Self-Image

So I recently shared this post for the Speak Now Event that strives to empower young women helping them achieve their goals.  I wanted to share this here as well because it's a topic I'm truly passionate about.

 

One of the issues that the majority of teens face every day is self-image.  Growing up, I can honestly say this was probably one of my biggest challenges and is a huge motivator behind why I started Eat Yourself Skinny.  I never really felt comfortable in my own skin and was constantly comparing myself to famous actresses, models or even my closest girlfriends.  Young, impressionable girls are constantly walking past countless magazines or coming across images online that glamorize size zero frames saying that THIS is what society considers beautiful.  Ladies I promise you, this is just not true!

 

Every single woman is born a different size and shape and that is true beauty at its finest.  Sure some of you may be naturally as thin as Miss Taylor Swift or you might rock some fabulous curves like Jennifer Hudson, but I can pretty much guarantee you everyone, no matter what size they are, finds faults in themselves.  Just remember girls, YOU are your worst critic.  Embrace your imperfections and realize it’s those things that make a person unique and beautiful.   True beauty comes from within and nothing is more attractive than a confident girl with her head held high rockin’ a pair of stilettos.

 

Ok so flats are super cute too, but you get what I mean.

 

   

Society’s definition of beauty is completely skewed and magazines should be your go-to on the latest fashion trends, not to see who looks better.  Even Jennifer Aniston has said she barely recognizes herself after a photo shoot.  Girlfriend is airbrushed and edited like crazy!  Hollywood’s standards of beauty are completely unattainable so don’t let yourself get wrapped up in them.  If you want to lose weight, do it because YOU want to be healthy, not for those size 2 skinny jeans you bought yourself months ago in the hopes that you’d stop eating long enough to fit into them.  I know I’ll never be a size 2 and probably won’t ever be a size 4, and I’m okay with that!

 

Find out where you feel the most healthy and happy with yourself and go from there.  Eat foods that boost your metabolism such as grapefruit, apples and spinach (yes there was indeed a method to Popeye’s madness) and don’t forget to eat breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day for a reason.  Feel free to indulge in some whole wheat waffles with fresh fruit, your body will thank you!  Also make sure to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise in each day and drink lots of water.  I promise, you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.

 

 

Most of all, just love YOU.