Next time you're in the grocery line, take note of the magazine covers. The majority of them have promises for ways to drop dress sizes, get a six pack, look great in a bathing suit etc. They also promise you can get these results in little to no time. If you take the time to actually read the articles inside the magazines, the various tips and tricks will likely contradict each other. Cosmopolitan may say you need to avoid carbs like the plague while Redbook praises daily consumption of whole grains to reach your genetic potential in the weight department. The information overload is enough to make your head spin, toss the magazine back on the rack and grab a king size Butterfinger. It's terribly frustrating, and I didn't mention what happens if you dare to Google "weight loss." Access to information is empowering, but too much of it can make simple goals like trying to lead a healthy life seem impossible.
Confusion and conflicting advice is rooted in the one thing that makes the world turn (and creates mo' problems), money. The fitness industrial industry puts food on a lot of people's plates. That gym membership discount you got from your healthcare provider? They give you that because they hope you'll actually go, get healthier and cost them less money by avoiding physician care. The miracle supplement hailed in the latest fitness magazine? They're singing its praise because the pharma company that makes it paid for a two page ad in their latest issue. The 15 minute workout solution touted by your big box gym? They want to get you in and out of their facility as fast as possible to avoid crowding. The splashy headline about how cardio kills in the NY Times? Even though the research was conducted on five mice in a lab, it sells papers.
You may now feel violated by realizing that a lifetime of fitness advice was motivated by profit, but there is hope. The key to deciphering the influx of information, bogus and legitimate, is to remember that it's really not that complicated. Americans were generally in better shape years before any of the diet "secrets" were revealed on the internet. If Gramps was able to avoid obesity and be strong as an ox, so can you. In my mind, it boils down to a few simple tenets. This won't sell magazines, generate headlines, or make me any money but here they are:
1.) Eat whole foods in moderation
2.) Be physically active
3.) Follow tenets 1 and 2 consistently for the rest of your life
I know, this is about as boring as it gets. Of course, there is nuance and detail within points one and two but even following those rules broadly would improve the lives of many people. If you're like me and interested in learning more of the details, start Googling or hit me up in the comments or Twitter (@willdoeswork) but don't forget to be mindful of where your information comes from.
As for me, I started this blog to help spread a positive message about health and help people who may be interested in joining me in an effort to get better. I haven't found a way to cash in on this hobby, so you can trust my information for the time being.
Want more depressing analysis of the "fitness industry"? Here is a good read from Men's Journal http://mjm.ag/13snY8x
I agree- advice given in magazines are rarely helpful/useful. The best advice was given to me by my doctor. He said "If your snack is out of a bag, you probably shouldn't be eating it." It's helped me majorly cut down on processed foods. But, have you had the gluten free crispy chocolate chip cookies from trader joe's? amazing.
ReplyDeleteYour doctor must be following me on Twitter because that's great advice. The cookies sound delicious, but be mindful that gluten-free does not mean healthful. Many gluten-free products, especially the sweets, are loaded with sugars, fats and calories. Sometimes you're even better off with a small portion of the real thing. I checked out these particular cookies, and they look decent if you stick to the serving size (2 cookies).
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