In this blog post, we’re unpacking key takeaways from our latest episode of Black Iron Radio, where coaches Maggie, Jess, and Joyce tackle one of the most common (and damaging) beliefs in fitness and nutrition: the idea that you have to “earn” your food with exercise. They explore where this mindset comes from, why it’s harmful to your relationship with both food and movement, and how to start shifting toward a healthier, more sustainable approach. If you’ve ever felt guilty about eating without “burning it off” first, this conversation will help you reframe your thinking and build a more positive foundation for fueling your body.

If you have ever struggled to lose or gain weight, I guarantee you have at some point heard the advice: 

“You just need to eat more/less than you burn”

The person that typically says this kind of thing most likely also holds the belief that being overweight or having obesity is a result of pure laziness or a lack of morals. At the surface level, this advice is correct. However, it is correct in the same way that going to a football game and telling the head coach of your team “Hey pal, you just gotta score more points than the other team and you’ll win” is correct. Correct, but very unhelpful and lacks any understanding on what contributes to the scoring of points. 

We talk all the time about how consistency is king/queen, but if you’re someone who is struggling with consistency you might be missing out on the piece that comes right before it: TRIAL & ERROR

I get it, you just signed up for a coach and you’re ready to GET. TO. WORK.