Buzz words. We know them, have grown up with them, and may still fall victim to them. If you aren’t sure what “buzz words” I’m referring to, it’s things like “Fat-Burning,” “Miracle,” “Spot Reduction,” and “Burn X amount of calories.” Unfortunately, I could go on. If you’re a 70s or 80s baby, then it’s a high likelihood that you know exactly what I’m talking about.
While I’m happy that some of the verbiage we grew up with is better and the notion of being stick thin has changed, the diet and fitness industry is a crazy place and can be like the Wild West. We grew up when being as thin as possible was glorified. Weight Watchers, Atkins, skinny models on the cover of US Weekly, and all the tips and tricks from our favorite celebrities promoting “quick fixes” and “cleanses.” All the diet and fitness industry was doing with these things was preying on us and working for that profit.
I’ll be the first to admit that my younger self and maybe not so younger self (postpartum and feeling desperate) fell for it. All of it. You put a “buzz word” on it, and I was listening. As a personal trainer, I should know better. However, it can be challenging to unlearn certain behaviors when you grow up in such confusing and pushy times.
But we’re moms now, and it’s time we stop falling for it. Moms are way too smart to be falling for “trickery.” We deal with babies, kids, and teens all day. Nothing should be able to fool us! It’s time we stopped thinking that a product can be a miracle pill or that one certain workout will give us a six-pack.
Exercise can be a tool to make you strong, feel better mentally, help you deal with stress, increase bone density as you age, challenge yourself, and be a fun activity to do with a group or your family. Let eating well be a way to nourish your body, give it what it needs, perform at optimal levels, and, of course, help you age well.
Sure, we all want to look good. But chances are when you stop putting so much focus on “burning fat” and pay more attention to eating protein, lifting weights, and getting sleep, you will look good!
