In a world where unrealistic body standards are constantly on display on social media, author Kimberly King is working to promote healthy body image in children in her newest book.
“Finding Your Fit: A kid-to-kid guide to fitness, food, and feelings,” focuses on wellness and self-esteem when it comes to eating and exercising. King, who lives in Virginia Beach, Va., collaborated on the book with her daughter Gabby as well as with fitness and nutrition expert Jim White of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios, which is based in South Hampton Roads.
The book, published last year by Virginia Beach-based Koehler Books, takes young readers on a journey “through real-life scenarios and kid-friendly talking points as experienced, perceived and inspired by main character Gabby,” King explains. “What is unique about this story is that it is told through the voice of Gabby and is full of kid-friendly language. We wanted to write a book that would help kids start off on the right foot and find a way to health and wellness from the very beginning.”
King, who has also written children’s books on sexual-abuse prevention and dealing with divorce, said she was inspired to pen ”Finding Your Fit” in part because of her daughter’s struggles with an eating disorder as a teenager. King connected with White as part of her daughter’s treatment, which eventually led to a partnership on the book.
“Actively learning about health and wellness with real people is what made the difference for Gabby,” King says. Gabby is now 20 and a student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
“Finding Your Fit,” designed for children ages 5 through 10, is interactive and includes a reflection journal to encourage further dialogue between parents and children. The book includes tips on eating healthy foods, food portions and eating in moderation, ways to get your body moving, how to be more positive and how to practice self-care.
“We wanted to share a book about fitness and wellness that would help young kids really understand the basics,” says King.
The book “is not about a number on the scale or reading labels,” she says. “It is about realizing that bodies come in all different shapes and sizes, that you can start doing healthy things for your body today, and that health and wellness start with a few simple steps in the right direction. It’s about accepting and loving yourself for who you are and learning how to take the best care of your body and spirit that you can.”
King’s goal is for parents and children to continue with ongoing discussions long after reading the book. She also writes about proactive parenting on her blog, found through her website, kimberlykingbooks.com.
“Caregivers play a vital role in promoting the kind of positive body image that can help children feel more comfortable and confident,” says White, who weighed in on the fitness and nutrition points of the book and even posed as a character in the story. “Rather than obsessing over food or weight, children with good self-images tend to have more energy and attitudes they need to enjoy physical activity, while children with negative self-images feel more self-conscious and tentative and are at a greater risk for weight gain or eating disorders.”
King agrees.
“I found that eating disorders are very common for our children and they are developing unhealthy relationships with food and their bodies at a very early age,” King says. “Parents can play a huge role here. As long as kids are eating healthy foods, moving their bodies and taking care of themselves, they can lay the foundation for a life full of healthy eating habits and possibly avoid some of the pitfalls out there like negative self-esteem, negative body image, and eating disorders.”
