[Or perhaps a big, doughy bagel]Let me preface this post by saying I really don't have body "issues." I've never dieted, I don't (and never have) suffered from anorexia or body dysmorphia or any of the common -ias that make women eat Lean Cuisines. Once, after learning that the milkshakes in my dorm snack shop were made by merely microwaving a pint of Ben and Jerry's until soft, I stuck my finger down my throat, but that really just an experiment to see what all the fuss was about. And for the record, the Chubby Hubby stayed down.
But I do have an issue now. And it's my belly. I pretty much look 4 months pregnant all the time. The belly is part fat, part excess skin and it is usually accentuated by the end of the day with bloat. Not a pretty picture, and it's taking all the courage I can muster to admit it here.
Now I've learned how to dress my waist to best disguise the pooch, but a couple of days ago I forgot the rules and wore a somewhat clingy sweater tunic. And hated myself all day. My mantra must be jacket or ruching, wrap dress or layers. I haven't yet figured out a flattering solve for the gym, where my muffin top always pokes out of my stretch pants.
Speaking of the gym: I work out, I do. But I know myself well enough to know I'll never up the intensity to level guaranteed to burn off all my stomach fat (although I've done a great job of strengthening the muscles under my middle roll).
I'd love liposuction--at least in theory--but the cost, recovery time and sheer selfish vanity of it have so far kept me from Googling local plastic surgeons.
For now I'm trying to eat moderately, exercise more and dress to disguise my major flaw. But I can't help wondering if there's some kind of miracle cure I don't know about. Is there a food I should eliminate? An ab exercise I need to learn? I know better than to hope my salvation will come in the form of a pill or a cream, but a girl can dream. Right?
6 comments:
Good for you for posting your picture! I have the same problem. I keep reminding myself that I have given birth to 3 beautiful children and, as much as I'd like to have a flat stomach, my body worked hard and is strong and capable and brought life to 3 amazing kids and they are worth every stretch mark and piece of excess skin. I don't necessarily "like" the way it looks, but when I think about it as a badge of honor, it doesn't seem so bad.
Always enjoy your blog!
Barb in MN
Hi Alma,
Thanks for this post, we should all just be honest! I have a 8 month old baby boy and I have a mommy belly too. Before my son I was a cute size 6 and while I was pregnant I got too big for my frame. I have had the hardest time getting this weight off until I found an amazing product. I search the internet like crazy for something that would actually work. After having my son I did yoga weekly and work out when I can but like you I never pushed myself to the extreme, especially when it comes to my abs. So before trying the product I doubted it's ability to really tone and tighten my baby belly. After 2 applicators I lost 6 1/2" off my belly and I was in total surprise! It works great and I can't help but tell people about it, so if you want to know more please contact me!I still have a way to go but I am working towards getting my old stomach back!!
Mom to Mom
Amy
Same same here. That picture could be me, except that as we now know, I am WAY shorter :-)
I console myself with the same thing the other moms say -- the kids are more important/worth it -- but also that *I* am more important than a Kara DioGuardi-style flat belly. I take pleasure in looking good, sure, but only to a degree. I tell myself that I'm at a healthy body weight and look pretty good in (almost) any sweater, so a little jiggle in the lower abs is not such a big deal in the scheme of things. I am too self-conscious, however, to wear a bikini anymore. (I think you rocked one in Australia, no?)
Here's where I post and say you look GREAT. And it's true!
@RookieMom Whitney I wore a tankini in both Australia and Mexico precisely because it covers my belly.
@Josh Considering you see me in unflattering sweats, underwear and nothing at all, that means a lot.
For the record, there is such a solution! There's a "suck you in" line of undergarments/tanks/etc that at least make you look more smoothed out. I pretty much wear them all the time. The ones I got are "Teez Hers", but I've recently seen similar things at Target and such.
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