Now that I’m on “the other side” of the fitness divide, I am amused by some of the things I used to believe about fitness.
- Exercise video “stars” stay in shape by doing their 30 minute video a few days a week. I’m not sure where I got this idea, but I totally believed that I could get as fit as Kathy Smith just by doing her fat-burning workout a few days a week.
- Fit people are “naturally” fit and blessed with a better metabolism. I have come to realize that many of the people whom I assumed were “naturally” fit actually work really hard at staying in shape, they just don’t talk about it in every day conversation.
- You shouldn’t have to worry about raisins. I distinctly remember picking up a “diet” magazine in my pre-diet days and being instantly turned off by a meal plan that required the portioning of raisins. I thought it was ridiculous that you would have to worry about eating too much of such a “healthy” food. I had no idea about calories, or how quickly calories could add up. I still don’t worry about raisins, but I do stick to the small, pre-portioned boxes so I don’t accidentally go overboard.
What “fitness fallacies” have you debunked?
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On #2, I don't know, there are some people out there who can eat & eat & eat & eat, never seem to pay attention, and it doesn't make them flinch. I envy those people. I look at a treat and think, "How many miles do I need to run to burn that off?" In fact, yesterday I ate too much for lunch and decided I needed to run 7 mile later, I never made it 7 because I'm a wimp, but still, the thought happened.
And, yeah, I agree about the raisins, even though I really dislike raisins.
#2 was a huge issue for me to realize. I'd go out to eat with skinny friends and see them eat burgers and fries and think that's what they always ate. Even when they told me that they didn't always eat like that, I didn't get it. I only know of a tiny amount of people who can eat and eat. Now I see how most people work hard at it.
I thought for a long time that certain people just had it "easy" to look how they do. Now I know that usually if someone looks fit…they work for it.
And I love me some raisins too! I'm too cheap to buy the mini boxes so I have to fight myself to portion one handful, which ends up close to a serving. Some days its hard though. I just love their sweet chew!
Ah – lots! A calorie is not a calorie…. That's been a biggie for me cuz my body just loves certain proportions of protein, carbs, veggies MORE than it likes a "calorie" budget.
Of course I'm saying that at the tail end of a day where I GORGED on fresh croissants – haven't had any white flour forever – tasted great – paying the price – and I bet my overall calories weren't bad LOL
#2 was definitely an eye opener for me! i have a lot of fit friends and just assumed they were blessed with great genes until i took a business trip with one of them and saw exactly how she maintains her fitness and weight – a lot of fresh healthy foods, a 60 minute workout daily (even on a trip) and only a few bites of dessert. it changed my whole outlook on health and fitness!
OMG – I have to worry about raisins! Well, not raisins, per se. But all sorts of other healthy foods that it is all too easy for me to overeat.
Yeah, I've fallen for all of these. The exercise one still kills me because I can't stand working out. I want to get to that point where I just love it and can't imagine NOT doing it, but finding the motivation to get there is TOUGH. And the idea that I am going to have to do it nearly every day for the rest of my life, a couple of hours a day, is a bit overwhelming. If I want to keep the weight off I will never be able to slack at all. That's tough.
BTW, just found your blog through Fitblogger's link-up. Love it! You have a new subscriber!