It was hard enough to find sound health advice before social media. But now, we are bombarded by conflicting information, pseudoscience, and product-pushing from influencers every time we open up Instagram or TikTok.
Just to really drive home the next level ridiculousness of it all, a mom named Caitlin Murray recited every single bit of diet, fitness and wellness advice you've no doubt heard online in one hilarious take.
Delivered with all the dryness of a Daria episode, Murray begins:
"Hey ladies. Have you been struggling to lose belly fat? Guess what? You've ruined your metabolism by not eating enough. You're not getting enough protein. Okay, you're going to need to take grams of protein and multiply it by the number of stars in the sky, and that's how much protein you're going to need in a day in order to lose weight, but you're also going to need to stay in a caloric deficit in order to lose weight. Idiot."
But of course, she quickly retorts, "you also have to live your life, okay. Memories not macros."
Also included in her "advice" is to start lifting heavy weights 3-4 times a week and stop doing cardio...while also still getting in 10,000 steps per day, ""Sounds like cardio but we don't call it that anymore." That one had me literally LOL'ing.
In essence, we need to "Get with the times," Murray says. Which is really simple: get your 10,000 steps every day, but don't exercise every day. Oh, and rest. "Otherwise your cortisol levels are going to be through the roof."
And if you're still somehow confused by all this, don't worry. Just comment "science" to receive Murray's "six-week plan to get totally snatched." Oh, and "follow for more tips."
It wasn't long before thousands of viewers applauded Murray for her spot-on accuracy.
"You are ... hilarious! And yes, it does feel EXaCTLY like that! Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone," one person wrote.
Another echoed, "The F'd up thing is that this was probably the most comprehensive and logical summary of all the shit on my IG feed these days. So, thank you? 🙃"
A few celebrities even chimed in. "Omg this is the funniest thing ever," Pink wrote, while model Molly Sims added, "You're PHENOMENAL."
In an interview with Good Morning America, Murray shared that her own frustrations with being exposed to so much wellness content inspired her parody.
"I've been consuming this content like it's my other job," she told GMA. And during that time she had repeatedly come across fitness catchphrases like "snatched" and "belly fat," which are specifically targeted toward women. Shocker.
Besides offering the world some grade-A comedy, Murray hopes it also reminds people -- especially women -- that there are no extreme diets, pricey supplements, or quick-fix plans that can replace long term, consistent good habits. So all advice suggesting otherwise should be "taken with a grain of salt."
But hey, at least you burned a few extra calories giving yourself a good laugh.