Do you ever have one of these weeks when you're learning something in class and you start to notice it everywhere? I am. We're in the final stretch of classes and my fitness and exercise teacher has been lecturing about what he calls "quack" diets and workouts. It's a fun topic and definitely more engaging than our typical content. We've looked at a ton of ads (which I'm always doing for journalism...) and I've started realizing how much misleading advertising we're bombarded on a daily basis. That's actually not the point of this post, but it is a huge problem because so much isn't regulated by anyone, especially in the diet and exercise industry.
Anyway, I don't think it's a secret that I'm obsessed with Pinterest. I have seen so many negative weight loss tips on Pinterest lately. One pin was especially bad. It suggested punching yourself in the stomach to stop feeling hungry. It also suggested making yourself a snack, throwing it away and then leaving the dishes out for your parents to clean up so they think you ate.
Seriously?
Then, I read an interview with Eve Mendez about her diet. She tries to stay away from dairy. Hellooooo, we need dairy for our bones. Ever heard of osteoporosis?
THEN, the VS fashion show was this week and everyone started hating themselves. I read a couple things about some of the models' diets and workouts. No solid foods for ten days before? No liquids for two days before the show? Hours at the gym a day? How can people live like that?
Full disclosure: I am thin. On the whole, I'm a pretty healthy eater and I do try and work out regularly. I certainly don't claim to be an expert on being healthy. I don't just make healthy choices to maintain my weight, I make them because I'm a human with needs. I know I need some source of protein at every meal to get the energy I need for the day. I know I want some vegetables on my plate because they are good for me and I actually like the way they taste. I love watermelon and strawberries and mango. But, I can't live without sour candy, I eat Nutella for breakfast every day, I love caramel lattes and I indulge in garlic cheese breadsticks from Rollins on Thursday nights. I'm ok with all of that.
I'm not perfect.
Everyone, myself included, has experienced moments when they don't feel great in their own skin. (Do you know how long it took me to feel comfortable wearing leggings? I hate my thighs.) We've promised ourselves we'll eat nothing but fruits and vegetables and burn 500 calories tomorrow at the gym. That's not realistic. I don't know about you, but if I ate nothing but fruits and vegetables all day, I'd be a mess, not have the energy to even walk to the gym and would ditch that plan immediately. It's frustrating to be unhappy with the way you look, but you have to think of fitness as a process, not a product. (Learned that in class. I know, you're shocked I don't have an "A" in this class. I am too.) It's sad to me that so many people are misinformed, not just about weight loss, but about healthy lifestyles in general.
I'm lucky because my mom is a dietitian and has taught me pretty good eating habits. And by pretty good eating habits I don't mean low cal, low carb, low flavor. She's taught me about protein and not filling up on junk food with no nutritional value because it'll lead to a meltdown later (she's had too many experiences with me and french toast on saturday mornings. yep, she's a dietitian and she makes us french toast. the good kind too.) and for God sake, to not order the grande at Starbucks because it's going to make my heart race. She's taught me not to deny myself and about moderation.
When I work out, I do it for me. It makes me feel good and keeps me sane. When I eat, I do it for nourishment. It keeps my body functioning and healthy. I'm stepping off my soapbox now, I just wanted to voice my opinion on some of the ridiculous things I've seen lately.
Sorry for the lack of graphics, I couldn't find anything to illustrate my point.
Peace, love, moderation,
Caroline
