Over the last 5-6 years, I've had 3 kids and lost 30 pounds. Initially the 1/2 lb-per-month loss was a combination of eating healthier (whole grains made a big difference), water intake (100+ ounces/day), and breastfeeding each child for at least their first 12 months (burns 500 calories a day!).
Then about 8 months ago, I began doing On-Demand workouts (my favorites are Jillian Michaels and Jackie Warner), and setting small exercise goals for myself (focusing on endurance, muscle tone, being able to do a "real" push-up, etc).
On-Demand offers the convenience of not having to leave my house and the variety of switching up the routines by the press of a button. I used to work out with cans of beans, but I finally invested in a pair of 3-lb hand weights to intensify my workout.
I've lost 25 more pounds! Of course it only equals out to about 1 pound a week--but I feel that's well within healthy range!
So back to EVERYONE having an opinion--never before have I experienced people's personal comments about my weight since I've started exercising and getting toned.
Here are a few favorites: "Don't lose too much weight!", "You can stand to gain weight!", "You're just skin and bones!" (with this I immediately flex my bicep and say, "And muscle too!"), "Be careful!" (this one's my favorite--as if I'm doing harm to my body by exercising).
Is this what people said to Richard Simmons when he lost all his weight? Did anyone stop Jillian Michaels from getting a six-pack?
All I have time for is 20-40 minutes of exercise about 5 times a week--and that's only if I make it serious priority. I have limited space, limited time, and limited self-control--did I mention 3 kids--so I try to celebrate my progress and motivation.
And I try to eat a block or 2 of chocolate a day as reward.
I mean really, people, I can actually do 7 push-ups in a row and jog a 10-minute mile. Whoopie. But my obliques feel amazing. And my shoulders look great in a tank top! Anyone can have the body of a surfer--it just takes a little time and a little hard work!
