Taryn Brumfitt Video Reveals Women Find Their Bodies 'Disgusting': What Can We Do About It?

Beyonce's gone on about it, all the while showing off her incredible post-baby weight loss, and tiny (though considered plus size in Hollywood) Jennifer Lawrence has tried to outlaw the word 'fat'.

Unattainable celebs paying lip service to body image is all well and good, but one Australian woman is fighting negative body image in a way we can all relate to.

[Caroline Flack on body image]
[Should we have self-esteem lessons?]

Using deeply personal and powerful images of herself, the mum-of-three reveals in a short film how she hated her 'post baby body' and even considered plastic surgery before realising that in order to pass on a healthy body image to her daughters, she needed to find a way to love herself as she is.

She asked 100 women to describe their body in one word. And the overwhelming response is heartbreaking, with 'disgusting' being a clear theme.

You might recognise Taryn from the unconventional before and after shots she released a year ago that showed her in a body building competition (before) and as a regular, rather softer, mum (after).

She was lauded for showing a real, un-airbrushed view of women's bodies and is part of a bigger movement celebrating real bodies, rather than the airbrushed, personal-trainer-sculpted abs we're so used to seeing.

She started a website, The Body Image Movement, and is raising money to get her documentary made.

But while it's all very well Beyonce et al telling us to feel good about our bodies, no matter what we look like, it's not as simple as that.

Brumfitt is the first to admit that learning to love her body has not been easy. She writes: "It's taken a lot of effort, time and energy but I can tell you there is nothing better than a) loving your body wholeheartedly, lumps and bumps and all and b) telling society where they can shove their ideals of beauty."

Elizabeth Kesses, author of the Ugly Little Girl trilogy, agrees that it's easier said than done.

"What I strongly believe and what Taryn's story shows is that body confidence is wrapped up in general self esteem. If you don't feel confident, the first thing you take it out on is your body.

"Even when she had a 'perfect' body, Taryn wasn't happy, and it took improving her own self esteem before she could be happy in the body she was in."

She continues: "And I know it's true because it's what I went through and I really struggled with it. I was at a real low point, boarderline anorexic and it was a hole I just couldn't get out of."

Through her own experience and extensive research Kesses has some advice for those of us for whom being body confident seems impossible.

"Firstly, it takes about 21 days to change behavior and one technique that you can do every day is celebrate three things that you’re happy about. They don't have to be about your body, though they can be. Do that every day you'll start to create feelings of wellbeing and happiness.

"Secondly, when we look in the mirror, the first thing we do is start being really negative and looking at things we don’t like. We would never dream of looking at others in the same way. So force yourself to focus on the things that look good that day - maybe your hair's looking less frizzy than yesterday, or your eyes a little brighter.

"And thirdly, there's social interaction. When we're with friends we indulge in a phenomenon called 'fat talking'. It starts from about the age of 11 and it's a ritualised conversation - about how fat you are, who's lost weight, who feels good...

"And It's something you have to conciously stop yourself doing. Instead of saying 'you've lost weight', give a more specific compliment. Tell your friends she looks great in that hat or something that's not related to weight loss."

She also suggests that in the beginning, espeically if you're feeling sensitive, you take a break from glossy mags, which have been shown to decrease self-esteem.

And finally, look for your passions as a way of boosting your overall confidence.

"Most of us don’t ever really work out what our passions are, yet the thing that gives you the biggest amount of self esteem is to work out what you're good at - your unique skills.

"Whether it’s being creative or helping other people or getting involved in the community or politics, identify your passions and follow them."

How do you feel body confident? Share you tips over on Twitter using #YBody.