking better care of yourself. Clothes hang best on a woman who walks with her head high and her shoulders back!

- Indulge in your favorite accessories. Whether your weakness is flashy bangle bracelets, gotta-have-'em-in-every-color shoes, or splashy lip gloss that tastes like fruit, make a fashion statement with these feel-good items.

- Exercise your brain. Learn sing language, take a cooking class, or teach yourself a few chords on guitar. An active mind is a healthy mind, and healthier minds make for healthier bodies. As an added bonus, you'll be gaining skills and confidence - both of which are extremely attractive!

There's nothing wrong with healthy quick fixes, so go ahead and enjoy them for what they are: a way to boost your morale while nourishing your body, mind and spirit. Now look in the mirror, give yourself a big ol' wolf whistle, and say "Heya, Healthy!"

Learn more about this author, Brenda Fallon.
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