I was talking with a client the other day about six-pack abs and the question came up…is it worth it?
As many of us probably know, getting a well-defined six-pack (especially for women) is not easy and it takes a lot of discipline and hard work. I won’t say all because there’s always an exception to the rule, but the majority of the people you see with a very chiseled body are very strict in their diet and fitness routine.
I hear a lot of moms (and even some dads) say that is so hard to stay on track as a parent. It’s hard to fit in workouts around kid’s schedules, it’s hard to eat healthy when your kids won’t eat what you make, etc. I’ve even used this excuse myself sometimes because, let’s be honest, the kids are an easy scape goat. It’s easier to blame the kids than it is to admit that we just don’t have the discipline.
It’s time to face the music, my friends. Life is full of choices, and these are choices that WE are making. It’s not the kids’ fault, it’s not kids’ schedules, it’s not what the kids will and will not eat. WE make choices and we prioritize what is important to us.
So, is it worth it? Is your health worth it. That’s a question only you can answer, and everybody is different.
For me, the fitness part comes easy for me. I like to do it, it makes feel good, it relieves my stress, and it makes me a better mom. So it’s worth it to wake up an hour earlier to make time for my workout. It makes me feel good and it gives me energy to face the day and be the best mom I can be.
The nutrition side isn’t as easy. Those memes that say “I want to look good in a bathing suit, but I also like cake” fit me perfectly! While I know that eating healthy makes me feel good and gives me energy, I also like to eat ice cream with my girls on a hot summer day or eat s’mores around the campfire or enjoy a drink with my husband after a long week. But these occasional indulgences are worth it for me because they bring me joy.
Now, I’m not saying go out and eat cake all the time because it brings you joy, but life is about balance. For some, that may be a very disciplined lifestyle, and for others that may be the 80/20 lifestyle where you’re disciplined 80% of the time and more flexible 20% of the time. You get to choose what lifestyle fits you and your family. Once you realize that YOU get to choose what’s worth it for you, YOU choose what healthy habits you want to adopt, YOU choose what lifestyle you are going to live, you can have more confidence and happiness in that choice because it was yours.
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