9 Lies the Diet and Fitness Industries Want You to Believe
Did you know the global health and fitness industry was valued at more than $100 billion in 2022 and is projected to increase to twice that by 2030? With the rising popularity of weight loss drugs and an endless stream of new diets, the false images, unrealistic expectations, and empty promises they sell us are impossible to ignore.
Despite feeling like David fighting Goliath, I remain committed in my quest to change the way women view their health and wellness, and emphasize how important it is to seek the long, persistent and patient route. Too many in my community have succumbed to age-old theories and unhealthy, unsustainable, quick-fix programs, which are often hyper-focused on body image rather than overall health, longevity, and happiness.
Let’s be clear: the fitness and diet industries want you to be on a cleanse, demonize a food group, try every new fitness trend, and strive to lose that pesky 10, 20, 30 pounds. They want your money, and they know how to get your attention. Yet, the more attention you give them, the more they can afford top-notch models, beautiful photography, and the emails, text messages and social media posts that encourage you to buy more. They want you to keep on searching and, most importantly, keep on spending.
To reach that end, they need you to believe:
The weight on the scale is related solely to your food choices and the amount of high-intensity cardio in your workout.
The size of your jeans has nothing to do with the quality of your sleep.
You don’t deserve compassion – punishing yourself with exercise and deprivation dieting is the only approach.
You just need to try harder and have more willpower to see results.
No pain, no gain. The harder you work out, the better your results.
The way you feel in your clothes can’t possibly be because you’ve been in a rut for longer than you’d like to admit.
The readout on your wearable device gives you all the data you need to be successful.
Your relationships and mindset have nothing to do with your lack of motivation for exercise.
Losing weight will lead you - finally - to ultimate happiness.
I could go on, but you get the gist.
I was on that same industry-driven journey for decades. I tried everything. I punished myself through deprivation diets. I blamed not exercising on my busy and important schedule. I was a victim if there ever were one.
I have seen thousands of women struggle, and have heard the frustration of women who want to feel better about themselves and their bodies. While they firmly believe, like I used to, that they just need to find the right exercise program and the right diet, over time, I have discovered that women’s struggles with their bodies has more to do with their sleep, stress, upbringing, and fixed mindset than the food they eat or the exercise program they choose. I want to replace the lies of the diet and fitness industries with these truths:
You – and your body – deserve compassionate and thoughtful care.
Small habit change beats willpower to produce long-term results.
Deprivation dieting leads to frustration and eventually even more weight on the scale.
Addressing your sleep, stress, family upbringing, and mindset will help you with your “food issues.”
A growth mindset will help you become more resilient and find a fitness and food relationship that works.
Eliminating dairy, alcohol, gluten, sugar or some major food group for good is unrealistic.
Taking stock of where your belief system was rooted (family, friends, mentors, media) is the first step to the journey of loving you and your body.
As a health and wellness professional, I feel it is my duty to continue educating women on how they can reach true and lasting wellness. The next time you see an ad on social media, listen to a friend rave about her latest detox program, or view a commercial with a super “fit” woman who seems to have it all, remember that reaching your health and wellness goals will not be as simple as a 30-day cleanse or eliminating a food group. It is a journey and a journey well worth the time and patience. My friends, it takes time, persistence, and patience. The rewards are great.
The sooner we all embrace this mindset, the greater wellness we will all be able to achieve.
Better yet, the sooner you will be on the road to loving your body and yourself and treating it like you would your best friend.
Join me in learning to love your body, either live in Alexandria or online, in my Small Group Concierge Wellness Program where women just like you meet weekly for guided conversation around wellness, strength training, support, and fun.
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