Body Image at 17

I was attending my daughters A-honor roll awards ceremony, (I know she’s really smart and beautiful I have trouble on my hands for sure) when a young 17 year old student walked straight up to me and asked:

Young teen: “Are you Azriela’s mom?”

Me: “Yes I am!”

Young teen: “I heard you are some kind of bodybuilder or something and are really fit. I wanted to ask you how to lose weight? I have all this fat on the back of my arms and thighs I don’t like and I just have no idea what do to.”

In that moment I realized I could make an impression on her with anything I said and I needed to choose my words very carefully. I tried not to bombard her with too much information, but my initial gut reaction was to sweep her under my mama wings and help her see beauty beyond the mirror. She expressed to me her insecurities and I listened. I reassured her we all have insecurities, including my daughter in this conversation as this teen referred to her (my daughter) looking perfect and resembling a porcelain doll (which annoyingly so, she does).

It breaks my heart the pressure society puts on young girls and women both to achieve such unrealistic expectations. I have also been completely wrapped up in this same pressure as a young mom surrounded by my college friends, who at the time appeared to have perfect bodies, as I was forced to stare at my post-baby body with stretch marks and loose skin in the mirror.

However, I left the conversation motivated. Motivated to learn more and work harder in efforts to help these young women reach their goals and develop confidence as they mature into women. As a registered nurse for 10 years and now finishing up graduate studies in nurse practitioner, I have a wealth of knowledge in the human body as well as fitness and nutrition. I’m currently coming up with some plans on how best to achieve this, considering free nutrition coaching as well as 4, 6, or 12 week challenges to help foster a competitive and health centered environment.

Lets GOOO 2020 :)