Don’t tell me I can’t {#aHeartFitFriday Linkup}

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ll never get your pre-pregnancy body back.” That’s common advice, right?

I both love and hate that advice.

Yes, pregnancy changed my body. In fact, I don’t even really want my exact pre-pregnancy body back. Bringing two babies into the world was an accomplishment of which I’m happy to be reminded. That doesn’t release me from the desire to regain my strength or to want to fit into the same size I once wore. Just because my waist will never be quite as small as it once was, doesn’t mean I can’t get close.

I’ve already said I’m not interested in unrealistic expectations. We’re not talking about supermodel measurements here or even teenage ones. Though, honestly, I’m a smaller adult than I ever was as a teenager, but that’s actually kind of the point. I don’t want to be limited in my personal fitness goals.

Why am I sharing this?

I just want to encourage you not to sell yourself short. You can do whatever you believe you can.

I still don’t think the emphasis should be on having a perfect body or on losing weight. I think the focus needs to be on having a healthy and strong body. I just know from experience, that a healthier, stronger body often comes with a smaller waistline and clothing size and, therefore, is my meter for success.

I lost 1.5 lbs this week! I’m sorry to disappoint, but I’m not posting an update picture because I’m sick. I do have my limits

Though my weight loss is not as high as it has been other weeks, I’m probably the happiest with this week’s progress because I got several great workouts in and I’m feeling so much stronger.

Happy National Nutrition Month! How are you doing with your goals?

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Comments

Lauralynn Elliott says:

March 1, 2013 at 1:08 pm

1.5 lbs. is a great weight loss! I know you can feel yourself getting more and more fit as time goes by. I believe everyone can be healthier if they will just set their minds to it. I piddled around for a long time, and it took diabetes to get my rear in gear. Hey, that rhymes. LOL Seriously, you are doing a great job, and I want to thank you AGAIN for doing this blog with the linky.

I wanted to briefly share a commercial I saw that ought to scare people. It was for a medicine for diabetic nerve problems. All the people in the commercial were overweight…one of them very much so. I think they pretty much had to use overweight people because if you CONTROL your diabetes, you aren’t likely to have these problems in the first place. I DON’T want to go there. This is why I’m motivated. I really hope I don’t sound too preachy all the time, but I don’t want others to have to deal with what’s happened to me. No one likes to give themselves a shot every day. As Barney Fife said in The Andy Griffith Show, “Nip it in the bud!”.

Jeanette says:

March 1, 2013 at 1:15 pm

Happy to see your post as I get ready to sit down and eat lunch! ????

I could not have said things better myself! I feel the same way! I am not trying to erase the fact that I had two children but I also don’t want that to be complacent and stay as I am today! And yes, I have also been told not be hard on myself but that’s what makes me .. ME! I like to create high expectations for myself so I can be sure I am always aiming to be the best Jeanette I can be. This goes for every aspect in my life! In my goal to get fit, in my spiritual growth, in my role as a mother and wife, daughter and friend, professionally etc etc.

There will always be excuses to not reach one’s potential but it’s up to us to be honest with ourselves and determine if we are in fact doing the best we can.

My progress has not been as great as yours have been! But I have always been more inclined in doing things slowly but I keep going like the energizer bunny! Lol for what it’s worth, remember how I said it took so long for others to notice the changes in your weight/body? Well, Erick noticed the change in you through the pic you posted of us in NYC! So, you’re doing great! Just keep it up!

On another note, I hope you feel better soon! This has been a tough year as far as illnesses go in our family as well!

Besos!!

melanie jean juneau (motherofnine9) says:

March 2, 2013 at 11:13 am

OF course you can..

I did and I had 10 pregnancies and 9 babies. I cal it my BBB =Before Baby Body (although my tummy is slightly rounded and I would not wear a two piece.. for heaven’s sake I am 57