Do you want to be happier? Read this:

Krista Scott-Dixon, a woman I've admired for years, recently posted one of the most amazing compositions I've ever read.

Do you want to know why no matter how hard your workout and diet, you're still not happy? Do you want learn how those models (that you think you want to look like) really feel about themselves?

Then read Krista's masterpiece:

What's Eating You?

Her and I have talked about this in great length - that even if a woman attains "Goddess-like" leaness, she still hates her body. You think it's crazy but it's true.

I went through it myself. I reached 6% body fat on a DEXA (the gold standard of body composition), I could wear those little boy shorts like it was my job (they scare me now), I'd walk around always wearing tight clothes, and I could fit into a size zero (what the hell is a size zero anyhow?).

And you know what? I was miserable: I was seeing a psychiatrist because I wanted to cry all the time, I could never go to parties because I was afraid to eat "bad" food, I had no boobs, I couldn't maintain a healthy relationship with any guy, I lost my period for 7 years, and I even passed out at the gym once because I was restricting what I ate.

Yes, I was a true moron.

And now,, I'm happy. I love my life. I have a great husband and daughter. I am super-strong in the gym and I like how I look in my clothes (yes, even after having a baby... and no, I don't have rolls).

Overall, being wicked lean doesn't equal happiness, in fact, it's really the opposite.

Be smart, be lean, but don't go to extremes - you'll be happier you didn't.

Posted Jun 11, 2010 by Cassandra Forsythe.
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Comments for This Entry

GravatarLynda03:31PM on June 11, 2010

Hi Cassandra,

Great post, and I love NROLW, you inspire me to stay true to my passions! :) Thanks for writing your blog, especially about your experiences training throughout your pregnancy. I loved hearing your baby on the Fitcast episode you did recently with Kevin, it was really touching to hear her on the recording.

Take care,
Lynda

GravatarIris12:09AM on June 14, 2010

Thank you for this honest statement, I can relate very much! Sometimes being experienced in fitness on nutrition forces us to spend much too much time and energy in improving our bodies and forgetting about what life is really about...This is something every fitness enthusiast has to become alert to. I have experienced it myself; your attitude is very inspiring!

GravatarKathleen03:52AM on June 16, 2010

You speak the truth. And thank you for referring us to Krista's site. I have admired her also, for years.

I left a comment there I hope you'll eventually see. I am nearly 55, and can tell you that years of overdieting (living on a precontest diet) and overtraining have resulted in adrenal fatigue and hypothyroid issues. The former, for sure, and I strongly suspect, the thyroid problems, too. All that stress on my body now means that a single workout can leave me WIPED. A bit of psychological stress (beyond my control) can leave me feeling exhausted for weeks.

I am taking natural hydrocortisone from an alternative MD in the hope that it will rest my adrenals--and that, when he weans me off of them, my adrenals will start functioning properly again.

Sure, not everyone takes this "healthy lifestyle" to this extreme, but so many women, I believe, are at risk for the punishing kind of dietary restriction and overtraining. Little do they know what might be in store for them.

Ironic, isn't it? Years ago I was zealous to maintain 11% bodyfat with ripped abs. These days, I'm not sure I could get that muscle definition if I tried. Does it make me feel sad? A bit, sure. Still my psychological demons at work.

I do enjoy feeling strong in the gym. A LOT. At nearly 55, I can do 50 lb DB chest presses (with a spot!).

No, I may not be the ripped woman with the "fitness physique" I had even at age 40, but I am one strong lady.

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