a very worthwhile post

from By Scarlett Johansson, Huffington Post. (of all people)

one always thinks movie stars are secure in their looks. think again. how can they be with their faces and bodies and lives on the covers of a zillion magazines and tabloid tv shows. the media's (and i use the term loosely in the case of tabloidism) perception of what women SHOULD be like and look like should NEVER bother us. we are all who we are. we cannot be comfortable with someone else, if we're first not comfortable with our own selves

Scarlett Johansson: Sexist Tabloids Make Me Feel Bad About My Weight and Body

While training for an upcoming film, I've come to this conclusion: chin ups are near impossible and lunges suck. There is no magic wand to wave over oneself to look good in a latex catsuit. Eating healthy and getting fit is about commitment, determination, consistency and the dedication to self-preservation. While I've never been considered a gym rat, I have, in fact, worked up a sweat in the name of cardio before, and although I enjoy a grilled cheese as much as the next person, I combine the not-so-good foods I crave with an all-around balanced diet.

People come in all shapes and sizes and everyone has the capability to meet their maximum potential. Once filming is completed, I'll no longer need to rehash the 50 ways to lift a dumbbell, but I'll commit to working out at least 30 minutes a day and eating a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and lean proteins. Pull ups, crunches, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, planks, walking, jogging and push ups are all exercises that can be performed without fancy trainers or gym memberships. I've realized through this process that no matter how busy my life may be, I feel better when I take a little time to focus on staying active. We can all pledge to have healthy bodies no matter how diverse our lifestyles may be..........