SEVEN SECRETS TO a KILLER BODY IMAGE.

EVER WONDER WHY SOME GIRLS SEEM TO HAVE ALL THE CONFIDENCE? US, TOO. WE ASKED REAL GIRLS' LIFE READERS TO REVEAL THEIR WISDOM!

SECRET 1

CONFIDENCE RULES.

Confidence comes from not worrying about things you can't control. While you can choose to be active and healthy, genetics play the biggest role in how your body looks. And since life doesn't come with a reset button, why not focus your energy on the things you like about yourself?

I have a growth deficiency--I'm really short and flat-chested for an almost 13-year-old But for the most part, I am OK with it. There is the odd day when I think it stinks, but then I forget about it and just go have fun with friends, read a good hook, go on the computer, whatever. It really bums me out when my friends complain about their bodies. We should all realize were goddesses in our own way!

Rachel C., 13

You can have an awesome bod no matter what! All you need is a big dose of confidence, confidence, confidence. I definitely DO NOT have the perfect body. I'm in eighth grade and, last year, I was down on myself because I'm totally flat. On the other hand, I can eat as much as I want and not gain weight. All you have to do is find something you like about yourself and then make the most out of it.

Megan L., 14

SECRET 2

ENVY IS A WASTE OF TIME.

You know that saying about the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence? Same is true for bodies--flat girls want 34Cs, short girls want to be tall, blah, blah, blah. So the next time you look in the mirror and are about to slam yourself, remember there are plenty of girls who see your "flaw" as an asset! Works for J. Lo!

Sometimes when I shop for pants or skirts, I don't feel so hot about myself. I usually wear one size up from most of my friends. I try not to feel so self-conscious because I know I'm a lot taller than most girls. I also remind myself that as long as I'm healthy, it doesn't matter what size I am.

Jen

Here's a lesson I learned from some girls in my class: I was really jealous of them, but then I found out they were also jealous of me. You may not be a super model, but remember that everyone has at least one great body feature. Hey, girls might even be jealous of you!

Jackie G., 11

SECRET 3

FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE, NOT YOUR SIZE.

It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Would you stop loving your sister or BFF if she weighed 10 pounds more? We didn't think so. The sad thing is many girls get bummed about themselves when their bodies go through natural changes. So next time you start to criticize yourself, think, "Hey, lots of people love me just the way I am." Do what Camryn Manheim does, and show yourself the same care and respect.

I'm not perfect but, when I look in the mirror, I think, "I'm looking pretty good today." I don't worry too much about my appearance. My friends are my friends, and they like me because of my personality--not my body! Whether you're big, small, short, tall or whatever, don't get upset with yourself about your size. If you have friends who like you for you--that's all you need.

Alina N., 12

Body confidence comes from my friends being supportive. My friends never say mean things about my appearance. If they did, they wouldn't be true friends.

Laura R., 14

I believe my friends when they tell me they wish they looked more like me. I am also not afraid to give myself compliments! And I pay quite a few to my friends, too.

Catherine E., 11

SECRET 4

HEALTHY HABITS ROCK.

Let's get one thing straight: The goal of working out and eating right is not to turn yourself into a scary stick like Calista Flockhart. But study after study proves girls feel better about themselves if they exercise regularly (anything from team sports to fun runs to dancing around your room for 20 minutes) and eat a balanced diet (that means all the food groups). Need more ideas on how to feel and look great? Check out our "Summer Savvy Ways to Feel Spectacular" on page 64.

My body image changes as fast as my body morphs! Some days, I say, "I'm looking so good right now." Other days, I say, "Molly, you should really tone up that tummy!" After I've exercised, I automatically feel better. I recommend this to everyone. It makes you feel refreshed, healthy and energetic.

Molly F., 13

I play soccer 24/7 and while other people snack on potato chips, I munch on fruit. To feel great just eat healthy and stay active.

Hanna S., 13

I eat lots of fruit (yum!), plenty of protein and not as many sugars. Another great confidence builder? Play outside more and do well in school.

Marissa L., 12

Snacking really packed the pounds on me, so I came up with a solution. Every time I want a candy bar, I chew gum instead Not Bubblicious or Hubba Bubba but sugar-free stuff like Trident. And thank God for my dogs because I can torture them into going for a long run with me every day.

Christy, 11

SECRET 5

HARNESS THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING

Having a healthy bad is only half the battle. You also need a healthy mindset. Vow to banish negative thoughts the second they pop into your head just like Drew Barrymore does. Instead of looking for things to hate, why not choose some things you love? Even if it's just that you have cute ears or nice toes. Everyone has at least one great feature. Be proud of it!

It's not like I don't have my insecurities. So I've come up with three rules to help me feel totally in control and love myself One, never leave the house with a negative attitude. In my experience, a negative attitude gets you nowhere. If have a negative attitude, you w almost definitely have a bad day. Two, to quote my favorite son "Ignore the insults; remember t compliments. "And three, find five things you love about yourself--and remember them when you're feeling down. It works for me.

