You’re Not Fat

Dear Preteen Me,

I know you think Mom knows everything. But when she looked at you at 12 years old and subtly suggested, subtly because, after all she wanted to be better than her mother, who would have blurted, “You look fat. You’d better do something about it,” that losing a few pounds wouldn’t hurt. Your body was changing, in a couple of months you’ll get your first period. Bodies change during this whole development process. If you eat healthy and move around, eventually, your weight will settle. There is no need to starve yourself, no need to binge on your favorite treats when nobody is home to judge you, no need to eventually graduate to buying diet shakes or subject yourself to periods of fasting. Eat when you’re hungry, feel free to get a snack when you’re hanging out with friends instead of depriving yourself. Just be mindful of your natural cues and you’ll be fine. Don’t go on that diet and save yourself a lifetime of problems with food. Mom is wrong about this.

Love,

40 Something Year Old Me