We live in a society where looks matter far more than they should. While taking care of your body through health measures, regular workouts, and a nutritious diet is essential, the constant obsession with appearance—such as body structure and the pressure to look impossibly thin—is frustrating. This perspective comes from someone who has been naturally skinny their entire life, striving to build toned muscles and gain more fat for years.
It’s important to understand that looking healthy is good thing to strive for, whether you’re skinny or curvy. If you feel great being curvy, that’s wonderful! If you feel great being skinny, that’s equally fantastic! Yet, I see us women pushing limits to achieve the so-called “ideal body,” which today often means being excessively thin.
The rise of Ozempic, a medication originally designed for diabetics, has fueled confusion, especially among the younger generation. When it first gained popularity, Ozempic was considered dangerous for healthy individuals, highlighting the extremes people will go to for the sake of appearance.
Prioritize a Fitness Journey: Building Strength and Confidence
My personal struggle has not been with weight gain, but rather with muscle gain in the past few years. I realized that achieving my fitness goals required dedication and hard work at the gym. So, one day, I made the decision to change my ways. If it hadn’t been for my separation, I might not have approached fitness with the same level of discipline and urgency.
Initially, I started working out to clear my mind and improve my mental health. As I began seeing results, I became motivated to build more muscle. Over time, I grew to love working out—not just for the physical results, but for the sense of health and well-being it brought from within. The physical changes followed naturally, but the primary goal was always to feel healthy inside and out.
Finding Balance: My Approach to Diet and Exercise
These days, I can’t go more than two days without a workout session. It’s not about maintaining a certain look—thankfully, I have good genes. Rather, exercise makes me feel good from within. I eat what I want, focusing on foods rich in protein, carbs, and greens (always Halal or permissible for those who aren’t familiar with the term). My healthy relationship with food allows me to enjoy eating without restrictions.
However, this wasn’t always the case. As a child, I didn’t eat much at all, causing my parents concern. The cultural shock of immigrating to the West in the early 2000s played a role in my lack of appetite. A therapist might have diagnosed me with an eating disorder, but sometimes, life circumstances affect our behaviors, especially as children. I was incredibly picky and hardly ate anything, but that changed as I grew older.
Overcoming the Influence of Social Media: Embracing Authenticity
As the years passed, my eating habits improved. I became less picky and more adventurous with food. I’ve tried almost everything now and enjoy most of it. A psychologist would likely consider me a healthy person today.
So, how did I recover from what could be considered a “fake” eating disorder? I did not consume too much online content. Unless it drives motivation and energy into my life, I stay away from Social media. Social media has made it nearly impossible to exist without constant scrutiny. As humans, we are tested by life’s challenges, and food is no exception. When a child refuses to eat, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong. Sometimes, it’s just a phase, and there’s no need to rush to a psychologist.
Creating a Positive Environment: The Impact of Friendships on Self-Image
If you’re struggling with food, start by convincing yourself that you’re healthy. This mindset shift works well if you have a strong will and a desire for self-improvement. It’s crucial to want change for the better. Additionally, consider the people you surround yourself with. In some girl groups, there’s immense pressure to look a certain way and meet the group’s standards. But let me tell you something: these girls are not your friends. Leave them behind without regret and focus on yourself.
Your environment greatly influences your self-image. I’ve been in friend groups where the primary topics were boys or physical appearance—how exhausting! I needed friends who could provide energy, engage in meaningful conversations, and share long-term goals. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to see you grow will not only make you feel more fulfilled but will also help you value yourself more.
Living with Purpose: Setting and Achieving Personal Goals
Consider your life now. If you have a balanced life with meaningful values, you’re likely to feel more fulfilled and confident than if you were surrounded by people who constantly criticize you for their own satisfaction. It’s healthy to have friends who hold you accountable and encourage you to be better, but it’s essential to remember that you’re living for yourself, not for others.
You already know what you want, so go after it. If you’re unsure, take some time to write down your short- and long-term goals. On the health page, note your ideal mental state and the types of workouts you enjoy. Find ways to stay active, whether at the gym or at home. Each day or week, review your goals and check off your progress. This approach has worked for me, and I’ve never felt better.
Celebrate Your Progress: Staying Positive and Focused
Finally, always remind yourself of the milestones you’ve achieved. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Speak positivity into your life, and over time, your mind will start to believe and live it. Keep pushing yourself and set goals you know you can accomplish. You’re capable of more than you realize, and with the right mindset and support, you can achieve anything.
Very well writing.
I enjoyed reading your topic.
Keep it up!
Thanks a lot for reading and for the support, appreciate it! 🙂