Gaby Medrano

I was 12 when my doctor told me I was overweight. I was in the most crucial time in a young woman’s life. A time when no one feels accepted and everyone feels awkward. Here I was, at my first physical for 7th grade Athletics (advanced PE), and I was fat. Medically proven.

Growing up I walked a fine line between “normal” and “chubby”, my parents made my sisters and me eat a well balanced diet of meat and veggies. After school we were allowed a sweet snack, but only if we ate our healthy snack. They did feed us fast food on occasion but more times than not they cooked.

Yet there I was, 12 and insecure. I played soccer, basketball, and even tried softball. But still I was fat. When my doctor decided it was best to talk to me, 12 year old who still had baby fat, about being overweight I just started bawling. What else was a 12 year old expected to do?

My past does not define my future, I have began to feel different about my body. I don’t mind my curves as much, and I’ve grown to accept my body. Yet I don’t feel healthy. That’s my new journey, I’m not going to try to lose weight. My goal isn’t to be Victoria Beckham skinny, it’s to be Carli Lloyd strong. I want to put the proper ingredients into my body and become a healthy individual. Come with me on this journey. Together we can cut out junk and live a happier healthier life. My Goal is to work hard to finally become the healthy one. To not let others define me but to allow myself to set the standards.