Being Skinny Doesn't Mean Being Healthy

There has been a misconception for a long time that being skinny means being healthy. It seems like such a long time ago when we (especially women) were curvy and vivacious. Women were considered beautiful being full-figured. Today, there are so many terms, diets, and food restrictions for being skinny. Vegans, Vegetarians, Lacto-Ovo vegetarians, Gluten-free diets, the list is endless.Almost all fad diets never work because you're depriving your body of the things it needs and wants, setting yourself up for immediate failure. What we all need to discover is that we are all built differently, each of our body's need different things, and what works for me is not going to necessarily work for you. All the food trends these days are leaving us in a whirlwind of confusion. One day eggs are good for you and then the next they'll put you in an early grave. Then it's caffeine, meat, carbs, fat, gluten, wheat, soon we're left with just eating the cardboard surrounding the food our bodies are screaming for.We all need to realize that skinny doesn't always mean healthy. We can all say we've stared at the waify models trudging down the runway, and at least once in our lives say I wish that was me. But who wants to be bone thin and looking like you're on the brink of death? Food is supposed to be nurturing to the body and soul, it's supposed to bring family and friends together, and be enjoyable to prepare, cook, and eat. Food is the center of most cultures, but in the United States it's become everyone's nemesis.So we all need to dig down and stop trying to look like the high-fashion model or mega-red carpet actress that is gorging herself at the nearest doughnut shop. Quit the fad diets, and listen to your body. Give up the added sugars and processed foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, focus on "whole" foods. That's the only "diet" you will need. Pounds will shed, energy will sky-rocket, sleep will improve, and then you're ready to take on the world.Need a little more push? Find someone who you can look up to that has the same body type, illness, or have overcome the same obstacles you have. Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jennifer Anniston, David Beckham, Michael Phelps, and Natalie Portman are just a few that know what works best for their body type. Each one of them live different lifestyles, have different eating and workout habits, and range in body structure. Do some research and find out what worked best for them and try those methods, not to lose massive amounts of weight but to be healthy for yourself. The saying if you don't have your health then you have nothing is completely true. Take control of yours and remember being skinny doesn't always mean healthy. You have to find out what healthy means to you, your needs, and your body first!