‘Fit Mom’ on What Her Critics Get Wrong

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(All photos by Larry Wong.)

Maria Kang became the most polarizing mom on Facebook when she posted her provocative “What’s Your Excuse?” photo two years ago. Now she’s got some advice — and some strong opinions — about how moms everywhere can organize their daily routines, increase productivity, and avoid making excuses in all aspects of life, not just fitness.

Kang, who recently launched her No Excuse Mom site to promote her approach to life, tells Yahoo Makers about her favorite lifehacks, tips, and tricks. (Click here for the second part of the Q&A. We’ll have a third installment soon, with some of Kang’s favorite easy recipes.)

She also busts some myths about her lifestyle: No, she doesn’t count calories, and she doesn’t hate overweight people. She even admits she doesn’t believe there are literally “no excuses” for not being a superfit superparent.

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She also shares some surprising habits, like never using (or even installing) Facebook or any other social media apps on her smartphone.

So whether you looked at that original Facebook photo and thought “Good for her!” or “How dare she?” it’s time to get the full story and see what Kang’s philosophy can do for you.

(Responses from this email interview have been lightly edited for clarity.)

What inspired you to start the “No Excuse Mom” movement? Was there a personal turning point? Or has this always been a part of your life?

Starting the No Excuse Mom movement was something I felt impelled, pushed, and inspired to create because I was an instant public figure whose supporters wanted to express the importance of making health a priority.

Having a persistent, strong, and unwavering attitude towards goals has been an integral part of my life since I was a child. However, when I underwent personal, physical, and spiritual challenges in my 20s, I experienced a true turning point.

All of a sudden, life became difficult, I was overweight, I blamed my genetics, I was working nonstop, I was often depressed and lonely, and I stopped subscribing to fitness magazines because it “made me” feel bad about myself. I had a lot of excuses!

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One day, I decided to stop being a prisoner of my mind and start focusing on the present moment. I stopped living in the past or the future and started relishing my power to change my attitude and therefore my actions in that moment.

I let go of the cookies I binged on the night before, of the skinny pageant girl I used to be, of the person I wished I would become in my future, and I just focused on the here and now. I ate healthy and exercised and loved my body however it manifested.

I gave birth in 2009, 2010, and 2011, and despite starting a new business, raising my children, operating a household, and managing a nonprofit, I still managed to exercise and eat well.

Related: Hot Mom’ Exposes Her Flaws for Inspiring Reason

I dropped weight and became healthier than I was prepregnancy. I took an image to demonstrate my belief that “motherhood can make you better” and that “if I can do it (with three kids close in age) so can you!” That image went viral and was taken out of context.

Has any of the criticism you’ve received changed your thinking? Have you met anyone who made you think, “You know, she has a pretty good excuse, actually!”?

I’ve always been aware of the valid excuses people have — from genetics, physical limitations, diseases, disorders, etc. However, I have been impressed by incredible examples of people who were able to achieve and maintain good health despite being a single parent, struggling financially, dealing with depression, overcoming physical and emotional pain, undergoing thyroid issues, or experiencing old age. It’s been incredible to see the outpour of people who truly embody the No Excuse lifestyle.

What is the single biggest message you want to drive home with your audience?

Health should be a priority; after all, our body is the only physical thing we own in this world. If we want to make change, it begins with a choice, so start taking accountability, find your reason to succeed, and stop making excuses.

What is the biggest myth or misconception about you personally?

Probably that I’m a fat-shamer, that I hate overweight people and have no sympathy. This is farthest from the truth, of course. I can’t make anyone feel shame unless they already sense it within themselves. There is no shame when you know you are trying, when you are doing what the surgeon general recommends, which is exercising an hour a day or eating healthy (which most people are not).

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I have devoted most of my adult life in helping overweight people, especially children in underprivileged areas, to get healthy. I am absolutely sympathetic to the struggle, but I will not coddle you in this process because in order to grow, you must be challenged, and I challenge others to become their best selves (because I believe they can be!).

What is the biggest misconception about your “No Excuses” philosophy?

That there are literally no excuses. I don’t believe you should throw up at the end of your workout or run on a sprained ankle just to cross the finish line. There are many excuses that can hinder your progress, but it’s all about making adjustments so you are still progressing even though you are challenged.

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