Comments on: Overcoming Exercise Guilt + Finding a Healthy Balance

By: India Gerritsen

India Gerritsen — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 06:28:24 +0000

Seems to me you haven’t really solved it all that much if you can only get over the exercise guilt if you reduce your food intake as a result, by eating a salad and not having dessert. That’s not healthy either as ultimately you’re restricting yourself to be comfortable with the fact you haven’t exercised and so weight loss is running your life still. I was hoping this would be an article that could help me but for someone who struggles with a past of food restriction and exercise addiction it just sent unhealthy messages to cut food on non workout days.

By: Elle

Elle — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 21:03:52 +0000

Thank you for this. You put into words what I feel regularly and it was very powerful to hear. I have been loving your healthy living posts and how you share your emotional and mental transition into a healthier lifestyle. There are so many resources that teach you how to eat healthy, lose weight, etc on paper but the daily challenge and hurdles are not often mentioned. Thank you for your vulnerability and for letting us into your struggles and transition into a healthier mentality, as well as lifestyle.

By: Anita

Anita — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 10:50:05 +0000

Such an important topic, thank you! I’ve also written about exercise guilt here https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fit-femininity/201502/feeling-exercise-guilt and have found that often people find the topic uncomfortable…almost as if by admitting to feeling guilty, they ARE guilty of something. I agree that talking about it more will help make it less of a taboo subject and hopefully reduce interpersonal judgment as well!

By: Donna

Donna — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 14:32:14 +0000

In reply to LISA STOUGHTON.

Hi, Lisa. Soooo sorry to hear that you’ve struggled with/are struggling with anorexia. You mentioned PTSD, too, and I wanted to mention EMDR as a potential treatment. I’m a therapist & find EMDR to be ‘magical’ for all kinds of issues, including eating disorders & the related runaway negative self-beliefs. You can find an EMDR therapist in your area by going to http://www.EMDRIA.com. BEST to you.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:10:04 +0000

Hi Ali – this is a really eloquently written post about an issue we don’t talk enough about. I’m a family doc and see a lot of girls who go through this. It’s hard not to when there are so many accessible photos to those insta-fit stars. You’re right, they are likely spending hours at the gymand many of us forget that. You’re right that we should be following more girls who are paving the way to success without cachectic appearing abs. I love your instagram and find it not only inspraling but inspiring 😉

By: Fallon

Fallon — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 01:02:41 +0000

This is such a great post! Curious about your nutrition – do you count calories? I struggle to get enough daily (with a pretty balanced clean diet) and feel it’s hindering my progress. Any advice?

By: Gail

Gail — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 00:04:07 +0000

Thanks, Ali. I slept in this morning and felt a little exercise guilt. I needed to read this today.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:27:31 +0000

love this, i recently read another food bloggers post about her previous day’s “bad eating” and “too stupid and lazy to get to the gym” comments and I was SAD!! its beyond irresponsible (lots of teen girls following) and very damaging. ive since unfollowed her, because i dont need that message in my universe. i was so disappointed. We all have days where it all goes south but we cant continually beat ourselves up about it – the important thing is that we educate ourselves on what works for OUR bodies and lifestyle and LAUGH at our indulgences, move on and tomorrow is another day – I choose this as my thought process xx

By: Melanie

Melanie — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 20:56:01 +0000

Thanks for writing this post. I wish I had come across posts or resources like this two years back when I was restricting my food intake and overexercising. These days, my main workout is yoga (first thing in the morning) and if I get a chance mid day or later in the day, I’ll tag on a Tone it Up workout.
I also eat the same way, regardless. I always eat pretty healthy and plant-based so I might just choose lighter meals/snacks. I find that cutting out a snack or shrinking down a meal too much leaves me unbalanced throughout the day and I feel hungry after dinner. Snacks are important!
Once again, your perspective is refreshing. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and thoughts.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:02:36 +0000

Where is the link to the “fake before and after” photos?
Thanks for sharing everything!

By: Ali Maffucci

Ali Maffucci — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:18:47 +0000

In reply to Kristina gadbury.

That’s what I said – just follow whoever inspires you and doesn’t invoke envy or unattainable angst!

By: Mandi

Mandi — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:53:43 +0000

Unfollowing fitness instagrams is so key!!

By: Amy English

Amy English — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:48:08 +0000

I’m so happy that you have found this balance, Ali. Eating healthy always makes me feel better that a tough workout. We have two big puppies who we walk twice a day and love to take hiking on weekends. They’re counting on us and enjoy it so much, there’s no skipping!

By: Kristina gadbury

Kristina gadbury — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:42:54 +0000

Love this post but I feel that it’s naive to say that ALL fitness social media models have a negative influence and the assumptions that u made don’t apply to everyone . I follow many that have very informative channels and inspire me in my own fitness goals in different ways, just as your account does. How others use or don’t use them as inspiration is on the viewer . While your observations of social media fit models may be true for some , it’s important to discuss both angles .

By: Lauren Shaber

Lauren Shaber — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:12:55 +0000

LOVE this post and series!

Two things:
1. You will LOVE the Facebook headquarters. They’re amazing! Like a mini version of Palo Alto. I went a couple years ago and got to chat with the woman who designed the HQ… so interesting! Can’t wait to hear all the things you’re doing with them.
2. Totally with you on the exercise guilt! It’s not at all worth it. I have to say, though: it’s hard being a part of the wellness industry sometimes because people can be very extreme. I’ve personally found that I feel more relaxed when I put less pressure on myself to workout. It’s all about balance, right?! I’d love to know which accounts you follow for “real” inspiration in one of your wellness wednesday posts!

By: Darcie

Darcie — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:10:47 +0000

Well said and fabulous that you have figured this out at such a young age! Congrats on your pregnancy! Children are the best! Motherhood is wonderful! Enjoy!