Baby Fat...................

It’s one of those phrases that can mean something so darn cute you just have to hold yourself back from squeezing those thighs to pieces! Cross is blessed with lots of this kind of “baby fat” and we do hold back, but squeeze as limits of pain will allow. Another kind of “baby fat” is meant for preteens who are in that awkward stage where they have kind of grown out but not yet up. That isn’t as sweet as Cross’ but an understandable part of life that is certain to go away with time and growth spurts (even for those of us who are vertically challenged). Then there is the final “baby fat”……… post pregnancy weight. YUCK. As if it weren’t “fun” enough to go through all your body endures, and let me promise I had no clue, then you are left with this amazing gift called, once again, “baby fat”. A friend recently cracked me up when she said “why doesn’t anyone come squeeze my cellulite thighs and think that they are just so darn cute”. Many of you have heard me make polite comments in my blog about 10 pounds here, 15 pounds there. I have really tried not to make it an issue, neither in our wonderful blog time nor in my own life. I can be the vainest of them all, wondering why on earth those old jeans still don’t fit. I'm just trying to figure out how to love a body I wasn’t thrilled about before the tummy roll even entered the scene. Well, I am here to blog that I am receiving some victory, and it is always easier to talk about things on the end of the victory timeline than at the beginning which feels like total defeat.

After Cross came along, I dropped 30 pounds in no time. I honestly couldn’t believe it as I got on the scale. "This is a piece of cake", I thought. Kind of a funny analogy because I was probably eating a piece of cake as I was “thinking”. Well, without divulging my exact weight gain, let’s just say 30 wasn’t enough. A great start, but there was more to go. A month went by, then 2 months, then 3, then 4, ok, wasn’t this just falling off?? Now it seemed those last “few” pounds weren’t budging! So, what did I do, what do you think I did, I bought a book. My life’s motto. “Look Great, Feel Great” by Joyce Meyer (she has a book for EVERYTHING). Well, to make a long story short, I HAD lost the “baby fat”, I just hadn’t lost the chocolate chip cookie fat and it was going to take some work. Honestly, my greatest motivation was when I started watching the Biggest Loser. We always want things to be easy, we never want to do the work and I kept telling myself if those people can do it, so can I.

I wanted to share my 5 step process to getting into at least most of the old jeans to encourage any of you out there who may be plagued by this same nuisance. I must begin with a mental shift. Quickly into the process the Lord showed me that He would not honor vain weight loss. If “hot momma” was my goal, His hand would not be on it. I had to eat to honor this body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. So step one, ditch the scale. Yes girls it is true. I threw it straight in the garbage and my husband threw a party. I haven’t used it in months and I can’t tell you how freeing that is. I always thought it was a practical tool, but it had turned into a mood meter for the day. Ok, so step 2, 80 ounces of water a day. I really found that 9 times out of 10 I was just thirsty not hungry. I had been only drinking water but I still wasn’t drinking enough so out came the measuring and I noticed a huge difference almost immediately. Step 3, whole foods, good fats, high protein and only fruit for dessert. We’ve all heard it, but I can’t tell you how much better I feel when I take the time to reprogram my brain and eat this way. I feel like I could tackle the world, I’m not at all hungry and I know I am feeding my body the fuel it needs, not to be skinny, but to be healthy. Step 4, exercise, duhhhh. This I have been practicing for years now but we have got to get it through our heads that in our culture, 3 times a week is a lifestyle, not a “kick”. I have been walking, running and my new favorite, palates. I encourage you to do what works with your personality and your schedule. I don’t give myself goals that aren’t realistic. I can’t go to the Y every day. I do better if I have a girlfriend to chat with and honestly it has to give me results to keep me motivated (meaning a stroll around the block just doesn’t cut it). Finally, now this is the kicker. If there has ever been a “I should have started doing this years ago” moment, this is it, count your calories. I was eating a LOT too many calories a day. Honestly, after I did my little online calorie counter and saw how many I needed and then started counting thus realizing how many I had been eating, it is a wonder I have done this good. I won’t tell you my number for fear you won’t get your own. Remember, I am 5’2” so mine is going to be lower than most, but it has made all the difference in the world. The cool part is, my favorites, chocolate chip cookies do fit in if I make room and plan ahead. So does dinner with friends and the occasional Pappa John’s Pizza!

So, my body will for sure never look like it did pre-Cross and I certainly have not arrived to super model status, but I am feeling much more victorious for certain and I am thankful to say, until next time (Lord willing) NO MORE BABY FAT FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!