Having our first child has made me think a lot though about the generation I was brought up in and the damaging health, fitness and food messages of the 90’s and 00’s.
e.g. “Heroin Chic” (i.e. being Kate Moss skinny); “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”; Carb demonisation; Low fat craze; “No pain, no gain”
Absolutely horrific! It pains me to still hear some people talk badly about “having bread”. What?!!
Anyway, you’ll never ever hear me promoting the above as it’s utter uttter rubbish AND incredibly damaging.
I will never say “I hate my body” – my child will see me treating it with respect.
I will never say “I can’t eat that, it’s bad for me” – there is no black and white.
I will never say “I was so bad yesterday with food” – my child will know eating isn’t about guilt.
I will never say “I need to work this off” – exercise is for enjoyment, strength and health, not punishment.
I will never say “I shouldn’t eat carbs” – my child will know food fuels us, not shames us.
I will never say “I wish I looked like her” – comparison will not be their inheritance.
I will never say “I’ll be happy when I’m thinner” – they will see happiness as something for the present, not a size.
I will never say “I need to skip meals to be good” – they will learn food is nourishment, not a reward or punishment.
I want my child to grow up in a world where food isn’t feared, bodies aren’t shamed and exercise isn’t a punishment.
A world where health means feeling energised, strong and confident, not fitting into a certain size or following the latest “must-do” trend.
And whilst I can’t change the messages of the 90s and 00s, I can do my bit to rewrite the script now: for myself, my child and for anyone who needs that reminder today.
So if you ever catch yourself slipping into old diet culture language, pause. Ask yourself: Would I want my child (or someone I love) to hear me say this?
If the answer is no, let’s choose a kinder narrative.
Here’s to breaking the cycle.
#lornamariefitness #thirdtrimester #millenial #pregnancy
