Body Role Models – 10 Celebs We Should All Be Looking Up To
We’ve all had that moment – for me it always seems to be as I’m flipping through the first few pages of the Victoria’s Secret swimsuit edition. We start out so excited about picking out a hot new bikini for the summer and find ourselves three pages in obsessing over Alessandra Ambrosio’s perfect physique and completely forgetting the reason we opened it in the first place.
No matter what size, ethnicity or body type, chances are you’ve been a victim of body image issues at some point in your life. Whether it was the social pressures of high school or the looming fear of the freshman 15, there’s almost no escaping it for young women in our society. Just like our choice in men, we always want what we don’t have and yet we try so very hard to get it.
Being exposed to the overwhelming glamour and airbrushed image of Hollywood can lead many of us to feeling as though trying to attain the perfect body is a requirement– one that we are obligated to fulfill as women. While there’s no denying Beyonce’s voluptuous curves or Heidi Klum’s flawless legs, inspired by Women’s Empowerment Week, I think we should all make the pledge to shift our attention to the women of Hollywood who truly deserve it. I’m talking about the ones who have basically given critics the middle finger when it comes to judging their bodies. These are the women who were born to be our role models and so far, they’re doing a pretty great job at it.
1. Marilyn Monroe
“To all the girls that think you’re fat because you’re not a size zero, you’re the beautiful one, its society who’s ugly.”
Never wore a size zero and yet became one of the biggest beauty icons of all time. Though she has since passed on, she will always be remembered as the poster child for being comfortable in your own skin.
2. Miley Cyrus
“If your thighs don’t jiggle, go see a doctor”
She may be a little crazy, but she has a point.
3. Emma Watson
“I keep telling myself that I’m a human being, an imperfect human being who’s not made to look like a doll, and that who I am as a person is more important than whether at that moment I have a nice figure.”
Charming, classy and British – what more could you want in a role model?
4. Jennifer Lawrence
“In Hollywood, I’m obese. I’m considered a fat actress. I eat like a caveman. I’ll be the only actress who doesn’t have anorexia rumors! I’m never going to starve myself for a part. I’m invincible. I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss so I’m going to skip dinner!’ ”
I don’t think I even have to say anything for this one – who doesn’t love Jennifer Lawrence?
5. Emma Stone
“You’re a human being, you live once and life is wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake.”
As sad as it is that we need validation to eat a cupcake, it doesn’t hurt that it’s coming from someone who’s done bedroom scenes with Ryan Gosling.
6. Demi Lovato
“I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she’s worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything.”
After dealing with many personal issues herself, she has become the spokesperson for positive body image.
7. Jennifer Aniston
“You’re damned if you’re too thin and you’re damned if you’re too heavy. According to the press, I’ve been both. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone, and I suggest we stop trying.”
The fact that anyone could find flaws in Jennifer Aniston is beyond me but she chooses to ignore them, as we all should.
8. Adele
“It’s never been an issue for me – I don’t want to go on a diet, I don’t want to eat a Caesar salad with no dressing, why would I do that? I ain’t got time for this – just be happy and don’t be stupid.”
She’s been criticized by Hollywood on numerous occasions and time and time again she keeps telling them where to put it – and we love her for it.
9. Lena Dunham
“I have a sort of Zen body philosophy… it’s just a vessel I’ve been given to move through this life. I think of my body as a tool to do the stuff I need to do, but not the be all and end all of my existence.”
She has built a reputation for prancing around naked in her acting and she makes no apologies for it. We should all aspire to accept our bodies as much as she does.
10. Kate Hudson
“I’m pretty comfortable with my body. I’m imperfect. The imperfections are there. People are going to see them, but I take the view you only live once.”
Probably one of the only useful interpretations of YOLO – love your body, love your life and everything else will fall into place. May you apply these mentalities to your own bodies, every day ladies!