This is probably one of the most challenging topics to understand and accept. Somehow over the years we have become wired to think that in order to be beautiful in the eyes of ourselves and others, we must be "skinny." Individuals around the world idolize this single word because it is what has been promoted as a good thing. While I have been one of these false prioritizers for years now, I am here to truly question my understanding of this word and the impact it is having on the one thing that is very important-our health.

People follow these absurd diets that limit their caloric intake and leave them craving vital nutrients all because they desire a slim figure. I once overheard someone rationalize following a diet plan because get this, Kim Kardashian had done it! Well I mean if Kim did it, what could possibly go wrong, right? WRONG! Celebrities have personal chefs and personal trainers keeping an eye on any fluctuation and making minor adjustments so that they can accommodate to their bodies needs. Living in a suburban town in New Jersey, I have a strong feeling these precautions are most likely not being taken.

If you asked me a few years ago if I wanted to be healthy or thin, I 100% would have chosen thin. After my experiences over these past years, light has been shed on the issues men and women all over this nation face with body image and rational thinking associated with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I have seen the pain, the struggle, the sabotage, and the utter lack of knowledge we have about what our bodies need in order to stay alive, and I can say now that I would choose healthy any day.

When I look at those around me, I do not see thin or heavy or someone with a little extra weight on their hips. I see beautiful people who have the amazing ability to function every single day. I see people who help others and who are caring and kind. Wouldn't you rather see people in that light and be seen in this way than sit there judging someone for their body mass index which, frankly, has no effect on you?

It is becoming increasingly more important to emphasize the idea that being healthy does NOT mean you have to be thin. Healthy means you are taking care of your self, consuming what you need when you need it, exercising to feel good not to lose weight, and enjoying yourself instead of focusing so much on appearance. Do not idolize anyone else's body or figure because, I assure you, you would be desiring another figure as soon as you obtained that one. Start striving for healthy, not skinny.