With spring break around the corner, it seems like a lot of people, including myself, are aiming for that ultimate “spring break bod”. My roommates and I set out a plan to achieve this but as time passes we each have realized that the path to fitness is long, and requires hard work and dedication. Achieving the ideal body in a short amount of time is unrealistic and tends to take a toll on us emotionally and physically. To all the girls out there who are nervous about any impending body shaming here’s a few things to keep in mind:

1. Beauty truly does come in all shapes and sizes.

2. Your ultimate goal is to be healthy, not just “skinny”.

3. Take every opportunity to be active versus sedentary (my Fitbit has become my best friend).

4. Restricting yourself can often lead to setbacks; allow yourself to “cheat” sometimes.

5. Forget about what people will think of you, they do not realize the effort you are putting in.

6. Assuming that you are going on vacation with friends or family, know that these are the people who love you, not those who would judge you.

7. Not everyone’s fitness journey will look the same, so do not compare yourself to others (as hard as it is not to).

8. Change is gradual and slow, but it is still progress! Don’t get discouraged because the pounds aren’t shedding as quickly as you would like.

9. Looking at exercise as a burden will only make it harder, so try to view it as a fun activity instead.

10. Last but not least, this journey requires emotional stability and hating your body will not allow you to have that. Learn to love yourself and accept that your idea of an ideal body might not be ideal for you.

"No one is you and that is your power."
- Dave Grohl