It's Friday! TGIF! Who's ready for the weekend? I know I am. You know why this particular Friday is a special day? Well, because it's Nina Dobrev's 26th birthday! First, let's wish her a very happy birthday. Now, let's talk about the actress known for playing Elena Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries . Not only is she known for once dating her co-star Ian Somerhalder and being drop-dead gorgeous, but Dobrev's also recognized for embracing who you are and teaching others about body positivity.
That's right, Dobrev is comfortable with herself no matter if she's having sex on TV, strutting her stuff on the red carpet, getting down and dirty playing sports, or stuffing her face with food because she's hungry. You know what else? She wants everyone else to embrace that same lifestyle and confidence. This is one (out of many) qualities to admire about the actress, because Hollywood is not all sunshine and rainbows. We all know how actors and actresses get body-shamed all the time, whether they're "fat" or "skinny." It's not an easy life to live, but Dobrev doesn't seem to let it get her down, which she makes well-known through her words.
Here are six quotes from Dobrev about loving yourself and letting girls know it's OK to be "real" and to eat. Basically, we should all listen to her wisdom.
"I’ve reached a point where I’m comfortable in my own skin, and I do what I need to do, to feel good, but I’m built the way I am. The dancer’s feet, the bruises on my legs, they’re not going to go away. I think real girls have bruises. Tough chicks get bruised. They get dirty. And they have fun. It’s just a part of life!"
That's right, ladies. Dobrev believes in embracing your flaws, imperfections, and making sure you're having fun, because living an unhappy life isn't worth it. Love yourself!
"I love cheese burgers and chocolate — milk, not dark, and hot chocolate w/ marshmallows in the winter! Everything in moderation, of course, but you HAVE TO cheat and occasionally treat yourself — life is too short!"
Yes, she's a known health-nut, but Dobrev also loves to eat junk food. So, you should enjoy it too if you want and have no shame doing it.
"Starving to be skinny isn't my thing. When I don't eat, it affects my mood."
Just because Dobrev is thin and has a bangin' bod doesn't mean she starves herself. And, you shouldn't either.
"My whole mentality is that I eat what I want within moderation and I have a little bit of everything. If you deprive yourself you get moody and unhappy and you have to enjoy life. Part of life and part of the enjoyment of life is a croissant and a chocolate cake and eggs and milkshakes and oatmeal. There’s so many things, you have to learn to appreciate it all."
Take note from Dobrev: embrace life, appreciate yourself, and do you.
"Everyone has their own insecurities, and that's just how it is in life. But then you reach a certain point and you realize every person is completely different, so there's no point in comparing yourself to other people. Something that you see someone else wearing is not going to look the same on you. It's just not going to be that way."
Be you and only you. Like Dobrev says, it's OK to be different. Who wants to be exactly like someone else anyways?
"Somebody who talks about how much they're eating and counts calories is unattractive to me. And when you limit yourself in the things you eat, it affects your mood. I've seen people who are a nightmare to be around because they're not eating. That's why I always have an apple in my purse or a Luna Bar in the glove box in case I get stuck in traffic — I don't even want to be alone in the car with myself if I'm hungry!"
Counting calories and starving yourself is not beautiful. Love every inch of your body, and if you want that extra piece of pizza, do it, or you'll have to fight me (and probably Dobrev) for it.
