As I've mentioned, lately I've been a little less strict with my diet than I would say I have been for the past couple of years. Less strict meaning not tracking anything as far as macros or calories, eating more carbs, and having a few extra treats here and there. I may have a tiny bit more body fat, and, yeah, I don't have shredded abs, but I am at a happy place right now. I feel good pretty about myself(most of the time!). It got me thinking...
There are so many women out there who are obsessed with getting leaner and leaner; getting those coveted fitness model abs. I get it, I've been there. But the thing is, once you get there, what is it going to do for you? What does it prove? That you can diet really well? That you can deprive yourself? That you have really great willpower? Is it going to make you any happier than you are right now?
I know that for myself, striving for 6 pack abs did not bring much satisfaction, but rather stress and anxiety. It consumed my thoughts. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, it's nice being lean and having great abs...but is it worth being miserable? What we have to remember is that even most fitness models who are super lean are usually not like that year round. They look like that for that one photo shoot or that one competition because they have been strictly dieting for weeks to get to that point. So really, it's not a reflection of their normal, day to day selves!
I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to eat as clean and healthy as you can, or that you should justify eating junk food every day by saying it's what "makes you happy". You should eat healthy because you love yourself and you want to put the best things into your body. You should exercise to keep your body fit and strong, not as punishment for eating that candy bar over the weekend. You should strive to be the best you can be day to day and find happiness in knowing that you are better than you were yesterday; that you are getting stronger and healthier every day.There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but it shouldn't be the end all, be all; it shouldn't be at the sake of your health and sanity.
I have found that what makes ME happy is not having a 6 pack, but being athletic, fit, muscular, and strong and still able to enjoy a few treats now and then. It's not having to worry about every single gram of carbohydrate that I put into my mouth. It's being able to eat a fruit or two a day without the fear that it will make me fat. It's being able to go out to dinner or a family function and not be the one who brings out their Tupperware container of chicken and broccoli. I have never and will never be that person. I will always watch what I eat, but I have realized that being super ripped and lean is not what brings me fulfillment and satisfaction.
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There are so many women out there who are obsessed with getting leaner and leaner; getting those coveted fitness model abs. I get it, I've been there. But the thing is, once you get there, what is it going to do for you? What does it prove? That you can diet really well? That you can deprive yourself? That you have really great willpower? Is it going to make you any happier than you are right now?
I know that for myself, striving for 6 pack abs did not bring much satisfaction, but rather stress and anxiety. It consumed my thoughts. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, it's nice being lean and having great abs...but is it worth being miserable? What we have to remember is that even most fitness models who are super lean are usually not like that year round. They look like that for that one photo shoot or that one competition because they have been strictly dieting for weeks to get to that point. So really, it's not a reflection of their normal, day to day selves!
I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to eat as clean and healthy as you can, or that you should justify eating junk food every day by saying it's what "makes you happy". You should eat healthy because you love yourself and you want to put the best things into your body. You should exercise to keep your body fit and strong, not as punishment for eating that candy bar over the weekend. You should strive to be the best you can be day to day and find happiness in knowing that you are better than you were yesterday; that you are getting stronger and healthier every day.There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but it shouldn't be the end all, be all; it shouldn't be at the sake of your health and sanity.
I have found that what makes ME happy is not having a 6 pack, but being athletic, fit, muscular, and strong and still able to enjoy a few treats now and then. It's not having to worry about every single gram of carbohydrate that I put into my mouth. It's being able to eat a fruit or two a day without the fear that it will make me fat. It's being able to go out to dinner or a family function and not be the one who brings out their Tupperware container of chicken and broccoli. I have never and will never be that person. I will always watch what I eat, but I have realized that being super ripped and lean is not what brings me fulfillment and satisfaction.
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Love this! I use my upper abs as a guide. I can see my upper abs most of the time - if I lose sight of them, it means I'm enjoying myself a little too much. To see my lower abs, it takes a LOT of work and it makes me miserable. It's just not worth it at this point in my life - I'd rather enjoy my treats and focus on being fit and strong!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I do the same thing! If I can see a shoulder vein and a little bicep vein and at least a 2pack...then I'm good! lol
DeleteAlso agree! Upper abs keep me accountable; lower abs are preeeetty tough for me to get! I like this rule of thumb. :D
DeleteThis is such a great post, Lindsay. If I got there (and indeed, I was there with the shredded six pack at one point - more due to stress with a family situation than conscious clean eating or working out, funnily enough!) and I'd like to get back there, but it seems pretty impossible to me. I'd have to REALLY limit my eating and I don't think it's worth it to me. I like being able to have some dessert with friends, enjoy a glass of wine, and stay fit in the gym, on adventures with my husband and just treat my body well. Good things for me to chew on - I'm not as fit or toned as you but I'm not far off from where I'd like to be. Always striving for that balance and really resonated with your words today. Thanks for sharing! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's about finding a place where you can be happy and enjoy your life, with or without shredded abs! Fat loss should not be our primary objective 24/7, 365!
DeleteBEST BEST BEST post ever :) And I love it even more because I actually wrote a REALLY similar post to this not too long ago! :) I touched on the topic that figure competitors do not look like they do on magazine covers year round!
ReplyDeleteOh Lindsay! What an amazing post! I will be starring this one for sure :)
Like I have told you, I love your mindset and your way of thinking! It's beautiful ad very healthy!
I too have strived for a six pack, but it's so much more stressful than what the results give you. Really? Who else sees it anyway? Right!? So so so silly.
Great post, hun! XOXO
Thanks Meg! 6 packs are way overrated! ;) When I try to get leaner to get my abs to pop, I find that I just end up looking scrawny everywhere else. I'd rather have some fat on my abs and have my muscles look big and full!
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