Maria Kang stirred up some controversy earlier this month when she posted a photo to her Facebook account. The mother of three, who looks like a fitness model, posted a photo of herself in a sports bra with the caption “what’s your excuse?”
Many people felt like Kang was trying to shame mothers who haven’t lost all of their baby weight.
One critic wrote: “I don’t feel this motivates people all that much, it’s sorta just a prideful brag thrown onto Facebook in front of many women’s faces just to tease and mock them.”
Kang said that she took the photo to try and motivate and inspire women to lose weight. Her message resonated with some people but it struck the wrong chord with others.
Kang apologized to those who took offense but still stood by her photo, saying that she has struggled with her weight all of her life and she is very proud of her body.
“I’m sorry you took an image and resonated with it in such a negative way. I won’t go into details that I struggled with my genetics, had an eating disorder, work full time owning two business’, have no nanny, am not naturally skinny and do not work as a personal trainer. I won’t even mention how I didn’t give into cravings for ice cream, french fries or chocolate while pregnant or use my growing belly as an excuse to be inactive.
“What I WILL say is this. What you interpret is not MY fault. It’s Yours. The first step in owning your life, your body and your destiny is to OWN the thoughts that come out of your own head. I didn’t create them. You created them. So if you want to continue ‘hating’ this image, get used to hating many other things for the rest of your life. You can either blame, complain or obtain a new level of thought by challenging the negative words that come out of your own brain.
“With that said, obesity and those who struggle with health-related diseases is literally a ‘bigger’ issue than this photo. Maybe it’s time we stop tip-toeing around people’s feelings and get to the point. So What’s Your Excuse?”
Despite Kang’s Facebook message, which was posted at the end of September, the mother of three was still subjected to criticism and complaints. Kang took to Facebook again today to say that she struggles with her weight, has excess skin, and occasionally gets depressed about her body.
“I know some of you have seen the news and the motherhood/weight/bully/fat-shaming debate is on a roll. For those who have supported me and follow my site and this page I want to say THANK YOU. You know who I am. You know I have stretchmarks. I have excess skin. I get depressed. I’m often overwhelmed and I’m not always motivated to eat healthy and exercise. But, I do it. I may splurge on chocolate or miss a workout – but I never stop, I never quit, and I never stop striving. I am a real mom, with real obligations and this is a real picture of me – excess skin and all – saying YOU are beautiful. Motherhood is beautiful. AND it can make you better!”
The conversation about Maria Kang’s photo isn’t over yet but the mother of three has said her peace. She’s happy with her body. She’s worked hard for it. And she wants other women to know that they can achieve their post-baby bodies if they stay dedicated and work hard.
What do you think of Maria Kang’s message? Is she fat-shaming? Is she just bragging about her results? Or is she an inspiration to moms around the world?
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