Breeze Perspectives: Give yourself a break!
Self-consciousness shouldn’t prevail over reckless, sun-soaked abandon
Whether in the UREC locker room, D-Hall or even the women’s bathroom, diet techniques seem to be the hot topic of conversation everywhere I go. I’ve overhead many strategies, including the “yogurt-only diet,” the “raw fruits and veggies plan” and the ever-so-popular “juice and water detox.”
Of course, there is nothing wrong with watching what you eat and maintaining a healthy diet. All of us could afford to cut out an extra slice of bread here and there, or to grab an apple instead of giving in to the temptation of D-Hall’s scrumptious cheesecake array.
However, the eating trends I’ve witnessed lately are not part of a healthy lifestyle in my mind. In fact, they have little to do with eating and instead involve not eating “forbidden” types of food. Many of the quick fixes women attempt cut down calories to dangerous amounts.
Unfortunately, young women have developed this distorted view on eating: Food is the enemy and “fasting” will solve all my problems.
I can’t help but notice the strong correlation between the timing of Spring Break and these developed mindsets. It seems that once Spring Break rolls around the corner, young women suddenly become infatuated with getting that bikini-perfect physique, unfortunately making them insecure of their bodies as well.
Many females bring down their confidence by questioning things that were never an issue before the final Spring Break countdown. Some think “these massive thighs need to go” or “don’t let me go out in public in this bikini if I don’t lose 10 more pounds.”
I even catch myself glancing at other girls a little more than usual these past few months at the gym, envying their perfect bodies. “God, if I could only have her legs,” I have thought to myself. Then, I snap back to reality and realize I am who I am and will never be stick thin. We all need to understand that beauty comes in all ways, shapes and forms, and that not everyone sunbathing on the beach will resemble a model.
What ever happened to the pre-Spring Break attitude of utter exhilaration, without a care in the world? The months, weeks and days before Spring Break used to include getting everything to fit in one suitcase or buying that new expensive bathing suit you’ve wanted all year.
Unfortunately, in contrast, they now consist of fitting into the jean skirt from two years ago, refusing to look in the mirror at our new bathing suit and counting calories.
Dwelling on body issues will most likely generate low self-esteem and unnecessary stress, two things we don’t need to worry about this month.
Young women need to give themselves and their bodies a break. If we all try to lighten up a bit, we can let go of these negative mindsets and have the time of our lives on this year’s vacation that we deserve. So go ahead, dig into that bowl of spaghetti if you want to and flaunt your new bikini: Who is stopping you?
Rachel Chemerynski is junior SMAD major.
