to the girls counting each bite.

To the girls who think a burger or pizza or fries is an immediate no.

To the girls squeezing their thighs and stomach.

To the girls looking at "perfect" pictures on Instagram and comparing.

To the girls nervously deciding what to put on their plate.

To the girls with an automatic calculator in their brain.

To the girls who tiredly work out because they have to.

To the girls wishing their image in the mirror could smile back at them.

This one is for you.

I get it. I get it so much it hurts. However, because I get it, I plead with you to hear me when I say this: there is so much more to life.

Life is about celebrating moments both big and small. Most often these moments involve food. Every birthday, get-together, graduation, anniversary, and even weeknight family dinner...We dine together, usually around a table. We gather in communion and break bread. We share a meal. It's ritual.

However, this ritual, which has been engrained into the human experience, has become tainted with "shoulds" and diets and overthinking. All of a sudden, the very bread we have broken for centuries is off limits. The people around us get overlooked as we stress about which menu item or side dish should go on our plate. Instead of listening to our gut's plead for carbohydrates or craving for dessert, we choose to listen to our brain's internal monologue reminding us of what we "should" eat.

Why has this become the reality?

As children, we followed our instincts. When we were hungry, we asked for food. We ate what made us happy. We learned to eat both the brownie and the broccoli. We learned there must be a balance.

As teens, we seem to forget that such a balance still exists. You may try to argue that our metabolism is changing...Or that we need to "be smart" as we get older. But "being smart" does not mean not eating the brownie. It does not mean choosing broccoli over potatoes every time. Being smart means listening to what your body wants because usually it's what your body NEEDS.

Your body and brain and SOUL need energy to function. That energy comes from a balance of good food. Some days that means chicken and green beans. Others it means a pizza night. Throw in dessert when you feel like it. Pancakes? Those are pretty epic too. And yes, a loaded salad can be just what you need some nights. It depends on you...No one else!

We can blame social media, modeling companies, and diet culture all we want; however, this will not make the problem go away. The change starts with your conscious effort. I do not know what that looks like for everyone, but I do know that making the effort will encourage a community where girls feel comfortable ordering what they want, posting what they want, and being beautiful for who they ARE.

Then, we can celebrate without stress, dine to enjoy, and gather to love. We can see the people around us, focusing on the experience while eating our favorite foods

The world needs a wakeup call: bodies are not perfect, and that is a good thing. Let your soul realize the good in the imperfection.

Much love,

Chloé