Most girls aren't naturally a size 0 and will never ever be a size 0, but still aim for that unattainable goal. Society continues to lead us to believe that the models we see on magazines are what boys want, what we should want, what "normal" is. But in reality, we all know this is not the case. When we look on the street, we see a variety of body shapes, something more like a box of Crayola crayons for body shapes.
Skinny is the goal for most young women and to lose weight, the gym becomes their new home. Endless hours of cardio to burn 900 calories thinking that that will do the trick and you'll magically become skinny. Skipping meals and eating a "strictly salad" diet won't make you magically become skinny, but it could make you unhealthy. This unattainable body goal begins to consume some women's lives and changes their attitude, as well as their health.
Strong is the new skinny. Run a crap load of miles if that's what you love, but add some weights and strength training to create lean muscle. Realize that when you're exercising, you probably won't just lose weight, but gain muscle. Don't starve yourself. Don't skip meals. Don't count calories. Food is fuel and you need that fuel to power your body through your workout. When you're hungry, eat something. The nutrients food provides for your body are essential for metabolism, clear skin and healthy digestion. Learn how to treat yourself moderately and don't binge unhealthily. A slice of cake isn't going to make you gain 50 pounds and neither is eating three meals a day. It's called normal.
Building some bulk is not the end of the world. Muscles aren't manly. Muscles are strong and it shows how hard you've been working and all of the obstacles you've overcome. Keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat and your weight is but a number. If you want to be "thinner," tone your body in a healthy way. Get lifting. Go out and do something. Get the image out of your head that lifting a 3 lb. weight is going to make you into a man with muscles as big as your head. Not gonna happen. Get strong.
Conquer the stereotype that you need to be a size zero. Embrace your broad shoulders and strong quads and continue to make them stronger. Be a woman with muscles, not a woman whose skin and bones. Embrace your natural body shape. Don't transform it into something it's not. If you're built with a tiny waist and a big butt, that's you! But you can't morph yourself to have that body shape. Embrace your shape and simply continue to improve it and make it stronger.
Don't obsess over your weight -- obsess over your figure and loving yourself. Feed your body. Love your biceps, your abs, your tummy rolls, your thunder thighs. Love yourself. You'll never be perfect, but you'll always be you.
