You MUST follow this to lose weight...
In a world with more social media focus and self proclaimed 'fitness experts' than ever, all of whom are trying to be controversial in order to gain followers - how do we know who to listen to when it comes to health advice.
As I was scrolling through Instagram last night, I was left with a thought that I have had on more than one occasion: is it any wonder that people are confused about what they need to do to achieve their health and fitness?
Every post I came across had conflicting information to the one above, and almost every person posting them was seemingly on a high horse about their answer being the correct one. "You MUST follow this"
"This is the ONLY WAY to lose weight"
The list goes on...
So what should you be doing to lose weight, and why has what you've tried in the past not worked?!
The answer to these questions might not be what you want to hear, but honestly, it depends. It depends on your personal situation, on your goals, your body composition, how often you exercise, what you eat and sometimes, even gender.
There is no blanket answer and we need to be wary of anyone who claims to have one - ESPECIALLY without asking you about your life! Fitness and health is extremely personal. Of course there is no harm in providing information, but angling that information in a way that suggests it is the ONLY correct answer (usually to allow the poster to sell you into something) can be extremely harmful, especially if you consider that a large portion of followers may be a young and impressionable audience.
So I ask you to think twice next time you see a definitive answer to a nutrition or fitness question, and ask yourself who the source of the information is and more importantly, what do they have to gain. *** Note to fitness professions: stop trying to be controversial, stop trying to come up with the sexiest answer and stop with your click baiting aimed at vulnerable people - You're better than this!
If in doubt, the JWC team are always available to talk to and help you unravel the mysteries of the fitness universe!
Do you have any questions that you would like a more in-depth answer to? Comment below!