For those of you who ingested one too many fun sized snickers leftover from Halloween, just know you aren't alone. To my friends already drooling over the thought of Thanksgiving and daydreaming about Christmas cookies, we're in it together. Occasionally indulging in food you love doesn't make you unhealthy, it makes you happy. The truth about health is: it's not about how you look, it's about how you feel.

Let me explain this concept of putting emotional well-being over pants size. Whether you are someone who is on a strict diet of spinach and protein powder or steaks and chocolate cake, food is what keeps your body going and fuels your energy. In order to live your life in the best way possible, you need to do what makes you happy. If counting calories and drinking a gallon of water everyday makes you happy, then do it. If grabbing another cupcake brings you joy, then do that. Why restrict yourself if you don't need to?

I have spent almost my entire life worrying about the way I look and how that should influence what I eat. I have tried so many different diets and weight-loss methods, but none of them ever lasted more than about a week. In reality, I am perfectly happy being a size 12 if it means I can enjoy one of my greatest passions in life: eating. Recently, many different publications released news that the average dress size for women is 16, instead of the previously believed 14. Women (and men) are beautiful in any shape or size, whether a 00 or 30. The size doesn't matter; it's about whether or not you feel you're treating your body with respect.

Obviously, I am not a doctor. There are certain health risks that come with being severely overweight. If you want to lose weight, do it in order to be a healthier and more active version of yourself. Losing weight to fit into a smaller size, impress people, or gain attention is not the right reason for such a major life change.

Food is good for celebration, mourning, stress, excitement, and basically every other emotion on the human scale. Mark Moroses, food critic and restaurant research analyst, plans travel based around how many meals can be had and where. Being passionate about dining creates positive and memorable experiences that bring people together. So share some good food with good company, whether that means a five course Italian feast or tofu stir fry with vegan cookies for dessert. Most importantly, do whatever makes you and your belly happy.