Being in college taught me the most about body images and how to treat my body properly. I always knew that there were false representations of bodies in the media and i knew those nuggets from McDonald's would eventually kill me, but it didn't truly register until I was on my own and no one had to remind me of these things. Experiencing the world for myself let me create my own interpretations often world around me and taught me more about my body than ever before.

1. Hydration is key

Water is the best thing for your metabolism and your skin. Ever since I started prioritizing drinking water and making it a part of my daily routine over soda and other drinks, my skin has improved drastically and my metabolism has been amazing, so drinking lots of water helps improve your health in many ways!

2. Food is okay

I've always seen food as a bad thing, especially since people started counting calories, but in reality, anything in moderation is good for you. I've always been the kind of person who felt awkward when I ate in front of people, like they would judge me if I only ate a bag of chips and a Hostess Cupcake for lunch, but anymore, I have realized that all food is good for your body as long as it's in moderation. You can eat what you want as long as you aren't purging, you feel? If you want to eat that cookie, then eat the cookie! No one should judge you by what or how you eat because your appetite is completely normal and good for your body. Food nourishes your body so don't be afraid to eat!

3. Weights over cardio

When I would work out in high school, I would always hit the elliptical and I would never see a drastic change in my body. In college, I learned that lifting and squatting weights literally changes how your body looks for the better. It's definitely hard work, but to me, it's not as hard as constant cardio!

4. Your body is perfect

The main thing I have learned about bodies and body image is that everyone has a beautiful body. Yes, there are always going to be ways to get healthier and take care of yourself as a whole, but in reality, everyone has a beautiful body and I love how humans are all so different in that way. I love walking around and seeing every body-type in shorts and a crop top because they know they're beautiful.

LIKE, YES GIRL, SHOW OFF THAT CONFIDENCE! Remember, you are BEAUTIFUL and you were made to be different than everyone else. It took me so long to realize that I didn't need to conform to what society tells me my body should look like. My curves are beautiful and yours are, too!!