whilst i think this is obviously a really critical issue for girls I think it is also important for boys. for their own sense of self and how they view/treat women.
I emphasis the health benefits of foods, try not to use foods a rewards and try to set an example for the boys with healthy eating and exercise. I am v honest about the qualities of foods - i tell them which vitamins they have, what qualities they have e.g. chicken has lots of proteinm which is good for helping you grow muscles and helping you not feel too hungry when you just ate... cheese has lots of calcium bc it comes from milk (which also has lots of calcium) this is really good for your bones and keeps them strong... oranges have lots of vit c which helps you not get sick when bugs are going around, nuts have lots of good oils which help keep your skin and nails and hair healthy etc etc etc. the boys LOVE this info - the more the better. It was esp cute when DS1 asked for some nuts beofre his last hair cut so his hair would be healthy ready for it!
in terms of feeling good about themselves as whole people - i think offer priase about all elements = physical, emotional, creative, intellectual. for example - that shirt makes you look so lovely - the colour looks great with your olive skin but also praise - i was so proud of you when you helped your friend carry their backpack into kinder or something along those lines. also point out great things (on all levels) about others. oen of my friends does affirmations with her daughter each night - i am thinking about doing the same.
My DS mentioned he thought someone wasnt pretty. rather than say 'yes she is' i spoke to him about how some people think some things are pretty and others think others are - for example he may think an iris is the prettiest flower but aniother person would think a rose is, or he may like the look of one painting but someone else likes another. i did tell him that saying that to a person may hutrt their feelings - just like he would be hurt if someone said they didnt like his picture - so it is ok to think it, but it is nicer not to say it! i also asked him what are the best things about that person - and he told me how funny she is!
ok i am rambling