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Kate Winslet opens up about ‘damaging’ body image during her youth

British actress Kate Winslet struggled to accept her fuller figure during her youth because the women in her life failed to promote a positive attitude toward body image.

The star has famously embraced her curves throughout her career, but she admits it was something she had to learn on her own as she was only exposed to “damaging” comments about women’s bodies as a child, reports UsMagazine.com.

During a thrill-seeking trip with adventurer Bear Grylls on his series “Running Wild With Bear Grylls,” she explains, “When I grew up, I never heard positive reinforcement about body image from any female in my life. I only heard negatives. That’s very damaging, because then you’re programmed as a young woman to immediately scrutinize yourself and how you look.”

Winslet’s childhood experiences have made the actress more conscious of how her daughter, Mia, views her own body and she actively encourages the 14 year old to admire her own figure.

She says, “I stand in front of the mirror and say to Mia, ‘We are so lucky we have a shape. We’re so lucky we’re curvy. We’re so lucky we’ve got good bums.’ And she’ll say, ‘Mummy, I know, thank God.’”

Winslet’s “Running Wild With Bear Grylls” episode airs on Monday night.
Oh, and take a look at Winslet recreate a famous scene from “Titanic” on the side of a mountain below.