I’ve been working my butt off for the last couple of months. Just about every day I have made it my mission to work out. Instead of being something I fit in if I can, I’ve made exercise a non-negotiable. This has been game changing for me.
I’ve always been one of those girls who, while not obese, could stand to lose at least 10 pounds. Blame it on body type, genetics, laziness, whatever. I’ve always struggled to keep those last few pounds off. But now it’s different. I’m not dieting. I’m not looking for mystical results in a ridiculously short amount of time. I’m making a lifestyle change.
The problem? I’VE LOST HARDLY ANY WEIGHT. I realize that muscle weighs more than fat and that inches are just as important as pounds. I realize that my clothes fit me differently and that I feel stronger and my back doesn’t ache when my toddler is in a hardcore “CARRY ME!” mood. I realize all of that. But would it kill the scale to creep down a bit?! For my psychological well being?!
The one thing that does seem to help me is flooding myself with positive reinforcement. I started following a bunch of healthy living Instagrammers and the constant encouragement and healthy food inspiration has been huge. HUGE, I tell you!
Here are a few of my favorites:
@eating_whole
Whether it’s seeing someone manage to work out even though her kids are using her as a jungle gym, getting a peek at a healthy meal or snack on the run idea, or seeing someone’s amazing transformation, these ladies totally inspire me to continue down a healthy path. Bonus points for when they show that they too are imperfect and indulge in some unhealthy deliciousness every so often. It makes me feel less terrible after I binge on chocolate and start beating myself up about it. 😉
If you have anyone to add to the list, please do (and check out my last InstaAddict post for my favorite mom Instagrammers)! I’m always happy to find someone new to follow! And if you have any fitness advice, I’m all ears for that too!
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
You’ve motivated me to start exercising more! I can’t get to the gym, but I do have a treadmill, weights, exercising ball, and several other equipment. I’m going to start my morning exercises again tomorrow morning! I’m also one of those who’d like to loose 5-10 pounds. I’ve haven’t eaten as well as I should have this past month or two. I was doing really well in the first two months of the year.
That’s awesome, Julie! I hope you got the ball rolling.
I’m in the same boat as you. I don’t do the gym because I’m cheap and find it too difficult to work around my kids’ schedules.
That said, I won’t let myself make excuses anymore! I make it my mission to clear at least twenty minutes a day. If that means setting my toddler up with a messy project that will keep her attention, I do it and deal with the mess afterwards! Obviously there are some days when it just doesn’t work (like last week when we were dealing with unexpected sick days and a work deadline), but I’ve been better at cutting myself some slack and getting right back at it the next day.
Great, great post. I love this! You should make this a regular series!
Thanks Johanna! I’m thinking I will. Are there any categories you’d like to see? Or do you want to see more healthy living accounts?
I like the idea of Instagram accounts to follow, healthy and all topics. I am a visual person so I love this!
Your wish is my command! I’ll shoot for doing another one next week!