Khloe Kardashian says years of bodyshaming made her protective over daughter True's self-image

After years of being critiqued for her body, Khloe Kardashian is revealing her approach to self-image while raising her 3-year-old daughter, True.

The TV personality, 37, reflected in a Health interview published Wednesday on helping True, whom she shares with ex Tristan Thompson, take care of her emotional and physical health.

"She's very tall. People will always say, 'She's so big.' And I'll say, 'Oh, she's so tall.' "

Instead, Kardashian encourages different language to discuss her daughter's body. Research has shown that using more body positive language can help address the mental health consequences of being body-shamed.

"I try to make them be more descriptive. I know what an adult means when they say that, but I don't want her to misinterpret that."

This reaction stems from her experiences of being body-shamed, Kardashian said. In April, the reality star revealed that she struggled with her own body image after having "every single flaw and imperfection" analyzed by the public.

"When it comes to food — I had so many issues. It wasn't from one person, I guess just from society or how people critiqued my body. So, I don't play when it comes to True."

However, Kardashian notes that her 3 year old is "really tough, which is a great thing."

"I do try to always tell her that it's OK if she cries or if something is wrong."

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Kardashian also reflected on her own health journey in the interview, noting that her fitness regime first started as a coping mechanism.

"When I was younger and was sad, I would eat—I was an emotional eater. And then I hated the way I felt after that. I was almost punishing myself for binging or having a bag of chips—it just became so much thought. I had tried every diet under the sun."

However, going to the gym allowed her to truly take care of her own emotional health.

"I turned to the gym when I was going through a divorce," she said in reference to her 2016 split from ex-husband Lamar Odom. "At first your body is, like, dying. But emotionally and mentally, the release that I got was worth it. I quickly realized how good I feel when I'm consistent with it."

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In April, Kardashian got candid about the pressure to look perfect and the toll it took on her self esteem when a seemingly unedited and unfiltered photo of the reality star started circulating online.

"The photo that was posted this week is beautiful. But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn't flattering in bad lighting or doesn't capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point – and then shares it to the world – you should have every right to ask for it to not be shared – regardless of who you are," Kardashian wrote.

"You never quite get used to being judged and pulled apart and told how unattractive one is, but I will say if you hear anything enough then you will start to believe it," her statement read. "This is how I have been conditioned to feel, that I am not beautiful enough just being me."

If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, the National Eating Disorders Association's toll-free and confidential helpline is available by phone or text at 1-800-931-2237 or by click-to-chat message at nationaleatingdisorders.org/helpline. For 24/7 crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741-741.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Khloe Kardashian explains why she won't let people call daughter 'big'