Jaclyn D., 12

SECRET 6

THINK LIKE A GUY

OK, OK, we know more and more guys are worrying about how their bodies look. But honestly, how many guys do you know who spend half the day complaining about how fat their thighs are (and no, Jack from Will & Grace doesn't count)? Not many, we hope. The bottom line is that guys just don't openly obsess about this stuff. They have better things to do--and so do you.

I think I have a great body image because I listen to stuff like Korn, Godsmack, Bauhaus and System of a Down. I choose to follow these bands instead of Britney Spears and all those skinny girl singers who wear tiny tops to show off their bodies. If I worshiped them, I bet I'd feel pressure to be thinner. But as it is, I don't worry too much about beautiful celebrities. I'm more of a tomboy--I like to play sports, skateboard and listen to music guys like. As a result, I don't pay attention to many female idols who could influence me to want to change my body. I know it's not the answer for most girls, but that's my secret.

Andrea B., 13

SECRET 7

DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS...ESPECIALLY CELEBRITIES.

The truth is out! Celebrities have teams of stylists who make sure they look great at all times! And most of them work out like fiends and insist photos and videos be altered to make them appear much better-looking than they really are! All so they can make more money off your idol worship of them! Really, isn't it bad enough that stars get free clothes and limos and primo treatment every time they leave the house? Why let them take your self-esteem along with your hard-earned cash? It's OK that you don't look like Britney. Trust us, Britney doesn't even look like Britney. It is a little harder to deal when that "superstar" is the school Barbie doll--the perfect one who changes right next to your gym locker. It's natural to be curious about how other girls look and how their bodies are different from yours (just no tactless staring, please). What's not OK is to endlessly wonder why you don't have boobs like Babs.

We hate to once again state the obvious, but people come in all shapes and sizes but you only come in one. The sooner you're happy with your own special body combo, the sooner you'll feel like a superstar. Just don't have your publicist call us up and demand that we put you on the cover, alright?

When people ask me about my weight, I think, "Oh, no. "Don't get me wrong--I like my body. What really bugs me is when people hear how much I weigh and then they think I'm fat. People need to understand muscle weighs more than fat. And I have a lot of muscle from doing karate! I know it's hard not to listen to other people, but I have learned to be satisfied with myself It only matters what I think of my body.

--Karla H., 13

Girls sometimes think they have to look like some unrealistic stereotype to be considered hot. I don't. That's why I have confidence. I don't compare myself to anyone.

--Dawn H., 14

Remember that everyone is different--different weights, different boob sizes, different butt sizes. You need to appreciate everyone's shape, not just one ideal.

--Molly, 14

When I look at myself in the mirror, I think I'm pretty OK I don't compare myself with TV people--most of them are fakes with lots of makeup. My friends and I try to remember everyone is created differently and uniquely. We all look pretty good!

--Sarah M., 13

BONUS SECRET!

MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR BODY

We just love all this great advice from Krista Jennings, 15. She couldn't be more right. Do any activity that gets you more in touch with all the wonderful things your body can do--gymnastics, dance, yoga, martial arts whatever. While many girls think the secret to a great body image is avoiding the mirror, we advocate just the opposite: Spend quality time checking out your wonderful self to get comfortable with what you see. Follow Krista's awesome advice, and go out in the world projecting confidence, confidence, confidence.

I think a lot of girls don't realize how good they really do look I see myself in a leotard and tights a ton because I dance (ballet, modern, jazz) seriously six days a weeks. I spend a lot of time seeing myself in those dreaded ballet mirrors all along the studio walls. Frankly, whenever I see myself, I never think my body looks bad, just normal. That constant reminder keeps me level-headed. I don't get too wrapped up in the "I'm fat" thing.

I also make it a point to wear clothes that look good on me! I'm not talking teeny halter tops. Yes, those things would fit, but that's not the kind of "good"! mean. I wear fitted pants because they aren't trashy-tight on me. I can wear tiny sweaters that bigger busted girls don't look as good in. I have good legs for capris and knee-length skirts so I wear them--and get compliments! But, I can't wear dresses with a deep V-neck or a seam under the bust because I have no chest! In short...if it doesn't flatter you, don't wear it!

And it's so important to IGNORE WEIGHT! The numbers mean nothing! As long as you're not considerably overweight for your height and age according to your doctor, don't worry about it. The same goes for dress sizes. Don't freak out if you're not a size 0!

My last tip for a good body image is GOOD POSTURE! Think about it--those models walk perfectly down the runway. You don't see any of them slouching! No one says you have to look like Gisele (be happy you don't have to wear socks and pumps for a living), but walking with your head up automatically makes you look more confident.

That's pretty much all that I do to make myself realize that, yeah, I AM a hottie! Of course, I'm not the only one...so many girls are who don't realize it! And I ALWAYS try to tell my friends that, because it's true!