Help, My Body's Changing

Growing up, I’ve always been a petite person. I never really had to watch what I ate or exercise daily to maintain an ‘average’ weight. Weight gain wasn’t something that ever crossed my mind because I had never experienced it. If anything, I wanted to gain weight to look more filled out,but even that has always been a struggle. I didn’t mind, and I knew I was fortunate. I didn't love how my body looked throughout middle school and even at the beginning of high school. I wanted curves like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. Thankfully, I grew to appreciate my body and felt confident from head to toe. Being petite, or as my friends liked to call me, “little Lili,” became my “thing.” I enjoyed being described as the super tiny girl and  genuinely liked how I looked in almost everything. Lately, everything’s been catching up to me– meaning I’ve been gaining weight. While my middle-school self may think I’m crazy for complaining, I can’t help but feel frustrated that I’m getting a tad bit bigger.

I’ve been feeling confused; I work out at least three times a week and usually eat on the healthier side. So, why is this happening to me? This isn’t something I feel comfortable discussing with my friends because their typical response is, “Shut up, Lili, you’re still skinny.” While I recognize that’s true, I don’t think that means my feelings are invalidated. I know others can relate to me, so it’s important to put out there that just because you are a thinner person doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to have self-image issues or feel a type of way about your body changing. For the last couple of months, I’ve been on my own journey, realizing that it’s okay that my body is changing.

The first thing I had to come to terms with was that I would not look perfect forever. At one point or another, my body will change. I will get cellulite, and fat will go places I don’t necessarily want it to go. Telling myself that this happens to everyone has definitely made me feel better. I realized I could cut out the partying, the occasional Mcdonalds, and greasy pizza, but would I really enjoy life then? I’m 19 years old, and one day, Mcdonald's won’t be something I can have and burn off the next day. Part of experiencing college for many is going out. Right now, I’d rather make fun, long-lasting memories in college than fixate on my weight. I understand that just because you gain weight doesn’t make you an unhealthy person. I eat well, get a good amount of sunshine, and stay plenty active, all while balancing out having a good time. After a couple of months,  I’ve finally become content with my body changing and started focusing on more important things rather than the weight gain everyone goes through. For all the thinner people out there, remember that your feelings about your body are validated, whether good or bad and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

Strike Out, 

Lili Jahromi 

Boca Raton

Lili Jahromi is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She spends an unnecessary amount of her time idolizing Lady Gaga, sharing intimate moments with her friends, and beachin’ it with her b*tches. You can reach her at jahromilrose@yahoo.com