A Number On The Scale Does Not Define You Now, Or Ever

A Number On The Scale Does Not Define You Now, Or Ever

Ladies, let's stop allowing a number determine our happiness.

Kelsey Kagan
Kelsey Kagan Apr 24, 2019
317
views

OK, let's get real for a second. My mood can change in literally two seconds just from stepping on the scale. Did the number go up or down? I'm so sick of a simple three-digit number dictating whether I have a good day or not. If I don't see the number on the scale go down, I feel extremely discouraged and lose every ounce of confidence. Why is a number on a scale so damn important in this generation? Who even cares what your weight is? If you are healthy and content, why would you possibly allow a number impact your day so much?

My weight constantly fluctuates and the more I weigh myself, the more unhappy I become. If we would just throw away the scales, maybe peoples' outlooks on life would become much more positive. Sometimes I wake up with a flat stomach and feel so confident when I look in the mirror, so I decide to step on the scale. The second I see my weight go up, my mood flips like a light switch. It can be so discouraging to not see results on the scale.

People need to remember that the scale is not the end-all-be-all. We truly need to stop using the scale to track our success from the the the appropriate diet and exercise. How you feel is far more significant than what the number says. How do your clothes fit? Do you see a difference in your progress photos? Do you have more energy? Do you sleep better? Do you have less stomach pain?

I feel so passionate about this because I know how hard struggling with weight is. For some people, like myself, it feels like an ongoing battle that seems like something we will struggle with our entire lives. No, absolutely not; we can make a change. Something I wish I knew earlier is that if your weight affects how your friends or significant other act towards you, CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE. We must surround ourselves with people who uplift us and make us see the light in every situation, for me, that's my mom. She is my rock and my entire support system. If you are lucky enough to have a strong support system behind you, truly anything is possible.

In the end, we are in charge of our own happiness. We have control over if we have a good day or a bad day. It all comes down to your perception of life. Remind yourself to look at the positive of every situation, never the negative. Will you choose to make the best out of every situation and take control of your life or will you let society determine your outlook on life?

Kelsey Kagan
Kelsey Kagan Apr 24, 2019
At Auburn University

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I'm Not A Fan Of The Body Positivity Movement

Be the change you want to see in yourself.
Olivia Scherzer
Olivia Scherzer May 23, 2017
2108
views

What is body positivity? Body positivity focuses on empowering people to be more loving and open to their bodies instead of constantly putting themselves down. I am a prime suspect in hating my own body. Whenever I look at myself in the mirror, I point out all my flaws. My thighs, butt, rolls, and even sometimes, my face.

There are countless body positivity movements and I was on board with almost all of them. It is important to never belittle yourself. Always stay true to who you are. That's why my point of view drastically changed on body image and learning to self-love. Body positivity is about loving your body, but if you don't love your body because you're too fat, too skinny, too stout, or not pretty enough, then instead of teaching yourself not to say anything bad, why don't you change it?

Instead of ripping me to shreds, hear me out. I'm known for eating Ben and Jerry's ice cream. In fact, whenever I stroll into the gas station down the street, the clerk knows that I am going straight to the freezer for my ice cream fix. I don't eat some of it and put it back in the freezer when I get home. No, I eat it all. And I hate myself for it. But then, I see an empowering on Facebook about respecting your body. So my empowered self goes out and grabs two more pints of ice cream and I remind myself that it's my body and I can do what I want with it.

What happens now? I'm ten pounds heavier and a little bit closer to obesity or any other weight-related diseases such as diabetes. The body positivity movement is wonderful, but it's missing one thing: if you don't like those extra pounds, get rid of them. If you really don't think you're pretty enough, buy that expensive makeup. Because you can do whatever you want with your body.

Going on a diet plan/exercise plan CAN be beneficial. If you have a habit of going extreme and end up starving yourself, stop reading and please consult a doctor. I'm not promoting anorexia, bulimia, or any other eating disorder. This is not me saying to you that you need to workout twice a day and only eat lettuce for the rest of your life. I'm not telling you to do anything.

