Body Blog: Striving for Perfection is Dangerous

Spring Break is notorious for putting pressure on coeds to slim down just in time for binge drinking and bikinis. While we all want to stay slim or get fit, it’s important to be aware of what is and is not healthy. And comparing your body to those of celebrities is definitely not healthy.

In recent years, various celebrities like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tyra Banks and, more recently, Jessica Simpson, have been criticized for their curves. This can send the wrong message to girls regarding what is attractive, realistic and normal.

Did you know that 99.9% of images you see in the magazines have been altered in one way or another? Whether it’s the erasing of a blemish or the whittling down of the waist, most pictures are not published in their original state. If we are never exposed to the imperfections of celebrities, how can they possibly serve as healthy, responsible role models?

We blamed Britney Spears for corrupting teenage girls when she danced around in a schoolgirl uniform, but should we have blamed the photo editors for retouching the pictures of an already beautiful teenager? I, for one, looked at pictures of Brit Brit in magazines in high school and only wished my abs could look as toned as hers. I dieted and even did some of her workout moves to get the Britney body. Little did I know that what I thought was the perfect body was only the work of some very talented people and photo editing software.

As we have all seen, the altered images we are exposed to go from the pages of a magazine to the new standard for perfection. And don’t we all want to be perfect?

Well, most of us will never achieve perfection and we should not try, especially when the “perfect” we are going for is fake. This is the sort of thing that causes women to develop unhealthy eating habits and an obsession with controlling their weight. What we should do is stop comparing ourselves to the images we see all around us. What we should do it strive for health, fitness and our personal best.

So, should altering photos be banned? It probably never will, but it is something to think about. Especially knowing the effects it has on women worldwide, and the eating disorder epidemic for young women in this country.

[To see more in depth my photoshop experience watch my this video. It is a must-see for every female that has ever beat herself up over her body imperfections. Looking for a realistic weight loss fitness program just right for you this spring? Pick a plan that works for you, from Valentine's Day to Spring Break, here.]