We live in a society full of contradictions. The cosmetics industry wants us to be dissatisfied with our appearance to drive us to buy its products: The fashion industry wants us to slim: Whilst the fast food industry wants us to eat fast food at any time of the day or night.

The diet, cosmetics and fashion industry is constantly finding new ways to pressure us to feel dissatisfied with the way we look. Why? It is simply so that they can create a market for their new products.

Never imagine that the airbrushed-perfection pictures in magazines and advertisements are real and attainable. No one looks this perfect in real life. It is important to be aware of what is going on so that you do not get sucked in.

The cosmetics industry would like us to be constantly buying the latest miracle creams to cure aging and to try and look perfect. It is dangerous and expensive to get reeled in to needing all these expensive creams serums make and potions. There is so much of this pressure in the media and most of the products are ridiculously over-priced. I am a strong believer in putting only natural products on the skin as these will have good results in the long term. When you work with nature you have to be a little patient but the results are lasting and beautiful. There is no need for these products to be expensive.

The new fashion for size zero is another example. We read about it in the press but I have never been into a shop and seen a dress labeled size zero.  I can only imagine that it would fit a very small child.

It is hard on the young who have so much pressure. They can get so stressed out about appearance. I often receive letters from young beautiful girls who worry that they are not tall enough or slim enough even though they are of good weight for their height. Every culture is different and in some it is natural to be tall, whilst in others the majority might be quite petite. But it would be a very boring old world if we all looked the same. The fact is that the young have no need to worry as they are naturally beautiful simply because they are young, which is tremendously beautiful in itself. The current fashion of being slim to the point of being bony is a form of abuse. True beauty lies in good health and in your own uniqueness and not in looking as though you cannot afford to eat.

A French woman once told me that if you think you look good so will everyone else — and I do believe this is true. There is nothing more attractive than being happy in your own skin and that gives you confidence. Restricting your diet in order to lose weight may affect your good health and fertility in the long term. It just takes a little organization to follow a healthy diet, and with a healthy diet you will have healthy skin, shiny hair and loads of energy.  If you would like a copy of my healthy eating plan e-mail to [email protected].

If you are born to have curves, enjoy them rather than spend time wishing you looked like someone else; enjoy who you are and accept what nature has given you. I always promote healthy eating and exercise for health. Whatever your shape you want to take care of your body – it is your very best friend. We all want to look our own personal best and take care of ourselves. We are all special in our own unique way and we do not want to be slaves to the fashion industry and all look the same. Mothers should tell their daughters that they are unique and special so that they grow up with self-confidence and do not feel the need to copy someone else’s idea of beauty. True style is in choosing your own unique style and then getting on and enjoying life and not worrying about your appearance
 

    

 
Having a traditional cooked breakfast in the morning can be a healthy choice if you grill lean beef bacon, poach the eggs and include baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms cooked without fat, and serve it all up with thick crusty bread; you’ll have yourself a delicious cooked breakfast that is also healthy and balanced.