Real women have curves, and sometimes they don’t

Lately I’ve noticed something that worries me. We’ve begun countering the fashion and Hollywood obsession with thin, with images such as these:

Now I don’t know about most women, but I have no desire to look like that version of Betty Boop or any real woman who looks like that. It’s unhealthy to say the least and we can’t rebel against ridiculous societal standards by accepting the polar opposite as the norm. We also can’t make ourselves feel better about our ‘curves’ by making women who are naturally thin–YES, they are out there and they are even Latina–feel as though they are not real women.

A real rebellion against ridiculous standards is about each of us accepting ourselves as individuals and not as a collective group of ‘curvy’ women. In accepting yourself, you can then accept the woman next to you who may not look like you, but who is also doing what she can to be her best self. Forget media images, when all is said and done, the war on women and our bodies isn’t the fault of a fashion magazine or Hollywood, it’s our own. We declare war on each other with each snide comment, and on ourselves with each unhealthy choice.

I’m just as guilty of this as anyone. At my fittest just a few short years ago I decided to join a popular weight loss plan because although I looked good–flat stomach, strong but feminine body–the number on the scale didn’t make me happy. Coupled with a workaholic schedule, my desire to see a lower number on the scale served only to create a weight gain. Now, having seen way too many unflattering photos so that I try to run from any camera I’ve decided I’ve had enough and after much consideration am throwing myself into the fire by sharing my journey back to a healthier and more energized me with the Being Latino audience. But I can’t do it alone so I ask you to join me as we begin our new series, “Getting fit with Being Latino” next week.

In this new series I will share with you my ups and downs as a Puerto Rican who slowly distances herself from the pan con mantequilla y arroz blanco in favor of healthier food.  I’ll be joined by other BL team members and fans as we travel the journey to health together, with recipes and weekly health tips from our friends at Fit Latina.

You don’t have to be a a Latina either, you Latinos can join us too. Fit is fit for either gender. Want to share your fit story? Email us here and we’ll see you next week!