But if you don't like it when you eat that pint of ice cream and that whole box of Oreos, be like me and start a plan where you eat half of that pint and only a couple Oreos a week.

One more important thing in the body positivity movement: self-care. Take care of your body, put the right nutrients inside. Don't go to the gym every single day killing yourself on the treadmill. If you don't feel like going to the gym, take a walk around your neighborhood or even to the mailbox. Don't load up on junk food and fast food. Eat a sandwich and opt for the side salad instead of the bag of potato chips at Panera. It's all about caring for your own body. Don't just sit there and hate on your body. It's your body and you can do what you want with it.

So get up (or not) and put down those Oreos and Diet Coke. Because you can change. Yes, you can. It's all up to you. No one else but your beautiful self.



Cover Image Credit: Christopher Campbell
Olivia Scherzer
Olivia Scherzer May 23, 2017
At Virginia Tech

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11 Things You NEVER Say To A College Girl Trying To Get Into Shape

Just never talk about a person's weight.

ccampanelli26
ccampanelli26 May 21, 2019
372
views

When my family and friends joked that I was going to gain 15 pounds in my freshman year of college as a result of the "Freshman 15," I thought it was what it was supposed to be: a joke. However, as the year has come to an end, I realized that I actually did put on a couple of pounds, albeit it wasn't the predicted 15.

As I told those that I wanted to get into an ideal shape for my body, I was met with some insensitive and ignorant remarks. Everyone thought that I mean just losing the weight I had put on.

1. "You walk to all of your classes, why aren't you losing weight that way?"

My legs are more toned than they ever have been before. However, most of the weight I have been gaining has gone directly to my gut (annoying!) and walking does not remedy that. Unfortunately, I have to stick to ab workouts.

2. "But you look fine to me!"

I don't feel healthy to myself. I'm not trying to stay in shape for anyone else, just myself, thanks. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better about my body image but I know something has to be done.

3. "I didn't gain any weight in college."

Good for you. I did. I'm trying to do something about it.

4. "Just stop drinking."

I don't drink. Really, the only liquid I consume is water or iced tea. I don't like soda and alcohol makes me nauseous way too easily.

5. "Isn't the gym free on campus for students?"

Yes, but some people don't like working out in front of others. I am one of those people. My friend lives in an apartment complex that has their own gym and almost no one is ever there but not everyone has that luxury. Also, some are busy and do not have time for a quick jog or to stretch.

6. "You should try this diet/pills/exercise routine."

I am thankful that you are trying to help but my diet is just eating healthy and having a few cheat days in between. I know what exercises work best for me and I am just not taking pills. Bodies adjust differently.

7. "Don't starve/force yourself to throw up."

Trust me, I know. I'm trying to lose the weight healthily. If you do find yourself practicing unhealthy eating habits or realizing your body image is deteriorating, the NEDA Hotline is (800) 931-2237. Please reach out if you are going through hardships.

8. "Won't you have to buy a whole new wardrobe?"

If I drop (or even add) a size or two. We grow out and grow tired of clothes on the regular, what's the difference if you have to buy some because of a weight change? Plus, who doesn't love buying new clothes?

9. "Just eat healthier."

Didn't think of it! Options are limited at college where the dining halls don't offer all that much that is actually good for your body. Now that I'm at home, it's easier. But I'm already trying to eat healthy.

10. "You've evened out since the last time I saw you!"

This is code for you've put on some weight. I hear it mostly from older relatives because my friends will flat out tell me if I've gotten a little chunky.

11. "You're just stressed."

Personally, this one gets me livid. I do admit that when I am stressed or anxious, I do turn to food for comfort but when I am delighted and genuinely happy, will my body magically revert into a fit state?

Sadly, no.

Honestly, I am just trying to get my body back into shape. For me, that means cutting back on greasy foods and kicking a bad habit of sitting on my butt all day. For others, it could mean more or less. As long as your body is in good physical condition and you are content, the number on the scale and others' thoughts shouldn't matter. Take care of yourself.

ccampanelli26
ccampanelli26 May 21, 2019
At University of Rhode Island

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