Confessions of a Former Fitness Competitor

This weekend I searched for “lose fat” pills.

Yes… me. Mrs. Holistic. Mind, Body, Soul, and a side of organic broccoli.

It wasn’t for research. It wasn’t a joke. It was a moment of weakness. And it was real.

Now, before anyone gets judgy—or assumes this is a takedown post—let me be clear: I’m not here to shame GLP-1s or those who benefit from doctor-prescribed medication. If that’s your journey, I support you. This isn’t about you. This is about me.

I’m a certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Health Coach, and a former NPC competitor. Ten years ago, I was weeks out from my first fitness competition. I was chiseled. Disciplined. Hangry. And oddly obsessed with Tupperware.

But now, I’m in a different phase

A beautiful, messy, sleep-deprived phase called “motherhood.”

And even though my heart is fuller than ever… sometimes, I look in the mirror and compare my “mom bod” to that pre-kids physique. (Side note: that girl didn’t have to hold a squirming toddler while emptying the dishwasher.)

Here’s the thing—deep down, I know what works.

I know that no pill can undo a pattern of overworking, under-eating (or overeating), late-night snacking, and coffee-for-breakfast living. But even knowing that, I found myself wanting the shortcut.

So this is my public check-in. A little dose of humility and a reminder of the science:

✅ Whole, unprocessed foods win every time

✅ Snacking is fine—if it’s mostly veggies and protein

✅ Late-night eating messes with your body’s ability to rest and burn fuel

✅ Movement matters, but food is 80% of the game

Back in my competitor days, I worked out two hours a day, then trained clients for another six. But even then, it wasn’t the gym sessions that made the biggest difference—it was what I put in my body.

And you know what? That hasn’t changed. What has changed is how I talk to myself when I slip up.

So, if you’re also in a season where your best efforts feel like they’re not enough, or if you've ever typed in something desperate into Google and immediately regretted it, welcome. You’re not alone. And your worth isn't defined by a number, a dress size, or your dinner choices.

This body made babies. It carries me through long days. It deserves more grace, not more guilt.

No more shame. Just the truth. And probably a protein shake.

Written by Lindsay Johnson, CEO, FitPros. Read more about Lindsay here.

Looking for more? Contact a Wellbeing Manager to discuss your organizational wellbeing needs.

---

We provide workplace teams with mindful practices, personal and professional wellbeing growth, fitness instruction, and opportunities for social connection. We aim to inspire the highest potential in people at work, in life, every day, so they can show up healthy and at their best.