What is Normal?

I woke up this morning repeating the words “healthy skinny”. No clue why. Perhaps it was the Bluebell ice cream snack that I consumed before bed throwing hints. Judge not! Well…I had a recent conversation about “The Chart”. You know which one. The one every diet plan wants you to follow, the one your personal trainer shows you at your first one-on-one sesh, or the one you often see at the physicians office. Actually, I’ve had countless conversations about that stupid BMI chart and all I can say is…don’t believe the hype it tries to feed you! I don’t fit into the mold of the chart. My normal is skinny to me.

I do know how I feel when my jeans are fitting just right, when my dress is hugging my curves in all of the right places, and when my inches lost reflect something totally different than what the scale reads. I feel great!

Does “normal” unquestionably make me healthy, fit, and/or strong? Most certainly not!

I know the definition of skinny varies from person to person, but why can’t we accept that “strong is the new skinny”, “healthy is the new skinny”, “fit is the new skinny”, etc.?

We should always strive to be our best while on the journey. We should also never allow anyone’s opinion, , or a chart strip us of our efforts. Whether you are trying to lose weight, gain weight, pack on muscle, tone it up, slim down, or get that baby weight off…keep pushing.

I will always be an advocate for health, fitness, being physically active, and I hope I never get to a place where I get comfortable and stop trying. I may have a “moment” or two, but I know I must keep going! If you feel like you’re and your efforts are not showing up to the party—or if you feel like the scale is simply lying to you (the scale and I have this conversation often *le sigh*)…know this:

 Keep going!