This is NOT a transformation photo.
Dieting Vs. Living
This is an explanation of the differences between dieting and living.
In my opinion, the two do not co-exist.
The body of the woman in the left picture required very strict nutrition to maintain. Maybe there’s a time and place for that—like entering a fitness competition or training for an Iron-Man race. But daily living as a mom of three little kids, farmwife, and fitness instructor?
Here’s the thing—the woman on the left would turn down baking cookies with her kids, because she didn’t want the temptation of sweets.
No crepes (my favorite!!) with Sunday brunch.
No glass of wine with dinner with her extended family.
No cake to celebrate a graduation.
Sometimes she would eliminate foods or food groups.
Hmmmm…..dieting sounds a lot like disordered eating, doesn’t it?
I rationalized that I had goals. And I did. I wanted to see how far I could push my body. I loved the challenge. But at what expense to my mental health? Dieting can be very socially isolating.
You see, the woman on the left spent a HUGE amount of time thinking about food, and planning and prepping meals (I’m not saying that meal planning and prep is all bad). She was hungry. She measured her foods most of the time. She was constantly thinking about when she could eat again, and what she would/could eat. She spent so much time feeling guilty when she ate something that wasn’t “approved” or on the “plan.”
Diet culture is so sneaky.
It comes disguised as a “lifestyle.” It comes with promises of being something you can do forever. When in fact, measuring your food, eliminating foods or food groups, restriction and then guilt when the inevitable binge happens, letting thoughts of food consume your life—those things are not sustainable.
I am a smart, educated woman. And yet even I got caught up in the “wellness lifestyle.” I wouldn’t say I regret my experiences with diet or “wellness” culture, because I am always learning, but I do regret leading so many others down the same path.
Diets don’t work.
Maybe for a little while. But not long term. And then gaining the weight back plus some—the yo-yo-ing is the harmful part. Even more harmful is feeling like you failed, when in fact it was the diet that failed.
The woman on the right—she is truly living. Living without thinking about or stressing about food. She enjoys baking with her kids, eating the cookies, and feeling zero guilt.
I definitely do not neglect nutrition. Remember I talked about how much I have learned? I know what my body needs, because I have learned to listen to it. I know that if I eat too many cookies, I get a headache and feel soooooo tired. If I don’t eat enough fruits and veggies, I feel the effects in my belly…if you know what I mean. If I don’t eat enough complex carbs and lean proteins, I don’t have enough energy for my workouts and my active life!
Do I have visible abs anymore? Nope. But is that a priority? Still nope.
I have too much living to do that doesn’t involve missing out on social events, memories with my kids, or guilt over any food.
My wish is that you can experience the same.
As always, I’m here for any questions. Let’s talk!
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All my best–Michaela
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