In what ways can I change my perception of myself and my thoughts on my body image?

Being a 20 year old female, I am obviously surrounded by millions of ads, opinions, etc. that influence my perception of how I "should" look in order to be "healthy" and "happy." Growing up I always struggled with loving me for me. I have tried a million "fad diets" and exercise plans in an attempt to get my body to look the way society wants it to look. In recent years I have finally come to the realization that as long as I know that I am doing all that I can in order to be healthy and I am happy with myself then who cares what anyone else thinks? I would be lying if I said I never slip up or fail to love my body the way that it is so I did some research in order to help me boost my body image. The Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists ways to help women love their bodies as they are. One of the things mentioned that really stuck out to me is that "a healthy body is not always linked to appearance." This really reinforced my belief that as long as I am working towards a healthy body, then I should be happy with the person that I am. Working out and eating healthy leads to a healthy lifestyle and therefore can change our outlook on ourselves. It is so important for us to love ourselves, because if we don't then who can?

Source:

" Body Image." Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009): n. page. Web. 12 Sep. 2013. <http://womenshealth.gov/body-image/about-body-image/index.html>.