By Erica Poirier

As spring break approaches, many of us are trying to get the ‘ideal’ body. Our new year’s resolutions were to go to the gym everyday and diet like crazy, but who wants this kind of lifestyle? And what is this ‘ideal’ body that all of us are trying to achieve, anyways?

Just turn on the television for thirty minutes each day, and you’ll notice a pattern. Watch a movie, commercial, family show, music video, or even something as simple as the news–each and every woman is “perfect.” But what is this ideal beauty that everyone strives to be?

First of all, it is only naturally possible for 5% of the American population to have a model-like body (ANAD.org), and for the rest of us extreme measures such as starvation, surgery, and over-the-top exercise is required to get this body type.

Unfortunately, the statistics for anorexia nervosa in America is on the rise. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa reported that 47% of girls and women wanted to lose weight because of magazine pictures and 81% of ten year olds are afraid of being fat … Yes, ten year olds! (ANAD.org).

It is clear that the media has an influence on people, especially women. Women on television are not only beautiful and sexy, but they are flawless as well. There is never a blemish that isn’t covered, or a strand of hair that is out of place. Their bodies are perfect; a beautiful face, small waist, thin legs, and large breasts.

Be You!

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I would be lying if I said the media had no effect on me. I workout everyday and eat all the right foods in hopes one day I can be sexy too. I am not saying it is wrong to want to feel beautiful and sexy–it’s normal–and every woman should feel that way. But what I am trying to hit home is that women do not need to change who they are to feel that way.

My advice to you is simple; do not change a single thing about you. Should you eat healthy foods and exercise to improve your overall health? Yes. But do not exercise to try to look like someone on the big screen. Regardless of your race, ethnicity, pant size or cup size… you are beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman with confidence.

So smile, and be happy with what you see looking back in the mirror.