By Katie Quinn
EASTON, Massachusetts- Julia Trenholm, a tiny, but strong, 20 year old, 5-foot sophomore Communications major at Stonehill College, has turned her struggles with body dysmorphia and self-image into a powerful narrative of resilience and empowerment through fitness.
Growing up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Julia was trapped in a cycle of insecurity, grappling with her gymnast build- wide shoulders and a strong back- that often made her feel less feminine. “I used to be insecure about having a gymnast build,” she said. “I was self-conscious about my muscular arms and didn’t feel like a woman.”
From a young age, Julia was active in gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, and dance, cultivating a well-rounded athletic background. However, as she reached high school, she faced a pivotal moment. In her junior year, she had to choose between pursuing athletics or her passion for singing in acapella. She chose music, which led to a decline in her physical fitness. “I got out of shape and felt like crap about myself,” she said. Surrounded by peers she perceived as “so skinny”, she began to compare herself to others, which intensified her insecurities about her height and body shape. “I was always insecure about not having the smallest waist. It felt easier for taller people to lean out,” she said.
This struggle deepened during her senior year, fueled by a toxic relationship that left her feeling unworthy. Comments made by her boyfriend and his mother about her body struck hard. “They made me feel like I wasn’t good enough,” she said. During this time, she turned to binge eating, consuming up to 3,000 calories a day. “I felt trapped in my own skin,” she said.
Julia’s mother, Danielle, had also faced her own battles with disordered eating, which made her increasingly concerned about Julia’s health. Recognizing the toll that emotional ties to food had taken on her daughter, she encouraged Julia to focus on fitness. “When I started lifting weights consistently, I discovered my strength and potential,” Julia said. With her mother’s guidance, she learned that fitness was about feeling good rather than just looking a certain way.
Transitioning to college, Julia initially found herself continuing the cycle of binge eating. However, as she got out of her toxic relationship, she began to explore fitness more deeply, getting into cheerleading and leaving singing behind. “I got into a new relationship that made me feel good about myself,” she said. “I learned that you don’t need to lose weight to be worthy.”
Amid her progress, Julia faced new challenges. She struggled with the fear that food might not be available to her with her busy schedule. “I still go through it in college. I’ve tried to work on getting high-protein snacks and going to the grocery store to satisfy my needs,” she said. However, during her second semester, she found herself obsessed with restricting her food intake, confused between discipline and restriction. “I hate dieting culture. It’s so toxic,” she stated. “Eat what you want to eat; I don’t want to follow a stupid diet. I refuse to live to eat food or look a certain way.”
Looking back on her journey, Julia emphasizes the lessons she’s learned. “If you like dieting, that’s good for you, but don’t feel you have to follow a diet and become obsessed with it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to eat that cookie or those French fries; they don’t define you. When you have eating issues, it feels like they do, but they won’t destroy your progress.”
Her story is one of resilience, a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship with food. Julia Trenholm stands tall, not just in height, but in spirit—a beacon of strength and empowerment for those navigating similar struggles.
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