The Unhealthy Fight to Be Thin

Although unhealthy starvation diets are not the key to a happy life, it is true that exercise and healthy eating can make you look and feel your best. When you take care of your body, you are comfortable in your own skin and more attune with your own sexual desires, whereas if you don’t, you might struggle with low self-esteem in the bedroom, such as not wanting to have the lights on or refusing to wear lingerie. Sadly, such low self-esteem can chip away at a woman’s relationship and her connection with her partner. Sexual intimacy is a big part of a happy marriage, and it is how couples stay bonded and stay satisfied throughout the years. If sex goes out the window, you can expect marital satisfaction to plummet dramatically as a result.

Furthermore, when it comes to poor self-image and eating disorders, your relationship with your partner isn’t the only one you need to worry about, as it turns out that your kids may inherit more than just your genes. Teens who see their mothers on an unending quest to be thin may be more likely to obsess about their own weight and diet. If a mom's attitude about being in shape is unhealthy, it can lead to damaging food behaviors in her kids. Make sure you are sending the right message to your children — put the focus on their health, not their weight!

Fortunately, you don’t have to look like Natalie Portman in order to enjoy a healthy sex life. Instead of stressing over reaching the perfect weight, make it your goal to simply take good care of your body and your mind. Discover activities that make you feel good and look good at the same time, like rock-climbing, skiing, or dance classes. Ditch your inhibitions in the bedroom by trying something new, like having sex in a new position or wearing a daring new piece of lingerie. There are so many flattering and comfortable brands of lingerie out there, and with such a wide variety of colors and styles, there really is something for everyone.

It's important to find a way to stay fit without going to an unhealthy extreme. Anorexia, bulimia, and excessive exercise all, ironically, accelerate the aging process. If you or someone close to you seems to be engaging in unhealthy food or exercise behaviors, know that eating disorders may not be just a young woman's struggle anymore — and that you should seek help from a doctor or therapist to ensure good health for years to come.