Hey lovelies,
Today I want to talk about something a bit different, and I
don’t even quite know what to call it maybe – “fitness shaming”?
I made a conscious decision to change my life for the better
two years ago, change my activity levels and change the way I eat. This change
started off as a new year’s resolution, but has wholeheartedly become my life. This
has become something that has changed so much more than just my body. I have
learned that life is about how much you put in. You need to work for
something if you want it. And that yes you can do amazing things if you just
try. Yet, there is one little negative thing that has developed with this new
fitness lifestyle – “fitness shaming”.
As soon as someone hears that I ‘eatclean’ or go to the gym
on a regular basis they often feel a need to make fun of me. Make fun of the
food I eat, the times I go to the gym and the water bottle I carry around with
me. It is all done in a joking way, but it is quite clearly still happening. Things like “You go to the gym aalllll the
time, just don’t go today” or “chicken and veggies again, don’t you get sick of
it”. Like I am sorry that my eating habits and gym going upsets you so much!
Why do you care?!
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel offended if someone asks me
if I can eat this piece of cake. Like why not? I’m not allergic to any types of food; I am
not vegan/vegetarian or anything like that so I do not have any dietary restriction.
Why would I not be able to eat this cake? If I want to eat a piece of cake I
will, but I don’t need people around me questioning what I can or can’t eat. The
more I am thinking about it, this is probably more to do with “healthy food
shaming”. Why do people get so annoyed if I am snacking on some cucumber slices
instead of a chocolate bar?
Another time this “fitness shaming” becomes apparent is when
it comes to alcohol. I drink alcohol if and when I want to. Very often I have
found that I actually do not want to drink alcohol even if I am going out for
drinks with friends. This seems to not be okay with people. Again why do they
care if I am drinking a virgin cocktail or one with alcohol? And then all night
I get silly comments like “oh are you pregnant?” and “Why don’t you just have
one?!” It’s my body I get to choose what I want to put into it.
I was recently invited for a dinner with friends. Days
before the dinner I was asked multiple times if there is anything I don’t eat –
this was nice, I mean it is kind to check with your guests. And my answer was
no, because I eat anything and everything in moderation (I am not a picky eater
what so every, thanks mum for forcing me to try everything!). Yet this was not
understandable because “You are so healthy, are you sure?” Again, anything is
fine. “Do I need to make a salad for you?” No. Being healthy does not mean all I
eat is salad! And then at this dinner
it was assumed I would not want to have the starter, so it wasn’t served to me. AWKWARD.
I am sorry this blog post is a bit unorganized and rambly. I
want to clarify that this is not everyone; a lot of people are really
supportive and interested in knowing more. But then there are these odd people
around who seem to care way too much about what I am eating and how I am living
my life.
Has anyone else experienced something like this?
Love,
TRUE WORDS!!
ReplyDeleteTRUE WORDS!!
ReplyDelete