Boys Town Experts Highlight the Impact of Nutrition on Young Women’s Confidence and Self-Image
Boys Town, Neb. – (February 25, 2025) – As National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month approach, Boys Town National Research Hospital is encouraging families to help young women develop confidence through nutrition, self-image, and self-care.
With societal pressures and social media influencing how young women perceive themselves, Boys Town experts emphasize the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food, embracing self-care, and building self-respect. By learning how nutrition supports their bodies and overall well-being, young women can develop habits that promote long-term health and self-confidence.
“Throughout history, women have made strides in leadership, education, and advocacy, but self-image and nutrition remain critical challenges for young women today,” said Amanda Margiotta, clinical dietitian for SPARK at Boys Town National Research Hospital. “Helping young women understand the connection between nutrition, self-care, and self-respect is key to building lifelong confidence.”
Encouraging a Positive Relationship with Food
Boys Town experts stress the importance of teaching young women that food is fuel and nourishment, rather than a source of stress or restriction.
The way young women perceive food can impact their physical health, emotional well-being, and self-esteem for years to come. Encouraging balanced eating habits can help prevent disordered eating patterns and negative self-perception.
“Food should empower young women by giving them the strength and energy they need, rather than making them feel guilty or restricted,” said Margiotta. “Teaching girls to fuel their bodies rather than fear food, they are empowered to make choices that support their health—not trends or societal expectations.”
Boys Town recommends the following strategies to help families support healthy eating habits in young women:
Encourage balance, not restriction – Help them understand that all foods provide value in different ways.
Involve them in meal preparation – Engaging them in cooking and grocery shopping builds confidence in food choices.
Be mindful of language – Avoid phrases such as “I shouldn’t eat that” or “this will make me gain weight.”
Emphasize the benefits of nutrition – Teach them how different foods support energy, strength, and brain function.
Building Self-Respect and Positive Self-Image
Developing self-respect and confidence is essential for young women as they navigate adolescence. Boys Town experts encourage families to help girls recognize their worth beyond external validation.
“Self-respect plays a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Connie Schnoes, Director of Boys Town Behavioral Health. “When young women understand their value beyond appearance, they develop the confidence needed to make healthy choices and set strong personal boundaries.”
Boys Town offers the following recommendations to help young women build self-respect and a positive self-image:
Encourage self-expression – Support interests, hobbies, and activities that help them develop confidence.
Teach them to challenge negative self-talk – Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m improving and learning.”
Model confidence and self-care – Demonstrating healthy habits and self-respect sets a positive example.
Boys Town health experts are available for interviews to discuss the impact of nutrition on self-image and confidence in young women and strategies to break the cycle of diet culture and encourage balanced eating. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Jordan Weinandt at Jordan.Weinandt@boystown.org or 402-720-8865.
About Boys Town:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
