image c/o GettyI've shared many tips, lessons and how-tos about life in your 20s. I'd like to talk about another topic that so many of you struggle with - and that's body image. I look back to early Chicago pictures of me in my early 20s and I was actually heavier. Why? Poor habits of late nights out, deep dish pizza at 3 am and eating 'low fat' foods that actually reversed what I wanted the foods to do.

As a new mom at 33, I have PLENTY of things to tell you about body image.May I also add that my pre baby clothes do not fit, I have a new set of hips and my chest looks like it exploded in a carnival theme park:).

So many things to say, but I decided to list some of my top ideas below. I hope some of you pay close attention to them:

1) It starts with science. In your early 20s, start forming good eating and exercise habits because your metabolism sloooows down. This happens to all of us. Every single one. This isn't about keeping a trim figure, it's about having a balanced approach to food and nutrition.

2) Start to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. If you smoke, stop. I have many friends in their 30s who have lines around their mouths, care of the smoking.

3) Love your crooked nose. I have big eyes (I used to be called 'bug eyes'), a wide nose and a pinky fingers that I can't bend. I also have second toes that are longer than my big toe, hence the nickname in high school, 'eagle toe'.

4) People are born with certain genes. I had a girlfriend who always had porcelain looking skin (she still does) seemed to eat whatever she wanted and never gain a pound. I found myself trying to keep up with her, but I drove myself crazy and almost ruined our friendship. All because of my chromosome jealousy.

5) Enjoy real sugar. Really, sugar. Don't consumer a CRAP LOAD of it. But I use real sugar in my coffee and baked goods. In moderation, I think it is OK. Your body knows what to do with real sugar and butter...which means how to break them down. I hate to keep bringing up the French in my posts, but I will. They eat rich, but in moderation....and they walk a lot.

6) Remove the negative energy around you. If you are surrounded by other women that only talk about losing weight, going on binge diets or wants to cut up their bodies, this isn't healthy. 

7) Our bodies are dormant. This means that what you do to yourself in the early years will slowly simmer, boil and come to the surface later in life. The tanning I did in my teens came through in my 20s with new moles. My older sister had skin cancer.  The smoking I do not do and the sunscreen I use all the time shows - I always get complimented on having a youthful smile.

8) So you gained a few pounds? Who cares? I met my husband when I was the tender age of 29. That's right, my LATE 20s. I was a bit plumper when we met around the middle, but it didn't phase Michael. He told me he fell in love with my humor, confidence and overall spirit.

9) Develop a gym routine. Something as simple as three times a week. Stretching, lifting a few weights, etc. all leads up to strong bones, posture and a solid core. Having just given birth, I have another week before I can go back to the gym and I'm itching to go. I can't stretch as much, my back hurts and I need to sweat out some new mom nerves:).

10) Stop buying those tabloid magazines. 

If, at ANY time, ANY of you find yourselves questioning what you look like and want to talk to someone, I'm here. And if I can't chat with you right away, I'll find someone who can.

Heidi, you should join Gals' Guide:)