For all the young women struggling

Healthy vs. Skinny

Okay, so in light of beginning my new workout and diet plan today, I have this question: Why do we focus on wanting to be skinny??
Yes I am guilty of looking in magazines and online and wishing I looked like some girl. I am guilty of saying “I wish I was skinny”. I even have a picture on my phone of myself from my freshman year in college. During this time I was the smallest I have ever been; I was also pretty sick and was not able to eat much. I look back at this photo often and think to myself “I wish I could look like that again”.
Last night I really got to thinking; would I rather be skin and bones in order to be skinny or would I rather be fit, healthy, and toned? Sure I was skinny in the picture I have on my phone, but I was also unhealthy. My new goal isn’t to be skinny like those girls I see; my new goal is to be healthy. To me being healthy means so many things: eating healthy, working out, being happy with myself, gaining muscle, losing fat, and maintaining a healthy weight for my height.
I will admit I weigh myself once a week, but I will not let that number dictate my life or be a symbol of my worth. I am worth so much more than some number on a scale. I encourage any girl struggling with her weight or self-image to do the same. As young women, we shouldn’t have to face every day being unhappy with ourselves. We deserve to be happy, healthy, and amazing.

©Kaitlyn Peck 2013