Somehow, without any scientific backing, we have blacklisted carbs, overloaded on protein, alienated fat, and decided that water doesn't taste good unless we put sugar, fake sugar and colour in it.
I think it's because the human race has gone crazy. Being overweight became a huge fear of ours. The thought of getting fat has taken over and we are willing to risk our health to avoid it.
This unrealistic standard that many people try to attain was set by magazines and Hollywood.
It seems not a single medical or wellness expert was consulted in the discussion of "how we should look".
Worst of all, we get down on ourselves for something we can't change. Everyone has a different body type, and we all want is what we can't have. We see the beauty on a cover, and we wish it was us.
Personally, I'd love to get the focus off weight loss in most conversations when it comes to food and exercise. I'd also love to see magazines put disclaimers on all photos. It's not just photoshop that's a problem, but a list of tricks used to look a certain way. How about we talk about how dehydrated the subject was? How long they dieted specific to the shoot? How old are they? What surgeries and implants do they have?
But the best question to ask someone in the fitness model world is 'Are you happy?' The grass is always greener. They may not be as happy with their perfect body as you think.
Ideally, there would be no more weight loss competitions, and our youth would not grow up associating food with being fat. Not sure how we managed to do it, but food to our "less intelligent" ape-like ancestors was fuel, but for us, it's the cause of making us less desirable because we are fat. They spent their lives searching for it, we spend our lives avoiding it.
I'm guilty of wishing I was leaner. I'm guilty of punishing myself with cardio for over doing it on the treats. I'm even guilty of choosing diets and supplements that don't in anyway benefit me in those weak moments when you just feel like you'd be happier smaller. Beach season gets me every year.
I'll tell you what though. I'm happiest when I'm eating healthy and sharing it with a beautiful girl. There is nothing as satisfying as being fit for the sake of being ready for adventure(Arizona, I'm coming to conquer you and your wilderness in the new year). Most of all, and this is coming from my heart, there is nothing as satisfying as knowing that you are doing everything to be healthy and avoid the hospital. I was sick as a kid, I know what it's like to miss out on things simply because I was sick.
My mission, the reason I got my degree in this health stuff, the reason I started my blog www.onefitcity.com and the reason make videos for youtube is to get the word out.
Let the fitness models continue to do their thing. Many love the strict lifestyle and dedication. It's not for everyone. What matters is you, your energy, and your life journey.
Always remember:
Beauty doesn't matter if you die a horrible preventable death from disease because you avoided good foods (packed with nutrients) that would make you "get fat".
Your weight won't matter to you if you wind up in a hospital bed because of a pill you took, or a lifestyle you chose.
It is my sincere hope that by writing, and using social media I'll be able to change the perspective of what health is. I've got my University degree and I love consulting to create healthy vibrant workplaces. The kind where people are happy, motivated and taking care of themselves and supporting their co-workers to do the same.
There is a bond in health, sharing recipes, and getting exercise as a group.
Below are some of my simple favourites to be healthy from my Instagram. All of these photos come from my consulting and work to create One Fit City in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a project I couldn't do without the support of Birchwood Chevrolet, and FoodFare Winnipeg. I hope you find a few tips, and join me on a mission to change the way the world views health, beauty, and fitness. We just need to move, be kind, and eat real food. I promise, that's the secret.
Apple Cinnamon infused water: Let your water sit in this for a few minutes. Instant flavour
Lemon and raspberry infused water
Real quick lunch: Rice cakes with half an avocado topped with 1/2 can of tuna, simple spinach salad, and baby carrots
Snack: Fiber and Protein -- no animal products. Just hemp, vegetables and some hot sauce
Breakfast: Protein Pancake -- 1/2 cup of egg whites, 1/2 cup of blueberries. 1 cup of oats, 2 tbsp of flax then add cinnamon and vanilla to taste. Cook it like a pancake.